by Hanami Dream | 31, July, 2015 | blog, traditions
Friday 31st July, 2015 saw the rare occurrence of a blue moon. So named due to the frequency of the event rather than the colour of the moon. It happens every few years when there are two full moons in the same calendar month. The next one won’t be until 2018, so it really only happens ‘once in a blue moon’.
It’s interesting how the word ‘moon’ features in many common sayings and phrases. For example,’ once in a blue moon’ refers to something extremely rare.
Other ‘moon’ based idioms can mean striving for the best, longing for something, pining for something, extravagant promises, being extremely happy or can relate to the length of a lunar cycle (around a calendar month).
One common term based on a lunar month is ‘honeymoon’ (a word used a lot in conjunction with our favourite topic of weddings!) This word is said to come from the 5th century when a man would have captured his bride. The couple would hide for a full cycle of the moon after the wedding. During this month the newlywed couple drank mead (or honey wine) which is believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Nowadays, a honeymoon is the holiday that newlyweds choose to take after the wedding to celebrate their marriage and spend time alone together (and recover from the wedding!) Traditionally the honeymoon was organised and paid for by the groom.
Honeymoon destinations vary wildly from exotic or far flung places to romantic or sentimental locations. The world really is your oyster! If you’re going abroad, don’t forget to consider whether you’ll be travelling in your maiden name or married name (if you choose to change it). Whichever you decide, make sure your passport and tickets have the same name on them. See our checklist of other documents and organisations to tell about your change of name too.
So whether you’re planning your honeymoon now or you went ‘many moons ago’, we’re sure you’ll be ‘over the moon’ as your partner ‘promised you the moon’. Don’t ‘moon over’ the places you haven’t visited yet, instead make sure you ‘shoot for the moon’ and ensure your holidays away together are not just ‘once in a blue moon’.
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper please adore me
And when I looked the moon had turned to gold
Blue moon
Now I’m no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart 1934
by Hanami Dream | 14, July, 2015 | blog, traditions
There are many traditions, rituals and customs that people uphold and perform in connection with weddings. Some of these have now lost their relevance in modern society and sometimes we are not even sure why we undertake them. However we continue to perform them for fun, family tradition and superstition, especially as many of them have derived from efforts to bestow the happy couple with good luck.
One such tradition stems from an old English rhyme concerning items that the bride should wear or carry to bring her luck on her special day.
Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue,
and a silver sixpence in her shoe.
The full version of the rhyme includes the line about a silver sixpence which sadly sometimes gets forgotten. The rhyme is said to originate in Victorian times although some of the traditions are thought to be much older.
Something old:
This represents the link with the bride’s family and friends from the past. The object is commonly an heirloom such as jewellery or a garter and is passed on to offer good luck from a happily married woman.
Something new:
This item symbolises a happy and prosperous new life. Often this item is the wedding dress.
Something borrowed:
This lent item is to remind the bride that her friends and family will be there for her whenever she needs their help. The borrowed object must be returned to ensure good luck.
Something blue:
This item symbolises faithfulness and loyalty. The colour blue often represented purity in olden times. Sometimes the bride’s garter is the blue item or you could add a pop of colour to your outfit in the form of blue shoes or blue nail varnish. This item usually leads to great levels of creativity!
And a silver sixpence in her shoe:
Then comes the last line that is so often missed out. This part of the rhyme is about placing a silver sixpence in the bride’s left shoe to ensure the couple have wealth in the future (both financial and happiness). It is thought that this tradition came about in Elizabethan times when the Lord of the Manor would have often given a sixpence as a wedding gift to any brides that lived on his land. It also harks back to times when the bride’s parents would offer a dowry.
