This may just be the most depressing piece of news you have heard all day but unfortunately there are no quick fixes!  That’s pretty much the only fact you will ever hear about Health and Fitness but fear not, there is an answer out there for everyone.  In the most basic form, weight loss is all about calorie expenditure – if you burn more calories than you take in then you will lose weight.

If you want to lose some weight for your big day then plan in advance – the more time you have the more weight you will lose and tone up.  Pretty much anyone can make drastic changes to their body, given six months and some hard work.  Here are some top tips for anyone looking to get fit for their wedding:

• Get yourself a Diet Diary (Soon to be downloadable on here) and keep track of what you eat.  You will be very surprised at just how many calories you eat per day from things that you don’t think about. For example, an average serving of pasta is around 350-400 calories.
• Eat little and often.  Easier said than done, right?  We did say that it wouldn’t be easy.  Try to split your meals into two.  Have something light before you leave the house for breakfast and then something similar for brunch.  Have half your lunch at the right time and another half in mid afternoon, and then eat something when you get in from work and again at dinner time.  Make sure you don’t eat six full size meals though!  Try to cut back on your carbs.  Allthough they are essential for energy, generally we eat too many.  As a rule, no carbs after 8pm.
• Get to the gym.  Weights and Cardio are essential for any programme.  Women, don’t be afraid of the weights, there is absolutely no way that you will look like a body builder over the course of a few weeks.  Weights build muscle, and muscle burns fat.  Guys, do some Cardio; it’s important no matter what that bloke in the gym told you.  If you’re short on inspiration have a look to see what classes are on in your local area.

So forget diet pills, forget dieting altogether and forget quick fixes.  Strap on your trainers and get down to the gym.

For more help visit….www.hollandandbarrett.com

 

By Mike Watts  http://www.michaeldwatts.com

You could print out two copies of this and fill them in independently, then discuss the results. (Try not to fall out at this stage or I might feel really really responsible!)

Rate the following from 10 (very important) to 1 (completely indifferent)

____ Appearance – the bling, flowers, decorations, mood etc.

____ Clothes – what you and your guests wear, jeans and sandals to top hat and tails.

____ Family & Friends.

____ Religion – the spiritual side of you wedding, church etc.

____ Food

____ Drink – Do you do a booze cruise or buy cases of Verve Cliqot.

____ Music – Disco or big band.

____ Convenience – for you or your guests.

____ Photography – You see I’ve put it at the bottom even though it will be all you have left to remember the day.

When you look back at your wedding, what do you most want to remember?

____ Romance. – How romantic the day was.

____ Beautiful. – How beautiful it all was.

____ Exciting. – How much excitement you remember.

____ Smooth running – How easily and smoothly the day went.

____ Parents and family -How happy they were.

____ Formal – How formal the day was.

Circle several words that you think will describe your wedding.

Romantic – Religious – Casual – Classic – Classy – Loving – Posh – Glamorous – Relaxed – Formal – Themed – Budget – Luxurious

– Old fashioned – Sporty – Cute – Solemn – Traditional – Cheap.

List three other words that might describe your day.

_________ __________ __________

Budget – Even if you haven’t worked out your budget yet put some preliminary thoughts down now :-

How much might you spend.

Up to £1000.00

£1,000 to £5,000

£5,000 to £10,000

£10,000 to £20,000

£20,000 to £50,000

When are you thinking of getting married :- Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?

On a special day, holiday, anniversary etc?

Have you thought about what the weather might be doing and where you would go if it’s wet, windy etc?

Have you thought of a theme for the day – What would it be?

Have you though about a colour theme? List your choices_____________________

Now look at our wedding planner and start making some decisions.

Please let me know if there are things that matter to you that I have missed out as I can update this blog so that other brides can benefit.

Article & photos by Mike Watts.

