The big day is getting closer. Invitations have been sent, the flowers and dress chosen, the honeymoon booked etc etc. So much preparation, so much planning. Nothing has been left to chance. The only thing you can’t have a say over is the weather. Even so you’ll probably have a backup plan should the heavens open.

Spare a thought for after what people term the ‘main event’. Surely a misnomer; the main event has to be the marriage itself? Or is it? How much time have you spent preparing and planning for the being married part? You’re probably thinking that you don’t need to. I mean, you’ve been together for ages and if things weren’t right you wouldn’t be getting married.

It is a sad fact that 45% of marriages end in divorce. With some careful thought and clear communication you don’t have to add to that statistic.

Have you and your husband/wife to be discussed how you are going to manage your marriage? On your wedding day you will have made a public commitment to stay with one another through thick and thin. It is imperative in my view to actually discuss how you will handle things in the thin times.

Think about the things that can have an effect upon a relationship. How will you deal with them? Is it wise to just assume that you will cross each bridge as it comes, and that everything will be ok? Take my advice; do not assume that problems will work themselves out on their own.

My first ex-husband and I did not plan for anything after the wedding day itself. When the recession hit in the 90’s we were trying to get on the property ladder. Things were incredibly tight financially. Neither of us was any good at managing money. We didn’t have any financial plans. We earned money – we spent it.

We managed to buy a house but it needed a lot of work. Neither of us had actually sat down and said how are we going to afford this?

After the birth of our baby I was diagnosed with post natal depression, and really struggled to cope. Because I had assumed that my husband would sort things out and provide for us, I began to lose respect for him when this didn’t happen. It wasn’t his fault, it was the economic climate and he felt very unsupported. I continued to spend money as I had done before as a way of dealing with depression. We never discussed it. Eventually I had to go out to work and I got myself better. But our marriage didn’t get better, and after only three years it joined the ranks of the 45%.

I am going to be married again next year for the third and final time. M and I discuss everything. We have had some rough times over the last four years; we’ve dealt with health issues, financial problems, children issues, etc. We are still as passionate about each other as we were in the beginning. We communicate, we prepare, and we plan as much as we can. M and I have a six monthly review of our relationship. We sit in a nice place and remember the challenges we faced, the things we learnt and great times we had. We identify if there is anything we could improve upon and express our gratitude for the work we’ve done and the positive results we got.

In other words we celebrate that we have got through the previous six months still in love and appreciating one another.

You can’t plan for every eventuality in the minute detail that you have planned your wedding day. But you can have a plan for how you are going to approach problems should the proverbial heavens open.

Belinda King runs Beta Relationships and is a qualified coach specialising in relationships, marriage and finding an ideal partner. She runs seminars, workshops and offers coaching to couples and individuals. She admits to being partial to wedding cake!

Labels: guest-blogger, tips

You have been ticking tasks off your wedding 'To Do' list every day and the time has come to find really special gifts for your bridesmaids!

Here are a few tips to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible...

- Save yourself time and aching feet by making the internet your first port of call. There are lots of fabulous sites out there so you will be spoilt for choice. Do ask retailers to gift wrap your items - many offer this as a complimentary service and it saves you yet more time.

- Consider personalising the gifts to suit the colours/personality of the recipient. Hearts are always a popular choice and certainly appropriate! Our glass heart charm bracelets for example come in an array of different colours from classic crystal to vibrant lime and we also give you options for adding pewter charms include a high heeled shoe, handbag, or butterfly - there's something for everyone.

- 'Flower Power' is back with a vengeance and we are finding flowers in great demand within our bespoke range. For ideas look at our multi-coloured flower bracelet in hot tropical colours which are fabulous for the summer and will definitely complement any vibrant wedding colour scheme. Stretchy bracelets like these are ideal as they fit all sizes. And for that extra special gift why not add a matching necklace - our Tropical Flower necklace is proving to be a best seller!

- For more classic types pearls are a must - small touches like a pewter heart added to a stretch pearl bracelet or a cluster of semi-precious beads can add that something special and ensure your gift is worn for years to come.

- Bling is still the 'In Thing' - for the glamorous at heart look out for simple crystal earrings and bracelets, they will dress up any outfit beautifully!

Whatever your budget there are fabulous gifts out there that will delight even the most discerning bridesmaid, and chances are you'll find something to treat yourself to as well. Perhaps a little something to wear on your honeymoon! If you would like any advice or suggestions do contact us at Ladies Who Lunch and we will be only too happy to help.

Happy Shopping!

Labels: guest-blogger, jewellery, style, supplier, tips

Inviting children to a wedding should be a personal choice for the bride and groom. Children are often unpredictable and one can not expect them to behave perfectly. Think of how you might feel as you're reciting your vows with a baby, or three, crying in the background.

