A Christmas Wedding
The planning process for a Christmas wedding requires meticulous preparation to ensure that every bit of it contains that magical Christmassy feel.
Organising for a big day around the festive season is super exciting with lots of ideas and styles to consider.
In this article we look at some considerations and ideas to help you make your Christmas wedding that extra bit special.
Wedding Invitations
Your wedding invitations will set the tone for your Christmas wedding theme, embrace the season with colours, sparkle and images of frosty branches, red berries, and Christmas wreaths. If you want to make the invitations even more festive and unique, why not consider mini Christmas crackers with the invite inside?!
Setting the Scene
Choosing your Christmas wedding venue will be the most important aspect to ensure you guarantee a true festive feel, but what makes the perfect winter wedding venue?
A Christmas Tree
It goes without saying that your venue and preferable your reception room has a well decorated and lit Christmas tree, bonus points if the tree is real and has presents underneath, even if they are just for decoration!
An Open Fire
A beautifully decorated fireplace with an open fire just screams Christmas and providing that all safety aspects is adhered to, this is real winner for any Chrstmassy wedding!
Subtle Christmas Music
We’re not talking Slade or Wizard but maybe something a little more subtle but festive nonetheless, even some popular Christmas carols will really set the tone for the day.
Christmas Wedding Decorations
The idea of a Christmas wedding is to create magic memories for everyone attending and by being inventive with your decorations, you can be sure to generate festive cheer. Here are some ideas that won’t cost a fortune but will help create your winter wonderland wedding!
– Festive foliage
If you’re having a church service, why not line each aisle with a lush green holly, pine branches, eucalyptus and ivy wrapped in red ribbon.
– Mistletoe
There is nothing more romantic than festive mistletoe and when presented correctly it will form a fantastic backdrop for the newlywed couple and their guests!
– Fairy Lights & Baubles
Create festive focal points over guest tables, using a mixture of vintage and modern baubles along with fairly lights.
– Festive Menus
Handwritten wedding meal menus depicting Santa’s present list creates fun and Christmas cheer, they also make fantastic mementos for guests to take away.
– Table Setting Name Cards
Name guest tables after Santa’s reindeer or other festive topics and handwrite name cards in gold
– Christmas Crackers
Place a Christmas cracker at everyone’s table place, this will certainly cause entertainment, laughter and the adorning of party hats!
Your Christmas Wedding Outfit
A Christmas wedding gives a bride the chance to capture the festive season while also reflecting their own style and choice. Adding a splash of colour (consider red, cranberry or evergreen) to a traditional and classic white wedding dress will not only make a statement but also creates a bit of Christmas magic.
Adding accessories such as a faux fur wrap or coat is stylish and offers some warmth when the temperature drops, another option is a long-sleeved wedding dress or gown, these have a distinct aura about them, they are not only classy abut they too give the bride some protection against the elements without requiring a jacket or wrap.
Wedding Cake
A Christmas wedding cake provides an opportunity to make a celebration statement, with design, colour, and cake flavour!
A festive bake can be spiced with winter flavours, such as gingerbread, carrot and cinnamon, you can also add boozy flavours such as Limoncello, Rum, Brandy and Amaretto, to name just a few!
A Festive Feast
There is so much to consider when it comes to planning what to feed your Christmas wedding guests, however, there is an abundance of choice with hearty comfort foods and warming spices to include in your festive fare.
It’s not only food that needs consideration, but also beverages, particularly welcome drinks, in this case you can be creative with winter Pimms, mulled wine or hot apple cider.
Canapés are always welcomed by hungry guests and again, creativity can make them extra special. Shots of spicy soup, mini–Yorkshire Puddings filled with roast beef and horseradish (don’t forget vegetarian options!) or breaded wild mushrooms with a garlic dip!
Your Christmas wedding breakfast will usually include some of the most popular festive ingredients, parsnip soup, roast turkey (and all the trimmings) and sticky toffee pudding will always be well received but again, don’t forget about your vegetarian (and vegan) guests!
And then you have your evening guests to consider, however, this can be a simple choice, consider fish and chip cones or warm turkey and cranberry rolls with profiteroles and chocolate gateau for dessert.
A Very Merry Christmas!
We would like to wish all our customers, (old, new and ones we haven’t met yet!), a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful new year.
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give us a call today!
Registry Office Weddings – What You Need to Know
Registry office weddings have often been thought of as the ‘ugly sister’ to the more traditional church service weddings, however, that is certainly not the case and in this article, we will explain the benefits of a civil ceremony and what you need to do in preparation for your Registry Office wedding.
Why Choose a Registry Office Wedding?
Contrary to belief, there isn’t a huge difference in costs, although it depends on your location and personal choice as costs do vary, the average price for a church wedding is £500.00 and for a registry office, about half that amount.
Registry office wedding ceremonies take place at specific times throughout the week, a standard ceremony on a Tuesday morning would be significantly cheaper than an enhanced ceremony on a Saturday afternoon. Prices will vary depending on your local council fees.
Estimated Registry Office Fees
● It costs £35 per person to give notice to marry, and it will cost more if your case is referred to the Home Office for additional checks.
● Room hire for a standard ceremony starts at £57.
● Room hire for an enhanced ceremony starts at around £127.
● A marriage certificate costs around £10, but some venues include this in the hire fee.