Www.MichaelDWatts.com

Please feel free to reproduce with a by-line

How to Start Planning Your Perfect Day… Planning a Wedding can be both stressful and time consuming, and it’s hard to know where to start… With so many options, it can feel a little overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Wedding planner is a great start, and doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Initially, you should expect a free consultation, where you can get to know the Wedding planner, and explain what you are looking for as a couple. The Wedding planner will be able to advise you on budget planning, give you ideas and tips, and guide you through the planning process making sure that you don’t miss anything. For a full Wedding planning package you should expect to pay 10-15% of your Wedding budget, but in fact you should make enough savings by using their recommended suppliers to cover the majority of the cost. It is of course important to find a Wedding planner that you get on with, and most importantly that inspires you, but who doesn’t try to force you into anything, or try to take over completely- it is your day after all! If you decide to plan your Wedding yourself, start by setting a realistic budget, and sticking to it! Make use of the budget planners that you can find in most Wedding magazines, and do your research. Visit local Wedding Fayres for ideas and inspiration, but don’t feel pressured into booking all your services on the day, and bear in mind that the people exhibiting at Wedding Fayres are not necessarily the cheapest, or the best. Keep a scrapbook of ideas as you go along, as you are likely to change your mind about colour schemes and table decorations several times before the big day. It is also important to make use of the free service available to you from the Wedding or Event planner at the venue that you choose- they will be able to advise you on timings, and may even recommend good local suppliers to you. Above all, the planning process should be fun and enjoyable. As you get closer to the Wedding, many Wedding planners offer a “last minute” or “final touches” package, where they can check through everything for you, making sure nothing has been missed and all your paperwork is in order. This can be a great idea if you start to feel a bit panicky in the last couple of months.

Hannah Solomons

Hand Maid Weddings & Events www.hand-maidevents.co.uk 07725 252200

Ladywood Estate, www.ladywoodestate.co.uk

In order to keep you and the friends and family members who help you focused and on task, this wedding preparation checklist is divided into categories and each category lists the appropriate items.

Next to each item you should place the following information:

who paid for it,
who is in charge of it,
the date it was completed.

In addition to the parents, the WEDDING PARTY includes your choice of:

Best Man
Maid/Matron of honour
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Ushers
Flower Girl(s)
Ring Bearer(s)
Other
ATTIRE

Bride

Wedding Dress

Wedding  Dress Fittings and Alterations
Wedding Dress Cleaning
Wedding Dress Pressing
Dress Preservation – Carrying Bag
Bridal Tiara & Veil
Shoes
Lingerie

Beauty Treatment, Hair & Make Up
Jewellery Accessories
Groom

Tux Outfit
Shoes
Jewellery

Wedding Attendants

Best Man Attire
Jewellery
Groomsmen Attire
Jewellery
Maid of Honor Dress
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Bridemaids Dresses
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Flower Girl Dress
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Ring Bearer Suit
Shoes
Religous Attire
Other
PERSONAL WEDDING ACCESSORIES

Choose a Wedding theme if applicable
Wedding Accessories Collection
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Sixpence for the bride’s Shoe
Garter

Emergency Kit
Other
STATIONERY
Reply Cards
Location Map
Programme
Place Cards
Menu
Thank You Cards
Envelope Seals
Printed Napkins
Stamps
Other
FOR THE CEREMONY

Wedding Bands
Wedding Vows
Jewellery Gifts for Kids

Flower Girl Basket
Ring Bearer Pillow
Guest Books
Pens
Music
Flowers
Aisle Runner
Pew Bows and Ribbons
Religous Items
Gift from Groom to Bride
Gift from Bride to Groom
Gifts for Officiant

Toastmaster

Guest Book & Pen
Champagne Goblets/Flutes
Cake Tops
Cake Server Set
Garters
Bridal Purses
Table Covers
Table Centerpieces
Chair Covers and Decorations
Ice Sculptues
Bar
Catering
Music
Flowers
Photographer
Videographer
Entertainment
Gifts for Family
Gifts for attendants
Wedding Favours
Games, Colouring Books etc.., for Kids

Candles
Ribbons & Balloons
Decorations
Other
GIFTS

Engraveable Gifts
Personalized Gifts
Gifts from Groom to Bride
Gifts from Bride to Groom
Gifts for Parents
Gifts for Grandparents
Gifts for Kids
Gifts for siblings
Gifts for Best Man
Gifts for Maid of Honour
Gifts for Wedding Attendants

Tips for Service Providers
Other
VENDORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS and their Contact Information
Wedding Coordinator
Dress maker or Bridal Salon
Florist
Decorator
Bartender
Caterer
Photographer
Videographer
Ceremony Location
Reception Hall
Ice Carver
Babysitter or Kids Supervisor
Rental Agent for Wedding Reception Needs
Travel Agent
Accommodations
Limo Driver
Musicians/Soloist/DJ
Entertainer
Specialists (Dove Release, Butterfly release etc…)
Other
FLORALS

