SocialBrides.co.uk|Social Network,Wedding Blog & Chat Sessions, Online Wedding Fair 2012

Photobooths for weddings. Who would have thought?

This new take on an old concept is gaining momentum and snowballing in popularity. Adding a wholly different dimension to weddings, the photobooth concept allows guests a greater level of freedom. Without a photographer to hand, the privacy of the photobooth lets guests to tap into their fun frivolous side. Allowing guests to let their hair down, the photobooth is guaranteed to capture a completely different side of guests, complementing traditional wedding photography perfectly.

Photobooths also provide a sense of novelty and are as much a form of entertainment as a photographic record.

 

 

They will get people talking and encourage them to mingle outside their tables. There’s also a certain nostalgia factor, with photobooths recalling childhood memories. With no wait time and a retro feel, photobooths are sure to add an interesting quirk to any wedding, providing fresh, creative pics of your big day. Snaparazzi Photo Booths operate in the North and South of England and offer authentic retro 1960's Photo Booths which can deliver digital picture in black and white or colour. Limelight Hire offer a more modern twist on the theme with touchscreen technology and HD prints.

Photos taken in the booths can also be used to compile a personalised guestbook for the bride and groom.

Both of the above companies will be exhibiting with their photobooths on demonstration at The Great North Wedding Show at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on Sunday February 19th 2012

Weddings can be a minefield in terms of tradition and etiquette. Who pays for what? And how much should they pay? While a simple civil ceremony will set you back less than £50, the overwhelming majority of weddings cost between £5,000 and a staggering £15,000. To simplify and streamline the process (and minimise the stress), it’s best to arrive at a budget before you seriously begin planning, and to decide who is paying for what early on.

Tradition dictates that the cost of a wedding is covered by the bride’s father. However, the practice of parents covering the cost of a wedding is becoming less common, and the majority of weddings are funded by the bridal couple in question. Despite the added financial burden, in many ways paying for your own weddings offers an easier option, giving you full reign to exercise your own prerogative, without having to defer to the cost coverer. Aside from this, many couples are wary of asking their parents for financial assistance on the basis that their parents aren’t in a position to cover the costs. Should your parents wish to contribute, discuss and agree a set contribution to the budget to avoid any subsequent confusion. Regardless of parental involvement, you are likely to have to save to cover some of the costs, so it’s wise to work out a budget as soon as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to save.

To better enable you to navigate this minefield, we've compiled the following list:

The Bride's family

·         Wedding stationery and the engagement announcement in the local newspaper.

·         The cost of ceremony - including the flowers, registering banns, and the music.

·         The wedding cake and catering.

·         Overnight accommodation for close relatives on the bride’s side.

·         The bride's wedding dress, veil, accessories and shoes.

·         Transportation for the bride and bridal party.

·         The reception costs, including the venue, food, beverages, entertainment, wedding cake, favours.

·         The photographer and videographer.

·         The floral bouquets.

·         The church and the decorations for the reception.

·         The Bridesmaids' dresses and accompanying accessories.

·         Wedding presents for the newlyweds.

The Groom's family

·         The groom's attire.

·         The best man and ushers’ outfits.

·         The travel and accommodation expenses for the groom's family.

·         The corsages for the parents and buttonholes for the men.

·         Wedding presents for the bride and groom.

Bride and groom

·         The hen do and stag party.

·         Gifts for the parents, the attendants and the best man.

·         Any expenses that have exceeded the original budget.

·         The wedding night hotel.

·         The honeymoon.

-sheepskin! Sheepskin rugs look luxe and cosy – perfect for a winter wedding!

-pine cones – scatter on tables or use as place card holders

-fairy lights – festive, but slightly more discreet than tinsel, fairy lights provide soft, flattering lighting and create an air of romance

-Christmas trees – this is my own personal idea for a winter take on wishing trees. Instead of hanging ‘wishes’ on the bare branches of a wishing tree, swap it for a spruce!

-Also, miniature Christmas trees can make excellent table centrepieces – the scope for customisation makes them a perfect addition, keep it simple with white fairy lights or go all out

-Baubles – pretty and can be used as favours or even place settings if personalised. The multi-purpose nature of baubles makes them perfect for anyone with a tight budget.

