Hello bloggers, it seems I have come into contact with someone who had a cold, and they have kindly passed it on. A bit irritating as I think it was from a family member (thankfully it's not of the swine variety so I am carrying on). I was at a wedding this weekend and had the best time. I know, you ask surprised, do I ever not, given how much I love weddings, but this one was even better than usual because there was a lot of family gathered from all corners to celebrate together.
The Bride was a beautiful gazelle in a stunning figure hugging dress, with matching coat and the Groom was as dashing as ever in his traditional morning suit. Everyone had smiles on their faces, and wished nothing but happy thoughts for the couple starting their married life together...I know I'm gushing, but it really was an amazing day - and it didn't rain, so was even better!
I think the only thing that made a slight irk was when we'd heard the speeches (embarrassing and funny in equal amounts), finished the food (Salmon, followed by Hog Roast, followed by apple pie and raspberry crumble - delicious), watched the happy couple cut the cake (carrot, lemon drizzle, and victoria sponge layers - heaven) and the band started to play....yes I'm afraid this was where it went slightly awry, they weren't what I had imagined.
Now, I have to say that I'm not a singer, I'd be one of the embarrassing auditionees on X Factor if I thought for one iota I could hold a tune in my head - thankfully I'm not that naive when it comes to my abilities, but honestly I wasn't sure what to make of the chosen band. There is nothing like a good catch up, and wriggle on the dance floor when it comes to weddings, but I'm afraid on this occasion I refrained from gracing the dancefloor. Maybe it's because I didn't have as much to drink as others in our company, but I wasn't overly keen on their rendition of a few of my favourite tracks. Quite possibly down to personal taste, as there were quite a few other guests giving it their best moves, but I'm not totally convinced they played to all the guests in attendance.
But this story is good for you as it lends another tip in your quest for the most perfect day - please go and watch a live performance of the band you choose for your reception entertainment before you part with any money. Your day is ultimately about you and your fiancé having the most wonderful day, but it would be good if your guests could all join in the dancing on the night of your big day. Needless to say the bride and groom (and many of the other dancers!) still had a fabulous day, they were still up dancing with everyone else, but I think they would have been a tad weirded out to hear a couple of minor rumblings amongst their nearest and dearest.
It's up to you, but it wouldn't take much extra effort to vet the entertainment for your day, just to make sure it went without a hitch, or comment.
So for now I will leave you to continue my set up for a wedding fayre I will be attending this weekend - for those of you in the area, I will be at The Roebuck Hotel in Ware, Hertfordshire from 11am - 3pm this Sunday 31st January.
If you have any direct questions or queries, as always here's my email: info@weddingsbyelaine.co.uk
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
New Start to the New Year
Sorry it's been a while - can you believe we're already in the middle of January, I feel this is going to be another fast paced year!
Anyway, to let you know what's been going on...I resigned from my day job. I don't think I told you much about me as a person, just launched into some helpful (hopefully) hints on where to start with planning and how to enjoy your wedding. But, I have been a Project Manager for many years working for both large and small companies, however the time has come to branch out on my own. I have taken the leap of faith and am going to be a Wedding Planner full time. This is a 4 year decision in the making, but I'm determined that this will be my year...well it feels like it should be anyway.
With 2 bookings in the diary, and 2 hopefully coming this way - and 2 in the diary for next year, January has started out well...let's hope it continues, as I have now given up my full time income, hmm, fingers crossed.
As with any great momentus decision while empowering taking things into your own hands, it can feel very daunting. That's about where I am right now, so bare with me as I share with you the ups and downs of working on my own as well as trying to impart some words of wisdom that might help you on your journey as you plan your special day.
Until next time...
Don't forget contact me any time if you need advice or a point in the right direction: info@weddingsbyelaine.co.uk
Anyway, to let you know what's been going on...I resigned from my day job. I don't think I told you much about me as a person, just launched into some helpful (hopefully) hints on where to start with planning and how to enjoy your wedding. But, I have been a Project Manager for many years working for both large and small companies, however the time has come to branch out on my own. I have taken the leap of faith and am going to be a Wedding Planner full time. This is a 4 year decision in the making, but I'm determined that this will be my year...well it feels like it should be anyway.
With 2 bookings in the diary, and 2 hopefully coming this way - and 2 in the diary for next year, January has started out well...let's hope it continues, as I have now given up my full time income, hmm, fingers crossed.
As with any great momentus decision while empowering taking things into your own hands, it can feel very daunting. That's about where I am right now, so bare with me as I share with you the ups and downs of working on my own as well as trying to impart some words of wisdom that might help you on your journey as you plan your special day.
Until next time...