Bridal Bouquet
Flowers for Mothers

Maid of Honour Bouquet
Flower Girl Basket
Bridemaids Bouquets
Corsages
Boutonnieres
Floral Arrangements
Centerpieces
Cake Table Decorations
Memorial Table Flowers
Other
PHOTO & MEDIA

Newspaper Announcement
Wedding Web Site
Videographer
Photographer
Personal Guest Cameras
Film & Developing – Digital Developing
Photo Framing
Photo Albums
CD DVD Cases
Other
FOOD/BEV & HOSPITALITY

Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
Pre-Reception Snacks
Bar
Non-bar Beverages
Wedding Cake
Ceremony Site
Reception Venue
Guest Accomodations
Other
MUSIC

Musicians/Soloist/DJ
Prelude
Ceremony
Reception
First Dance
Mother – Son Dance
Father – Daughter Dance

Cutting Of The Cake
Tossing the Bouquet
Tossing the Garter
Group Dances
Dances and Games for Kids
Other

YOU MUST REMEMBER TO

Obtain a marriage licence.
Notify the following of a name and address change:

Inland Revenue Service
Social Security
Credit card agencies
Utility companies
Banks
Your employer
The post office
Professional associations
Your insurance companies
Schools or academic institutions
Other
With this checklist to hand, planning your wedding is made easy and fun. But check here often as Nily Glaser plans to add more specific wedding planning checklists including Wedding Planning Budget checklists.

Copyrights © 2009 All Rights Reserved To Nily Glaser of A-wedding Day

So how much does it cost? What should you look for?

You will find the answers to these questions (and many more) in the following article: http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/blog/2009/03/a-free-guide-on-how-to-book-a-band/

www.themorrisagency.co.uk

Guide to booking entertainment

From The Morris Agency

 If you have been put in charge of looking after the music and entertainment for your next event, here is a definitive guide from entertainment industry guru, Daniel Morris of the Morris Agency.

 “Initial fears that people have with planning the music and entertainment for their event are reasonable, as it is an integral part of the event and can even be part of the main focus. There are many factors to consider when planning your entertainment, not only whether the act you are booking for your event will suitably entertain your guests, or fit within your budget or them;, but you also need to consider whether they will be reliable and professional. In the worst case scenario we have heard of cases where artists have failed to turn up on time or cancelled without giving enough time to book another act in their place. Even if they do arrive, how do you know that they are going to be as good as their demo or showreel? And this is all on top of the rest of the event planning process of organizing catering, a venue or conference facility, florists, guest invitations, transportation, accommodation… need I go on? It can be a very daunting task.”

 With this in mind, here are the key elements to think about to help get you started:

 The Venue

When booking the venue it is important to check that they have the appropriate entertainment licence and the conditions of their licence including the type of entertainment they are allowed (some venues are not permitted to have amplified music), finishing/get out times, performance area size/space restrictions, if they have any noise restrictions (such as sound limiters), access times for the band/artist, power supply etc.

 If you are considering a speciality act that uses fire or pyrotechnics, you also need to make sure that this is permitted in the venue.

 These points are always good to know early on as this may dictate the kind of entertainment you can look for. For example, some venues have sound limiters that cut out sound automatically when it goes over a certain volume, so if you have booked a band, this can damage their equipment and most importantly can disrupt the whole evening.

 However, all is not lost, even with a limitation on sound, there are still many acts that can be employed such as acoustic artists, but knowing this in advance will help you narrrow your search or review your venue.

 Band Hunting

So you know have an idea of the kind of act your venue will accommodate, lets go and look for your entertainment.

 Armed with the information acquired from the venue you can now approach the artists, but where do you look? Well, there are a few options available to you:

 Option 1 – Search the internet. You can do a search for a certain type of artist/ band, listen to their website demos or watch their showreel and contact the artist directly. Although many artists have their own website, a great website does not necessarily mean a great artist. So not only can this method be quite simply mind numbing and time consuming, it is also a bit of a lottery if you are booking an artist you have never heard of.

 Option 2 – Go on recommendation. This can narrow down your search quite fast, but do remember that colleagues may not have the same tastes and what one person may think is great might not be ideal for the guests attending your event.