The cost to have a registrar attend your ceremony at a licenced venue would start at around £350. You would also have to pay for the venue hire and decor, so you can see that a registry office wedding offers significant savings.
How to Plan a Registry Office Wedding
There are two steps to securing your date at the registry office.
Firstly, you must give notice and attend an appointment to confirm your identity.
Giving notice to marry
This can be done no sooner than 29 days before your wedding. Your notice to marry lasts one year, so you’ll have plenty of time to book your venue. Once you give notice, you’ll be invited to attend an appointment. You’ll have to bring documentation to prove your name, age, nationality and address.
Secondly, you must book your registry office date.
Book the Registry Office
Next, you can book your date and pay your fees. Most registry offices will allow you to provisionally book your date when you give notice to make things easier.
DID YOU KNOW? – Although you do have to give notice at the registry office closest to you, you don’t have to choose this as your wedding venue. You are free to pick any registry office in the country!
Choose Your Ceremony Type
You can choose between a standard or enhanced ceremony. A standard ceremony is shorter, doesn’t include any special readings or music, and you can only have two witnesses with you. An enhanced ceremony is customisable and you can invite guests, up to the venue capacity. Neither ceremony can include religious phrases or music.
How Long do Registry Office Weddings Last?
This all varies depending on the registry office you choose. Most will ask you to arrive around 15-30 minutes before. A standard ceremony would last between 15-30 minutes. Both couples are interviewed individually before the ceremony, and this usually lasts around 5 minutes.
Most registry offices run very tight schedules, so being late for your ceremony could mean you have to reschedule.
What Happens During a Registry Office Wedding?
The superintendent will make a short statement about marriage. Next, you will both repeat a set of vows. Rings aren’t required, but you are able to exchange them if you want. After the ceremony, you will both sign the marriage register. Your witnesses will then sign the register. And then it’s time to celebrate and honeymoon!
Common Questions About Registry Office Weddings
Now you know what’s involved with the ceremony and what you can expect. But we’re sure you still have a million questions you need to know the answers to. Here are some of the most common questions about registry office weddings.
What Should I Wear for a Registry Office Wedding?
You can wear whatever you like for a registry office wedding. Just like a wedding at any other venue, you are free to wear a suit, wedding dress, or whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.
A registry office wedding doesn’t have to be toned down if you don’t want it to be. You can be as extravagant as you like, or keep things low key and simple. Most registry office venues are arranged with an aisle down the middle, so you can make a grand entrance in a princess ballgown if you like.
Since many registry offices are in city centre town halls, this is the perfect opportunity to choose non-traditional wedding attire. A midi-length wedding dress is perfect if you want to show off some killer heels.
Need help choosing the perfect registry office wedding dress? We stock a wide range of styles for every bride, including plus size wedding dresses that will make you look and feel beautiful.
Can we Serve Alcohol After the Ceremony?
Sadly, no. Most registry offices do not allow any catering and they do not have an alcohol license, so you’ll have to wait until your wedding breakfast or reception to toast.
Can we Throw Confetti After the Ceremony?
Every registry office will have its own rules about confetti. Most will be happy for you to do this, provided you choose biodegradable confetti that won’t harm the environment or wildlife. Most won’t allow confetti inside as they will have back-to-back ceremonies scheduled.
Can we Bring our Pet to the Ceremony?
If you’re hoping to have your dog at your ceremony, you’ll need to check the rules of the registry office in advance. Some venues are pet friendly, but others will only allow service animals.
Where Can we Take our Wedding Photos?
Many registry offices are housed in grand town halls, which makes it the ideal spot for your wedding photos. It’s a good idea to work with your wedding photographer beforehand to find some locations you’d like to use so you can feel more organised on the day.
Where are the best registry offices in the UK?
It would be fair to say that some registry offices are more photogenic than others. Here are a few of our favourite spots for couples to tie the knot:
● Civil Hall, Leeds
● Hackney Town Hall, London
● Islington Town Hall, London
● Coventry Register Office
● St George’s Hall, Liverpool
● City Chambers, Edinburgh
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give us a call today!
Hiring a Wedding Planner – The Benefits and Costs
As we known, planning a wedding is both exciting and stressful and it is by no means a simple task, even small-scale and intimate weddings require careful preparation and so in this post, we explore the idea of hiring a wedding planner or coordinator.
Generally the consideration is whether the benefits of having an experienced and knowledgeable individual to help with the tedious aspects of arranging a wedding outweigh the costs which they demand.
There are a number of big benefits of having an extra pair of hands available whenever you need them, these include;
- They save you a lot of time, particularly in the planning stages.
- They can negotiate costs with wedding venues and vendors.
- They will have ideas that help bring the who plan together.
- They will help you manage your budget and advise where cost savings can be made.
- They will also ensure that payments are made on time to ensure there are no last minute hiccups!
- They will keep you focused and manage your expectations.
- They will be on hand on your actual wedding day to liaise with the venue and vendors.
- All of the above will help you enjoy your big day without worry.
A wedding planner can be as involved or as hands-off as you like. You can even hire a wedding coordinator if you’re planning a DIY wedding. And if you feel like your planning is going off the rails, you can bring a planner on at a later stage to help get things back on track.
