Top four ‘must-know’ tips when planning a hen do

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Gone are the days of a hen do simply being a pub meal and then dancing while dressed in shocking pink with badges half the size of your head stuck to your chest. Boring. Now it’s sophisticated outings, weekends abroad or travelling the British Isles to discover the best spas, yummiest local foods or the best champagne. Whichever you chose, make it personal.

From nibbles and tipples to secret hideaways with sumptuous hot tubs and champagne, you now have as many choices for your hen do as Chanel did shoes. Thanks to websites like Deal Checker destinations and creative jaunts are now easily accessible and the days of the uninspired pink overload around the local pub has disappeared.

Top four tips to planning a hen do

 

1. It’s all about the hen, bout the hen, bout the hen, no treble

   You don’t have to involve male stripper, a pink boa and willy straws. Consider who your hen is: is she quiet and loves settling into a spa day, maybe she loves champagne or even cooking. Tailor parts of your day/weekend to surprise her with something she loves to do to relax.

2. Plan

   It’s all in the planning so get googling and check out the best ideas, best budgets, best travel for your chosen destination and plan it thoroughly.

3. Invitation only

   Make sure you invite the right bunch. I’m guessing you know your hen well so you’ll know who you can and who you shouldn’t invite. Yep, there’s always some on the list you know you have to invite but just because she’s a mum at school doesn’t mean you need to invite all the mums in her class. Group dynamics is key to the event so put some thought into the invitations and who they’ll go to and don’t have afraid to check in with your hen about it if you’re stuck. Better to get it right than wrong.

4. Be unique

   Think outside the bulk stock standard hen party ideas and create a day or weekend that flows at a good relaxed pace. Write a list of ideas you think she’ll love and be unique. Do something that doesn’t scream ‘hen party’ like indoor skydiving. Get creative. There’s so many incredible cities at our doorstep that a weekend away hen do is a brilliant and unique way to celebrate. Check out Dealchecker’s alternative hen do hotspots for some brilliant ideas on leaving your city and adventuring – whether you want to spurge a little or create a weekend to remember on a shoe string.

 

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Cute Ideas for Your Rural Wedding

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Cute Ideas for Your Rural Wedding

Not everyone wants an intensely formal wedding, with stiff suits, crippling shoes and identical bridesmaids. This is especially the case in the summer, when it’s just too hot for black tie and long gowns. The summer months are perfect for a rural or rustic wedding – you can spend more time outside and you also have the perfect excuse to do away with collars and don a pair of wellies (or even go barefoot) instead!

Here’s some great ideas to make your rustic wedding one to remember.

Relaxed bouquets

A rural wedding needs artfully tatty and imperfect bouquets. You should aim for an arrangement that is loose, asymmetrical and looks like you put it together yourself a few minutes beforehand.

If you’re using wildflowers, leave the stems loose, rather than wrapped in tinfoil or plastic. Tie them together with lengths of jute or muslin.

Dress style

Your bridesmaids could wear simple printed smocks or shift dresses – matching or not – teamed up with sandals or wellies.

Photo ideas

Fashion some large heart shapes out of twigs and branches and use them to frame you and your new spouse. If you’re getting married on or near a farm, walk through the fields and along the fences for some great snaps. If you’ve chosen a beautiful wedding venue in Cheshire, you’re onto a winner.

The ceremony itself

You could greet arriving guests with directions, order of ceremony, menus, activities and so on, all written on chalkboards leaning on haybales.

Your flower girl could sport an ivy crown and a mossy basket to hold her flowers. She could scatter petals as she walks along, too.

Transport

Find an old pick-up truck or tractor-trailer to arrive in, as well as to transport your guests around the site in. You could even hire a horse-drawn carriage for the day – for yourselves and for the children.

At the reception

Use a rough and rustic wooden sign to guide guests along to the reception venue.

Inside the venue, make sure your rustic look has a touch of glamour by adding lots of twinkling lights, twig and branch-themed centrepieces and candles.

