I have to say most suppliers are excellent but sometimes assume that the couple who have booked them understand what they are offering. You must ask questions so that you are clear what you are paying for and to help coordinate the rest of the suppliers that will be turning up on the day.

For instance, if you book a band, have you any idea when they will arrive and how long it will take them to set up? If your venue has to to turn your room around following the wedding breakfast for your evening celebration and you allowed half an hour because that’s how long the venue need, but your band arrives and takes over an hour and a half to set up and do sound checks. What impact does this have on your guests and the rest of the timing for the evening? Also did you find out if the venue has an entrance that the band can use so your guests don’t see them trailing their equipment past them. Many venues do not have the space beforehand so that the set up can be done earlier.

If they do various sessions throughout the night how long do they perform for and how much break do they require? What is the latest they will stay before they charge you for an overnight stay? Your day can very easily run over, making them start later. This means they may not have enough time left to play before they have to leave or charge you extra.

It’s very common to use an IPOD playlist in between sessions. Check that the band will be able to keep an eye on this because if you have downloaded lots of songs but not sorted them in any order what is it going to sound like?  Who is going to make sure the right songs are playing if the band is taking a well earned break. I don’t mean to pick on bands or entertainers, it’s just various things that have come up over the last few weeks whilst I have been coordinating our upcoming weddings.

You must be very clear what each supplier is contracted to do, when they are turning up and leaving. What do they need when they do arrive in terms of space, power, equipment, tables etc. For example if your cake arrives but there is no cake table set to leave the cake on and your supplier has to go and deliver to another wedding, will the venue team take responsibility for setting up your cake?

If you have five bridesmaids all having hair and makeup done what time will the makeup artist arrive, so that the hairdresser can work out the timings to get everyone’s hair done in time for the photographer who is coming early to take your pre- shots.

Sometimes you won’t even know what to ask because you think that the supplier will sort it all out for you, they may very well do but don’t assume anything.

I really wanted to illustrate in this blog that you must clarify all the little details with each supplier, so that when it comes to the month before your wedding you are not going back and forth trying to work out who is going to do what and when. You also won’t be taken by surprise when you thought that something was included but isn’t. The last month should be spent pampering yourself and spending time with your fiance before the big day. If you thoroughly prepare by asking as many questions and clarifying everything in the beginning you will save much frustration when it comes near to the wedding day. You will also save money because at this point you don’t want to be paying for hidden extra’s.

The Wedding Genie Bridal Workshops are all about helping brides understand how to plan and manage their perfect day. Why not check out our new service and see if it’s something you think you can benefit from? You can also enter our competition to win a free pair of ticket’s to our course in October. If you feel that you need help on your special day so you can relax, we specialise in On the Day Coordination to make sure your wedding goes exactly as you planned. Please call us if you would like to know more.

Until next time, happy planning.

There are many wedding blogs out there that are inspirational, but some of the best are written by brides to be themselves! When you start to think about planning your wedding it’s a huge task and who knows where to start? It’s not like all your friends are getting married at the same time, so sometime’s there is no one to talk to or bounce ideas off or ask for advice. What better way than to make a diary of your wedding journey and share it with like minded brides. Suddenly you are not alone and its a chance to share your creativity and unique ideas to help other brides in your position.

I found Purple and Pearls quite a while ago, it’s written by the very creative and talented Laura Francis and I was hooked. Not only is it a pretty site to surf around but its funny, inspiring and written from the heart. It gives a fabulous insight into wedding planning and shows how you can make your mark on your dream day without breaking the bank.

There are lovely ideas and images to help inspire you, I love looking around myself, I particularly like all the posts relating to the Candy Tables. I am often intrigued why brides to be start a blog and what they get from it, I asked Laura a few searching questions and she did not disappoint.

What Made You Start Purple and Pearls Blog?

Purple and Pearls started out as a way for me to document my time as a bride to be.  I’ve always kept diaries and essentially that is what Purple and Pearls is.  It’s my online diary, I want to be able to look back in years to come and remember every detail about planning our wedding that I know I could easily forget.