The wedding planner’s job is to help you feel inspired, guide your ideas and allow you to create a unique and memorable day. They’ll also help keep your expectations grounded and let you know if your ideas are not achievable within your budget. (They’ll also stop you from completely blowing your budget!) And on the day of the wedding, they take care of the finer details so the couple can focus on each other and their guests.
Do I Need a Wedding Planner?
Most couples can benefit from working with a wedding planner. The early stages of wedding planning can be pretty fun – its all cake sampling and guest lists.
But after a while, planning can become tedious and start to cause pre wedding anxiety and as your big days nears, the excitement and enjoyment is often replaced by fear and trepidation.
Unless you choose an all-inclusive wedding venue, you will likely benefit from the support of a wedding planner. And, if you do choose an all-inclusive venue, chances are the venue will include a planner in the price.
How Early Should You Get a Wedding Planner?
You can bring your wedding planner on board at any stage, but the more notice you can give them, the better. Remember that the best wedding planners get booked up well in advance.
Some couples like to get the ball rolling and then bring in a wedding planner once they have to figure out the finer details. For example, you might book your venue and your registrar and then hire a wedding planner to help you find things like caterers, photographers, florists and more. They will also have connections with wedding dress designers, tailors and a bridal seamstress.
If you want to keep costs down, you might only hire your wedding planner for the day of your wedding. They will be on hand to coordinate with wedding vendors and make sure everything is running smoothly throughout the day. They will also be responsible for decorating and coordinating the clean-up effort at the end of the night.
What is the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding coordinator?
A wedding planner will typically help to plan the entire wedding, while a coordinator will be there on the day to help make sure everything goes to plan. If you want to save money, hiring a coordinator might be cheaper. However, it’s important to remember the value that a wedding planner brings.
A wedding planner will often have great connections in the industry, so they might secure better prices on things like decor hire and catering. Many couples say that their wedding planner pays for themselves in savings. And this isn’t even factoring in the time they can save you.
How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?
Most wedding planners charge around 10-15% of your total wedding budget. So, if your wedding budget is the UK average of £16,000, you can expect to pay between £1,600 and £2,400 for a wedding planner.
If this sounds like an excessive extra expense, consider it this way. It takes around 250 hours for a professional to plan a wedding and much longer if you don’t have the connections.
On the day wedding coordination will typically cost under £1,000, but this will all depend on the scale of the wedding. For example, if you need an army of helpers to transform a blank canvas wedding into a winter wonderland, this might be more costly than a low-key wedding.
Does Hiring a Wedding Planner Save Money?
Absolutely! If saving money is your main goal of hiring a wedding planner, make this clear from the start. Then, they can show you tips and tricks to cut your expenses and save money on expensive extras.
Wedding planners also have access to little extras that can make your day special without spending any more money. For example, they will often have plenty of decor and staging props so you can transform your venue on a budget.
Where Can I Find Affordable Wedding Coordinators?
There are a number of ways to find someone who can plan and coordinate your wedding, many often exhibit at wedding fairs but recommendations from other bride and grooms is as good a way as any to ensure you get the right person.
Your wedding venue (if already chosen) will usually have a preferred wedding planner \ coordinator and the benefit of this is that they will know the venue as good as anyone else, plus they can often get perks from the venue that may otherwise be difficult to gain!
[ABOUT THE AUTHOR]
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give us a call today!
What are Wedding Favours and Should You Have Them?
What are Wedding Favours?
Wedding favours are a great way to show appreciation for wedding guests and wedding party. These small keepsakes allow you to express your personality, tastes, wedding theme or colours in an inexpensive but thoughtful way.
For most couples, there are far more pressing matters to think about than wedding favours. However, the wedding dress, venue \ catering and honeymoon usually occupy a more significant part of the planning – and budget! So unless you are excited to prepare DIY wedding favours, don’t worry if this part of the wedding planning is an afterthought.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on wedding favours, particularly if you’re on a tight budget. Instead, you can offer guests anything from a small chocolate treat to handmade gifts. Choosing charity wedding favours is also a great way to raise money for a good cause.
The best part is that wedding favours tend to reflect your style. They’re also very easy to DIY, so most people can pull off a simple wedding favour craft – even if you don’t feel particularly creative.
What are Traditional Wedding Favours?
Traditionally, wedding favours were given as wedding souvenirs in place of wedding cards. They were meant to represent the good luck and fertility of the bride.
The first known wedding favours originated amongst the French aristocrats and were called Bonbonnieres. These small gifts were given to the guests as a symbol of good luck. In Greece, couples would offer their guests five sugared almonds to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness.
Today wedding favours still serve several purposes. First, they help everyone to remember your special day. Second, they might include a thank you card or small note they can take away with them. And finally, wedding favours can also double as table dressings. You might use a small homemade candle as a name card holder, for example.
For small, intimate weddings, you might spend a little more on wedding favours as you are celebrating with a close group of friends and family. However, for a larger wedding, the wedding favours are often smaller tokens of appreciation.
On average, how much do people spend on wedding favours in the UK?
The average cost of a wedding in the UK is around £30,000. Of this, wedding favours make up a tiny part of the budget. Couples often report spending around £1-3 per guest. So for a wedding party of 150 people, you can expect to pay between £150-450, depending on how expensive your taste is.
