Tag Archives: traditional

Ideas for beautiful wedding venues

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Choosing a wedding venue is almost always on the top of a couple’s ‘to do’ list.  This is the place that you will remember forever, it is the place where you will kiss your new husband/wife for the first time, it is the place where you will take your children and your grand-children back to, all to show them where you had the happiest day of your life. 

So a wedding venue needs to be characterful with its own qualities that make it desirable for a couple, but it must also to be enough of a blank canvas that a couple can put their own stamp on it.

Kew Gardens is a beautiful venue.  There are a number of beautiful and completely different areas within the venue of Kew Garden, that offer endless possibilities for the big day

There is the cosy Cambridge Cottage that can hold up to 80 guests for both ceremony and wedding reception.  The Cottage is a former royal residence and has a clean and fresh décor, which allows the Bride and Groom to choose any particular colour to use throughout the wedding, happily knowing that it will not clash with anything will always look perfect.  The cottage is steeped in traditional horticulture with floral pictures on the walls, which some couples do like to combine with their own ideas; using very bright and expressive flowers to decorate the venue, or use flower names as table names.

With entertainment, the light and elegant tone of Cambridge Cottage lends itself perfectly to string instruments, particular the harp or string quartet for a ceremony or reception.  The cottage backs on to the gardens and the sound of a string quartet drifting through the air could not be more perfect for a warm, summer wedding.

For the evening, the intimacy of Cambridge Cottage means that either a 4-piece band or a DJ works really well and creates a flawless party atmosphere.

Within the Grounds of the Gardens there are also the 3 beautiful Conservatories – The Nash Conservatory is a nineteenth century glasshouse that has started being used for Civil Ceremonies this year and can hold up to 200 guests.  The Nash Conservatory is used in conjunction with The Orangery, which is available for evening hire for up to 400 guests for a cocktail reception

The Princess of Wales Conservatory can either be used by itself as a cocktail reception venue for up to 250 guests or in combination with The Orangery or Cambridge Cottage, as a venue for pre or post dinner drinks.  The Conservatory itself was commissioned in 1982 and was named after Princess Augusta, the founder of Kew.  Opened in 1987 by Diana, Princess of Wales, the Princess of Wales Conservatory is the most complex glasshouse at Kew, containing ten computer-controlled climatic zones, which only adds to this completely unique and interesting venue.

So with more than a few options for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies, it’s a great place to suggest wedding entertainment for – so many different acts work in the different spaces that the possibilities are endless.

Wedding venue personal to you

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With so much pressure to make the right decision, how does a bride make up her mind? We asked some newlyweds and brides to be to share how they made their choice to shed a little light on this planning selection. These answers which may inspire you:

“We visited our venue on a holiday before we got engaged and we both said, ‘That’s the place we want to get married.’ We got engaged there and now we’re marrying there next September!”
“We picked an area where we had our first kiss and it held so many sentimental memories for us too, we just had to get married in a place that meant so much to us”
“I picked a place that was not only cost-efficient, but when I went to see it, I knew that it was unique and I had it have it. I love my wedding venue and I absolutely can’t wait to get married there!”
“We wanted ceremony and reception in the same location, so we saw a few venues, but nothing said ‘us’ that was a romantic setting until we saw our venue. It’s perfect and I can’t wait to get married there. It’s my happy place, we both love it.”
“We must’ve seen over 40 wedding venues. We choose Disney because we fell in love with it! And, well we got some pretty amazing pictures.”
“My grandparents’ garden where I had pretty much grown up. It had so many memories and sentimental reasons to have my wedding where I grew up and learned so much.”

We hope that some of these ideas have inspired you to find your perfect wedding venue, just make it personal, after all this is a special day which you will want to remember for the right reasons!!

Mr & Mr or Mrs & Mrs?

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With same sex Weddings now legalised, this is a cause for a double celebration, make it loud and be proud. Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate such a wonderful Wedding such as this!!

When it comes to crafting a beautiful wedding, it’s all about representing the couple’s style and personality — and same-sex weddings are no different. With the law changing in favour of marriage and equality, we’re feeling especially inspired to share some gorgeous wedding-planning ideas for gay and lesbian couples.

