Trustworthy and Honest Wedding Planning Advice

Recently Engaged or Counting down the days to your special day this Summer?

Planning a wedding can be very stressful and time consuming, not to mention costly. Here at Isabella Weddings we are here to help.

Established in 2003, I trained as a wedding planner and have worked with over 300 couples ever since, the services we offer are bespoke and most importantly budget friendly.

Come and meet us for a Free Consultation soon and chat about your day. Or visit www.isabellaweddings.co.uk for more about us.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

The best memories




So you have the day of your life planned, the flowers, the food, the music, the groom ... You have thought about every detail and intend to savour every second. But will you? As soon as you begin walking down the aisle your day will accelerate at the speed of lightening and you won't remember to look at every detail, or study the flowers or note every decoration, so why do you take so much time and effort on producing the perfect day when you won't remember half of it??

This got me thinking about what really is important and memorable on your special day, what will stick in your mind and those of others. I have compiled a list of top 3 'areas' of a wedding day that is remembered most by the bride and groom and then by the guests, bear this in mind when you plan your day!

The happy couple:

1) The vows, you will probably always be able to quote these back as they are such an important part if your ceremony

2) Your new husband/wife's face as you see each other for the first time

3) The number of guests and if they had a good time!

Guests:

1) That the day didn't drag and had plenty to keep them entertained

2) Lots of good food

3) A chance to dance and drink

So really it should be simple, feed your guests well and keep them entrained and you are there! As for yourself, I defy you to try and brush past those little details, if it matters to you do it but don't burn out, keep perspective and delegate! Flowers are lovely but trust your florist, it's important the venue is perfect but trust your venue manager, and so on.

Here at Isabella Weddings we are here to make sure those little details happen, ask about out decoration and set up package, for just £50 we can dress your venue and realise your vision for your tables and decoration.









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Saturday 25 June 2011

Love me love my ...

So apart from your hubby to be what or who is the most important thing in your life and how do you begin to think about sharing it?

For some it could be a material item, a coveted new gadget or shiny new car or could it be a relative, child or a best buddy? Maybe it is your sense of 'one-ness' that you worry about sharing or indeed losing?

As I grow older (ok ok not that old!) I begin to see what is really important to me and I feel that had I decided to hold a wedding for each decade of my youth the events would vary wildly.

In my twenties I would have wanted to prove how I could throw the biggest and the best party, maybe something different or quirky, a cool live band, a free bar and of course made sure that everyone had a heavy hangover the next day. In my thirties (which is when I actually got married) I wanted to have simple things, a good honeymoon, nice food and nice surroundings. Maybe the showy part of me had lessened so that could finally see what was important to me - to enjoy the day for me.

Now I approach my 40's (OMG) and I feel different still, I value my friendships more (now I have less of them!) and I see money as a part of life, as long as we have enough to enjoy our lives then we don't need more. I would rather have 24 hours with those true, dear loved ones than a whole months wages. Honest. So how would I have my wedding in my 40's? Simple, elegant, but fun. I would pack a bag, grab 5-6 close friends and our mums and head off to a country cottage for the weekend, I wouldn't overspend but I would worry about detail, I would worry that my loved ones felt loved and respected.

I wonder if we will renew our vows in our 50's!!




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Friday 10 June 2011

Cake Pops!

The new cupcake has arrived, these lovely cakelicious treats are my new favourite wedding trend by far!




I love these, my friend handed me one when I popped over to see her yesterday (not a 'will you marry me' one i hasten to add!) and I was bowled over! They are gorgeous little cake on sticks, the possibilities are endless and you can use them for all sorts of things!





Why not offer them as favours, gifts for the children, an alternative dessert or maybe just to accompany evening buffet.

If you fancy trying some of your own try this simple recipe on http://myfindsonline.com/2010/08/11/devils-food-cake-pops/





Perfect ..... Watch this space for the new wedding cake craze!


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Friday 3 June 2011

How to choose a supplier





Many Brides worry when choosing a supplier for their wedding, will they over spend, will they turn up on time, will they do what I ask!

There are so many wedding providers and like any other area of business there are good and there are bad. I have put some tips together to help you get the right supplier for your big day:

1) Ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend anyone and ask what they liked most about them

2) Speak to your venue, no doubt they have experience of working with some good suppliers BUT check that they have actually seen their work not just have a name on their books. The latter is fine but best to know so you can further investigate.

3) Personality. Make sure you get on with them when you meet, having a good relationship with the person capturing your day is vital in ensuring your requirements are fulfilled. The exceptions to this are those suppliers you won't be meeting on the day - these may include furniture delivery, stationery, favour makers etc. Where as really liking your photographer is vital. Getting on with them may mean you feel more comfortable about making late changes and asking new things from them on the day.

4) Check out their history, ask how long they have traded for, how many weddings they do a year, how many they will take on per day.

5) New suppliers are starting up all the time, just because they are new does not mean avoid them, many a bargain can be made by bagging a brand new supplier wanting to build a portfolio. Talk through any concerns and ask for references from previous work placements or training centres.

6) Speak to a bride they have worked with previously and ask her about her likes and dislikes over the entire day, things to be aware of, request or look out for.

7) Check their paperwork, do they have insurance and belong to any relevant governing bodies or organisations.

8) Ask your wedding planner, this is an ideal source of recommendation as they work with different suppliers every weekend and know the right questions to ask.

9) Ask your supplier if they can recommend other suppliers, who do they enjoy working with and why. This will ensure commitment from any 'linked' companies and you will also help their working relationships at the same time.

10) Lastly ask plenty of questions, what is their passion, do they want to spend time discussing your day, can they add ideas to your plans and work with you, make sure you also like their payment terms. Also make sure they are easy to contact, do they have time for you and any last minute requests.

Do remember Isabella Weddings can help you with sourcing suppliers or venues and also researching that special theme - you don't have to book a package to take advantage of this. Take a look at our website for more www.isabellaweddings.co.uk

So there we have it, I hope that helps. There are many wonderful suppliers just waiting to share your day with you, happy hunting!