Some couples include things like a piece of cake or their dessert table as the wedding favours. If you’re going to do this, don’t forget to provide small boxes for guests to take their sweet treats away with them. Creating a pick n mix table and allowing guests to take home an array of goodies is another excellent option.
What wedding favours do you recommend for an inexpensive wedding?
If you want to send guests home with a small memento from your big day, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Instead, home-baked goods like shortbread or brownie bites are often a welcome treat at the end of a long day of celebrating.
Something as simple as a gold chocolate coin attached to a thank you card is another cost-effective and DIY choice. Packets of bee-friendly seeds are another excellent gift for your guests.
Another way to save money on your wedding favours is only to offer them to daytime guests. And remember, children probably won’t be interested in a candle or homemade soap, but you can make inexpensive goodie bags for children to take home!
Are charity wedding favours a good idea?
Charities like Cancer Research UK offer inexpensive wedding favours that also help a good cause. They offer everything from small enamel badges to seeds and even confetti. These will often include a small note to let the guest know a donation has been made in their name.
Charitable couples will love this small but effective gesture on their wedding day. Choosing an option like seeds or confetti is also a sustainable and low waste choice that will be popular with eco-conscious couples.
The following charities offer wedding favours:
● Unicef
● RSPB
Is it rude not to have wedding favours?
When it comes to wedding favours, many brides fear they are rude by not having them. But wedding favours don’t have to be part of your wedding if you don’t want them. The vast majority of wedding guests won’t care or even think about wedding favours when they leave. If you do provide them, some people will leave them behind anyway. And if you don’t offer them, most won’t notice their absence.
Having wedding favours is undoubtedly a matter of personal choice. If you have an excellent idea for wedding favours that ties in with your theme and fits your budget, then definitely include them. But don’t feel the pressure to have them for the sake of it. You can always remind guests that the money you saved on wedding favours has been put towards something else, like an open bar!
Tips for choosing the right wedding favours
Some of the best wedding favours are things you can consume or use up. This could mean an alcohol miniature, small baked goods or a homemade candle. However, guests typically don’t want something that will clutter up their homes. So, unless your guests can use up your wedding favour easily, then it might be time to go back to the planning stage.
Another tip for wedding favours is to make them multipurpose. This could mean using them as decorations or name place cards on your table. For example, handwritten place cards with a small chocolate coin attached is a simple but highly effective wedding favour that won’t cost the earth.
Including a small handwritten note with your wedding favour is also a really special touch. Some wedding guests like to keep a small keepsake from the wedding, and a small notecard with the date of your wedding and a note from the couple is the ideal choice for this. You don’t have to spend a fortune on cards. Business cards don’t cost very much to print, and you could create a custom design with a small space for a thank you message.
[ABOUT THE AUTHOR]
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give us a call today!
The Top 10 UK Honeymoon Destinations
With overseas travel restrictions continuing to be unpredictable, many wedded couples are looking closer to home for their honeymoon destination and there is good reason for this, the UK has some stunning places and in our Top 10 UK Honeymoon Destinations article, we will explore some of them, highlighting what they have to see and offer.
In all this uncertainty, forget the airport and choose an idyllic UK destination to spend time with your new spouse, after all, a UK mini moon after your wedding could be a prelude to far-flung exotic honeymoon for your first wedding anniversary, now there’s a thought…
Honeymoon’s don’t come cheap, in fact for many couples, it can be just as expensive as the bridal dress and also planning your dream getaway can be just as stressful as picking the said wedding gown, however, at least you have your partner to help with this aspect and hopefully the following destination information will further help to choose your perfect mini moon location.
So instead of Venice think Cotswolds and rather than Lake Garda, consider Lake Windermere…
The Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are the perfect mini moon destination for a couple who wants to spend their mini-break indulging in some R&R. This British archipelago has just five inhabited islands.
The most popular is St Agnes with its striking red cliffs and white sandy beaches.
St Agnes has a population of just 82 people, so it’s the ideal spot to get away from it all and enjoy some privacy. Getting to the Isles of Scilly couldn’t be easier, with a choice of SkyBust leaving from Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter, or a ferry departing from Penzance.
Padstow
Padstow is a popular destination for mini moons in Cornwall, the UK’s most westerly county. The town sits on the north coast of Cornwall and has an array of restaurants to choose from, with French cuisine being one of its specialities.
It also offers some great surfing spots, perfect if you’re looking for some action and adventure. Nearby you’ll find plenty of isolated coves to explore. Or head out to sea on a luxury chartered boat tour to get up close with the marine life that lives just off the coast.
Whitby
Whitby is a fishing town in the North Riding area of Yorkshire, England. If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, delicious seafood and a side of gothic intrigue, this could be the ideal destination. Whitby Abby is the famous inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel.
The lively fishing village falls quiet at night time, and the ghost walks and tours come out to play. But, for something a little bit different, this North Yorkshire outpost could be the ideal spot for a UK mini moon.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city that oozes romance and culture, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and beautiful scenery. It’s also home to some of Scotland’s most stunning castles! So if you’re looking for an escape from reality, this destination might be your thing. Edinburgh is a dreamy destination all year round.
The beautiful Royal Botanic Garden is a perfect spot to stroll and admire the greenery, as well as being surrounded by some of Edinburgh’s most interesting architecture – giving you plenty of photo opportunities.