Whichever customs and traditions you decide to incorporate into your big day, we wish you health, wealth, happiness and all the very best in your married life.
by Hanami Dream | 14, May, 2015 | blog, tips
Having your friends and family all together and celebrating your special day is often the best gift you can have on your wedding day. Some guests may have travelled a long distance, helped out financially, given their time, skills or support to help with the day. So whilst your guests may be showering you with gifts, it is often customary to give your guests and wedding party a gift to thank them for their involvement too.
Favours for guests
Gifts for your guests can be great mementos or souvenirs of the day showing a token of your appreciation whilst also matching your theme or colour scheme.
Favours originate from European aristocrats who gave their guests Bonbonnieres at high class weddings. These were small ornate and embellished boxes that often contained sugar or sweets. Back in the thirteenth century, sugar was not only considered a luxury item (especially as it was more expensive and harder to get hold of) but it was also believed to be medicinal too.
The tradition of favours spread, with couples in Greece giving sugar covered almonds and Middle Eastern couples giving their guests five almonds. Sugared almonds are now a very common tradition in weddings worldwide. Typically the number of sweets or sugared almonds is an odd number, significant as it cannot be divided between two. Also, the number five is indivisible which symbolises a strong union between the newlywed couple. Plus, the number five has special significance for Christians to represent Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility.
As weddings used to be seen as a lucky occasion, couples wanted to pass on their good luck to the wedding guests by giving them a favour.
When wedding favours first came to England, in the sixteenth century, couples would give ‘love knots’ made of ribbons and lace to their guests. Nowadays couples are choosing more unique, personalised, dated and themed gifts. Here’s a pick of some of our current favourite favours to eat, meet, keep or have as a treat:
Edible
- Traditional sugared almonds
- Chocolate bars with personalised wrappers
- Retro sweets (think flyer saucers, dip dabs and flumps)
- Loveheart sweets (brought up to date with new slogans such as ‘text me’!)
- Lollipops in a communal bowl on the table
- Cake pops
Ice breakers
- Games to play with other guests on the same table
- Cameras to snap candid shots
- Colouring books to keep children entertained
To wear at wedding
- Flip flops for when your heels are hurting your dancing feet
- Sun glasses for an outside wedding on a sunny day
- Umbrellas for an outside wedding when the weather isn’t as sunny
- Moustaches just for fun
- Temporary tattoos
Grow
- Packets of seeds to grow vegetables
- Dried herbs to add to meals at home
- Succulents or other potted plants
Drink
- Alcohol miniatures
- Loose leaf tea
- Shot glass
Decorations
- Scented candles
- Soap
- Fridge magnets to always remember the couples’ wedding anniversary
Or how about a lottery ticket to share a bit of the good luck from the day?
Gifts for wedding party
In addition to your guests, you may also want to give special gifts to thank those in the wedding party (such as the best men, bridesmaids and parents) for their support. Options for these gifts can be really personalised to the individual, however here are some of our suggestions to get you started:
• Handkerchief embroidered with monogram
• Pocket watch
• Cuff links
• Hip flask
• Wallet
• Pen knife
• Tankard
• Bottle opener
• Leather wash bag
• Compact mirror
• Photo frame
• Artwork
• Fruit tree
• Jewellery
0 anniversary presents
Last, but by no means least, you might want to buy your new spouse a gift to celebrate your wedding day such as:
• Cuff links
• Jewellery
• Photo album
Whether you give favours or not, don’t forget to thank all your guests in your speech for their presence and send thank you notes for their presents.
by Hanami Dream | 13, February, 2015 | blog, trends
Released to coincide with New York Fashion Week, Pantone® have announced their colour report for Fall 2015. Titled ‘Evolving Color Landscape’, this autumn’s colours are a nice mix of earthy neutrals with some statement pops of colour.
- Dried Herb
- Desert Sage
- Stormy Weather
- Oak Buff
- Marsala
- Biscay Bay
- Reflecting Pond
- Cadmium Orange
- Cashmere Rose
- Amethyst Orchid
Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
For us, Marsala (the Pantone® Color of the Year 2015) sits much better with these earthy tones than the pastels of Spring 2015. It looks like Marsala is totally at home with these natural colours, complimenting but standing out proudly.