What do you think you give to other brides who are planning their weddings?

I’m a DIY bride.  Anything I make myself, like my chalkboard heart place cards, invitations, candy table signs and wine charm favours, I write about and explain exactly how I did it.  I’ve had quite a few comments from other brides-to-be about how easy the projects I take on look and have been inspired to have a go themselves.

I’m also very honest, it’s not always rosy in the run up to the wedding and things do get stressful.  I share my concerns, worries and mistakes (such as the spelling error on my invitations I noticed just days before they were due to go out!)

I don’t get paid for writing Purple and Pearls either, I have no sponsors which means any recommendations I make for suppliers are based purely on my own opinions and experiences.

Laura’s gorgeous chalk board place cards

Wine Charms to match Laura’s theme

How has it helped you?

I enjoy writing Purple and Pearls so much.  It keeps my thoughts in order; I write a monthly countdown post with jobs that I need to do in the up coming weeks, which helps me keep track of what I’m suppose to be doing.  It’s also put me in touch with other brides who write their own blogs and lots of different wedding industry professionals.  I feel like I’m part of a little community and if I need advice, suggestions, support or even just a chat there is always someone around either to comment on the blog or on Twitter to talk to.

Do you think your wedding will be different because of it and have you learned loads about the wedding industry?

Writing Purple and Pearls has made me more aware of other blogs written by suppliers, other brides and industry professionals.  I have 100’s of different blogs in my Google Reader and they have definitely opened my eyes.  Starting out I didn’t know that I could break away from the more traditional side of the wedding industry, I didn’t know that I didn’t have to have sugared almonds as favours and I’ve learnt that it’s ok to make our wedding day reflect our personalities.  I’ve been inspired to create details myself, which means certain aspects of our wedding will be unique to us and hopefully our guests will appreciate that too.

I wouldn’t say that I’ve learnt loads about the wedding industry, but I have met (online and in real life) some fabulous wedding professionals who have all helped me out in some way.

Laura is using the shots from their engagement shoot for their guest book.

If you have what are the good things and what are the bad?

Getting to know the wedding industry has made me realize how much choice there is, there are so many different ways you can personalize your wedding day to suit you.

I’ve also learnt to shop around; unfortunately a few suppliers find it acceptable to up their prices just because it’s a wedding.  Throughout my planning I’ve learnt to compare prices and do a lot more research before committing to a service.  For example I saved over £200 on our wedding flowers because I didn’t settle for the first quote I received.

Having said that all of the suppliers involved in our wedding day are wonderful – it was one of our requirements during the planning process for us to get on with our suppliers.  There is nothing better than your florist or cake maker to be just as excited about your wedding as you are!

Its good to hear that. Suppliers should be interested in your wedding just as much as you are. It’s one of the traits that we like to know a supplier has before they go onto our Wedding Genie recommended list. Quality and good service are a given if you use any of The Wedding Genie suppliers. Many of our brides are just like Laura. They want us to help their day go exactly as they planned. Leaving them to enjoy every minute knowing someone they trust is looking out for all their little details.

Well I for one can’t wait to see the gorgeous wedding that Laura paints such a beautiful picture of on her blog. I will post it on my blog if Laura doesn’t mind, we can’t possibly not follow up this lovely story.

In the meantime if you want to know how to start to plan and find inspiration, why not book one of our new Bridal Workshops. They are fun, informative and I promise you will go home armed with all the hints tips and advice you could possibly need. You can enter our competition too for a pair of tickets to one of our classes in October or November.

Until next time, happy planning.

Well I am super excited my Bridal Planning Workshops are here and ready to go! I can’t wait to start and help newly engaged brides to be to plan and create a fantastic wedding day which is true to them and on budget!

I was being asked so many questions about wedding planning, things like how do we set our budget?  What do we book first? What should we do tackle first? That I thought why not create a special course where you can come and spend a fun and practical morning or afternoon with me learning how to plan your perfect day.