 Option 3 – Go to an agent. There are lots of agencies out there, (I should know, I am own one of them.) Obviously there is going to be a fee increase for this service, (normally between 15- 20 % ) but, if the agency is a reputable one they should be able to earn their commission by verifying the acts and their ability, negotiating their fee to meet your budget, contracting the artist (more on that later) and communicating to the artist exactly what you need.

A note on professionalism. Many people place an importance on the performance but it is important not to overlook the other elements involved with booking an act/band for example, the way they conduct themselves both on and off stage, their dress code and also making sure they turn up in plenty of time etc.

 Things to ask the band/act

Whether you are going through an agent or directly to the artist, the questions are still the same.

 Here is important information you need to know about the artist:

 Availability:

You must first check that the artist is available on the date of your event and that they are happy to travel to the event location.

 How long will the artist perform for:

Performance times will vary depending on the kind of act you are booking and the event you are holding.

 There are so many different possibilities depending on your requirements, but to give you an example, a typical live performance by a function band would be something like the following:

 2 x 1 hour live sets (I like to include CD music in between and up to 45 mins after the performance)

 Or

 3 x 45 mins live sets (again with the bands would be quite happy to provide CD music in the price)

 Act/Band styles

Some artists are available as a ‘walkabout’ act as well as a stage act and some bands can perform as an acoustic duo or trio, as well as a full party band.

 If you have a larger event then you may wish to have a reception performer when the guests arrive or are eating lunch/dinner. This could be a walkabout act, close-up magician or acoustic duo or trio band.

 We have supplied many events with walkabout Mexican Mariachi bands, acoustic Hawaiian trio band, close-up magicians, human statues and Gypsy jazz musicians. It’s an upbeat and fun start to the evening before the main act, as well as a brilliant ice-breaker if your guests don’t know each other.

 The latter part of the event can then incorporate a stage show or band for dancing, either using an artist from earlier or a different artist altogether.

 Repertoire:

If you are booking a band, you should be able to get a sample set list from the band. I generally advise my clients to let the artist gauge the event as to what songs are played but within your initial enquiries it gives you a great idea of what they can do.

 Fees:

Once the artist has all your requirements, they will then be able to quote you formally.

 The fee you are quoted will be dependent on the location of the event, the performance you require, what day of the week your event is being held and the time of year your event is being held.

Barter!!

Don’t be afraid to barter, most artists/agents are happy to negotiate their fee, as every event is different.

The Booking

Let us assume you have narrowed down a selection of acts, what next?

If you have decided on the artist you wish to book, but you need to get the go ahead from your MD or person paying for the event, it would be recommended to ask the band to hold that date for you.

Most artists will be happy to pencil in a date for you if you require time to make a firm decision about booking. This ensures that they won’t take another booking while you’re in the decision making process.

Deposits and contracts

Any reputable band or artist will insist on a contract to be signed by all parties once you confirm your booking. This should include all of the information that both sides have agreed to.

More often than not, the contract will also include a requirement for you, as the client, to provide refreshments and lockable changing facilities/dressing room for the artist during their time spent at your event.

You may also be sent an artist rider with the contract which is a list of artist requirements that you will be expected to provide as a courtesy.

Things to confirm within the contract:

 Artist Name (making sure that the performers are the same ones as the demo/showreel!)

Location for the artist to appear

Date of performance

Time for arrival and set up of the artist

Performance times

Fee and payment terms (i.e deposits and payment due dates)

Artist contact number

Cancellation terms

Any special requirements regarding the performance/venue/guests or artist rider

As soon as you have signed and returned the contract and paid your deposit, your booking is confirmed.

The artist should be able to contact you a week before the performance to confirm any changes that you might have and you can rest assured that you have done all you can to make your event a night to remember.

A word on the author

Daniel Morris owns and runs The Morris Agency Ltd, one the UK’s leading music and entertainment specialists. Previous clients include the BBC, Citi Group, NHS to name but a few. They are also the booking agents for Pizza Express, English Heritage and many more. You can contact them on 0871 890 1015 and info@themorrisagency.co.uk or visit their website at  www.themorrisagency.co.uk

 Having sung at over 200 weddings with Mango, I know all too well that one of the most challenging things for a couple to do, is choose their ceremony music. Choosing the right music is very important as it accompanies all the major parts of the ceremony and sets the mood for the wedding. The songs you choose could be; songs you simply like, or songs that have some meaning to you both!
There are many websites out there to help choose your music and give you some ideas. Also, you can get inspiration from other brides in wedding forums such as; youandyourwedding.co.uk.