I see at the more formal wedding the bride and groom are often opting out of inviting children.

However at the more relaxed family type garden wedding children are plentiful.

Adults keep themselves occupied by catching up with family members, friends and having great conversations throughout the long day of the wedding. Children obviously need a different form of entertainment.

So why not provide them with a separate kids table scattered with toys, crayons, colouring in books and craft projects.

Give the girls some wings and fairy wands and the boys some swords and pirate hats.

Organize a tepee or a bouncy castle and if this is a budget-stretch too far, hire a professional from a child minding agency and they often will bring wonderful toys with them.

Spark the imagination of the children you do invite and ensure everyone enjoys the celebration!

Cathrin D'Entremont - Cathrin D'Entremont Weddings (Australia)

Labels: budget, guest-blogger, tips

Selecting the person who'll be responsible for capturing the official photographs (read memories) of your wedding day is a daunting task. Get it wrong and you'll always feel slightly disappointed when you look at your wedding photos. Get it right and opening your wedding album will bring all the memories of your wonderful day flooding back. Hmm, it's a tough call!

As a wedding photographer, I can recommend considering the following:

1) Look at lots of examples of your prospective photographer's work and ask to see at least one complete wedding they've shot. This will give you an idea of how consistent their work is, their photographic style and the experience they have. Beware of the photographers out there who tout themselves as the only snapper but have a fleet of other photographers working for them. Check who'll be taking your wedding photos and make sure it's the person you have met, not a student who'll be hired in for the day - it happens! You could also ask for references from previous clients, if a photographer has done a good job at previous weddings this won't be a problem.

2) Have an idea of the style of photography you want. If you like natural, informal photos that tell the story of your day, make sure your photographer works in a reportage style. If on the other hand you'd like lots of group photos and set up shots, make sure you book a photographer who can do this for you. I work somewhere in the middle, combining set up shots with reportage. I shoot 6 formal shots as standard after the wedding ceremony; all guests, friends, bride's family, groom's family, bridal party and parents. If clients require more than this, it's fine with me, but the opportunity to take candid shots is reduced by a large volume of set up shots, so please bear this in mind.

3) Ask about any qualifications or accreditations they may have. I'm a licentiate member of the Master Photographer Association which means I've been independently referenced as a full time photographer and that my work is of a professional standard. Your photographer should also hold indemnity insurance and public liability insurance, please check this out with them. It gives you some come back in the event of things going wrong!

4) Most of all choose someone you like. Your wedding photographer will be sharing your big day with you and your photos will be all the more pleasurable to look at if you remember the process of being photographed as fun. I, as many other photographers do, offer a pre-wedding shoot as part of all my wedding packages. It gives the couple getting married a chance to work with me before the big day so they know what to expect and I enjoy getting to know my clients better because it makes my job easier (and more enjoyable) on the big day.

Best of luck with your wedding planning, if you'd like any further information about what I do, please visit my website - www.lumierevrai.com

Emma O'Brien

Labels: guest-blogger, photographer, supplier, tips

Colour trends - Spring yellow with a touch of elegance...

Colour:
A warm yellow - set off with black to give it that elegance/class sense of formality.

Styling:
Black table cloths
Yellow satin table runners
Satin yellow napkins
Black chair covers with yellow sash
Black vases/pots with bright yellow flowers

Favours:
Yellow boxes with black ribbon filled with chocolates
Yellow or black noodle boxes
Whatever the favor may be, wrap it up in shiny yellow wrapping paper with a black ribbon

Flowers:
Yellow tulips, chrysanthemum, dahlias, calla lilies, gerberas, orchids, roses, carnations, alstroemeria

Moodboard source: Snippet & Ink

Fashion:
Brides can add a wide black ribbon for a waist band or a black sash for the reception - I love this look.
Bridesmaids can go for a brighter appearance with yellow dresses - just perfect for a less formal affair. Remember that yellow can be a difficult colour to wear so, if that is the case, turn the colours around - there's nothing classier than a little black dress, just save a splash of yellow for the accessories!

Stationery:
Monogram everything! Add a personal touch to your:
- Invitations
- Ceremony booklets with black cover and yellow ribbon for the spine
- Place cards
- Table numbers in shiny black frames A5 size.
- Menus
- Cocktail napkins with monogram for pre-dinner drinks
- Seating Chart

Cathrin D'Entremont Weddings (Australia)

Labels: decoration, guest-blogger, stationery, style, tips

We get really excited when our website guru tells us how many people read this blog and we're always looking for ways to thank you for your loyalty! So, I'm delighted to introduce a new guest-blogger to the Magic Dust family who is expertly placed to offer tips and advice that will help you choose a caterer, make decisions about menus and highlight pitfalls to avoid.