-A log fire – cosiness personified!

-gingerbread houses – you can buy pre-made ones and they add endless charm to a food table

-snowglobes – think the tasteful variety, not the cheap and cheerful type you pick up in a discount store to give to children

-holly and mistletoe – for a festive touch of nostalgia

{Image credits: 1. Partylights; 2. All Style Wedding Invitations;}

With Christmas looming I thought it pertinent to compile a list of delicious festive treats to serve at a winter wedding, just in case anyone is in need of any inspiration. So here it is, my top 10 treats for a warm winter wedding!

-freshly roasted chestnuts – deliciously nostalgic and comforting.

-hot chocolates with a fresh miniature ring doughnuts (and for added decadence serve with whipped cream and crumbled flake).

-mince pies fresh from the oven – for those who really want to capitalise on the festive cheer.

-egg nogg –creamy comforting goodness in a glass!

-hot canapes – think miniature yorkshire puddings with sliced beef and horseradish or gravy.

-hot chocolate shots – like hot chocolate but better, think a syrupy shot of melted chocolate.

-cranberry glazed turkey skewers – simple, sweet and succulent!

-melting middle chocolate fondants – timeless and universally popular I believe

-hot scotch eggs – another classic! For a more delicate, contemporary twist, use quail eggs instead of chicken egg.

-mulled wine – for something truly spectacular purchase a sugar tower, douse it in alcohol and then set fire to it! Not only does it enrich the mulled wine, but it makes for an impressive display.

{Image credits: 1. Mahanandi; 2. ; Delicious Magazine; 3. We Adore Weddings;}

10 top tips to save money on your wedding:

The average wedding in Britain costs in excess of £15,000. In some ways, it’s not really surprising given how quickly costs and expectations spiral. However, for many brides, this is simply unfeasible given the current economic climate. Sure every bride wants her big day to be perfect, but if like many others you’d rather spend the money on other things, or simply don’t have the money to fund a lavish wedding, read on. A tight budget does not mean you have to sacrifice your big day dreams, it just means you need to more savvy. So here are some tips to help you manage the wedding planning process on a budget.

-First of all, you need to decide what matters most to you. What are you willing and unwilling to compromise on. Work out how much you have to spend in each area and then research research research!

-Look in the classified section and on ebay for decorations rather than buying brand new ones. Alternatively, consider opting for decorations that double as wedding favours

-Go over your guest list with a fine tooth comb – every extra guest you invite increases the cost substantially. In addition to the catering costs, you’ll find yourself forking out for extra wedding invitations, favours, and even table centrepieces. If you’re on a tight budget it’s time to get tough with who you invite – cull people you haven’t spoken to in years.

-Ask your florist which flowers are in season, as these will be cheaper than flowers that are out of season and harder to source, particularly when if you’re planning to use large quantities for table centrepieces.

-Attend sample sales when hunting for that perfect dress, or even consider renting a wedding dress. Alternatively, if you know someone with excellent seamstress skills consider asking them whether they would be willing to tailor-make you a wedding dress.

-Go off peak – if you hold your wedding on a Sunday vendors may offer you a better rate due to demand being lower.

-DIY it – DIY is your friend if you’re on a budget. Even if you’re not a craft goddess, get friends and relatives to help. DIY decorations, cakes and invitations are becoming increasingly popular as people appreciate the personal touch. Consider where your (and your helpers’) talents lie and then work out what DIY projects you have time for. This crocheted heart runner on Project Wedding is a perfect example of how easy and effective DIY can be! http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-crocheted-heart-runner



-Consider asking guests to donate their time and skills instead of a traditional wedding gift – from flower arranging to hairdressing, getting guests on board with the preparation can really cut costs and allow you more financial leeway on the areas that mean the most to you.

-Find a less expensive venue and/or keep the reception short and sweet. The length of your reception will influence the cost of the venue hire so consider this carefully when choosing. If you don’t have your heart set on a lavish country house, consider holding your reception at a local community centre or even someone’s home. Alternatively, if you do have your heart set on the sprawling country estate, having a reception out of the peak wedding season will help keep your costs down.