If you are having live music, perhaps talk to the band about your ideas. We, as Mango, have an extensive repertoire from different era’s and genres that suit a lot of musical tastes. So many couples find the songs they love from that. However, we do offer to learn a special song for our couples as this personalises their music choice. For example, we have many couples that have asked us to learn songs that fit in with their theme. One Bride had a Grace Kelly themed wedding and asked us to learn ‘True Love’ from the film High Society. Not only did it fit in with the theme, but was the Brides’ late Grandmothers favourite song and extremely personal to the family. It was a fantastic song to play as we knew it meant so much to them. We get asked to learn all sorts of different songs from the Kingsmill Bread advert song (Lucky to me) to the Smashing Pumpkins song ‘Tonight Tonight’. If like us you love music, choosing which tunes to have can be great fun and will hopefully come together beautifully on the day.

If you don’t know where to start, then help is here!!
We suggest to our clients that they choose between 5-6 songs as your guests are arriving. This sets the mood for the ceremony, they needn’t necessarily be soppy love songs, but perhaps songs that mean something to you which you enjoy listening to. (Brides remember that you won’t be there at this point!)

Processional
Choose one song for the processional – remember to think how long your aisle is. If it’s very short then the chances are you’ll be at the altar before the song really gets going! Maybe have the song play a bit before you make your grand entrance or, if you have a lot of bridesmaids, perhaps send them in before you, in order to maximise the length of the song. Your live band will be able to tailor the song to the length of the aisle. However, if you are using recorded music and are a bit technically minded, you can always edit the song to the right length. Windows movie maker is quite good to do this – you can add fade ins and outs to the music too. Also, as daft as you might feel – try practising walking along to the music. You can get a feel for the pace of the song and you can work out what part of the song will work best. Perhaps do this when no one is looking!!

Signing of the register

Choose two songs for the signing of the register. I always suggest to my clients to choose one main song and a back up song – just in case people are still taking photos.

Recessional

Choose one song for the recessional – and again, think of your aisle size. Chances are you will both be down the aisle before the intro has finished. As with the processional song, a live band can tailor this for you. Why not have a bit of fun with this one? Choose something that could turn heads, or maybe even make people giggle. We knew a couple that chose the Wallace and Gromit theme tune!

You may already know that if you are having a Civil ceremony, then the music can’t contain any religious content. Your registrar will be able to vet all the songs you choose and will inform you if any are unsuitable.

I wish you all the best in choosing your ceremony music.

Have fun deciding, and have a great wedding!

Charlie xxx

To book Mango for your wedding (or just to get some good song ideas!) visit our website – www.mangoacoustic.co.uk

07821 740304

hire mango

 Generally the most expensive parts of the day are:-

 The Church – usually costs around £500.00. Church decoration can cost anything up to £5,000.00 (believe me I produces the video for the wedding)

 The Reception – the sky is the limit but at least £35.00 a head for the meal, £20.00 a head for the drinks plus another £25.00 a head for the evening buffet. That could be at least £80.00 for every guest – £800.00 for ten, £8,000.00 for 100.

 The dress can cost £500.00 to £2,500.00 and more.

 Bridesmaids outfits – usually at least £100.00 each.

 The cake could be £500.00 to £1,500.00.

 Photography normally costs £1500.00 to £3,000.00.

 Wedding cars again can cost from £500.00 to £1,500.00

 Stationary and postage for invitations at least £150.00

 You are already well on the way to spending £17.250.00. Could that be the deposit on a fairly nice house?

 So how can you save money on what should be the greatest day of your lives?

Talk to people – many suppliers will offer you special prices for “Off Peak” weddings – usually weekdays, Sundays or from October to April.

Ask for help to save money, get help from friends and family, search out any musician friends and ask them to perform, find a well spoken, confident friend who can be your toast master or master of ceremonies. Most of us know someone who is good with makeup, hairstyling, design, crafts and so on. Ask for help, most people will be more than happy to be a real part of your special day. Have a “DIY” party for your friends to help you with invitation, flowers, table decorations, favours and so on but be sure to give them some delicious snacks and drinks as a thank you.