Sarah Whitmore runs Flametree Catering, an Oxfordshire-based company. I've had the pleasure of tasting - well, scoffing uncontrollably actually! - Flametree food and can thoroughly recommend it.

Sarah is far too modest to mention this but, if you'd like to read more of her tips then make sure you buy this month's Delicious Magazine (on sale 28th May) and check out the article about DIY weddings.

Sarah, over to you...


Here are 3 of my top tips for those thinking of self catering at their wedding. It's a trend we're seeing emerge as couples try to rein in the costs by employing the culinary skills of friends and family and is particularly popular when hosting a marquee wedding. The tips are also perfect should you be hosting a pre- or post- wedding barbeque or picnic...

1) Even if money is short, go to the expense of hiring the crockery & glassware. This is not a great cost, you can return everything dirty (unlike when you 'borrow' from a supermarket) and it is a huge relief to family and friends not to spend the day after the wedding (more often in the early hours!) in the kitchen washing & cleaning.

2) Invest in a professional/trained front of house to oversee the serving of the food, drinks etc. Even if you have friendly & kind volunteers, it can still be stressful not having the reassurance of somebody being in overall charge.

3) With regards to food, stuff that can be done in advance is far easier to manage which is why I would recommend hot foods that can be prepared weeks before and frozen - and easily mass produced. It's surprising how popular curries, tagines etc. are and such a great change from the bog standard chicken breast that graces most wedding menus in a bid to please all. Don't forget, most salads have to be prepared on the day and if you're catering for vast numbers this always takes longer than you think. Whilst on the subject of food, unless you plan to seriously over-cater, make sure you have somebody to serve at the buffet. However lovely your friends are, there are always the eyes-bigger-than-tum brigade who pile their plates and leave the last tables to be called with nothing but the dregs leaving you looking ungenerous and your guests hungry.

Labels: budget, caterer, guest-blogger, supplier, tips

It must be one of the most exciting yet emotional day in a father's life to see his precious daughter getting married.

He offers his arm to his daughter to lean on while he walks her down the aisle. His opening speech is a trip down memory lane of their lives together so far.

The Father and Daughter dance usually comes after the bridal waltz and this is your special and intimate moment you will have with your Dad alone. When you choose your song don't be concerned if it is not on the latest hit list or the beat is not hip enough. This song is just for you and your Dad.

Try to find a song where the words and the music have a meaning to you both. Something from your childhood perhaps, a song where you both use to hum to or a song which you both danced for the first time together. Even if is only a rhyme which you both hopscotch to. Go ahead and hopscotch again at your wedding day, it meant something to you both a long time ago and it will never be forgotten.

Make it special, after all he is, apart from your husband, one of the most important men in your life!

Cheers,

Cathrin D'Entremont
Cathrin D'Entremont Weddings (Australia)

Labels: guest-blogger, tips

We are in sunny Barcelona relaxing after a busy weekend but I couldn't take my mind off weddings completely so here's a Catalan wedding tradition that I thought you might enjoy...

When Catalans get engaged, they wear their engagement ring on their right hand. On their wedding day, the engagement ring becomes their wedding ring and is moved over to their left hand to 'seal the deal' so to speak. So, you can tell your single friends that just because that sparkly diamond isn't on that beautiful Spanish woman's left hand, it doesn't mean she hasn't already met the man of her dreams!

You know how much we love finding people in the wedding industry who are as committed as we are to helping couples plan the day they want, not the one everyone else thinks they should have. With this in mind, I wanted to introduce you to a website called Credit Card Pundit which has recently published a great piece about how to save money on your wedding. You can read it below but do also visit the site and have a browse as their advice is solid and definitely of the moment.

Weddings are (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you want to do everything you can to make the day a memorable one. When the economy was racing along, spending on weddings got out of control.

The good news is that it is possible to have a wonderful day without breaking the bank.

Here are some suggestions to help you keep costs down:

1. Go Back to Basics

When you get down to it, all you really need for your wedding is your beloved and yourself, a couple of rings, someone to officiate at the ceremony, and two witnesses. Anything else is really just window dressing. Do you really need to have a full formal wedding with a large wedding party? Make a list of the things that you 'must' have and be flexible about the parts of the day that would be 'nice to have'.

2. Think Out of Season Dates

The prime wedding season runs from Easter to September. If you are prepared to be flexible about the date, you can make your wedding budget go further if you decide to get married in the fall or winter. (The slowest time for weddings is January, by the way, and holding the ceremony then is one way to get your New Year off to a great start.)