London
Okay, hear us out here. A trip to the capital might not be everyone’s idea of a romantic getaway, especially if you already call it home. But if you’re not too focused on getting away from the crowds, London can be a great UK mini moon spot.
Soak up the culture, indulge in a spot of retail therapy, and take your pick of the best restaurants the country has to offer. Or just kick back in a luxury hotel and survive on room service for the entire trip!
Bourton-on-the-Water
Affectionately named “The Venice of the Cotswolds“, this Gloucestershire town oozes charm. And with a canal running through the middle, it’s easy to see why you might call this mini moon spot romantic.
The best way to explore Bourton is by foot or bike, and don’t forget your camera for all those shots of quaint bridges and stunning riverside views. Feel your stress melt away as you adapt to the leisurely pace in this gorgeous Cotswolds village.
Portmeirion Village
This fairytale destination on the Western coast of Wales looks like something out of a film set. This mini moon hotspot is perfect for lovers who want to explore the beautiful Welsh coastline with Victorian Gothic architecture.
Portmeirion Village is ideal for a long weekend, but why not extend your trip and head into the rugged wilderness of Snowdonia? Then, find yourself a remote farmhouse to call your own for a long weekend to finish off the perfect mini moon weekend.
Lake Windermere
Known as the jewel in northwest England’s Lake District, Windermere is a mini-moon destination like no other. With everything from quaint Boathouses overlooking beautiful views to cosy pubs serving up local beers and delicious grub, this region has it all for couples looking to indulge and reset.
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so you’ll need your mini moon to wind down and relax. Enjoy fine dining with views over the lake or dust off your walking shoes and absorb the countryside on foot. You can also hire a boat and head out onto the lake for some serious R&R.
York
You might be dreaming of jetting off to New York, but consider York as a viable alternative. This historic city is filled with cobbled streets and quaint eateries serving local produce; there’s something for everyone.
Cultured couples will love the galleries, museums and castles on offer. There are also plenty of options for couples interested in food and drink. Take a brewery tour, visit a Yorkshire vineyard (yes, really) or snag a table at Roots, the city’s only Michelin starred restaurant.
Loch Lomond
The Scottish Highlands offers the ideal destination for couples looking for rugged scenery and romance. Loch Lomond is nestled in the heart of The Trossachs National Park, so you’ll have your pick of outdoorsy activities. Or you can snuggle up by an open log fire and toast your UK mini moon with a dram of the finest Whisky.
Summary
We hope you have enjoyed reading our Top 10 UK Honeymoon Destinations article and that it has inspired to look more closely at the beauty the UK has to offer. We would love to har from you if you do decide to mini moon in the UK, pics are always welcome!
[ABOUT LILY ROSE BRIDAL]
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give us a call today!
Top 10 tips for Wedding Dress Shopping
If you are reading this then the romantic countdown for your wedding has begun. You have taken the wonderful step of agreeing to spend the rest of your life with someone special and now it’s time to prepare for the wedding day itself.
There are many items to be put on the to do list but perhaps the favourite one is deciding what you are going to wear on your special day.
Our advice is to enjoy every moment of the preparations and let us offer you some tips to help with your wedding dress and accessories shopping.
Our top tips will cover everything you need to think about, from wedding dress shopping etiquette and shopping traditions.
To use a well-known phrase, we can help you to ‘keep calm and carry it off’, with our shopping guide.
Our Top 10 Wedding Dress Shopping Tips
1. Start Online
Do you have an idea of how your wedding day will look and feel?
Whether you decide on tradition and elegance or modern with a twist, the best starting point to research dress styles is to start researching online.
There are a variety of online wedding dress shopping websites that can give you ideas of styles and trends that can help you decide what will suit you best, and how and where to buy wedding dresses.
Searching online using key words, such as ‘where to buy wedding dresses’, and ideas for dream wedding dresses to initially give you an idea of what is available and where to find it.
Social media can help too as there are many online blogs that may give you ideas, try searching through YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook.
2. Shop Locally
Many future brides like the idea of getting the personal touch and being made to feel special. Where better to start than checking out your local wedding dress shops and specialist bridal boutiques.
You can have a quick search on the internet to locate your closest bridal dress shops, and have a quick peak at what they offer and see if it attracts you.
Searching for ‘wedding dress shopping near me’, with your postcode or town \ city.
This is where your feelings come into play, if it feels right then it is worth checking it out. Ask friends for their recommendations of where to buy wedding dresses. Then make a list of all options for wedding dress shopping near me, and which ones you want to visit first and begin.
3. Plan Ahead
How do you plan wedding dress shopping?
One of the most frequently asked questions from brides-to-be is ‘when should I go wedding dress shopping’, meaning just how long before my wedding leaves me enough time to organise my dress and accessories.
There is no strict answer it depends on how long you have to prepare for wedding dress shopping. If your wedding is planned for well into the future then many brides to be will begin around 12 months before their wedding day.
If you do not have that amount of time, don’t panic, you simply need to get organised as soon as possible and make a wedding dress shopping checklist, covering what, where, when, how and with whom.
How do you plan for wedding dress shopping?
When you have an idea of the style you want then before you venture to the boutiques you need to prepare and have questions written down before you discuss your plans, as you may forget something you wish you had remembered.