Music. Contact your local college and ask if they have anyone who would perform at your wedding.

Make the most of EBAY and the Wonderful World Wide Web.

Church. Talk to the vicar at your church, if you are a regular church goer explain that you are on a really tight budget but want to get married in the Church and ask for his help. Do you really need the Bells?, or even a choir – find out about using a music CD, do you need a copyright or PRS licence or has the Church already got one?

Save on Church decoration by timing your day to coincide with a religious holiday or flower festival when the church will already be decorated.

Unless you have a good reason for getting married in Church consider using a Registry Office, wedding venue, Pub, Hotel, village hall and so on. Many farmers have diversified into offering facilities ranging from a field, to a designer venue with room for your reception, marquee, converted barns and so on.

Why not do the “Legal Bit” at a registry office and have a civil celebrant to conduct a relaxed and beautiful celebration of your marriage at home if you have space or at some other venue, field, tent, barn, marquee etc.

Reception. Trim your guest list, and then trim it again. You don’t need to feel pressured to invite cousins, colleagues from work or distant relatives. If you don’t invite anyone from a particular group none of them will feel left out. Don’t let your friends bring their children or feel pressured to let single friends bring a date. Every time you add a name you could be adding £50 to £100 or even more to the cost (that’s a cool £1000.00 for 10 people).

If your wedding and reception are in a hotel ask for a substantial discount on the room rate for guests.

Talk to your caterer, be honest and don’t be afraid to ask whether a buffet would be cheaper than a sit down meal, find out which are the least expensive entrees, nibbles and canapés. Ask if you can supply your own booze, find out if just beer and wine would be cheaper than a full bar.

Most of the major supermarkets produce “party platters” with a selection of canapés, snacks and nibbles. The Dress. Shop around, check out the Internet. Look for designer dress sample sales – if your size 6, 8 or 10 you could find an absolute bargain but the sales only happen once a year. If you buy second hand be sure that the dress has been properly cleaned and is really goo quality you should save up to 80% on the new price. Oxfam has a specialist shop for wedding dresses some of which are new, ask them for details. Consider buying a beautiful suit or outfit that you can wear again. The so called traditional White Wedding Dress is a Victorian invention along with all those expensive designer Christmas, birthday, get well soon and wedding invitation cards that we needlessly spend so much on.

Bridesmaids outfits. Will they but there own? Something that they might wear again for a party etc. Do you know anyone who could make the outfits, especially for little bridesmaids, or flower girls.

Invitations. Save postage and printing costs by keeping them simple, print your own using one of the excellent DIY design packages available on line, leave out the RSVP card and ask guests to reply by phone or e-mail.

The Cake. Can someone make a cake or decorate a shop bought cake for you. M&S and several other stores produce really lovely wedding cakes which you can decorate with fresh fruit, flowers, chocolate etc. Why not hire a cake stand and buy some “designer cup cakes” – again check out the web for suppliers. 

 Having said all of this you should consider those things where you really need professional help –

Large flower arrangements and centrepieces (do you really need them?).

Bride and Bridesmaid bouquets as photographers we see far too many fall apart on the day, usually because the flowers have just been stuck into oasis foam without wiring.

Your wedding Dress – see above.

Your wedding cake – again see above.

Catering – see above.

Photography – Obviously as I make my living from wedding photography I think that everyone should have a professional wedding photographer. I genuinely hear all sorts of horror stories about the pictures that “didn’t come out”, blurred, dodgy backgrounds, so if you want more information check out my other blogs.

 With the average wedding budget running between £17,000.00 and £25,000.00 (yes it looks more if you put the 0’s in) what can you do to save money on your wedding without compromising your day.

 Generally the most expensive parts of the day are:-

 The Church – usually costs around £500.00. Church decoration can cost anything up to £5,000.00 (believe me I produces the video for the wedding)

 The Reception – the sky is the limit but at least £35.00 a head for the meal, £20.00 a head for the drinks plus another £25.00 a head for the evening buffet. That could be at least £80.00 for every guest – £800.00 for ten, £8,000.00 for 100.

 The dress can cost £500.00 to £2,500.00 and more.

 Bridesmaids outfits – usually at least £100.00 each.

 The cake could be £500.00 to £1,500.00.

 Photography normally costs £1500.00 to £3,000.00.