We’ve rounded up a few décor ideas that provide a unique twist on traditional wedding details:

Kick off the festivities with a personalized billboard sign, a fun way to welcome your guests — and get them excited for the nuptials ahead!
Add a twist to traditional ceremony seating with a tongue-in-cheek sign pointing guests to choose a seat and not a side (either way it’s for a bride!).
Want to show off your newlywed status in style? Opt for matching ‘Groom and Groom chair designs adorned with greenery or display whimsical “Bride” and “Bride” laser-cut letters in front of your handcrafted sweets.
You can also add a humorous — and elegant! — upgrade to the grooms’ cake with tiered chocolate cupcakes adorned with mini bowties and top hats.
For brides, go for simple “Hers” and “Hers” calligraphed signs in front of delicious, non-traditional wedding cakes. And as the night’s celebration comes to a close, send off your guests with personalized canvas totes that read “Love is Love” — a perfect closing to an unforgettable night!

Whether you’re sticking to tradition or going all-out with personalized details celebrate love with these creative ideas that make for a truly unique same-sex wedding!!

Welcome your guests with a sign with big personality — like a billboard with your wedding-day phrase!

Top tips on getting the perfect tunes

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Ceremony music tips

You are not permitted to have any music during a Civil Ceremony that is overtly religious. Though rules are somewhat more relaxed than in the past, your Registrar will advise and vet your choices.

There are literally millions of pieces of modern wedding music that don’t have any religious association. Choose classical music for your ceremony and have lighter pop music during your drinks reception.

Consider choosing two contrasting pieces of music that are moderate length. The first should be contemplative while the guests enter and the second could hint at the celebrations to follow the ceremony.

Choose something celebratory, when your guests leave, that can be heard alongside the happy throng.

If you have the budget, then live wedding music will feel much more personal and special. Harps, string quartets and pianists are the most popular choices. They can also stay at your reception afterwards during your wedding photographs, drinks and canapés.

If you find a title you like on a modern wedding music CD or a website, then make sure you check the title and composer with another couple of similar sources to make sure it is correct.

Modern wedding music for your ceremony

Bridal March from ‘Lohengrin’ (Here comes the Bride) – Wagner
Canon in D – Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – G F Handel
Ave Maria – J S Bach/C Gounod
Adagio – Albinoni arr. Giazotto
Panis Angelicus – C Franck
Wedding March – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – Mendelssohn
Toccata from Organ Symphony no 5- C M Widor
Alla Danza / Hornpipe from ‘Water Music’ – G F Handel

DIY Decorations

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You don’t have to spend a fortune on wedding decorations. Have a go at a project today and give your day a personal touch with handmade creations…

Fabulous fans

How about making some brightly coloured pinwheels for your marquee reception. They add a real pop of colour to the venue, but if you want a softer, more subtle look, try pastel shaded pom poms.

Vintage bunting

You could use pastel coloured cloths and vintage style bunting to pretty up your vintage tea party reception. You can pick up table cloths pretty cheaply on eBay to get a similar look.

3D table numbers

Make cardboard 3D table numbers and then cover them in pretty, shabby chic style fabric. A simple and effective idea that you can easily make at home with old off-cuts of fabric. Mix up the patterns and colours for an eclectic look.

Hanging old pictures around your reception venue is a sure-fire way to get guests talking. Personalise the room with photographs of all your loved ones, then let guests find their faces. You could adapt this for use in your table plan, too.

Pretty pom poms

Draw your guests’ eyes upwards with a ceiling full of paper pom poms and lanterns dangling from the rafters. This year’s hottest wedding designs and decorations are to be found on the ceiling. 

Rustic jars

Ask your friends and family to keep all of their old jam jars as they make cute arrangements for a rustic theme. Mix and match different shapes and sizes and fill them with cheap wedding flowers like gypsophilia for a feminine, just-picked-from-the-garden look.

Trend alert!

This potted plant table plan is such a lovely wedding decoration idea, perfect for a country themed wedding. You can pot them up yourself, use them as a table plan, and then hand them out as thank you gifts at the end of the night. Double DIY delight

Top table runners

Long trestle-style tables work brilliantly with table runners down the middle – go for gingham if you’re planning a country-style celebration like this couple or hessian if you want a more rustic look. A striking runner will mean you won’t have to go overboard with your flowers, either.

Be bold at your Wedding

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Weddings don’t have to be a formal affair. Add some personality to your big day with these fun and quirky wedding ideas.

Bright and bold

There’s no better way to show off your fun side than with colours. Bright, bold and in your face is what you should be going for when you’re thinking of colourful and quirky wedding ideas.

Think ravishing reds, grassy greens and passionate pinks. Not only will they stand out, they will look amazing in your photographs.

Nature’s gift

Think outside of the box when it comes to your floral decorations. Instead of red and white roses and carnations, think pink and orange sweet-peas or tulips. Trust us, they will look amazing!