We also love the rich teal colour of Biscay Bay and can’t wait to see it and these autumnal colours featuring in couples’ colour schemes.
See some of our trend predictions for weddings in 2015.
by Hanami Dream | 14, January, 2015 | blog, traditions
One of my friends recently inherited something really precious. I think it’s more valuable than jewels or antique furniture. This heirloom is a time capsule. A priceless glimpse throughout the ages. A lovely family photo album that belonged to her father’s godmother.
The album covers weddings, christenings, graduations and some pictures of trips to visit friends and family. It charts these special occasions from the 1940s up to the 1990s and she arranged the pages so there is a wedding photo of a couple, and then a picture of the same couple at their child’s christening, graduation and often their children’s weddings too. It was clearly something that she treasured to keep all that time and to keep updating.
Whilst I don’t know any of the people in the album (apart from my friend), you can clearly see a family resemblance between the people on each page. More strikingly is how much each wedding photo is a time capsule for dresses (material, styles, length and colours) along with bouquets, veils and hair styles. They are an exaggerated example of fashion trends of their day and epitomise moments in time. We find that some decades have common trends such as:
1920s – Flapper style low waist, straight, flowing, lace dresses showing a bit of ankle. Bob hair cuts with hair accessories and head pieces.
1930s – Slim-hipped, long, simple, column dresses made from beaded, luxe fabrics, often with lavish embellishments.
1940s – War time shortages led to non-rationed net curtain or parachute silk, full skirted dresses. Or nice skirt suits. Big bouquets and wedding bands for absent husbands.
1950s – Rising hemlines and shorter veils meant shoes were more important. Sweetheart necklines, under lace, full skirted, small waisted, tea length dresses worn with gloves.
1960s – High waisted, empire line or A line mini dresses plus pill box hats with veils.
1970s – Hippy style, long sleeved, high necked, longer length dresses. Or trouser suits with big floppy hats.
1980s – Fairy tale, voluminous, princess gowns with puff sleeves and long trains worn with floral crowns.
1990s – Corseted off the shoulder dresses with full skirts vs bias cut, sheath dresses.
2000s – Strapless, sleeveless dresses.
2010s – Figure hugging, illusion backed, mermaid style dresses vs Hollywood split or pick up skirts.
We’ve captured some of these characteristics of wedding attire for each decade on our wedding time capsule Pinterest board. Plus there’s currently an exhibition running (until 15 March 2015) at the V&A in London that’s well worth a visit. It’s called Wedding Dresses 1175-2014 and looks at 300 years of bridal fashions.
What’s interesting is that trends tend to come back around again. And this decade seems to be about picking what style you want from the past and merging things together to bring your own dream to life. I, for one, really wanted a big bouquet just like my late grandmother had at her wedding in 1948. 
Plus a long train and long veil like a 1980s princess but strapless, figure hugging with a pick up style skirt as is common in this millennium.
It is strange looking back at some pictures from the recent past as the ones from the 1980s and 90s seem dated, whilst ones from the 1940s or 50s look relatively tasteful by comparison and more unaligned with current styles. Are some eras too recent for us to be able to appreciate for inspiration yet? Or is it that black and white photos are kinder? In any case our children will no doubt look back at our wedding photos and laugh at the fashions of the day. One thing that really struck my friend was the poignancy of the wedding photos from during or just after the war in the photo album. We can not imagine what it must have been like to live through a world war as a young couple, separated from each other.
There’s certainly something special and different about having photos from all the weddings and special occasions you’ve ever been to in your life together in one album. Nowadays digital photography often means that we don’t even print out any photos. Considering that for many, big occasions (like weddings and christenings) are the only times when people see their extended family. So it seems fitting that these momentous occasions are captured in time to pass to others as a wonderful time capsule.