-According to tradition, the bride’s family pay for the bridesmaids’ attire so this is a prime area to cut costs; rather than buying ‘bridesmaid’dresses, which will come with a premium price tag, look for suitable dresses in normal high street store ranges.

‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ is one of Britain’s most enthralling wedding shows. Not only is it a great source of entertainment, but it’s also a great source of inspiration. Never has this been truer than in the episode airing on BBC3 on Tuesday 15^th November at 9 pm! For this episode features Y.A.P Bridal Boutique, one of Newcastle’s finest. For those of you who love a good frock fest, Jo, from Y.A.P boutique, sets the bar high with her customer care. Talking about Newcastle, Jo says she believes "we deserve nothing but the best in choice and service", and this commitment is evident in the episode. She suggests an exquisite gown for Lauren, based on a number of factors including her body shape and personal style, bringing Lauren one step closer to her dream wedding.

Y.A.P boutique redefines customer care. The sales assistants are fabulous, both knowledgeable and attentive they offer an incredible experience and make every bride feel special. Finding the dress of your dreams can be surprisingly stressful, and Y.A.P boutique really focuses on making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. As Jo herself says, "I understand the importance of great service, especially during this important part of your life, when the choices you make, make the difference." And with its name standing for ‘You Are Precious’ what’s not to love?! According to Jo, the name evolved out of a family who "know the importance of love, friendship and marriage." The name is about 'you', the bride being precious to your loved ones on your big day! The boutique offers a broad spectrum of designers, including local designers and couture designers from across the globe. The selection of dresses is equally broad, incorporating gowns with an old fashioned elegance as well as gowns with a directional contemporary twist. Y.A.P not only caters for, but also celebrates, all tastes, body shapes and budgets.

Even better - Jo will now be bringing her expertise to Social Brides (which we are all rather excited about)! She will be available from 8 pm onwards during Tuesday’s online wedding fair and chat, ready and waiting to field your questions and provide expert tips and advice on choosing the perfect wedding dress to suit your style, shape and budget! We can’t imagine a better evening for a bride-to-be! So why don’t you settle into your sofa to watch ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’, pour yourself a glass of wine, and load up www.SocialBrides.co.ukon your laptop to unwind?! It’s sure to be a great night, with experts and brides converging to talk all things wedding related, and Jo will make an excellent addition to our expert supplier panel.

WYNYARD HALL GRAND ENTRACE BATHED IN AUTUMN SUNSHINE FOR THE WEDDING OF ALEX AND JON

ALEX CONCENTRATING ON HER EARRINGS


AT WYNYARD HALL BEAUTIFUL WEDDING BOUQUET TO GO WITH ALEX'S CLASSICAL MAGGIE SOTTERO DRESS


A MAGGIE SOTTERO DRESS FOR ALEX ... WAITING FOR IT'S PLACE AT THE CENTRE OF HER WEDDING TO JON AT WYNYARD HALL


ALEX IS VERY EXCITED TO TRY ON HER WEDDING DRESS AT WYNYARD HALL


YOU CAN FEEL THE EXCITEMENT IN THIS PHOTOGRAPH AS ALEXS SISTER HELPS HER WITH HER MAGGIE SOTTERO WEDDING DRESS AT WYNYARD HALL


THERE'S LOTS OF ACTION UNDER THE DRESS AT THIS POINT AND YOU NEED A LOT OF PEOPLE TO HELP OUT!


SUPER CHILLED .... AND TIME FOR CHANNEL ....


STILL TIME FOR A LAUGH AND A SMILE, EVEN THOUGH SHE IS THINKING ABOUT HER TWO YOUNG SONS


ALEX'S FATHER IS A VERY PROUD MAN!


THE CLASSICAL LINES OF A BEAUTIFUL MAGGIE SOTTERO WEDDING GOWN


ALEX EVEN HAS TIME FOR A WAVE TO HER FRIENDS AS SHE COMES DOWN THE AISLE TO GREET JON


SMILES ALL ROUND .... SHE'S AT THE FRONT, READY TO BE WED


A LOVELY DETAIL SHOT OF HER DRESS AND BOUQUET


HAPPY TO GET MARRIED .. ALEX LISTENS TO THE SERVICE


JON IS A VERY PROUD HUSBAND TO BE ..