Don’t forget to take a trip down to your local garden centre and pick up some lavender seeds to scatter in the doorway. When your guests walk into your venue they will take the scent of lavender in with them. 

Terrific transportation

Nothing says quirky like a brightly coloured VW camper van. Leave your venue in style in your very own mobile home, all packed and ready for your next adventure as husband and wife.

Even if camper vans aren’t your thing, you’ll need to rock up to your reception in a cool vintage car. How about a pink 1950’s Cadillac that really will wow your guests.

Time for cake

Ditch the classic 3-tier wedding cake in favour of some more quirky wedding ideas. Cake pops are a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake.

Choose round and colourful cake pops or get them designed to look just like you, the choice is yours!

Finally get some friends, learn a dance routine and surprise your partner and above all have fun!!!!

Favourite themes for 2016

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Finding the right theme for your wedding can be a massive headache – especially when you and your soon-to-be spouse have different tastes.

Here are some of the most favourite wedding themes for 2016 so you and your betrothed can find some common ground

Vintage nautical

Although vintage wedding themes have been a firm favourite for the last few years, 2016 will see this taken to the next level with more niche trends. For example, we’ll start to see the entire wedding based upon a particular reading, like the Owl and the Pussycat, which is becoming more popular as couples shy away from traditional love-based or religious musings, or perhaps a more nautical theme, like Titanic, that turns the usual into the more unusual. Suited to all seasons, you can easily incorporate this styling into every aspect of your wedding, whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

Fantastical wedding

What could be more outlandish and fun than stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland, or maybe Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Whether you want to bring the Mad Hatter to your party, or would rather sample the sweet delights of Willy Wonka, the fantastical theme will help your wedding and the after party start and end with a bang. Bright colours, wonky decor and brash props make this a standout theme for 2016.

Get colourful!

Top tips for colour trends and theming for 2016 is all about being bold and brave with colour. It’s time to lose the pastel pinks and make your wedding pop. It’s all about making a big impact and sophisticated fun. This works really well with a Mexican themed wedding – think Mexican fiesta bunting, jars of colourful punch, colourful flower wreaths in your hair – or alternative wedding gowns that don’t necessarily fit to the white or ivory stereotypes.

Party decor

It’s goodbye to bunting and hello 2016 is the year of balloons, streamers and real plants as the centrepiece on tables. We’ve long been a fan of getting creative at weddings with colours and objects and we’re super-happy to see colour-coded props and peg boards making an appearance. It won’t lose that handmade feel though, so crafty-types, don’t fear. Feel free to add your personal touches to the entire experience and let your creativity run wild!

Retro

Feeling as though the vintage theme may be a bit too old-fashioned, but still looking to inject a bit of nostalgic fun into your big day? How about opting for a retro theme instead? Take a trip back to the 1950s and give your wedding a Grease-like feel, complete with diner-style food, multi-coloured straws and maybe even hire a vending machine or bar to finish the venue off properly. Finish everything off with an Airstream wedding photo booth and a retro looking enclosed photo booth – think Berlin photo mats – both can be set to print in vintage style old strips.

Inject some fun into your big day with customisable wedding photo booths and pop boxes, designed to fit any wedding theme or occasion.

Crazy Marriage proposals

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There are two types of people when it comes to marriage proposals; there’s the type of person who says that a proposal should be a private, intimate moment between two people in love that should reflect their time together.

Here are a couple of crazy proposals from the second type of person – take a look at these grand, public proposals!

A Blackpool Tower flashmob

This is a pretty unique flashmob, as the girlfriend in question was dancing along with the crowd!

The groom-to-be is a dance instructor, and is teaching a whole crowd a routine to’ Marry You’ by Bruno Mars on the dancefloor at Blackpool Tower. Once the crowd gets the routine sorted and are dancing away happily, his girlfriend Emily (also an instructor) comes up on stage to dance with him and lo and behold, he pops the question – much to her delighted amazement and the shouts and cheers of the crowd. This one takes some confidence and chutzpah but it really works and is emotional in all the right ways!

A surprise trip to New York

“I proposed to my girlfriend using deceit, lies and trickery.” Actually, it was a lot more romantic than it sounds – in fact he had two, rather than one big surprise lined up. The first was that his girlfriend was convinced they were going to Paris for their break, and it wasn’t until they got to the airport and Andy produced her passport and a beret that she discovered that they were actually going to New York! 

Then he sets things up just so he can propose in Times Square and film the whole thing – and really takes her by surprise yet again. How impressive!

 As if by magic

A proposal should always be magical, but this one might take the cake! David enlisted the help of magician and street performer to help him pop the question in Las Vegas his girlfriend Mary really had no idea this was going to happen. She’s completely amazed – in all the right ways!