If you’re holding your reception in a big barn or hall, forget the florals for a while and have a line of cut tree trunks, festooned with jute or gingham, holding up smaller, understated flower arrangements. Jute is an under-rated fabric so read this to find out more about it.

Tree ring slices are becoming popular at weddings and many people are using them instead of glass or metal chargers at place settings.

It’s a sign of the times, but many of your guests will be tweeting photos and messages from your wedding, so place small chalkboards displaying your hashtag on each table.

Table centrepieces

Get some old wooden boxes – the tattier the better – and place a mismatched collection of bottles and tealight holders on them. Don’t forget the jute, twine and gingham.

Use old wine bottles or Mason jars as table numbers – you’ll need to get creative with the paints here, to make the numbers stand out, but once done it looks great.

Featured Image by Linus Moran Photography

 

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Questions to Ask Your Wedding Band

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Before choosing your wedding band, you need to have a shortlist of four or five, so you can grill them before settling on your ideal match. Here are questions are your need-to-know questions:

What’s your overall style?

You need to be sure that their style fits in with your theme. If you’re planning a swish cocktail reception, you probably won’t want Norwegian death metallers.

Can we see footage of previous receptions you’ve worked?

Some bands have clips on their websites, or they have a Soundcloud embed so you can listen to them in action.

Do you know the venue we’re choosing? If not, could you check it out beforehand?

Your band should be able to work out the acoustics in a building and tailor their equipment and sound to “fill” it. If they don’t want to scope out an unfamiliar venue, cross them off your list.

Can you play traditional songs, like the Jewish hora?

Better known as the “havanagila” song, this song is a must at Jewish weddings. If they don’t know it, are they prepared to learn it? If you’re looking for a wedding band hire in Leeds, there are a few bands that can oblige without having to learn.

Do we need to rent any equipment?

Do they need a piano, or extra speakers, or a stage? Is any of their equipment a bit unsightly and if so, will it need to be covered over?

Do you include special effects? Or are they extra?

You might want a smoke machine, or lights, and this might cost extra or it might be par for the course for your band.

How do you provide a comfortable sound level for everyone?

Older guests won’t want a loud band and teenage guests don’t want a tea dance. Experienced wedding bands should know how to cater for everyone at once.

How many hours does your package include?

Most bands will play for a while, then take a break, during which there’s a DJ, then start up again. Ask them what their usual schedule is, and invite them to eat and have a drink in between.

How do we make song requests?

Most bands prefer requests to be passed discreetly to them, although more raucous outfits might not mind well-oiled aunties asking for “I Will Survive” every half hour…

Is ours your only wedding on that day?

If yours is the last one of the day, ask if they ever do encores or overtime. Similarly, if a previous engagement runs over, how will they deal with this?

Can they replace ill members?

Every band should have several stand-ins in case of illness – ideally you should meet them.

Can I see your liability insurance?

If not, this is a deal-breaker.

How do you deal with equipment malfunctions?

One band member should be the handyman (or woman) who fixes the blown amp while bandmates go a capella. Ask about back-up plans in case of vehicle malfunction too.Click here to read more about a capella.

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What do you do if you’re a Bridesmaid?

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I love this Bridesmaid infographic! While most of us think we already know what to do, this is a fantastic list to keep us on our toes.

Featured image by the amazing, Ky Lu of B Captured.

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Corsets that blow your mind, not your budget!

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As many of you know I have a ‘thing’, a dream if you will to own as many corsets as I can – so far, I have two. I know, miserable right? Not a great start really but in my world, that of school runs, dirty clothes and sweating over my Mac, they’re not really appropriate. Insert dream of a different, elaborate lifestyle where corsets are a must!! – And to be honest, there aren’t a lot of designers out there that I’ve found that I absolutely love when it comes to corsetry work. But guess what?! Today, I’ve got a new one to show you. I’m totally smitten with her work and her corsets and wedding dresses are just ‘blow your mind feminine’. They ooze sensuality, sexuality and if Anne Summers were to design like this we’d be at the store every pay day and Hubby-to-be would be in his ultimate dreamland!