Don't forget contact me any time if you need advice or a point in the right direction: info@weddingsbyelaine.co.uk
Friday, 1 January 2010
Happy New Year
I hope your head's aren't too sore this morning...have a coffee and have a look out the window - welcome the New Year.
Let's make this a fantastic 2010 and share ideas and thoughts on what can make your wedding fantastic.
Let's make this a fantastic 2010 and share ideas and thoughts on what can make your wedding fantastic.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Au revoir 2009 and welcome 2010
To everyone that has supported me over the last year, I thank you and to those that are new to my ideas and ramblings, welcome!
For anyone engaged over the Christmas and New Year period don't forget to tune in and comment as you see fit, I offer my opinions in good faith. I look forward to helping you plan your wedding.
Don't forget if you need more advice check out my website: http://www.weddingsbyelaine.co.uk/ or email me on: info@weddingsbyelaine.co.uk.
For anyone engaged over the Christmas and New Year period don't forget to tune in and comment as you see fit, I offer my opinions in good faith. I look forward to helping you plan your wedding.
Don't forget if you need more advice check out my website: http://www.weddingsbyelaine.co.uk/ or email me on: info@weddingsbyelaine.co.uk.
Friday, 25 December 2009
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you all, hope you all have a wonderful day - especially anyone that's chosen to get married today!
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Check your suppliers
So, heard about the one where the photographer charged but didn’t deliver…or did but may as well not have?! Most have you have probably read the story and if not you’ve definitely heard about it…here’s a recap from the Daily Mail:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218248/Newlyweds-win-court-battle-1-500-wedding-photographer-shoddy-pictures-include-missing-heads-car-close-ups.html
You’re probably thinking…
”that would never happen to me”,
or “how could they have fallen for it”
or “it must have been so obvious he wasn’t any good”
But, is it obvious, how do you know, what can you do to prevent it?
I hear stories all the time about couples who meet suppliers assuming they have hired the person they saw, only to find on the day a complete stranger turns up to photograph/video/document their day. Obviously at this point it’s too late to do anything. This isn’t uncommon and if you check your contract you’ll probably find that in the small print (I know it’s always the small print) it will explicitly say that the supplier has the right to do this.
So, how do you avoid these things, and how can you guarantee the person you see if the person who will attend? Ask them! I know it sounds simple, but again it goes back to one of my earlier posts people are afraid to negotiate and ask for what they want. You MUST get out of the habit of assuming what you want to hear. It doesn’t work like that and unfortunately it will add to the sense of stress and out of control-ness on the day of your wedding.
When you meet your supplier, ask to see examples of previous works, your supplier expects this, it isn’t rude! Where relevant ask them about qualifications they have in their field of work. Ask to speak to someone that has worked with them before, or to see testimonials from previous couples. Ask if they are the person who will turn up on the day or if they work as part of a conglomerate. There’s nothing wrong with a conglomerate operating company, just make sure you make an appointment to see the actual supplier who will be attending on your day and make sure you are happy with them and their work.
Don’t hand over ANY money until you are satisfied you like the suppliers work, you get along with them and you understand their terms of business.
It sounds like a lot to remember but, asking these few questions early on mean you won’t have to worry or stress on the day of your wedding because something has happened you didn’t expect.
It’s not a joke, there’s no punch line. This is a gentle reminder to check your suppliers. You don’t want to be the next Mr & Mrs Day.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218248/Newlyweds-win-court-battle-1-500-wedding-photographer-shoddy-pictures-include-missing-heads-car-close-ups.html
You’re probably thinking…
”that would never happen to me”,
or “how could they have fallen for it”
or “it must have been so obvious he wasn’t any good”
But, is it obvious, how do you know, what can you do to prevent it?
I hear stories all the time about couples who meet suppliers assuming they have hired the person they saw, only to find on the day a complete stranger turns up to photograph/video/document their day. Obviously at this point it’s too late to do anything. This isn’t uncommon and if you check your contract you’ll probably find that in the small print (I know it’s always the small print) it will explicitly say that the supplier has the right to do this.
So, how do you avoid these things, and how can you guarantee the person you see if the person who will attend? Ask them! I know it sounds simple, but again it goes back to one of my earlier posts people are afraid to negotiate and ask for what they want. You MUST get out of the habit of assuming what you want to hear. It doesn’t work like that and unfortunately it will add to the sense of stress and out of control-ness on the day of your wedding.
When you meet your supplier, ask to see examples of previous works, your supplier expects this, it isn’t rude! Where relevant ask them about qualifications they have in their field of work. Ask to speak to someone that has worked with them before, or to see testimonials from previous couples. Ask if they are the person who will turn up on the day or if they work as part of a conglomerate. There’s nothing wrong with a conglomerate operating company, just make sure you make an appointment to see the actual supplier who will be attending on your day and make sure you are happy with them and their work.