THE WEDDING RING GOES ON .. NOT LONG NOW!


HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY ....... ALEX AND JON EMBRACE AS THEY ARE ANNOUNCED AS MAN AND WIFE AT WYNYARD HALL


JON'S MUM LOOKS PRETTY PLEASED TOO!


THE TENSION IS BROKEN AND IT'S TIME TO WALK OFF AND ENJOY THE WEDDING CELEBRATIONS AT WYNYARD HALL


STILL TIME TO TAKE THE APPLAUSE!


TWO OF THE BRIGHTEST COLOURED GUESTS AT WYNYARD HALL!

SISTERS, SISTERS ... HAPPY DAY FOR ALEX AND HER SISTER AND CHIEF BRIDESMAID!

THE BEST MAN MUST BE SOMEWHERE CLOSE BY ... ! JON TRIES TO ROUND LIAM UP FOR HIS PHOTOCALL!

... AND HERE HE IS! BEST MAN AND GROOM TOGETHER IN THE AUTUMN SUNSHINE AT JONS WEDDING AT WYNYARD HALL

THE BEAUTIFUL WEDDING CAKE AT WYNYARD HALL

TIME FOR A QUICK FORMAL PHOTOGRAPH OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM .. BACK TO THE FUN .. !

SMILES ALL ROUND FROM THE YOUNGER GUESTS

THE AUTUMN SUNSHINE MEANS THE YOUNGER GUESTS HEAD OUT INTO THE GROUNDS BEFORE THE SPEECHES!

GOOD NATURED BARRACKING FOR THE GROOM AND BEST MAN FROM THEIR FRIENDS AT WYNYARD HALL

MMMMM .. THE WEDDING BREAKFAST MENU AT WYNYARD COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

EVEN THE GUESTS FOUND THE TOP TABLE ANTICS FUNNY!

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP LAUGHING SOMETIMES AT THE BEST MANS SPEECH

APPLAUSE ALL ROUND FOR THE BEST MAN LIAM'S SPEECH

CHEERS .. SPEECHES OUT OF THE WAY !

ALEX CATCHES THE LAST RAYS OF THE AUTUMN SUN AS I PHOTOGRAPH SOME BRIDAL PORTRAITS

LOVE THE HALF SILHOUETTE AND LIGHT ON THIS PHOTOGRAPN IN THE BALLROOM

ALL LOVE ON THE DANCEFLOOR ..


AND FRIENDS JOIN IN TOO AS THE PARTY REALLY GETS STARTED!

Wynyard Hall Country House Hotel has been a great addition to the wedding venue choices for brides getting married in the north of England. It's a stunning venue full of history and now, after almost three years, it is firmly on the map of brides and grooms to be.

This year I have photographed five weddings there, each one different, each one personal and intimate in their own way, whether with 30 people or with 200 people.

Alex and Jon wanted a relaxing day, no pressure, no hassle and their two charming young sons were to be an important part of their day of celebration as they made their commitment to each other. Alex and I had chatted quite a few times on the phone and by email and met twice before the wedding, and Jon joined us the second time at their home just a week or so before their wedding day at Wynyard. I was booked for the wedding, because they knew I would just let them get on with having a great family celebration and capture almost all the photographs naturally, showing the fun and the happiness of the day, though we would also make time to make sure that parents were kept happy with key group shots that we managed to get through very quickly with a laugh and smile.

At most of my summer weddings this year I was wiping raindrops off my camera, so a glorious blue sky and bright sunshine greeted me on an October day back at Wynyard Hall .. what a treat!

Alex was busy with her youngest son when I arrived, so we sat and had a chat, just the three of us in her palatial room at Wynyard Hall ... sooo different from many brides and grooms, but Alex was REALLY chilled out! Jon was taking care of their elder son so I went off to have a look around the layout of the upcoming ceremony in the ballroom (my favourite room....) and the conservatory where the wedding breakfast was to be (again, my favourite room in Wynyard Hall for a wedding breakfast .. so light and airy and LOTS of space compared to other rooms).