Timeless. Captured. Memories.
by Hanami Dream | 29, December, 2014 | blog
We hope you’ve had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas. For us, December is such a special month as not only are there Christmas festivities but lots of family birthdays to mark and share including our son’s, our nephew’s and my grandad’s 91st this year.
At this between and betwixt part of the month, many people take the time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the brand new year ahead. It’s a popular time to book holidays, make resolutions, kick start a new health regime and think about personal special occasions that are coming up.
Next year is going to give us plenty of reasons to celebrate as a nation with the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, a solar eclipse in March, a new royal baby and the Rugby World Cup taking place in England in the autumn. Plus anniversaries in relation to Sir Winston Churchill will include the 50th anniversary of his death, the 75th anniversary of his first becoming Prime Minister, and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In the world of popular music, 2015 will also see the 25th anniversary of Take That, 15 years of Atomic Kitten and it would have seen the 70th and 80th birthdays of musical legends Bob Marley and Elvis Presley respectively.
Maybe you’ve got your own personal celebration in 2015. Perhaps you’re expecting a 
baby like Kate & William and will mark this new arrival with a baby shower or a christening. Other babies due to famous faces in 2015 include:
- Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher
- Liv Tyler and Dave Gardner
- Shakira and Gerard Pique
- Rebecca Adlington and Harry Needs
- Dawn O’Porter and Chris O’Dowd
- Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake
- Keira Knightley and James Righton
- Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch
Perhaps your children are a little older and you’ll be celebrating their graduation from university or marking their coming of age with a special party (like Harry Styles, Justin Bieber and Tom Daley who will all reach their 21st birthdays in 2015).
Congratulations if you got engaged over the festive season (or if you’re already 
engaged) and are planning an engagement party and/or wedding in the new year. Here are some famous engaged couples we think could make it up the aisle in 2015 and we’re sure their special days would influence wedding trends:
- Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall
- Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner
- Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter
- Peter Andre and Emily Macdonagh
- Kimberley Walsh and Justin Scott
- Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard
- Andy Murray and Kim Sears
- Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden
Or maybe 2015 will give you the opportunity to renew your vows, celebrate an anniversary, mark your retirement or enjoy a special milestone birthday with the important people in your life. Some famous faces turning 30 next year are Lewis Hamilton and Keira Knightley. Whilst David Beckham, Angelina Jolie, Declan Donnelly and Anthony McPartlin will be celebrating their 40th birthdays. Other big birthdays include JK Rowling and Craig Revel-Horwood’s 50th; Rowan Atkinson and Bruno Tonioli’s 60th; Henry Winkler (The Fonz) and Tom Selleck’s 70th; and Sean Connery’s 85th.
Whatever you’re celebrating in 2015, we wish you a very Happy New Year.
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Photography by Farrow Photography
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by Hanami Dream | 4, December, 2014 | blog, trends
The Pantone® Color of the Year 2015 is Marsala. A wonderful earthy, reddy brown that we can’t wait to see featuring in couples’ colour schemes.
I remember getting a much-coveted Pantone® reference guide in one of my first marketing jobs. It was my ‘go to’ swatch of all the colours under the sun and I couldn’t live without it especially when talking with designers. Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
Our guess for the Color of the Year 2015 was a bronze or a mustard colour to make the top spot next year – well at least we were in the right colour palette!
See some of our other trend predictions for weddings in 2015.
by Hanami Dream | 19, November, 2014 | blog, trends
Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love and marriage. They can blend together families, traditions, cultures, creativity and lots of personal touches. Whether a religious, civil or humanist ceremony, a traditional or themed reception, these special days are about what is important to each individual couple.
Despite some couples’ originality, there are always trends that appear and popular themes that epitomise a particular era (think puff ball sleeves from the eighties). Sometimes fashion, films, television programmes, celebrity weddings and even current affairs influence these trends. Of course, there are some timeless and classic themes that never seem to go out of favour, and with the live-action film of Cinderella set for release next year we’re sure the romantic fairy tale theme will continue to be strong.