I would throw one of these on with a pair of jeans and a blazer if I were brave enough.  And that’s the ultimate beauty that I love about a corset, no matter what size or shape you are, you look sexy, gorgeous, beautiful and feel all of the above.

Todays designer is the fabulous Juliana from Moscow – check out her site at Juliana.ru for more of her stunning designs.

 

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10 Eco-Friendly Ideas for Planning a Green Wedding

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Guest Post by Sara Gomez

Your wedding is one of the most special, unforgettable days of your life. For a lot of brides, that means spending an extravagant amount of money on a huge reception—and a lot of waste to go with it. But these days, a lot of brides are shunning convention and tradition, and turning to eco-friendly alternatives. Here are 10 ideas for planning your wedding which will keep it both budget-friendly and environmentally friendly.

Invitations

Image Credit: Littlemissmrs.com

There was a time when invitations were written on handcrafted paper. These days, they are generally mass-produced. But do you even need paper invites? These days you can save money and trees by going paperless and inviting your guests through email. That doesn’t stop you from choosing fun custom designs or sending special personalized messages—in fact it makes it easier. Plus, it’s fast and convenient for your guests, who can RSVP instantly with the click of a mouse. Along with your invite, you can send a map to your ceremony, a link to your gift registry, and more.

If you want to stick with paper invites, use recycled materials. Nowadays you can get recycled paper in any color, size, or texture you choose. Seeded paper is very popular for invitations.

Flowers

Image Credit: Flickr.com

Flowers only last for a few days and then they wilt and die. Spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on flowers which aren’t ecologically harvested is a waste both to your wallet and the planet. Still, they are undeniably beautiful and help to create a festive atmosphere. Here are a few options which can help you stay eco-friendly without abandoning wedding flowers:

• Order cut flowers from an eco-friendly online florist that imports blooms from countries where they cost much less to grow and leave a smaller ecological footprint. They are delivered straight to your door, which reduces carbon emissions even further. It also cuts costs for you.

• Use potted plants for some of your wedding reception flowers. They make great centerpieces, and you can give them away to your guests as gifts afterwards. They will brighten the homes of your friends and relatives long after the wedding is over.

• Combine traditional cut flowers from the florist with some local wildflowers or succulents for a unique look that fits in harmoniously with your surroundings.

All of these ideas will save money and help you protect the planet while beautifying your ceremony and reception.

Earth-friendly Food and Drinks

Image Credit: BridalGuide.com

Image Credit: BridalGuide.com

First, look for a caterer who believes in your passion and vision to go green. The best eco-friendly caterer will serve organic food and beverages and will source local and seasonal ingredients where possible.

For seafood, stick with species that are not endangered and stay away from caviar and Chilean sea bass. Make sure that the fish have been humanely harvested in a sustainable way.

For beverages, look for organic wines and champagnes you can serve at your reception. Organic juices make a great non-alcoholic beverage option, and are very trendy these days. You can also make iced tea using local, fresh ingredients.

What about your wedding cake? Ask your baker to make use of local organic flour, milk, and eggs. For dishware, stay away from disposable plates and cutlery. Use real plates and bowls and glasses and silverware that you can wash and re-use. Use ecologically friendly detergents in the kitchen.

Wedding Rings

Image Credit: BHG.com

How can you go green with wedding rings? Go to a jeweler that uses recycled gold and fair labor gemstones. Stay away from “blood diamonds” or “conflict diamonds,” and never buy a diamond if the jeweler cannot provide you with its full history.

Wedding Dress

Image Credit: BHG.com

If you feel strongly about advocating a greener world, what better way to show it than by wearing a recycled wedding gown? While it used to be traditional for mothers and grandmothers to pass down their wedding gowns, many brides these days buy brand-new dresses and wear them only once. After that, they just go to waste.