3. Keep the Guest List Small

If you haven't seen or heard from someone in five years or more, then don't think that you are obligated to invite them to your wedding. The same rule applies to your boss, your co-workers, and the bowling team. You get the idea here. Invite only your nearest and dearest to share your wedding day with you; it will help to keep costs down.

4. Rethink the Formal Reception Idea

While your dream wedding may include a reception at a hotel for a few hundred guests and a multi-course sit-down dinner, that may not be in your budget. No problem; you just need to be a bit creative. When you are looking at possible wedding reception locations, ask to see a range of options for the meal. A buffet may be less expensive than a sit-down dinner, or you may choose to have an evening wedding with a cocktail reception afterward.

You may want to re-think the idea of an open bar all evening, too. One option is to have an open bar before dinner and serve a wine of your choosing with the meal. You could choose to serve beer and wine only if the alcohol will be on your tab to keep costs reasonable.

A wedding reception doesn't necessarily have to take place in the evening. You can also choose to have the ceremony earlier in the day with a brunch or luncheon following. Menu prices will be lower with this option.

5. Avoid the Words 'Wedding Cake'

Here's a way to save on the cost of the cake for your wedding. If you plan to serve the cake at the reception, buy a sheet cake instead of a formal wedding cake. Those two words tend to drive up the price. If you want a cake for show and will be serving a different dessert at the reception, then order a small one or ask about the cost of having one or more layers being fake.

There are many ways that you can save money but still have a lovely wedding. With a little creativity, you can have a wonderful celebration and keep some green in your pocket.

Until next week, happy planning!

Labels: budget, guest-blogger, tips

There is no such thing as a perfect wedding! Things will always go wrong, because you have so many people and emotions involved.

People arrive late at ceremonies; the ring bearer ran the opposite direction as he got scared, you woke up with a pimple on your nose, just to name a few.

Of course you can never predict the elements of the weather. We all would love to have the perfect blue sky, not too hot or too cold or any gale force winds taking our veil for a ride!

Hire the best and most talented service providers you can afford, communicate well with everyone and then step back. When you wake up in the morning, take a deep breath and fully enjoy your wedding day. Tell yourself that you worked so hart to put it all together, so nothing will take your joy away. If the limousine driver doesn’t turn up and you had to take a taxi to the church, it may not what you had in mind, but it surely will give you and your husband a good laugh on your anniversary.

Cathrin D'Entremont - CD Weddings (Australia)

Labels: guest-blogger, tips

We come across lots of people involved in weddings, and occasionally find someone that we think shares our "refreshing, simple and invaluable" ethos - Cathrin D'Entremont may work on the other side of the world - she's based in Perth, Western Australia - but her tips and advice will be no less valuable to you.

Here's the first of her monthly blogs, and you can find more of her wedding planning inspiration on her website... Over to you, Cathrin!

- What inspires you? How do you keep your ideas fresh for each wedding?

Blogs! I am a blog addict. I visit Polka Dot Bride every day! I love looking at wedding photos, interior decorating books, landscaping books and I shop a lot. Window shopping mostly, as I am not a very rich person! When I shop I create for my clients. It works for me!

- What is your number one tip for brides?

Create a budget and stick to it! Don’t do another cookie cutter wedding. Incorporate your personality; do not be afraid to have some great entertainment at your reception.

- What should brides start with when they come to you to start the planning process?

Cuttings from magazines or printing from the computer all the photos they love and would like to see at their wedding, no matter how wild or far fetched they are. I like to get their vision into my head so I can then find everything they need. It starts out as a huge collage which will turn into their perfect wedding.

- Five things a bride must get right?

1. Set a budget and stick to it

2. Balance the budget - don’t spend most of the money on your dress, leave some for the reception

3. Get organized and keep a ring binder with tags. Carry it to every vendor meeting

4. Do not leave things to the last minute and allow enough time on the wedding day - some things will take a little longer. Don’t rush!

5. Smile, breathe, relax on your big day. Enjoy it!

Oh, can I add No.6. Hire a Wedding Planner!

Thanks Cathrin, we're already looking forward to hearing more from you next month!

If you'd like to see if we're free on your wedding date to be your 'On The Day' wedding co-ordinator so you too can relax and enjoy every second of your day and the run-up to it, or you would like to book a Girls Night In wedding planning session, or you simply have a wedding planning question that's keeping you awake at night, please get in touch - we're here to help!

Until next week,

ps - you can get regular wedding planning advice from magicdust's regular newsletter, simply click here to subscribe (and don't worry, we don't give your details to anyone else - we'll only use them to send you the newsletter)

Labels: guest-blogger, tips