When you decide where you are going to visit give them a quick call first as they may only see brides–to–be by appointment, to give you that quality time you deserve.
Don’t forget to ask what you need to bring when wedding dress shopping and what you should wear for that first visit.
What happens if you are getting married soon or going last minute wedding dress shopping?
Then preparing for wedding dress shopping needs to be more focused and prompt and this could be the time to enlist the support of a bridal boutique consultant to help you choose the dress fit and ensure that it is ready in time for your wedding day.
4. Going it Alone
Will you have company on the shopping trip or will you be going wedding dress shopping alone?
Most brides-to be ponder who to take wedding dress shopping, if anyone.
Are you traditional? Should you go wedding dress shopping with your fiancé?
It’s the bride’s choice.
If you plan to go with others then it is best to check how many people the wedding dress boutique can cater for indoors.
Covid distance restrictions may have changed the etiquette for wedding dress appointments and it is best to check out the rules with each boutique or shop before you book, like can the groom go wedding dress shopping with you.
Going wedding dress shopping by yourself it is probably straightforward at the moment, but probably no more than 2 or 3 people at any one time is now possible
What about wedding dress shopping while pregnant?
It is best to check in advance what facilities are available to cater for pregnant brides–to–be, as it will enable the venue to facilitate a more pleasant and accommodating experience.
It is also important to check out in advance if you have special needs what would need to be catered for, and how they could accommodate that too.
5. Enjoy the Experience
This is leading up to one of the most special days of your life where you will be the centre of attention and the subject of endless photos capturing your romantic day in your dream wedding dress.
The wedding dress shopping experience and ambience should make you feel really special.
6. What to Wear for Wedding Dress Shopping
When trying on wedding dresses it is important to be comfortable.
If you’re not sure what to wear when going wedding dress shopping, then ask the experts in your bridal shop of choice. They have seen it all before and will advise you how to prepare for trying on wedding dresses through to final fittings.
Most wedding dress shop will have a consultant or assistant. You only need to ask.
They can explain what are the proper undergarments or underwear for wedding dress shopping. It makes sense to be comfortable while considering the type of dress you wish to try and wear the proper undergarments. If you think you are going for light colours then it is probably best to wear nude-coloured underwear.
7. Size Doesn’t Matter
Size is no barrier when it comes to shopping for a very small or a larger size.
Most bridal shops and boutiques can cater for petite through to plus size wedding dress shopping. Any bride to be will feel like a special client and will be welcome.
8. Set a Budget
How much should a wedding dress cost?
It depends on what you can afford.
It is best to decide how much you can spend and set a budget. The overall cost of a wedding can spiral but don’t let it get out of control.
That’s why you need a Wedding budget checklist.
According to the website www.hitched.co.uk, the average price of a wedding dress in the UK is £1,313. Of course it could be cheaper or more expensive, as there is a huge range of elegant inexpensive dresses through to ones costing over £10,000.
Even the smallest budget can take advantage of canny shopping through the availability of occasional sales, demonstration pieces, samples and off the peg affordable dresses.
9. Keep an Open Mind
Ask for help and advice from staff in the bridal boutique, they will tell you what is right and suits you and also what is not and doesn’t, they are the experts and have seen man brides prior to you. Take time and take stock of all the styles, themes and options available.
We recommend you try before you buy rather than end up with wedding dress regret.
10. Make it Fun!
There are various ways to make wedding dress shopping fun.
Get in the mood, enjoy the feeling of romance, love and feeling special and encourage anyone with you to think of fun ideas for wedding dress shopping.
If you want help consider sending out wedding dress shopping invitations and make it an event, plan lunch and drinks afterwards to make it a truly memorable occasion.
Finally, always remember you will never be alone in your search from that special wedding dress, the majority of bridal boutiques will guide you through all the steps required, right up to your big day!
[ABOUT LILY ROSE BRIDAL]
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give them a call today!
Bride Anxiety – 10 Things They Worry About Before the Big Day
Planning a wedding is nothing short of stressful. When you’ve been dreaming about this one day for most of your life, it’s natural to want everything to be perfect.
You want everything to run smoothly.
You want everyone to have a great time.
And you want to find the time to have a little fun.
It’s enough to keep even the most organised bride awake at night!
Pre-wedding bride anxiety is very common, so don’t worry if you’re feeling a few butterflies on the run-up to your big day.
These are the 10 things brides worry about before the big day;
1. What if I get left at the altar?
This is one of the most irrational fears, but it plagues many brides on the run-up to their wedding day. Getting left at the altar is very unlikely to happen, but many brides entertain this nightmare thought at least once. If you are genuinely worried that your partner might get cold feet on the big day, don’t bottle up these feelings. Talk to your partner, and they will surely put your mind at ease.
If you’re worried you’re going to be the one to have second thoughts, consider speaking to a counsellor about why you might be feeling this way. It’s very common to have doubts before your wedding day, so don’t read too much into this one.
2. What if I can’t lose weight in time?
Brides are often under pressure to look a certain way on their wedding day, which prompts some pretty disastrous crash diets and workout routines. Instead of telling brides they have to be a certain size, we cater for gorgeous brides in all sizes.
We offer sample dress sizes up to a size 32, so you don’t have to worry about losing weight to try on dresses or for your big day. When you see how beautiful you look in your dream dress, you’ll quickly stop worrying about losing weight!