April Fool’s!

Timing is definitely a key part of planning a proposal. One man took a bit of a chance proposing on April Fool’s Day – his girlfriend’s first response is, “This better not be a joke!”. She doesn’t look convinced until he finally pulls out the ring!

His girlfriend is crazy about dogs and always admired the puppies she saw on their walks together in Hyde Park, which gave the groom-to-be in question an idea. He got some special little coats made for three puppies professing his love and popped the question that way. 

Working it out

Proposing to your girlfriend whilst she’s at work isn’t always the best idea – unless she’s a teacher and you can get her cute pupils involved!

That’s the idea this groom-to-be had – he made them all hold up letters spelling out his proposal and briefed them before his girlfriend entered the class.  It’s a really sweet idea, and of course all ends well.

Why your Wedding day is the best day ever!!!

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Kenilworth Homestead Wedding-7

It’s all about you

Your wedding day is a literally a day where you and your partner can embrace each other. Everything on the day is for the both of you; everyone is there to celebrate your love and marriage. Most importantly, it is a day to celebrate the start of your lives together!

The dress

Choosing your Wedding dress is possibly the best part of the wedding planning. It’s what every girl dreams of! It’s one time you can buy a really expensive dress without having to justify the price tag.

Wonderful company

One of the best things about the wedding is being able to spend a whole day with your closest friends and family. It’s all about love, laughter and celebration!

Pamper time

Although the morning of wedding is pretty stressful, it’s also a chance to be pampered by professionals whilst drinking champagne with your best girls. You can get your hair and make-up done professionally while you sit back, relax and think about married life!

Hen do

You may find it hard to get all of your best friends together at the same time to catch up and have a party. However, your hen doo is the perfect time for this! And what better reason to meet up to celebrate the fact you’re transitioning to married life. There are many ways to have a hen do, rather than going all out with sashes and tiaras, you could have a more formal affair where you dress up and have a sophisticated cocktail party.

Romantic honeymoon

Whether you decide to go to a hot country, go travelling or simply rent a quiet cottage in the countryside, a romantic getaway directly after your wedding is the perfect way to start married life. It gives you both a chance to let your hair down after months of planning your perfect wedding and look back on your memories.

Dream wedding

Everyone has an idea in their head as to what they want their wedding to be like, whether it’s princess Wedding, boho-inspired big day or a Disney themed affair, we’ve all been dreaming about the idyllic wedding since we were children. Now you’re a bride, you finally get to plan every single aspect of it, even from choosing what kind of cutlery you want! Although wedding planning is stressful, it’ll be completely worth it.

Love of your life

You know what the best bit of being a bride is? You get to marry the love of your life: your soulmate, your best friend and your love. If that’s not the best thing in the world, we don’t know what is?

Common regrets

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Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but that doesn’t mean that things always go smoothly and as planned…

Enjoy the wedding morning

Getting ready on the morning of the wedding is bound to be stressful, but make sure you take time to relax and enjoy it with a glass of champers! It’s the one time you’ll be pampered within an inch of your life so sit back and look forward to what is to come…

Don’t go hungry

Couples actually forget to eat during their wedding day! You’ll be super busy greeting and thanking guests, that you might not have time to eat the delicious wedding breakfast you spent all that money on. Make sure you allow you and your hubby time to sit down and enjoy the meal.

Book a DJ

A lot of couples try to save money on wedding entertainment, and rather than booking a decent DJ they create a playlist on their iPod. Yes, this does save a ton of money but a good DJ will make sure all of your guests get up on the dance floor for a groove!

Comfort over style

Even though those glitzy stilettos may look gorgeous, will you last in them all day? If you’re opting for high heels for the ceremony, make sure you bring flats along too! Many brides end up in pain towards the end of the day due to their heels. We all know the feeling, so if you want to enjoy every second of your special day, sometimes being comfy is best!

Beauty trials

Always make sure you have a hair and make-up trial before your wedding morning. There would be nothing more stressful than hating your hair and make-up whilst knowing it’s too late to change it. We recommend having at least 2 trials before your big day to make sure it’s perfect!

Photographs and memories

Mobiles are perfect for snaps, but you should also bring a camera, charger and some spare memory cards to catch shots of your memorable first holiday as husband and wife together.

Finally, a basic first aid kit is always a good idea. Make sure you pack some pain killers, insect repellent, insect bit ointment, plasters and tablets for upset tummies. You know the rule, if you pack it you won’t need it, so make sure you pack a first aid kit!