Weddings are a huge investment (the average being £20,000!). For an investment that size my course is an affordable, fun easy way, to gain expert help and guidance.

You’ll learn to create the wedding of your dreams, which is personal to you and your budget. If you are a follower of The Wedding Genie you know it’s not the amount of money you spend it’s how you spend it! It’s creating a wedding that has your stamp all over it without stress or anxiety.

I definitely believe that you can save at least three times the money you paid to come on our course. Once you know the inside tips and tricks to saving your budget will stretch further than you thought.

Here is a list of what’s included:

• Choosing your Venue – so important to your dream day.
• Theme and Styling – lots of brides are really daunted by this. We make it simple.
• Money saving tips! – Insider tricks to help get what you really want.
• Choosing and Managing Suppliers – wow the paper work! Let’s make it simple.
• Negotiating to make savings and add more value to your package or service.
• Wedding Etiquette – Many people have parents who are divorced and don’t know how to handle this.
• Top tips for a stress free wedding day – Brief your bridal team to help your day run like a dream.
• Q&A session. Ask me anything you like and chat to other brides just like you.

On top of all that I guarantee it will be fun, not a stuffy boring seminar but an inspirational few hours spent talking about what you love the most – Your Wedding Plans!

Take Home a Wedding Genie Goody Bag which includes:

• A CD that with everything we talk about. It’s a mini wedding planning software package.
• An Interactive Budget Planning Spreadsheet.
• The Wedding Genie, insider tried and tested supplier list.
• Top Ten Wedding Planning Tips.
• Inspirational Web Sites for great ideas.
• Handbag planner to use to check you are on track with your all important tasks.

The first course is on the 24th October from 10am till 2pm at The Ramada Hotel Birmingham North. Afternoon tea and refreshments are provided as part of the price too, so bring your Mum, bridesmaid’s or best friend. Hey your groom might even want to come! More men are helping out with the planning these days.

The cost is £75 or £120 for two. To book a place click here. If this date does not suit you then email or call me and I will update you with other dates in the pipeline.

Competition!

The Wedding Genie is always looking at ways to help, what better way than to give away a pair of tickets to our first workshop? Click on this link and send me your details and mention that you are interested in the workshop. If you are the lucky winner I will be sending you an exclusive invitation for you and your bridesmaid, Mum or best friend.

I look forward to hearing from you and if you want to ask me anything about the course just call me.

In the second series of this blog I thought it would be good to give you some examples of what kind of wedding entertainment is available depending on your budget, and the areas of the day to consider when you allocate your budget.

Lets look at a budget: Up to £10,000

Bored guests are never happy ones so the parts of the day that you should cater for are the drinks reception whilst you are having your photographs taken, the wedding breakfast if you have a lot of time before the evening event and of course the main evening party. In my opinion the evening entertainment is where you should concentrate your effort for this type of budget. If I had to suggest three choices of entertainment that couples might be able to afford on this budget  the following come to mind.

A DJ

There are some brilliant DJ’s out there who can really make your party swing. Look around, don’t just go for the one that your venue suggests, ask your friends, look on the internet. Check out what they bring with them in terms of lights and decor. Often the DJ can put on a really good show and really create a great party atmosphere. Lots of the DJ websites now show you what their style is and give you a choice of music to play. Don’t forget that if you want to involve your guests and ask them their favourite songs, be careful they are not all love songs. You could suggest they give you their favourite love song and their favourite dance track.

Ceilidh Band

If you want to dance but don’t like the idea of a DJ then why not try a Ceilidh band. The music is lively and the caller, who is the chap that talks the guests through the dance, creates a great atmosphere, which makes everyone take to the dance floor. It’s a fun thing to do and really involves your guests. The bride and groom can then take to the floor and be totally involved in the evening’s celebrations. A great idea for a county wedding.