I was back up to see Alex and the bridesmaids as they got ready - Alex in her Maggie Sotttero wedding dress, after saying hello to Jon as he arrived at the hall, and all was still relaxed and calm - and so it stayed as the time for Alex and Jon to get married.

Jon was pretty chilled out too and I had my fingers crossed that he would enjoy the day as much as Alex, it had been such a hectic past year for them both, but as she came down the aisle with her father Jon beamed a smile and Alex beamed an even bigger smile, and I think we all knew that it was going to be a really lovely day!

There were lots of nice informal images to be taken as all the guests and the happy couple kissed and cuddled and backslapped and bear hugged the guests, and as they all enjoyed the sunshine on the terrace overlooking the lake, we got our heads together and spent five or six minutes gathering Mums and Dads and siblings for some (less than ) formal groups, organised and taken with a smile and a laugh before we headed in for the wedding breakfast.

At the end of the wedding breakfast (thanks folks!) , the speeched came and went with huge smiles, whistling from guests and standing applause in particular parts, before Alex's parents and the newly weds headed of to their rooms to make sure their sons were changed and happy and comfortable before the evening celebrations!

Although it was dark now, it was a chance to get around a few more of the guests and get some more photographs to keep everyone happy, before the first dance with Jason Isaacs who kept everyone dancing for an hour.

Then it was time to leave .. I said my farewells and thanks for hospitality, everyone seemed very happy, and yet another guests says: " I didn't realise you were the professonal photographer, I just thought you were a member of the family ... ". Which how it works really. Result!

There will be more on Facebook in the coming days, so add me as a friend HERE

See Caroline and Antony's Wynyard Hall wedding HERE

View the sneak peek of Kirstey and Mark's wedding at Wynyard Hall HERE

See the sneak peek of Nikki and Steve's 2nd time around wedding HERE

Caroline's review of my photography on their day at Wynyard hall is HERE

Weddings are magical affairs. However, planning a wedding is not always as magical as it can, and should, be. With a million things to organise, it’s all too easy to forget an all-important detail or leave it until it’s too late. That’s why we’ve compiled this wedding checklist here at Social Brides to help you with the process, and make it simpler and more manageable.

A.S.A.P.

-decide on a budget
-select what type of ceremony you want
-select your colour scheme, and an overarching theme (optional)
-Select and book a venue for the ceremony
-Book your ceremony time and date with a minister or registrar – have back up dates/times in mind
-Select your bridesmaids, flower girls, pageboys, ushers and groomsmen
-Select and book a venue for the reception (confirm it in writing)
-Arrange wedding insurance before you pay any deposits
-Prepare a first draft of the guest list -Meet and book caterers – sample a few menu options
-Order the cake (you can settle on the design a little later, around 4 months before the wedding)
-Start looking for wedding dresses - choose between bespoke and off the peg -Select your wedding stationery (invitations, place cards etc.)
-if you’re hiring a wedding planner now is the time to do it

6-12 months before:

-Send out save the date cards
-Book a photographer/videographer
-Book transport to and from the ceremony for the bridal party
-Book the honeymoon
-Book florists and entertainers/musicians
-create an inspiration board or scrapbook with ideas and styles you like for food, dresses, hair, makeup, decorations etc.
-Choose your bridal attire and outfits for others involved in the ceremony

6 months before:

-Select and order your wedding rings
-Pick up your Marriage Notice form from the Registrar
-Choose bridal accessories, shoes, headdress, veil etc

5 months before:

-Select flowers for the bridal bouquet, decorations, buttonholes etc.
-Book a hotel for your first night.
-Compile your gift wish list

4 months before:

-Finalise the design and colour you want for your wedding cake
-Check requirements for travelling and which documents you’ll need
-Arrange any visas you need
-Book an appointment with your doctor to discuss what vaccinations you will need for your honeymoon
-Confirm and discuss the arrangements with your minister like the order of service
-Buy gifts for those involved in the wedding

3 months before:

-Consult your hairdresser about what styles you like, and what styles will suit your face. Consider taking your headdress along and arrange a trial style
-Hen and stag parties should be organised by the best man and chief bridesmaid
-Ensure guests have accommodation
-When guests RSVP stating their intention to attend, send them an information pack including such information as your gift list, maps and directions, local accommodation availability etc.
-If you’re altering your name, now is the time to have new credit cards issued.
-Buy wedding favours
-Arrange fittings for those involved in the ceremony

2 months before:

-buy wedding confetti (check if confetti is permitted, some allow biodegradable products such as dried petals)
-prepare a seating plan
-send thank you notes as and when wedding gifts arrive
-children involved in the ceremony should be measured up for their outfits
-Contact your stationer to let them know names for place cards
-Arrange a trial run of your wedding make-up

1 month before:

-Final fitting for your wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses
-Let the caterer and reception venue know the final number of guests attending
-Write and rehearse speeches
-Confirm transport details and find out the approximate duration of the journey to the ceremony venue
-Write to banks and any other official institutions if you’re changing your surname

1-2 weeks before:

-Confirm suppliers – confirm arrangements and timings
-Final rehearsal
-Make sure all wedding attire has been collected and fits
-Wear in bridal shoes
-Ensure the menus, place cards, order of service sheets etc have been delivered
-Confirm honeymoon details, order currency etc
-Write a play list for the DJ, including you first dance song
-Pick up your marriage schedule
-Pick up wedding attire

On the big day:

-Try to have at least some breakfast
-Leave plenty of time to get ready – there’s nothing worse than feeling flustered
-Make sure your honeymoon suitcase is sent to the hotel you’re staying at overnight

Quick Wedding Checklist Overview:

-order of service
-underwear
-accessories
-shoes
-rings
-speeches
-hymns and readings
-hair
-dress
-bridesmaids dresses
-page boy/flower girl
-venue – ceremony and reception
-honeymoon
-cake
-flowers
-food and drink
-transport
-decorations
-music/entertainment
-favours
-seating arrangement
-guest list
-save the date card
-invitations
-confetti
-vaccinations/visas for honeymoon

Please add your comments if you think there is anything else we should include

I’m in love. Jenny Packham has truly exceeded herself with these delectably whimsical wedding dresses. They’re the perfect combination of chic and feminine, will flatter any figure and are so well cut they could be re-worn for other formal occasions. Team with a Packham headdress for a contemporary feel, or pair with a retro flower headdress to enhance the whimsy. As if Jenny Packham’s designs weren’t tantalising enough in their own right, Packham’s holding an end of line sale, with up to 70% off bridal accessories, on Thursday, 17^th November from 8.30 am until 8 pm at 3A Carlos Place, Mount Street, London, W1K 3AN.

How you wear your hair can transform any outfit, and this is never more true than on your wedding day. With no rules for bridal do’s you have incredible scope, but in some ways this can make deciding on a style all the more overwhelming. When selecting a style you should start by considering the length and thickness of your hair. Hair like fine spun silk may be soft and luxurious, but it will not hold its shape as readily as thicker, wavy hair. That is not to say it won’t hold, but consider whether your hair will require additional preparation when choosing a style.

You should also take into account the overall aesthetic of your bridal look; is it conservative? Quirky? If so, would it benefit more from a contrasting hair style to dilute the look, or would a co-ordinated hair style work best? Other factors to consider are the neckline of your dress (if you have corsage detailing at the shoulder it would be a shame to obscure this), your veil (how elaborate and long is it?) and whether you want any additional decorative hairpieces.

Your stylist should be your best friend. Ask which styles will flatter your face most and then discuss the best way to care for and prepare your hair. Consider a series of rehydrating treatments, in addition to regular haircuts, to get your hair as glossy and healthy as possible. Avoid drastic changes in either colour or cut before the big day, and to ensure your hair is at its very best eat a diet rich in omega 3; it will maximise gloss and minimise breakage. It also is highly recommended that you make sure you have a trial style to see if your chosen do lives up to expectations; if you’re disappointed you’ll still have time to tweak it, or change it entirely.