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Category: Planning Tips

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Experts Share Essential Wedding Planning Tips

21st March 2023

Wedding season is upon us! The time for wearing your favourite lehenga, glamming up with incredible jewels, and incredibly elaborate cakes. Regardless of how soon or far your wedding is, you’re going to be faced with a lot of “are you excited for your big day?” and “when’s the honeymoon?” questions right about now, when truly, you may be facing various emotions and levels of stress.

Don’t worry, we’ve spoken to our incredible industry experts to provide you with top tips; with advice to help you from the start of the planning process, right till a few days before.

YOUR WEDDING. YOUR CHOICE.
As much as you are bound to have tons of opinions & advice, we suggest you always follow your guy and do exactly what feels right for you.

Don't leave things last minute

A tip from majority of our suppliers is to enquire & book in advance! The UK is known for having its busy wedding periods, due to the weather, holidays & much more. More recently, couples sit on quotes for a while, and the supplier is often booked by the time they go to pay. 

Tip via Hire2Style, London

Piano With Bhav emphasizes the importance of booking your artist entertainment earlier on, around a year in advance. It’s good to remember that some suppliers can take on multiple bookings in a day, whilst most entertainment artists, makeup artists, mehndi artists & much more can’t. Once they’re booked, they’re booked! So if you have someone in particular in mind, be sure to enquire and get booking early on.

Aurelio Photography also suggests booking your photographer early on, often straight after your venue. With more and more couples opting for numerous events & pre-wedding shoots, photographers need time to prepare, have consultations, and carve out the appropriate amounts of times to work on post-wedding production and edits – so they need to have their couples booked in advance in order to manage expectations.

Read before you sign any contracts

Whilst it sounds obvious, it’s sometimes to easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking your suppliers, that you don’t actually read through all the T&C’s properly.

Check out our post on everything to look our for when you read through supplier contracts.

 

Set your budget & manage your own expectations

When it comes to wedding planning, it’s often most emotional due to varying expectations, budgets, and unfortunate disappointments.

Sejal Anujah Shah, Harrow advises all couples to really think about your budget, and carve out your priorities as a couple. This will help you to manage expectations and get you in the right mindset of where you can afford to spend a little bit more (ie. perhaps on your dream bespoke wedding outfit), or where you may need to compromise.

Especially when it comes to customisations, you need to be prepared to pay the premium. In the long run, you might think it absolutely worth it to have elements of ‘you’ throughout your outfits, stationery, drinks & so much more.

Find the suppliers who understand you and your vision

Speak to your suppliers as much as possible, in advance! You will be spending a lot of time communicating with each supplier, and you want to be able to trust them completely; as well as, ensure you have the correct communication style and working style with them.

Whether it be a trial, consultation, or initial meeting; have a transparent chat before booking.

Tip via Divya Mehndi, London

Have your mehndi done on a 'quiet day'

As you know, bridal mehndi is a time consuming and intricate process.

Having the bridal mehndi done on a quiet day can offer a few benefits. Firstly, it allows the bride to fully relax and enjoy the process without any distractions or interruptions. A quiet environment can be soothing and help to reduce any pre-wedding nerves or stress – definitely don’t allocate yourself any wedding-admin tasks on your mehndi day!

Secondly, a quiet day can also provide your mehndi artist with the necessary time and space to create intricate designs that require concentration and attention to detail. 

Tip via AJ Mehndi, London

Minimise distractions

In addition to the above, when it comes to getting your mehndi done or your hair & makeup, try and minimise the distractions as much as possible. This includes having too many friends & family members around and greeting you, or even asking tons of questions.

Definitely allocate one or two bridesmaids / friends / family to keep you company, but avoid having too many people in the room.

Finish wedding planning about 2-3 weeks in advance

Do not leave anything to the last few weeks! The more you plan things in advance, the more you can get into the zone of feeling relaxed & excited for your wedding.

Delegate as much as possible for the last few weeks, to also save yourself a lot of time in the crucial days leading up to your wedding. 