Live Singer/Jazz

The Rat Pack sound is great for vintage weddings. In between sets you can always fill up your IPOD so that your guests can dance and still stay in the party swing. That way you may be able to get live music for part of the evening. I have seen many weddings where this has been the case. Its a great way of getting your party started and this type of music brings a little sophistication to your evening and the older relatives in your party will love it. Your first dance can be sung live whilst you glide round the dance floor.

How about a budget: £10,000 – £20,000

Mix and Mingle Artists/Live Bands/Photo Booths

The evening reception is still the biggest area of entertainment but when you have more in your budget it would be great to entertain your guests during the wedding reception as well as during the photo’s and drinks reception. Using entertainers that mix and mingle such as caricaturists or a silhouettist is a great idea because your guests each get something to take home with them.Close up magicians can be extremely funny and entertaining too if you get a good one. I would highly recommend www.magicatyourfingertips.co.uk

String quartets and harpists are fantastic for a classy drinks reception and then can play at your ceremony if you are getting married at your venue. They create a lovely atmosphere if the weather is gorgeous and your setting dictates it. A lovely country mansion with beautiful gardens and guests spilling into the gardens being wafted by lovely classical music in the sunshine starts your wedding reception off with style.

For the evening if you budget stretches then you can’t beat a live band for atmosphere and the wow factor. Often the bands will play music to dance to in between their sets. You can work out the times they appear to suit the flow of your reception. Good bands give out a great vibe and if they are really good the dance floor should be full all night.

One other idea that is very popular at the moment, is a photo booth where your guests can take pictures and dress up in props, then write comments into your guest book. The photos are generated there and then just like a passport photo booth. They can even be projected into a slide show for the evening.

Photo booth by www.sayfromage.co.uk

The choice for entertainment is quite vast but I would urge you to choose what suits your style and personality. Choose what makes you happy and what you are comfortable with. I have decided to run one more blog next week to finish on entertainment as once I got started it was hard to stop. Next week I will cover budgets of over 20k and also how to create free entertainment for your guests. If you want me to help source you some great entertainment give me a call I will be happy to help.

Until next time, happy planning.

The last few weddings I have coordinated the day and evening entertainment has been superb. It can be quite tricky deciding on what is right for you and of course you have, or should have your budget to consider. The next two blogs are dedicated to helping you choose the right entertainment for your wedding. I will give some examples of entertainers you can afford within certain budgets too so that you can see what is possible.

Lets start with how much to spend out of your budget.

The average percentage is between 5 – 8% of your wedding budget. If you are a follower of the Wedding Genie then you know we believe in working out your priorities right at the beginning of your wedding planning. That way you will know right away if entertainment features highly. If so you can always spend more and cut back in other areas, but as a guide this is the average percentage.

Top Tips for Sourcing Entertainment Companies

There are many agencies on the internet where you can find excellent entertainment, many of them specialise in wedding entertainers. Their websites should be informative, have pricing guides, question and answer areas and a good selection of entertainers to choose from, along with clips of sound tracks and choices of music. It a good idea to ask for references of past clients. Talk to your friends, family or your venue coordinator to see if they know of anyone or have recommendations. Word of mouth is always a safe bet. You may have been to a wedding recently where the band or DJ was fabulous. I chose our magician from a friends wedding. I swore I was not going to have one, its not one of my things, but hey this guy made me laugh so much I booked him on the spot.

Go and see local bands in your area and if you get chance to see the band that you think you may want to book then you will have first hand evidence they are right for you. The other answer is to use a wedding planner, we work with reputable companies and can vouch for their standard of service. They will also understand exactly what type of entertainment is suitable for you and within your budget.

How do You Decide What Kind of Entertainment You want?

I guess to a certain extent its down to your personal style, and what kind of atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. Do you want high energy grooving or a sophisticated jazzy feel? Are you a country music fan or a rat pack lover? Perhaps you want dancing but without the disco, such as a Ceilidh band. Maybe your wedding has a particular theme that certain music and entertainment lend itself to. Think about what your friends and family like and how you want them to remember the evening. The more of an idea that you have will help you choose what type of entertainment is right for you.

