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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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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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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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!

Wedding Planner? Who needs one!

Last night I stayed with a lovely photographer - Jemma from Pearl Pictures http://www.pearl-pictures.com who will be shooting Pamela and Roberts wedding today. We were chatting about the services we offer and how they add value and it lead on to discussing why couples choose a wedding planner over a venue co-ordinator. Many venue co-ordinaries feel there isn't a need for an independent wedding planner and can sometimes feel a little put out by this taking place, like I'm straying into their territory.

This is a problem I come up against a fair amount and I strongly feel it can work really well as we focus on very different areas and can support each other - should the venue be open to this of course. I'm not employed to take over their venue, they are the expert here and I am simply here to support them and assist where I can, add a pair of hands when required.

Of course this isn't the only area of my support, a venue co-ordinator is an expert in their field, they know how you can make the best of your day and by using their skills you can ensure your reception is perfect.

However a wedding planner can add so much more to this, they work with many different suppliers every weekend and can offer varied advice on those suppliers, they are out and about every day and keeping up with what's new. They are visiting bridal shops, fairs, events all of which give extra influence and outside influence, they can visit suppliers and collect samples, read over supplier contracts and put together timelines and calendars.

More than this though they offer something only an independent wedding planner can truly offer.... 24 support. Being on the end of the phone for every concern or worry, advising on everything from style to family arguments. They are there for you and can be called upon at anytime day or night.

This emotional support is by far the most important role I offer and one my couples value above everything else.


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Retro v Vintage

I love retro, I blame my husband of course. I see myself in a camper van, wearing polka dots and a satchel, listening to Dean Martin and enjoying lots of colourific treats. For this blog I wanted to look at weddings with both themes ...

Take a look here for some fab Retro wedding ideas ...

http://www.mrs2be.com/retro-wedding-theme.php

But then there's vintage, I have to confess I'm not sure I ever knew the big differences... Vintage is more twee, more Cath Kidston than the recent Retro glamour of Drew Barrymore ( or dare I say it Austin Powers!) you can have vintage lace on your dress and table cloths and not feel you've overdone it. Afternoon tea and scones will secure your Ode to Vintage where as you are looking more at a candy bar come jelly bean jar to pull off true Retro.

What about the cars? Surely an ice cream van tops a classic 1926 Bentley? Or does it.

Officially I'm told that the 'vintage era' was from 1919-1930 whereas Retro brings about images of the swinging 60's doesn't it? So why do we get the two mixed up? Maybe it's our love of the past, when we lived without convenience and with good, homemade clothes and jams. Where neighbours spoke and hard living meant something very different.

Here is a lovely vintage wedding site I found : http://www.vintagewedding.com/

I find it amusing that we all love our mod cons but we do yearn for those bygone years of our grandparents.

So which do you love more? Can you choose? I am a vintage girl but can see my husbands influence creeping into my wardrobe too. Let's just embrace our love of all things that are not the here and now? Maybe.


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I-cycle

Matt Benecci Icycle.








I love this idea! Why not hire a Trike Bike Ice Cream visit for your wedding?! Yum!

"It's difficult to be original these days and still maintain a standing in the marketplace. In 2005 Matt Benecci Ice Cream Co. was formed by Simon and Kerry Wells with the aim of providing the serving and distribution of quality Ice Cream from an Ice Cream Trike. The name was taken from their children 'Matt, Ben and Becci' and the trikes were quickly and lovingly called 'Icycles'. From a single unit serving at a local wedding five years ago, Matt Benecci Ice Cream Co has expanded into all counties covering the South East of England."
(....taken from their website...)

When looking for something unusual, this is perfect. Their cycles are used in many television campaigns and they are increasingly popular for weddings and events alike.










http://www.icecreamtrikebike.co.uk look them up today.