 Wedding cars again can cost from £500.00 to £1,500.00

 Stationary and postage for invitations at least £150.00

 You are already well on the way to spending £17.250.00. Could that be the deposit on a fairly nice house?

 So how can you save money on what should be the greatest day of your lives?

 Talk to people – many suppliers will offer you special prices for “Off Peak” weddings – usually weekdays, Sundays or from October to April.

Ask for help to save money, get help from friends and family, search out any musician friends and ask them to perform, find a well spoken, confident friend who can be your toast master or master of ceremonies. Most of us know someone who is good with makeup, hairstyling, design, crafts and so on. Ask for help, most people will be more than happy to be a real part of your special day. Have a “DIY” party for your friends to help you with invitation, flowers, table decorations, favours and so on but be sure to give them some delicious snacks and drinks as a thank you.

Music. Contact your local college and ask if they have anyone who would perform at your wedding.

Make the most of EBAY and the Wonderful World Wide Web.

Church. Talk to the vicar at your church, if you are a regular church goer explain that you are on a really tight budget but want to get married in the Church and ask for his help. Do you really need the Bells?, or even a choir – find out about using a music CD, do you need a copyright or PRS licence or has the Church already got one?

Save on Church decoration by timing your day to coincide with a religious holiday or flower festival when the church will already be decorated.

Unless you have a good reason for getting married in Church consider using a Registry Office, wedding venue, Pub, Hotel, village hall and so on. Many farmers have diversified into offering facilities ranging from a field, to a designer venue with room for your reception, marquee, converted barns and so on.

Why not do the “Legal Bit” at a registry office and have a civil celebrant to conduct a relaxed and beautiful celebration of your marriage at home if you have space or at some other venue, field, tent, barn, marquee etc.

Reception. Trim your guest list, and then trim it again. You don’t need to feel pressured to invite cousins, colleagues from work or distant relatives. If you don’t invite anyone from a particular group none of them will feel left out. Don’t let your friends bring their children or feel pressured to let single friends bring a date. Every time you add a name you could be adding £50 to £100 or even more to the cost (that’s a cool £1000.00 for 10 people).

If your wedding and reception are in a hotel ask for a substantial discount on the room rate for guests.

 Talk to your caterer, be honest and don’t be afraid to ask whether a buffet would be cheaper than a sit down meal, find out which are the least expensive entrees, nibbles and canapés. Ask if you can supply your own booze, find out if just beer and wine would be cheaper than a full bar.

 Most of the major supermarkets produce “party platters” with a selection of canapés, snacks and nibbles. The Dress. Shop around, check out the Internet. Look for designer dress sample sales – if your size 6, 8 or 10 you could find an absolute bargain but the sales only happen once a year. If you buy second hand be sure that the dress has been properly cleaned and is really goo quality you should save up to 80% on the new price. Oxfam has a specialist shop for wedding dresses some of which are new, ask them for details. Consider buying a beautiful suit or outfit that you can wear again. The so called traditional White Wedding Dress is a Victorian invention along with all those expensive designer Christmas, birthday, get well soon and wedding invitation cards that we needlessly spend so much on.

Bridesmaids outfits. Will they but there own? Something that they might wear again for a party etc. Do you know anyone who could make the outfits, especially for little bridesmaids, or flower girls.

Invitations. Save postage and printing costs by keeping them simple, print your own using one of the excellent DIY design packages available on line, leave out the RSVP card and ask guests to reply by phone or e-mail.

The Cake. Can someone make a cake or decorate a shop bought cake for you. M&S and several other stores produce really lovely wedding cakes which you can decorate with fresh fruit, flowers, chocolate etc. Why not hire a cake stand and buy some “designer cup cakes” – again check out the web for suppliers.

Having said all of this you should consider those things where you really need professional help –

Large flower arrangements and centrepieces (do you really need them?).

Bride and Bridesmaid bouquets as photographers we see far too many fall apart on the day, usually because the flowers have just been stuck into oasis foam without wiring.

Your wedding Dress – see above.

Your wedding cake – again see above.

Catering – see above.

Photography – Obviously as I make my living from wedding photography I think that everyone should have a professional wedding photographer. I genuinely hear all sorts of horror stories about the pictures that “didn’t come out”, blurred, dodgy backgrounds, so if you want more information check out my other blogs.

Article and photographs by Mike Watts.

 http://michaeldwatts.com/wedding.html