Another factor that will help decide is the size of your venue; fitting an eight piece band into a small intimate room is not practical, also you have to check out if yur venue has a licence for entertainment. Lastly your budget will help you decide but if you choose wisely you can still have really good entertainment, just shop around and think about it carefully. Obviously the main part of the day to provide entertainment for is the evening reception, but if you have more in your budget then it’s great to have something going on to keep your guests entertained whilst you are having your photographs taken and through the drinks reception if you are having one.

Make sure you strike up a relationship with your entertainment provider

Its very important, the supplier should be able to understand what you want from your wedding day so that they can recommend the right kind of entertainment for your celebrations. If they don’t take any time to talk to you and determine what would be the best recommendation go elsewhere. The entertainment is a big part of your wedding and you want to be sure that the money are are spending is directed at the best type of entertainer for you whether its a DJ, band or magician etc. You should be crystal clear about what is included within the contract, how long the entertainment lasts for, what they need in terms of set up, and riders that are included of what you have to provide in terms of food, drink and rest areas.

I hope thats a good start, on Friday I will give you examples of entertainers you can afford with different types of budgets. If you have had great entertainment for your wedding, please let me know, I can pass them on to other brides. Also if you have any ideas you would like me to blog about just shout! And yes that is Dominic from the X factor in that picture. He was a real sweetie and brilliant. Let me know if you would like his details.

Until next time, happy planning.

David and Kim got married in 2007 and whilst planning their wedding they realised there was a need for a wedding website that has everything you need to plan your perfect day, all in one place and The Wedding Community launched in November 2009. From their own experiences they have devised planning tools such as a budget calculator, guest list tracker, to do lists and more. You can find articles from wedding experts, and inspiration from real weddings.

You can even build your own wedding website with an RSVP feature for free so that your friends and family can see your plans. The Wedding Community is also a social network that brings your wedding party together so that if you delegate projects you can see how they are going on with them and chat together on line. If you register today up until the 30th November you will be entered into a prize draw for a fantastic Sandals honeymoon worth £4,000 to Antigua.

Until next time, happy planning.

This real wedding blog has to be one of my all time favourites. Today I have the absolute pleasure in sharing our latest wedding we had the privilege to coordinate. Weddings are made fabulous by the people, this wedding was designed with all of Vicky’s friends and family in mind. There was something for everyone and it was an outstanding day.

Vicky and Jeff got married at The Great John Street Hotel in Manchester just over a couple of weeks ago. Its a scrumptious boutique hotel that is ultra cool,think new york loft with vintage chic. Plenty of velvets and textures, flashes of red and purple, gorgeous areas to sit and ponder and a roof top terrace that overlooks the coronation street location! Of course its a city wedding venue so oh so chic and sophisticated.

Vicky and Jeff have great personalities and wow did it come out in their wedding. From walking down the aisle to a montage of funny anecdotes and music put together by a musician friend to entertaining their guests with mohito cocktails, garden games for the children, not to mention, candy floss, popcorn, and giving beautifully freshly made macaroons packed gently by me!

To capture the essence of their day the very talented photographer Jeff Ascough seamlessly shot the most amazing pictures. If you want true documentary style photo’s this is the guy, he is outstanding! Also can’t wait to see the video from another Jeff from, Jeff Wood Visuals, and guess what Vicky’s husband is called Jeff and would you believe all three spelt their name this way. The children at this wedding were delightful and a table was set up for them to eat and play around. Jeff Ascough told me that children make for the best wedding photographs, check out these.

Jeff and Vicky’s little boy Joe

Vicky’s theme was old school vintage glamour. She made so many of her details including the gorgeous table plan. Vicky used a gold vintage frame then tied ribbons to the top. Attached to each of the ribbons was a label noting everyones seats. she then gave them sparkle by adding hanging crystals. We also used those for the bride and grooms chair decorations. A trend that is becoming very popular is to have bridal bouquets made of silk flowers with embellishments. Vicky had these made for her and her bridesmaids. Its a lovely keepsake, they were absolutely beautiful, made by Red Floral Architecture.