So what will next year bring for us? The second of the Back to the Future movies (which incidentally is my favourite film of all time) is actually set in 2015. Released over 25 years earlier in 1989, the film predicted that in the ‘future’ we’d be riding on hover boards, driving flying cars, we’d have shiny, colour-shifting, automatic clothing (like power laces, size adjusting and auto-drying clothes), wearing trousers inside out and men would be wearing multiple ties. Whilst we’re a little way off flying cars, Nike have at least mastered the power laces (albeit a one off pair to sell for charity), the graphics of the 3D shark from Jaws 19 seem basic, video phoning is in common every day use and there is definitely a trend for shiny clothing.
Fashion definitely goes in cycles with trends of the past getting modern twists. So will Back to the Future correctly predict 1980’s fashion trends merging with the style of the 2010’s? There’s already luminous and iridescent colours along with off-the shoulder styles around, so we’ll have to wait and see if brides will be going down the aisle on hover boards by the end of the year!
Take a look at some of our slightly less futuristic, and probably more realistic, curation of predictions for wedding trends to look out for in 2015 (and see more of our inspiration at pinterest.com/HanamiDream/):
• Colours
I remember getting a much-coveted Pantone® reference guide in one of my first marketing jobs. It was my ‘go to’ swatch of all the colours under the sun and I couldn’t live without it especially when talking with designers. Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Colour of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
The 2014 Pantone® Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, has made a big impact this year. Other popular colours have been coral, sage, sand, teal, cranberry, navy blue and varying shades of purple that have come out of the influence of Radiant Orchid. Plus emerald (the Pantone® Colour of the Year in 2013) has still hung around this year too.
We wait with baited breath for Pantone® to announce the colour of the year for 2015, but there’s not long left as they usually announce it in December for the following year. Our guess would be for bronze or a mustard colour to make the top spot next year. Watch this space and we’ll report on what Pantone® reveal to be their choice and see if our prediction is right. Other colours that are also predicted to be popular include misted, neutral and powder colours plus different hues of blue (aquamarine, scuba, classic), toasted almond, tangerine, burgundy, sage and lavender. And, with the release of a film version of a notorious book, surely fifty shades of grey will also be prevalent next year!
Thankfully the beautiful trend for ombré (where a colour graduates in tone) is still going strong. Along with subtle colour washes, watercolour effects and pastel colours, the mood is definitely delicate and romantic. On the other end of the spectrum is a splash of bold colours with rainbow themes and geometric shapes.
Finally, the crowning glory is the decadent trend for metallic and iridescent colours, and all things shiny. We can’t wait for stunning copper, rose gold and yellow gold to be foremost in couples’ colour schemes.
• Cakes & catering
Rustic styling has been prevalent and we envisage more Medieval inspired décor and outdoor banqueting to be on trend especially with the popularity of Game of Thrones. Next year also celebrates the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede in 1215. Think Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and you’ll see why things like naked cakes (not iced maybe with lots of fresh fruit) will sit nicely with this theme.
Meanwhile, for a more tradition style, individual cupcakes and cake pops will be replaced by more elaborate macaroon and croquembouche towers. Whilst the plain white traditional cake will see a return it will be covered in buttercream rather than fondant.
For the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, with Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey trends, cakes will be adorned with ruffles, be metallic or smothered in sequins and accompanied by some sophisticated cocktails.
Finally a sense of British nostalgia will be high next year with the impending General Election and the birth of another royal baby. So the food will follow suit with British food like fish & chips from snack trucks and food from childhood memories such as traditional desserts like sticky toffee pudding (which was a firm favourite at our wedding by young and old even on a hot summer day).