Our biggest tip is to set up a wedding website. Include all of your guest information ie. dress codes, parking, specific timings etc., to avoid any last minute questions.

Don't get caught up in impressing the guests

Unfortunately, this is one of the ongoing battles of planning an Asian wedding. You don’t want to get caught up in ‘what would our guests think’ thoughts!

Majority of the time, you stress about little aspects of your wedding, which no one else would really notice. It’s impossible to control everything, so remember to do everything you want and can control, without thinking about others.

LET'S GET SUSTAINABLE
Here are some of our suppliers top sustainable tips.

Natural lighting

Red Pearl Creations shared their top sustainable tip around utilising natural lighting on your wedding. Whether this be an outdoor event, or a daytime event in a tall glass window venue – this is a good option for a number of reasons.

From a photography perspective, natural light is generally more even than artificial lighting, which means that there are fewer harsh shadows or bright spots in the images. Additionally, natural light is often softer and produces more accurate colours within your images.

Additionally, Rina & Henesh from Red Pearl Creations also mentioned how they are consciously using less floral foam and reusing florals across events.

Bespoke is better

Another top tip from Sejal Anujah Shah discusses the benefits of shopping bespoke! Shopping bespoke, or custom-made, can often considered to be more sustainable than shopping mass-market because it generally involves producing fewer items with higher quality and longer lifespans. 

Sejal mentioned that she always considers how easy her designs are to re-wear, which ultimately contributes and supports slow fashion.

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Everything You Need To Know About Wedding Contracts

21st March 2023

A wedding is probably one of the most expensive parties you will throw in your life. In some cases, they can cost more than a house deposit or a car; and whilst you wouldn’t take any of those purchases lightly, your wedding is no different!

Whilst weddings are a beautiful celebration of your new journey, they’re also an event with lots of moving parts and suppliers involved. 

Almost all suppliers will have contracts, which will detail important pieces of information about payments, responsibilities, disputes & so much more. Whilst it may seem tedious and tiring, you want to ensure you carefully read through and understand the information, prior to signing on the dotted line!

In this post, we discuss some common FAQs and everything you need to look out for and clarify in a contract.

common WEDDING CONTRACT faqs

When should I sign a wedding contract?

You should sign a wedding contract as soon as you decide to hire a supplier for your wedding, and have agreed on the terms. It is important to secure your suppliers early on to ensure they are available on your wedding day.

Can I negotiate terms of my wedding contract?

Yes, you can negotiate the terms of a wedding contract. However, it is important to remember that supplier will have their own policies and limitations, so it may not be possible to negotiate every aspect of the contract.

Do I need to pay a deposit when I sign my contract?

It varies per supplier. Most will require a deposit to secure their services. The deposit amount and payment schedule should be outlined in the wedding contract.

Do my partner and I both need to sign the wedding contract?

Ideally both of you, and your supplier, should sign the contract. It showcases that both of you have understood the agreement, and avoids any queries or concerns later down the line.

what you need to consider

Payment terms

Make sure you understand the payment schedule for the supplier’s services, including when deposits and final payments are due, and whether there are any fees or interest charges for late payments.

Also, check for any additional fees or charges that may be added to your bill, such as delivery fees, service charges, or taxes. In some cases, where equipment hire may be involved, there will often be a section to understand any charges that you may be liable for in case of damage.

More specifically, you want to understand if your deposit is refundable under any circumstances.

Service agreement

Ensure that the contract clearly outlines the services that the supplier will provide, including any specific products or equipment that they will provide and be using.

Specifically with venues, it is important to understand what they do and don’t allow. Ie, some venues stopped allowing pampus grass decor – you want to understand these intricacies in advance.

Check that the contract matches your expectations and any discussions you had with the supplier. Don’t hesitate to clarify any uncertainties further, as you would rather over-communicate sooner, than be caught by surprise later. 