Buy a used wedding gown, or let a friend or relative pass theirs down to you. If you need to, you can always take it to a local tailor to have it altered the way you need so that it fits your size and your style (a great way to provide business to a local artisan). After you wear your dress, pass it on to someone else!

A Green Venue

Image Credit: Valrovere.com

You can also be eco-friendly in your choice of venue. Pick a spot that showcases the beauty of your environment. A romantic garden wedding or a wedding with a natural backdrop like a sea cliff or a forest makes a great option. The most picturesque backgrounds are ready-made by nature. All you have to do to find them is look. Be sure to leave the venue as you found it. Do not litter or pollute. Leave only footprints!

Go local for most supplies

Image Credit: TheKnot.com

Stick with local products for your food, beverages, linens, and other supplies wherever possible. Doing so reduces the costs associated with transportation and pollution, and helps you to support your community. One exception is cut flowers! Oftentimes, local flowers are not the most ecological choice. Flowers imported from Ecuador and other warm countries are often better, because those locations provide the right environment to grow roses and other traditional wedding blooms year-round. That means there is fewer carbon emissions associated with production.

Digital Memories

Image Credit: WeddingsOutfit.com

Use a digital camera instead of an analogue camera to capture your wedding memories. That way you do not have to deal with rolls of film and chemicals. It’s also a lot more convenient. You don’t need to have the photos developed. And you get to choose the shots you want and edit them the way you wish. Print only what you really want to, and keep the rest of your shots as digital memories.

Green Giveaways

Image Credit: Etsy.com

What will you hand out as party favors? Plant seeds or potted plants make wonderful green gifts. They add to your décor at the reception, and at the end of the day, cleaning up is easy! Just hand them around. These are unique gifts which keep giving year round as they bloom and grow.

Wedding Decorations

Image Credit: BridalGuide.com

Image Credit: BridalGuide.com

This is one of the best ways to show off your ingenuity when it comes to going green. Make Mason jar lanterns or create handmade soy candles to light up your centerpieces. Use chalkboard paint to create table placards, signs at your venue, and more. There are hundreds of ways to recycle and up-cycle. DIY projects allow you to make use of the materials around you to beautify your ceremony and reception instead of letting them go to waste. Doing it yourself is fun and environmentally friendly, and will give your wedding a unique, personalized look and feel!

As you can see, there are many ways to go green on your wedding day—or any other big event you have to plan. Make a conscious effort to be gentle to the environment and avoid products and processes which damage it. Life is precious, and a wedding should be a celebration of that fact.

Contributed by Flower Explosion: Flower Explosion is a florist that provides high-quality, fresh-cut flowers — including done-for-you wedding flower packages at DIY prices.

http://ift.tt/1MPasEP – Flower Explosion on Facebook – @flowerexplosion

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A vintage wedding shoot

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Beautifully styled and romantically shot, this vintage wedding shoot shot by Julia Mills captures the essence of the old with the beauty of the new. Stunning dresses, exquisite accessories – what is not to love with this gorgeous wedding shoot. Julia also plays with some really interesting photographic techniques to enhance the vintage feel. Gorgeous!!

Vintage Wedding Shoot

The initial inspiration for our vintage bridal themed shoot came from one of the make up artists, Julie West.  Her vision was to create a bridal look that, as with all her bridal looks she creates, would be romantic and beautiful, but on this occasion had a vintage twist.  As the photographer on the shoot I chose to incorporate a photographic technique known as light painting as well as traditional studio flash to create lighting that would enhance the vintage feel.
The clothing and accessories were loaned to us by a retired wedding boutique owner and although not perhaps stereotypically fashionable for contemporary brides, harked back to an era of romantic beauty and lent themselves well to our vintage theme.

During the search for a location Julie mentioned that she’s been really inspired by a restaurant/pub that she’d found in Winchester called The Green Man.  Its seductively beautiful interior and classic surroundings gave us the perfect backdrop for our shoot and worked really well with our photographic light painting technique too.

 

        

 

Photographer: Julia Mills

 

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