Another of Vicky’s details. Wish Bracelets for the ladies.

Great John Street Hotel

The reception looked fabulous with tall vases filled with orchids, palm leaves and gold wires. Candles were placed everywhere which made the rooms feel romantic and cosy.The flowers were by the brilliant Blossom.

Following the wedding breakfast all the guests moved around the corner to the Edwardian Radisson Hotel. Another 150 guests joined us to party the night away. Vicky hired a photo booth from Say Fromage. Its like a passport booth, pictures are instant and then stuck in a lovely guest book where everyone wrote their wishes and comments. A projector displayed the photographs as they were taken. It was extremely entertaining especially as Vicky had a props basket filled with wigs, moustaches, funny glasses etc for people to dress up. It went down a storm.

The Halle Suite at The Edwardian Radisson

A live band, the Reeldeal rocked the evening and ladies in vintage dresses went round handing out ice cream in between the band sets to cool everyone down. Check out the unusual wedding cake too!  Yes it is cheese!!

Provided by Gastronomy Deli in Altrincham.

This photograph of Vicky and her Mum Babs, is one of my favourites. Vicky’s family made me so welcome on the day it was a pleasure to work for them. I have to mention the bridesmaids too who looked just gorgeous.

I could go on about this wedding until next week but I hope I gave you a flavour of their day. There are more pictures on my home page in the portfolio. Please read what Vicky and Jeff said about The Wedding Genie. I really wish them a lifetime of happiness, health, wealth and a long and joyous marriage.

If you want me to help coordinate your wedding day and help inspire you with great ideas, give me a call or email, I still have some dates left for this year and if you want to have peace of mind on your big day why not see my availability for next year.

Until next time, happy planning.

Over the last three weddings we have had the privilege to work on we have been asked many questions like which side should I walk on when my Dad accompanies me down the aisle? We have chosen our bridesmaids and best man but what really should they do to help us? These questions may seem obvious but until I was a wedding planner I had no idea what side I should stand on when my Dad gave me away. I thought we would detail all the main aspects of the wedding party’s role in this blog to help make it crystal clear. Lets start with the main roles and responsibilities of your immediate wedding party.

Once you have understood these, it will make it a lot easier when you decide who to choose to fulfil these very important roles. In the run up the wedding and on the day itself you need plenty of support so pick your team wisely. Two of the most important people are the Chief Bridesmaid and your Best Man, your team leaders if you like.

The Chief Bridesmaid

Lets clear up the names first, traditionally this role was called Maid of Honour if your were unmarried and Matron of Honour if married. Choose someone close to you, your best friend or sister. You really want to spend the morning getting ready with the people you love the most. Its quite an honour to be given this role and this person should generally help you throughout the wedding planning. When things get too much you should be able to rely on your chief bridesmaid to calm you down and give great advice. She must know you really well so that when you occasionally turn into bridezilla or have a “oh its all going wrong” moment she can step in and save the day. Briefly her role comprises of :-

• Friend and confidante throughout the wedding planning.
• Accompany you to wedding dress fittings. Give help and advice on choosing accessories.
• Help with the choice of bridesmaids dresses and pay for their own dresses if necessary.
• Organise a hen party – one that you will like!
• Be available for your wedding rehearsal if you are having one.
• On the day they should help you get dressed. Look out for you generally and oversee the days events.
• Look after your bouquet and make sure you have your essentials close by, lipstick etc.

Bridesmaids

Again choose wisely, surround yourself with calm capable people, usually your best friends. The bridesmaids duties are to support you and help you out with last minute preparations. The chief bridesmaid can delegate tasks to the bridesmaids and everyone ideally should work as a team. They should obviously be present at your hen party and if possible the wedding rehearsal. If you can’t choose between friends for chief bridesmaids then split the duties between them but be clear what each is doing. These days tradition does not have to be followed, its your wedding so do what you want to do in terms of your wedding party.