3. What if I don’t like the photographs?
If you aren’t used to being the centre of attention, it can be daunting to get dolled up for all your friends and family to see. Worrying about your appearance is the last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day, so make sure you surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself.
[TOP TIP] Getting to know your photographer beforehand can also help to ease some of your worries. The best wedding photographers know exactly how to coax the confidence out of a shy bride. Also, prepare a list of questions for your photographer so you know exactly what to expect on your big day.
4. What if it rains?
The weather is one thing that we cannot control, so there’s little sense in spending time worrying about it. But every bride worries that the weather will be miserable on her wedding day. As long as you’ve made provisions for a rainy day, this is one thing that you’ll just have to leave up to fate.
5. What if my hair and makeup isn’t right?
When everything needs to be perfect, many brides worry they will be let down by their hair or makeup. What if you have a breakout of spots? What if your hair won’t cooperate? What if you smudge your eye makeup? These are all very real possibilities, which is why a trial is essential to make sure you feel confident.
[TOP TIP] Ask your makeup artist for a touch-up kit so you can handle any mishaps throughout the day.
6. What if I trip walking down the aisle?
As your wedding day looms closer, you might start to worry about the specifics. What if you trip on your way down the aisle and the video finds its way onto You’ve Been Framed? It’s unlikely, but many brides worry they will forget how to walk when all eyes are on them.
This is why a dress fitting with your bridal shoes is essential. If you’re really worried, opt for a lower heel or flat shoe to put your mind at ease.
7. What if I hate being looked at?
Shrinking violets often worry about this the most. Remember that it’s your big day, so you can call the shots. You can skip the traditions that make you cringe and find a way to share the attention with your partner. But once you’re wearing your dress, with your hair and makeup done, we’re willing to bet you won’t mind a little bit of extra attention.
8. What if my guests aren’t having fun?
It might be your big day, but you’ll still be worried about what your guests think. It’s common to worry about throwing a fun party and keeping your guests entertained but remember that they are supposed to be celebrating your relationship. If your guests don’t like the music, don’t want to dance or aren’t enjoying the food, don’t let them bring you down!
9. What if I can’t invite everyone?
With many brides forced to drastically reduce their guest lists this year, this will no doubt lead to some awkward conversations. Planning your wedding party should be fun, but it’s often a source of stress when the venue and budget limit how many people you can invite.
This is one of the main causes of bride anxiety, the fear of upsetting or offending their friends and family when they are unable to offer a plus one invite. Failing to invite someone after they invited you to their wedding can also be awkward. The best way to resolve this is to be honest with your guests. All you can do is explain the limitations and hope they understand your position.
10. What if my bridesmaids go wild?
Bridesmaids are supposed to help you on your big day, but many brides end up worrying about their antics. You might worry about your bridesmaids falling out with each other, having too much to drink, showing up late, dropping out at the last moment, or trying to steal your limelight.
You can’t control what other people do, but you can control how you react to it. Try to stay calm and focus on the bigger picture. And by surrounding yourself with positive and supportive bridesmaids, you’ll be less likely to run into conflict with your bridal party.
How we can help
Bride anxiety is very common and we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t have a few sleepless nights prior to the big day, however, one thing that we can do is help brides find their dream wedding dress and accessories in a friendly and welcoming environment. We recognise that shopping for your wedding dress can be a huge source of stress, so we’ll do everything we can to help put you at ease. Get in touch to arrange an appointment today.
When Should I Start Wedding Dress Shopping?
The wedding dress is one of the most critical aspects of your big day. It can also be one of the most stressful decisions you make for your upcoming nuptials. Brides often have questions about the dress, including:
When should you start to think about wedding dress shopping?
Is there a right time to start looking for dresses, or does it depend on what type of dress you’re looking for?
What if I’m not sure what style I want?
This article aims to answer these questions and more to help make your search for the perfect gown less stressful.
When should I start thinking about wedding dress shopping?
The ideal time to start the hunt for the perfect dress is around 10-18 months before your big day. This might seem like a long time, but many brides use their wedding dress as the starting point for all style decisions. Your choice of dress could shape your theme, colour scheme and even your venue.
You also need time to determine your budget. Your dress might be one of the bigger expenses on the day, so choosing your dress well in advance will give you a better idea of how much you have left for the rest of your wedding.
Why does buying a wedding dress take so long?
Wedding dress shopping takes time because it is such a big event in your life. It’s the one item of clothing that you will wear just once, so finding something perfect takes time.
Most brides don’t know what style they are looking for when they start their search. This means you need to try on different style gowns to find something that matches your style.
In many cases, brides will go against all of their instincts and choose something completely out of character, with absolutely stunning results. There’s nothing quite like the shy bride-to-be choosing a sexy mermaid tail dress or the girl convinced she’s going to choose layers and layers of tulle reaching for a simple silk slip dress.
Trying on lots and lots of styles is the only way to find your dream dress. If you leave your dress shopping to the last minute, you’ll be searching in a stress-fuelled haze, and this can cloud your judgement. Not to mention it can suck all of the fun out of the experience!
Is it possible to buy a dress too early?
Just as you can leave it too late, it’s also possible to launch into this too early. If you head straight into wedding dress shopping immediately after your engagement, you could end up spending too much or purchasing a dress that isn’t right for your ceremony.
