Cherish Wedding planning service

If you are getting married this weekend, then Congratulations.

A wedding should have a starting point and some initial inspiration but this should not really take over into a theme.

I always advise to choose things you like and then it will all come together as a reflection of you both. Do not worry too much if things match, and do not try too hard to coordinate. Choose carefully but do not set yourself too many rules – other than budget.

Happy Easter to all the brides and  grooms planning their wedding.

If you need any inspiration just email me zoe@cherishweddingplanning.co.uk

Roast chestnuts would be a great idea for your guests as they arrive at the reception.

With a glass of mulled wine as an aperitif or with a hot chocolate last thing in the evening.

You can hire the roaster for an event   http://www.livingthecream.co.uk/living-the-cream-chestnut-roaster.php

Have a look at the gramaphone hire too.

This is a great idea,and I would certainly love a little treat as I was leaving a wedding.

So the idea is that at the end of the evening someone ( wedding planner) sets up a table of espresso shots, chocolates, liqueurs, sweets or just a nice note to say thank you and a little something for the journey home.

The options are endless – hot chocolate is my favourite!

This is a new website that allows brides to cut and paste the things they like from magazines into a scrap book but online.

You can search by item or colours or themes.

Every item that is on the site has been vetted by the company and selected for approval before adding to their already huge resource of clippings.

So quick and easy to use, it will also suggest things you might like.

Have a go and let us know what you think. Only wish i had thought of it!

http://lover.ly/

This month we are pleased to see our feature in the August issue (71) of perfect wedding magazine.

How to dress up your venue, with fab finishing touches from Cherish wedding planning.

It is such a handy size magazine and packed full of good ideas.

We were very happy to contribute when they asked us for ideas about pulling a theme together.

Personally i like seeing children at weddings, but if your numbers are tight or the occasion isn’t very child friendly then it is completely your choice.

If there are going to be children at your wedding then i think it is best to provide them with a little party bag.

I do not think they need special food, just smaller portions. I do not think you need an entertainer or creche for them, unless you have lots of children and then it is a nice idea so that guests can relax a little more.

I suggest asking a bridesmaid or close friend to buy some small gifts to occupy them, and the odd lollipop usually helps too. Or you could always give me a last minute call and i will happily shop for you and deliver them on the day.

Don’t be surprised if the adults on the table start playing too!

And then hide all those bits in a stylish personalised goody bag for the child to keep.

Like the ones pictured at the top - http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/tilliemint/product/childrens-personalised-party-bags

This rainy May 1st, and i am searching for inspiration for a moodboard.

I realised that some of the traditional ‘always there’ elements of weddings from the last 50 years are slowly becoming less popular. You can have an unusual one of a kind wedding, whilst still keeping some traditions.

Here are some of the things i love that are becoming less common features.

Veils -

Sugared almonds -

Cake boxes -

corsages -

lucky horseshoes as a gift to the bride -

Reading out cards from guests who couldn’t attend! One of my favourite traditions for the speeches that is very rare these days.

Most are there for a reason, and all of them can be modernised.

But the new traditions are good too – like celebrating for an entire weekend!!

A Wedding to Remember: Trends for 2012

The quintessential image of a traditional wedding consists of a bride in a dress made with yards of white satin, coupled with a bridal bouquet of beautiful roses.  For those anticipating a wedding during 2012, however, the latest trends can serve to make that special day unique.

Fashion Trends for 2012 Weddings

One of the most popular wedding gown designs of 2012 will be based upon the sleek lines of Kate Middleton’s dress for her 2011 nuptials.  Unlike the billowing gowns of generations past, these dresses will show slender figures off to advantage; they exemplify the adage that “less is more.”   By reducing the number of ruffles and other extraneous decorative elements, the dress calls attention to the beauty and elegance of the woman wearing it. Indeed, this is the most important function of a wedding gown.  Just as a picture frame should serve to complement the artwork it contains, a wedding dress should enhance a bride’s appearance rather than becoming the show in and of itself.

Another important fashion trend for 2012 weddings concerns colour schemes.  Whereas in years past it had become popular to choose two or more colours that work well together, 2012 will see the emergence of a preference for a single colour reflected in several shades.  For example, those who want a blue-themed wedding may choose flowers, napkins, and other accessories in hues such as sky blue, navy, and indigo.  Such a colour scheme is another reflection of the “less is more” approach and will provide weddings with a look that is elegant and sophisticated.

Some 2012 brides will also opt for more colour in the wedding gown itself, preferring beautiful pale shades of rose or blush to traditional white.  Other brides will still prefer to dress in white, but will add colour to their ensemble by including dazzling sashes or shoes – both in bright colours.

Jewellery Trends for 2012 Weddings 

The trend away from gold and towards silver will continue and even accelerate as more and more brides look to a London silver dealer to provide them with a beautiful tiara, necklace, or bracelet to complement their wedding attire.  New jewellery pieces will be popular, but so will antique pieces that can fulfil the very first requirement of the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” refrain that many brides still attempt to follow.

One of the more unusual jewellery trends for 2012 weddings will consist of ornamentation worn across the forehead, much in the manner of a Hindu princess.  Glittering teardrops fashioned of silver and diamonds are a popular form of this jewellery; such items can often be found at a London silver dealer.

Where to Hold a 2012 Wedding 

Churches will of course always be important venues for marriage ceremonies, but in 2012 many couples will opt to hold their nuptials out in the countryside at other venues, such as a stately home or country house hotel.  The best of such venues will transport the bride and groom into a past age and provide excellent service.  Such surroundings also make for great wedding photographs.

Q13 –Are there any themes that work well for budget weddings?

Just about any theme can be used for a wedding, and any creative bride can use an idea for inspiration.

A good place to start is looking at wedding supplier websites to see if they have any special offers or clearance for particular themes.

If you go back to your 3 most important things and then see how ideas can fit with that. A summer marquee wedding could have a garden party feel, with rugs for picnics or a BBQ. A Venue wedding could just have a simple colour theme, which means you can source items from a greater range of shops.

A vintage styled wedding, means you can serve afternoon tea following the ceremony, and leave out an evening reception.

Q10 – How do you negotiate the best deals? 

Often companies do have some movement in their prices, but brides are not always keen to ask.

Don’t be afraid to tell your supplier that you are looking for their best prices, and ask if they have any areas where the quote could be reduced.

They may offer you a price that is only available for the week. So tell them you are prepared to make a quick decision and see what happens.

One of the simplest ways to check that you are getting value for money is to get quotes from several suppliers and compare them. Then you can have the confidence to ask for a discount, especially if the prices vary enormously and you have a preferred supplier.

Or if you can’t do it yourself ask a Wedding Planner to do it for you!