The Best Man

This is one of the most important decisions the groom should make. The best man has a key role to play during the wedding planning and more so on the day. He really should help the day go smoothly and be excellent support both practically and emotionally for the groom. It will help if he knows the family members so that he can greet them and welcome them on the day. Like the chief bridesmaids role he really is a team leader. If anything goes wrong the best man should be the point of contact. His main responsibilities are listed below:-

• Support and confidante to the groom throughout the wedding planning.
• Arrange a stag party at least several weeks away from the actual wedding day.
• Stay with the groom the night before the wedding.
• Attend the wedding rehearsal if there is one.
• Check that everything runs smoothly on the day.
• Make sure the ushers have their suits and wedding attire.
• Ensure the guests and family are seated in the correct seats for the ceremony.
• Pay any suppliers on the day if necessary.
• Helping the Chief Bridesmaid when necessary.
• Making sure the wedding rings are safe and available at the right time during the ceremony.
• Delivering a great speech.
• Making sure the groomsman have their button holes fitted.

The Ushers

Ushers are generally family and friends of the bride and groom. They work closely with the best man. Generally their duties are much lighter and having the right suit to wear is really the only thing they need to do before the day. Of course they will attend the stag party and help out if needed. On the day its usual for them to:-

• Take directions from the best man.
• Escorting guests and family to their seats for the ceremony.
• Greet family and guests on arrival.
• Give out the order of service at the church or civil ceremony.
• Look out for the brides arrival so that they can alert the best man and officiant.

Who Leads who?

Traditionally the bride walks down the aisle on her fathers right arm (or other male ) followed by her chief bridesmaid who is followed by the other bridesmaids. If flower girls and page boys are very young its a good idea to have the bridesmaids take them by the hand. These days tradition is not always followed. Its very acceptable for the flower girls and page boy to walk down the aisle first followed by the chief bridesmaid and bridesmaids and finally the bride and her father. I think that you should choose how you want to proceed unless anyone such as an officiant has any objections.

Following the ceremony the bride and groom leave first followed by the wedding party.

Well I think that about sums up the main bridal party. Good luck choosing yours.

Until next time, happy planning.

I would love to help you during the initial stages of your planning. Our Genie for An Evening is a great resource for couples getting started. Not only do we come to your house but we write up a wedding overview that describes your vision beautifully. Its full of tips and tricks, to do lists, websites for inspiration and its great tool to use during your planning process. Call me to find out more.

Until next time, happy planning.

As you can imagine I am asked lots of questions about all areas of wedding planning. Its time I started to share them with you. This will be a regular slot which you can use as a wedding reference area. Our first question to get started is:-

My parents are divorced but I want them both to come to the wedding. They are not the best of friends and my mum has remarried. Where can I sit them and how would you advise me to deal with the problem?

This is a delicate area. I totally understand you want both your parents to be part of the biggest day of your life. I am sure they both want that too. The key is to talk about it right at the beginning with each of your parents. It maybe that one of them says they won’t come if the the other attends. This is very tricky, you know your parents better than anyone. Explain to them that you really want them both to be there on your special day. They won’t have to sit together and you will make it as easy as you can for them. Weddings cause people to become very emotional so tact and diplomacy is the order of the day. Most parents just want their children to be happy and when it comes down to it will usually tolerate the presence of the other.

Regarding the seating at your top table, I would choose round tables so that you take away the focus from the traditional lineup of parents. You can choose to sit your parents separately on a table with their respective best friends and close relatives. If your Mum would be mortified not to sit at the “top table” she can host that one with you and your father sit with his friends and family. Another great idea that is becoming more popular is to have a table just for you and your new husband, this is called a “Sweetheart Table”. This way no one looses out and you get to spend precious time together. I have also had one of my couples table hop and swap seats with close relatives. They spent the first course on one table then moved for the main course. If you do this remember that the people you swap with will be sitting on your top table so choose to do it with close friends or relatives.

If you want me to answer a question for you, please email or call me. I want this area of the blog to be really useful. I look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time, happy planning.