• Clothing
Lots of the bridal catwalk shows previewing next year’s dresses had strong undertones of current fashion trends – think really high Hollywood splits in skirts, tiered skirts and crop tops (who knew that this style would translate in the bridal world!)
Then forget strapless dresses, now it’s in with off the shoulder numbers, spaghetti straps, lace sleeves and even full length sleeves (yes, there’s that nod to the Medieval theme again). Whilst the arms will be covered up, it’s all about showing off your back either with a plunging design or an illusion back.
Dresses will be adorned with big bows or pearls and accessorised with floral crowns (to pay homage to Maid Marion again). Coloured and patterned dresses won’t just be reserved for the bridesmaids and we expect to see some wedding dresses in pastel colours such as pink, mint and grey, plus some brides taking inspiration from Angelina Jolie’s decorated veil.
For the guys, we think that tweed will increase in popularity, perfect for rustic and Wind in the Willows styling. Maybe two ties like in Back to the Future 2? Okay maybe not, instead more ruches and cravats rather than traditional Windsor knots.
• Venue
Despite the unpredictability of the British weather, there is still a trend towards celebrating in the great outdoors. Whilst it’s not legal to get married in the open air in the UK, you’d be able to witness the solar eclipse in March if you hold your reception outside. More and more venues are gaining approval such as stately homes, hotels and civic buildings, allowing more scope to have your big day somewhere a bit different (as long as it is a permanent built structure).
Supporting the popularity of the rustic theme is the use of converted barns with long wooden tables and benches providing an informal and country inspired style. Eco chic weddings are also on the rise with green suppliers focusing on environmentally friendly and fun celebrations, such as luxury organic wedding dresses, in season flower, conflict free eco wedding rings and sustainable invitations.
Or perhaps you’d prefer a destination wedding like George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin who enjoyed their relaxed nuptials in Venice earlier this year. Or a jungle themed wedding complete with bush tucker trials in homage to the recently engaged Declan Donnelly, presenter of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and his fiancée, Ali Astall. Or maybe a sport inspired celebration at a big stadium influenced by the Rugby World Cup coming to England in the Autumn next year.
• Décor
Backdrops are still high on the ‘must have’ list for decoration statements from the big impact (and expense) of a floral wall, like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had at their Italian wedding, to the more affordable ribbon drapes, pompoms or fan bunting. Plus feature arch ways will still provide stunning focal points as well as balloon displays and even umbrellas as decorations rather than just a necessity to fend off the great British weather.
For the popular rustic styling, decorated mason jars filled with flowers that look like they’ve been picked straight from the field alongside decorative elements that nod to the season (such as pumpkins in Autumn or pine cones in Winter) will feature at many wedding breakfast tables.
Meanwhile, for the wonderful art deco styling alongside Great Gatsby themes, thinking lighting to make a big impression – large illuminated letters, neon or hanging light bulbs will fit in perfectly.
These are a few of our predictions for wedding trends in 2015. Not too futuristic, unless the influence of the new Star Wars film filters through to the wedding industry. See more of our curation and inspiration at pinterest.com/HanamiDream/. We’d love to hear what you think is going to be popular next year. Email us at info@www.hanamidream.co.uk with your predictions.
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Photography by Farrow Photography
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by Hanami Dream | 15, September, 2014 | blog, tips
The peak of the wedding season may be slowing down but there are still plenty of couples looking forward to forthcoming nuptials and planning weddings in the coming months. So big congratulations to you if you have recently got engaged.
To help you out, here are 10 top wedding day tips (and secrets) for any newly engaged couples on how to enjoy your special day. Don’t just take our word for it – this is advice from married couples that they found invaluable for the day (or in the build up and preparations).
1. Eat the day like eating an elephant.
Its big so eat it slowly and enjoy every bit!
Geraldine, Oxfordshire
2. Choose your team well.
Just the same as if you were putting together a project team at work, the people you choose to have around you at your wedding are crucial. So pick the bridesmaid that will keep you calm when you are stressed, offer advice when needed, and won’t complain when you ask them to make favours the night before the wedding!