Timeframes

Check the contract for any specific timelines or deadlines, such as when the supplier will deliver their services or when you need to make final decisions about your order. Ensure that these timelines are reasonable and align with your wedding schedule.

Specifically with photographers & videographers, it’s important to understand their turnover times. You don’t want to be chasing a supplier for your imagery a month after your wedding, when their contract states that they are allowed up to 90 days to provide this – it avoids any awkward communications.

Cancellation policies

Look for information about cancellation policies, including how much notice you need to give and what kind of refund or credit you can expect if you cancel your booking under any circumstances.

Also, check if there are any penalties or fees for cancelling, and whether the supplier has the right to cancel the agreement under certain circumstances.

All clauses are put in contracts for a reason, and allow both parties to protect themselves. If a supplier has their own cancellation policy, don’t stress! Simply speak to them and understand their reasoning behind it, and ensure you are comfortable with it before signing.

Liability & insurance

Make sure the supplier has adequate liability insurance and understand their liability if something goes wrong during their service. Check if they have any coverage for equipment breakdowns or damages, and understand what they will do in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or accidents.

Intellectual property

If the supplier is creating any custom designs or content for your wedding, ensure that you understand the ownership and use of this intellectual property. Check that the supplier has the right to use any copyrighted materials and that they are not infringing on any intellectual property rights.

TOP TIP
Ensure that both you and the supplier hold a signed copy of your contract.

Social media usage

Nowadays, suppliers will often always post stories, images or reels about their weddings on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, YouTube & much more.

It’s important for you to understand if and how your wedding will be shared on any media platform, and to also build this into your contract if you are not comfortable with it.

Dispute resolution

Check if the contract has any dispute resolution clauses, in case of a disagreement between you and the supplier.

Understand the process and any costs associated with dispute resolution.

Force majeure

To summarise, force majeure is a legal term that refers to unforeseeable events or circumstances that are beyond the control of the parties involved in a contract and that prevent them from fulfilling their obligations under the contract. Examples of force majeure events may include natural disasters, wars, strikes, riots etc.

Understand the force majeure clauses in the contract, which would excuse the supplier from their obligations if an unforeseeable event occurs that prevents them from performing the services. Ensure that you understand the consequences for both parties if it is invoked.

Contingency plans

For each wedding event, you will want to have contingency plans in case something doesn’t go the plan with the event, and in case something doesn’t go to plan for the suppliers.

For the event, this includes working with your suppliers to provide backup plans ie. if it rains for your outdoor ceremony, if specific fresh florals or food items are unavailable due to import issues etc. Your suppliers will likely have considered all of this in advance, so it’s worth speaking to them and understanding how they will act upon unexpected on-the-day issues.

Additionally, you will want to have contingency plans in case the supplier is unwell or unable to work your event. Similar to the above, they will have business continuity in place most likely, and so you will want to speak to them to understand this.

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Wedding Trend 2023: Ice Cream Roll Carts Are Taking Over

28th February 2023

This is one of the biggest 2023 trends for tons of the couples we’ve spoken to so far. When it comes to your wedding, you want everything to be perfectly unique to you, as a couple, from the décor to the food. And when it comes to food, what better way to add some fun and flavour than with an ice cream roll cart?

We sat down with Ieva, the founder of Chop & Roll, to discuss why ice cream roll carts are a great addition to pre-wedding, wedding & post-wedding events, and your top considerations when choosing one.

 

IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL

WHY AN ICE CREAM CART IS THE PERFECT ADDITION:

Perfect for Outdoor Weddings

If you plan on having a spring / summer wedding, this ones for you! Alongside any canapes being served outside, or right next to an outdoor mehndi, ice cream roll carts fit right in. They provide a cool and refreshing dessert option for guests on a hot day.

They can also be set up in a variety of outdoor locations, from garden receptions to your own home, to manor houses, making them a highly versatile option for couples who are planning an outdoor celebration.

Customise The Rolls

Step over personalised cocktails, it’s time for personalised rolls!