Don’t hand over ANY money until you are satisfied you like the suppliers work, you get along with them and you understand their terms of business.
It sounds like a lot to remember but, asking these few questions early on mean you won’t have to worry or stress on the day of your wedding because something has happened you didn’t expect.
It’s not a joke, there’s no punch line. This is a gentle reminder to check your suppliers. You don’t want to be the next Mr & Mrs Day.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Don’t Tell the Bride?
So, I LOVE the programme, ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’, it’s my guilty pleasure (as well as Bon Jovi, but that’s for another time and place) and I think there are a few others like me that feel the same. However I got to thinking, why? Is it because I’m safe in the knowledge that I’ve had my wedding day which I had huge amounts of input in so won’t ever be in that situation; or is it because the ultimate message this programme gives is that – it doesn’t matter how it happens, the couple just want to be together and married?
Despite all the fears and anxiety portrayed by the bride, (and yes ladies, it is mostly the bride stressing and weeping) ultimately I have yet to watch an episode where the couple don’t get married. Even with the dubious choices the groom has made, (anyone see Luke theme his wedding on his favourite football team, or Nick choose for his bride her worst night mare, princess Jordan-esque style dress?) the bride always appreciates some of what the groom has gone through to organise the wedding – I won’t go so far as to say they love all of what they have chosen!
Obviously this is for TV, and the sceptic in me says at least parts of it has to have been staged – I love my husband, but if he’d had to organise the whole wedding I’m not sure the finer details would have been high on his list of priorities – but the less sceptic, romantic side says, it’s the thought that counts, so who cares if he’s had a bit of help to complete it.
A lot of couples lose sight of the reason they have pencilled a day in the diary to have the biggest blow out party they have ever staged. The flowers, car, venue, photographer and who can forget the dress, it can be so easy to get lost in the material items that disappear without trace after the ‘celebration’.
The time planning your day and talking about the details should be a happy time. Yes, it can get stressful and feel overwhelming, but sticking together and talking through things makes the stress dissipate. If you get to your wedding day, dreading things are going to go wrong – let me put your mind at rest now, something WILL go wrong – you’ll miss this day you have spent your waking life planning.
The sun will rise, the day will begin, and keep going, and no matter what you think, it won’t stop for you to have a stress about whether the colour of the flowers match the tie on the grooms neck. Your guests are there to celebrate with you, that you have taken the next step in your relationship, so why shouldn’t you be doing the same thing?
It might be TV, it might be staged, but on the most basic level DTTB shows that the couple want to be together, and despite all the dramas, tears and tantrums they all walk down the aisle in the end knowing they want to be with each other. So, whatever you think is the most important thing about organising for your day, shouldn’t that be the message you keep in your mind too?
Despite all the fears and anxiety portrayed by the bride, (and yes ladies, it is mostly the bride stressing and weeping) ultimately I have yet to watch an episode where the couple don’t get married. Even with the dubious choices the groom has made, (anyone see Luke theme his wedding on his favourite football team, or Nick choose for his bride her worst night mare, princess Jordan-esque style dress?) the bride always appreciates some of what the groom has gone through to organise the wedding – I won’t go so far as to say they love all of what they have chosen!
Obviously this is for TV, and the sceptic in me says at least parts of it has to have been staged – I love my husband, but if he’d had to organise the whole wedding I’m not sure the finer details would have been high on his list of priorities – but the less sceptic, romantic side says, it’s the thought that counts, so who cares if he’s had a bit of help to complete it.
A lot of couples lose sight of the reason they have pencilled a day in the diary to have the biggest blow out party they have ever staged. The flowers, car, venue, photographer and who can forget the dress, it can be so easy to get lost in the material items that disappear without trace after the ‘celebration’.
The time planning your day and talking about the details should be a happy time. Yes, it can get stressful and feel overwhelming, but sticking together and talking through things makes the stress dissipate. If you get to your wedding day, dreading things are going to go wrong – let me put your mind at rest now, something WILL go wrong – you’ll miss this day you have spent your waking life planning.
The sun will rise, the day will begin, and keep going, and no matter what you think, it won’t stop for you to have a stress about whether the colour of the flowers match the tie on the grooms neck. Your guests are there to celebrate with you, that you have taken the next step in your relationship, so why shouldn’t you be doing the same thing?
It might be TV, it might be staged, but on the most basic level DTTB shows that the couple want to be together, and despite all the dramas, tears and tantrums they all walk down the aisle in the end knowing they want to be with each other. So, whatever you think is the most important thing about organising for your day, shouldn’t that be the message you keep in your mind too?
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