Helen, Oxfordshire
3. Have a trial run.
Make sure you have a trial with your hair dresser and make up artist before the big day. It was much better to make decisions about how I wanted to look before the big day. Plus I thoroughly recommend having a full set of fake eyelash extensions if you’ve got the patience to have them all applied one by one. They were so worth the effort as I didn’t need to wear mascara on the day (which also avoided any tears ruining my make up) plus they lasted for most of the honeymoon too, so my eyes still looked great in photos even on make up free days on the beach and by the pool.
Nicola, Oxfordshire
4. Eat a hearty breakfast.
Make sure you eat little and often and remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Not necessarily a mad traditional British cooked breakfast with everything from devilled kidneys to stuffed quail, as this may give you more than butterflies — but just something filling that will keep you going, like porridge. It can be an awfully long time from when you eat in the morning until your ‘wedding breakfast’ in the afternoon, and there’s a lot of demanding stuff to get through in between!
Matt, Cambridgeshire
5. Keep your guests fed and watered.
Wedding photos take a lot longer than you would expect, especially to get those perfect personal shots of you and your partner which you will treasure in the future, so make sure you are keeping your guests fed, watered and entertained during this period so you can relax.
David, Oxfordshire
6. Delegate.
Have great attendants that you know and trust. Then delegate as many tasks on the day as possible to your trusted ushers, best men and bridesmaids. This leaves you free to really enjoy the day rather than worrying about the little things that crop up.
Simon, Oxfordshire
7. Spend time as a couple.
Build in a private moment after the actual wedding, to enjoy and savour a moment just for the two of you. For our wedding, we had the ceremony about 10 miles from the reception venue, we arranged a vintage chauffeur-driven car to take us from the wedding itself to the reception. The ancient Model T Ford we had could only go at about 25 miles an hour at most, so we had a lovely 25-30 minutes alone on the way to the reception, during which we shared a really good bottle of champagne! Looking back, that was one of our favourite moments.
Melanie, Cambridgeshire
8. Utilise friends and family.
I’m thrilled that so many of our friends and family were actively involved in some way or another – either via a specific role we asked them to perform, or by using their skills to provide flowers, cake, makeup, cars…it made it all so personal. Ask around and you may be amazed at the hidden talents your friends have!
Helen, Oxfordshire
9. Build in comfort breaks.
Honestly the best advice I was given was how to tackle going to the toilet as a bride. I had an amazing dress with a lovely long train and I had no idea how I was going to manoeuvre the dress around the toilet. Plus, whilst my bridesmaids were my best friends, there were some tasks I didn’t want to pass on to them on the day. How was I going to be able to do my business without ruining the dress or my dignity? Luckily a sage friend suggested the ‘reverse wee’. What a revelation – instead of sitting with your back to the cistern, you straddle the toilet and face the cistern. Hence the train and your dress do not have to be hoicked up or bunched up around the back of the toilet. Genius!
Nicola, Oxfordshire
10. Don’t rush away.
Whilst the idea of tossing a bouquet into a crowd of well-wishers, stepping into a flash car at the end of your reception and being whisked to the airport to start a fabulous tropical honeymoon sounds beguiling, our advice would be: don’t go away on honeymoon straight after your reception. Spend a relaxed day with a few select friends and family the day after your wedding, and *then* go away. A lot of people feel that the wedding day itself rushes, so this gives you quality time with the people you like most in your life. Anyone who was still around the day after our wedding was invited to a picnic. We didn’t supply any food, people just brought their own stuff, and we all sat around in the countryside and had some proper time with our mates with nice food and drink. It was like a simpler, more intimate version of the wedding day, with none of the stress or calls on your time.
Melanie, Cambridgeshire
Please contact Hanami Dream if you’d like to share any tips or insights from your wedding.