Your engagement is an exciting time, so don’t pile the pressure on to choose your dress straight away. Enjoy the engagement first, and then create some time to think about the practicalities of your wedding.
You need to determine your budget with your partner and think about the style of wedding you want. This will help you to avoid wearing a duchess satin ballgown to a relaxed beach wedding or choosing a dress with a long train for a chic city-centre wedding.
How long does a wedding dress take to arrive?
A designer can take up to 6 months to create your dress once you have ordered it, and this doesn’t include any last-minute alterations. You want your dress to be the perfect fit and like it was made just for you. You’ll want to think about making alterations around six weeks before the wedding date.
Will my wedding dress fit if I lose weight?
You should never order a more petite wedding dress and then plan to lose weight before your big day. This is far too much pressure, and there are no guarantees that you will lose weight in time.
Instead, rely on last-minute alterations to make sure the wedding dress fits correctly. It’s simple to take in a wedding dress if you are successful in your weight loss goals, but it’s far more challenging to make a small dress larger.
No bride should ever be made to feel that they have to lose weight before their big day. We offer a stunning selection of plus size wedding dresses that will help fulfil your wedding dress dreams without a crash diet or HIIT workout insight.
Our top tips for buying a wedding dress
1) Start shopping with an open mind. Be willing to try on different styles, even if they don’t immediately jump out at you. Many brides find they choose something entirely outside of their usual style, so don’t rule anything out until you’ve tried it on.
2) Don’t start shopping until you have a budget. You might fall in love with something outside of your budget and then feel like you have to compromise on your dress. Pick a budget and stick to it before you start your search. And don’t forget to include alterations in your budget.
3) Don’t let the size of your dress define you. You are more than a dress size, and any good bridal boutique will let you focus on the dresses rather than the number on the label.
4) Alterations are your friend. Alterations can do more than adjust the size and fit. You could add sparkle, change the straps, add a lace topper or even dip-dye your dress a wild colour. Your wedding dress boutique will be able to recommend local wedding dress alteration companies to help you get the perfect dress.
5) Have fun! Wedding dress shopping is supposed to be a joyous experience, so if you’re finding it stressful or upsetting for any reason, don’t be afraid to walk away and return when you are in a better headspace. Dress shopping can be stressful, particularly if you aren’t feeling very confident. Make sure you surround yourself with a supportive bridal party to keep things positive.
Ready to start your search for your dream bridal gown?
We offer two-hour appointments where you’ll have our full attention.
Try on as many gowns as you like to help whittle down your choices and get closer to your dream dress.
Get in touch to request your appointment
[ABOUT LILY ROSE BRIDAL]
Nicky (boutique owner) and close friend Jess have vast experience in helping brides choose their perfect wedding dress, they love what they do, meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear, they find their work (if they can call it that!) so rewarding and so much fun. Give them a call today!
Best Bridal Boutique Winners
The National Wedding Awards recognises the best wedding professionals across the nation and “celebrates the companies and professionals that take care of the details to create unforgettable moments!” www.natweddingawards.co.uk
We enjoy many special moments dressing our gorgeous brides, their bridesmaids and flower girls, but it will be hard to beat the pride we felt winning the Best Bridal Boutique Award at the National Wedding Awards 2019.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our journey and voted for us to win this prestigious award.
A Little Bit About Us
We love what we do; meeting brides and helping them choose the most important dress they will ever wear is so rewarding and so much fun.
When I decided to open LilyRose, (hi I’m Nicky) l looked at wedding shops near me, and could see there wasn’t much choice, So opening LilyRose bridal in my home town in Kenilworth Warwickshire, seemed the right decision.
I’ve been married a long long time, I visited every wedding shop near me, when I was looking for my perfect dress, it was so hard finding dresses above a size 12 – I was a 16 at the time and there just wasn’t any choice.
We have a fabulous range of wedding dresses from a size 8-32 with over 50 dresses above a size 16 with many dress in different sizes so no bride no matter her size can’t try on the same dress.
The most asked questions we get is, do you try on the dresses, Don’t tell anyone but sometimes we do. Our excuse is, so we can see what they look like on real bodies not an air brushed picture in a magazine or website, the real reason is we just love playing dress up.
Our beautiful Michelle started full time at LilyRose in 2021 and is an amazing asset to LilyRose. It feels like shes been here since the day we opened, not only do we love her, but the brides do to, she’s funny and caring and really wants to make every bride who walks through the door feel comfortable and beautiful during her appointment.
Our beautiful Cari is our amazing Saturday girl, she a great help with appointments and there’s nothing she doesn’t know about our beautiful selection of maids dresses. She also makes a great cuppa!
The 3 of us make a great team, full of giggles and mischief at times.
Taking the mickey out of each other happens a lot. It’s mostly aimed at me, but I do sometimes get my own back.
We have such a great time trying on dresses and swishing around the shop. It’s often after a wonderfully busy Saturday and a bottle of Prosecco or 2 have been consumed, not a bad perk of the job 😊
We are also a great support to each other at work and in our private lives. I really believe a great work and social life is so important when you work in such a small environment.
We love each other dearly and many of our brides have commented how lovely it is to see how close we all are.
Hope to see you soon and you can meet us in person.
Nicky, Michelle and Cari.
xxx
