There is a fine line between orderly and making sure everything happens when it should and a ‘military’ style operation.

Timings and order of your day are important but so is a relaxed fun atmosphere, so here are some tips to help you organise those important moments and make sure you arrive at the church on time, relaxed and ready to enjoy your day!

Getting ready

It’s so important to plan this part of the day well. Hair, make-up, getting into your dress, travel and photos can take up much more time than you think. Best to be on the safe side, decide on a time frame and add an hour, especially if there are little ones to get ready!

Location

If you are travelling between venues plan your route beforehand, time it, have a plan B and liaise with your supplier to ensure a seamless journey.

Traditions

Traditions to consider; the first dance, speeches, cutting the cake, bouquet throw and carriages. Speak with your venue when planning these, this your day and these can happen when you want however the below is usual:

• Bouquet throw – before the breakfast
• Speeches – after the breakfast
• Cutting the cake – after the speeches
• First dance – before the evening entertainment
• Carriages – Midnight

The expert ~ Neal Laver from Neal Laver Photography

 Q “From a photography point of view, what is the most important thing couples should consider when putting together their itinerary for their big day”?

A: “A big consideration is the time of the ceremony and the time of year. This is especially relevant for winter weddings when you could loose daylight by 3:30pm. The remedy here is to have an early ceremony so that you can have some pictures taken in daylight”.

“Think about the group photographs, try to limit this to a maximum of ten combinations. Your photographer will be able to complete the task quickly, your guests won’t be bored, and the couple will have more time to mingle with guests”.

Q: “Would you recommend a receiving line?”

A: “Whilst this can be a nice thing to do, it’s very time consuming. It’s every guest at your wedding in a queue waiting to greet you, this really does take up so much time!”

Happy planning

Catherine x

Evening receptions are becoming more lavish with so many new and unique ideas to surprise and entertain your guests.

Here are some ideas we have been involved in at weddings recently!

Catering: Ice cream van, hot munchies like bacon/egg baps, sweetie cart, Dunkin’ Donuts, cocktails, candy floss machine.

Add some fun: Rodeo Bull, funfair rides (carousel, Ferris wheel), photo booth, karaoke, garden games, dance floor props, glow sticks, dance offs.

Guest book with a difference: Wishing tree, polaroid pictures, wooden drop box, personalised jigsaw, garden bench, giant Jenga pieces.

Decoration: Giant light up letters, balloon displays, chiffon drapes, coloured linen, sequin table cloths, photo board displays.

Pure entertainment: Magician, music impersonator, celebrity lookalikes, caricaturist.

Whatever you decide remember your budget, what reflects you as a couple and choose entertainment and food that you both enjoy.

Lots of children attending? Consider a children’s entertainer, crèche, gift packs, a toy corner, craft table, treasure hunt or bouncy castle.

The expert ~ Kelly Chamberlain, Polka Chair Cover & Prop Hire

Q: What, in your opinion, makes an evening reception that extra bit special?

A: “A good band or a great DJ to have your dance floor occupied throughout the night. Providing treats or favours for your guests, light up letters are fun and food and drink stations are increasingly popular. For us at Polk-Dot our rotating Ferris wheels stay popular, the contents can change to whatever suits each couple and they provide a great alternative to favours, give entertainment value and photo opportunities. These can be filled with sweets, doughnuts, gourmet popcorn and much more “

Q: What’s the most important thing to remember when arranging your evening celebration?

A: “Sit down and ask yourself; what makes a great night! It’s your wedding and so should reflect your personalities. Having the best time means hiring professionals to take care of your guest’s entertainment. Always read reviews, take note of recommended businesses’ and go along to wedding fayres”.

Remember:

It’s easy to get carried away with lavish entertainment which can be costly, your guests are attending your wedding to share in your love and commitment to each other, so anything else is just a lovely addition!

Happy Planning

Catherine x