The A-Z of Getting Wed
Perfect planning can see your dream wedding come to fruition as easily as abc…
A is for Attendants…
Choose your attendants carefully and ensure your best man, chief bridesmaid and other attendants are reliable and will ensure your special day goes without a hitch. Remember that it’s usual to give attendants a small token of your gratitude after their hard work!
B is for Budgeting…
Planning a wedding is exhilarating and exciting but it’s so easy to get carried away, and the financial implications of this can be horrendous. Set a budget and stick to it, and itemise your anticipated expenses from flowers to your reception, honeymoon, transport costs and catering arrangements.
C is for Cars…
Arriving in style is essential on your big day, and unfortunately, your family car just won’t cut the mustard. If cars really aren’t your thing, you could consider a horse drawn carriage or simple but stylish white Rolls Royce. If your groom is a little more passionate about cars though, how about arriving in a Ferrari or E-type Jaguar to make it to the church in style?
D is for Disco…
There’s nothing like a good disco to get your reception swinging, but when booking your entertainment, ensure you make a list of the eras, styles and artists that you particularly like to give your entertainer something to go on. Choose somebody personable with equipment which produces good clear sound and don’t be afraid to go along to one of their bookings to hear them for yourselves.
E is for Extras…
It’s the little treats, favours and special touches that really make your day special so go through Bride and Groom to have a look at what other couples have done and what different companies offer by way of finishing touches. Favours, disposable cameras on the tables, treats for the children and all those other extra little touches make all the difference and add a touch of class to your wedding.
F is for Faith…
When your big day comes along, a whole host of experts and professionals will have been enlisted, all charged with their own very special responsibilities in making your day perfect. Make your desires clear and be specific in your instructions, but also have faith, and trust your professionals to do their job whilst you enjoy your day!
G is for Grooming…
Traditionally, weddings have always been the bride’s big day, but increasingly grooms too are indulging in a little TLC before the event, so budget for a hair restyling, male facial and a little pampering to ensure he walks down the aisle looking his best!
H is for Honeymoon…
Going away to spend some time together before returning to gushing friends and relatives is a must after your big day, and will give you something to look forward to after the exhausting pomp and ceremony of your wedding is over, so make your honeymoon something very special indeed. Our top ten honeymoon ideas will offer inspiration!
I is for Invitations…
Don’t be tempted to scrimp on your invitations and stationery. Whilst your home PC is capable of producing mediocre printed matter, proper invitations with lovely embossed stocks of paper, beautiful embellishments and elegant script will be kept for years as a souvenir of your momentous day.
J is for Jewellery…
Tiaras, sparkling fascinators and other jewellery can all set off your outfit beautifully, so ensure you’re adorned with these beautiful finishing touches, and see our jewellery pages for some imaginative ideas and inspiration.
K is for Kiddies…
Weddings inevitably excite children, so ensuring they’ve colouring books or little treat bags containing quiet activities will keep them busy, and prevent their running into maitre’d’s, guests and elderly relatives. If your budget can stretch to it, you could even consider a bouncy castle or children’s entertainer to really make it a day to remember not just for adults, but younger guests too.
L is for Love…
Ultimately, weddings are about love and happiness. Inevitably the day will be busy and will almost certainly suffer little hitches, but when all is said and done, Ensure that you make time for your bride or groom, and remember to try to spend some time alone together to remind yourselves that you’ve the rest of your lives in each others’ company.
M is for Marriage…
Take the time to talk to your minister and discuss the degree to which you want religion to be a theme of your wedding. In addition to taking your vows in front of friends and family, you’re also making solemn promises before God and the Christian church. Your minister won’t mind if you’re not the most devout churchgoer, but will appreciate your respect for the church and the religious implications of a Christian ceremony.
N is for Nuptials…
The words in your wedding service within which you marry are very important, and in our opinion the older version of your vows is the most elegant with its aged and mellow language, and time honoured implications. Note that civil ceremonies are not allowed to have religious content of any sort.
O is for Outfit…
Your wedding ensemble is perhaps one of the most important and personal features of the day, so trailing through guides and magazines, shopping around and trying on repeatedly, despite being somewhat of a hassle, is absolutely necessary if you’re to find that one special gown which is right for you. Our wedding dress pages will help you to choose a style and give you the inspiration to find the dress you want.
P is for Photographs…
So many photographers have their own style and way of working that it’s worth having a specific idea of exactly what you’re looking for regarding the photographs of your big day. Consider either a more traditional, posed approach to your photographs or a slightly more contemporary and less formal looking reportage approach to photography. Therefore, looking through our Real Lincolnshire Weddings features will give you a few ideas for some unusual shots and angles.
Q is for Quotes…
Costs vary enormously from wedding to wedding, and from supplier to supplier, so it’s a good idea to gather as many quotes as possible and have these written down and kept in a special file so that you can compare exactly what you get for your money and can keep track of your finances accordingly.
R is for Reception…
There are so many brilliant venues around Lincolnshire for your reception, and this should be one of the first things you book, so try to see as many as possible in person rather than relying on brochures, which can be misleading. Estimate the amount of room and degree of privacy your reception venue needs to have, and consider the appearance of the grounds for your photographs.
S is for Speeches…
The speeches may seem nerve wracking, but with plenty of planning and a few rehearsals, you can make your groom’s speech appear slick and stress free. Use cue cards rather than a folded up piece of paper to ensure that you’re not struggling to find your place after you look up, and punctuate your speech with thank you gift distribution to allow you to catch your breath. The most important rule is rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
T is for Theme…
To ensure that everything fits together nicely, agree early on upon a theme which you will both follow. This could be particular colours, or a favourite period in history to provide a structure around which you can organise your special day. Continue highlight colours when choosing your dress, flowers, tableware and stationery.
V is for Valour…
Grooms; don’t forget that wedding dresses often restrict mobility and are uncomfortable to wear all day, so opening doors for your bride, holding her bouquet and helping her into and out of her carriage or limo is not only a good way to help prevent your bride feeling uncomfortable, but also to show a little valour and prove your gentlemanly good intentions.
U is for Unwanted Gifts…
A present list is a superb way of ensuring that you don’t end up with several hundred toasters, and plenty of high street stores will help collate these either in an in-store gift list book or online. Buying a wedding present was much easier before the days of co-habitation, and these days, with most people already having household essentials before they marry, a gift list is essential.
W is for Weather…
If you fear typically British bad weather on your big day, provide umbrellas for your guests as they leave church and opt for a venue that suits the season of your wedding.
X is for Xxx…
Leave a note with her chief bridesmaid or send a text on the morning of your wedding to let your loved one know you’re looking forward to the big day and to reassure your bride that you’re thinking of her.
Y is for You…
Your wedding should not only be a special day, but should also reflect your tastes, preferences and personalities. Don’t be afraid to put your own personal stamp on your big day. Make a wish-list and work towards making your wedding a true reflection of your love for one another!
Z is for Zzz…
Above all other beauty tips that the experts will divulge, remember that a good night’s sleep is essential to look fresh & beautiful for your wonderful day!
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