Ice cream roll carts are also highly versatile and customisable, which makes them a great option for weddings of all styles and themes. Whether you’re having a rustic outdoor wedding or a glamorous indoor affair, the ice cream roll can be tailored to fit your specific tastebuds!

Did somebody say Gulab Jamun Rolls?! You can choose from a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. Chop & Roll offer TONS of mouth-watering flavours, and even have some traditional Asian dessert flavours. 

To find out Chop & Roll’s entire flavour list, enquire with them to see if they’re the perfect fit for your event.

Unique & Nostalgic

One of the biggest advantages of having an ice cream roll cart at your wedding is that it provides a unique dessert option that your guests are sure to love (and likely haven’t seen at an event before!).

Ice cream rolls are a fun and nostalgic experience, similar to the ice cream vans we all grew up in, it’s definitely unique to the traditional wedding desserts.

Perfect Photo Opportunity

In addition to being a fun and delicious dessert option, ice cream roll carts also provide a great photo opportunity for guests!

Whether it’s a cute photo of the couple enjoying their ice cream rolls, or a group shot of friends and family gathered around the cart, ice cream rolls are sure to be a memorable and Instagram-worthy addition to your wedding.

Interactive Experience

Another great thing about ice cream roll carts is that they provide a fun and interactive experience for guests.

Watching the ice cream rolls being made right in front of them is a unique and engaging experience for all ages. and honestly, it’s one that’s fun for all ages. If you are looking to have kids at your wedding, this is sure to keep them busy!

IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL

HOW TO INCORPORATE ICE CREAM ROLLS:

Finalise Your Guest Count

When planning for an ice cream roll cart at your wedding, be sure to consider your guest count and let your supplier know. They’re the experts in estimating the amount of ice cream rolls you will need to order.

They will find the perfect balance between overestimating slightly to ensure that you have enough for all of your guests, but will still be mindful of potential waste if you order too much.

Let Your Caterer Know

If you’re planning to serve ice cream rolls as your primary dessert option, be sure to coordinate with your caterer to ensure that the timing of the ice cream rolls fits seamlessly into the overall flow of the meal.

In case you are having additional desserts, you will want to let your caterer & cake artist know, so they can all provide the right amount of extra desserts, to reduce any wastage.

Choose Your Flavours

Like we said above, the best part of ice cream rolls is how customisable they are.

Try and pick flavours which you and your guests will enjoy, and come up with fun & funky names which relate to you and your journey. 

Liaise with your wedding stationery provider to get some cool signage made too!

You can also provide a range of toppings like fresh fruit, candy, and sauces to allow guests to create their own unique combinations.

Location, Location, Location!

Your ice cream roll cart can also serve as a decorative element at your wedding, so be sure to think carefully about its placement and decoration.

Consider incorporating flowers, greenery, or other decorative elements (similar to your wedding theme!) to help it blend seamlessly.

Inform Your Guests

Make sure that guests are aware of the ice cream roll cart and its location, either by including it on your wedding website or by providing signage at the event, or making sure your DJ shouts about it at the event! 

In conclusion, an ice cream roll cart can be a unique and memorable addition to your wedding celebration.

By coordinating with your caterer, and choosing the right flavours and decorations, you can create a fun and interactive dessert experience that your guests will love. Scroll down for more mouth-watering images!

IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL
IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL
IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL
IMAGE VIA CHOP & ROLL

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A Guide to Planning Your Dream Manor House Wedding

28th February 2023

For couples who want a wedding venue that exudes sophistication, elegance, and romance, a manor house is a perfect choice. With its stunning architecture, sprawling gardens, and rich history, a manor house wedding creates a unique and unforgettable setting for your special day.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream manor house wedding.

WHAT TO CONSIDER FOR A MANOR HOUSE WEDDING:

The venue

The first step in planning your manor house wedding is to find the perfect venue. When selecting a manor house venue, there are a few key factors to consider:

Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you and your guests. Consider the travel time, accessibility, and accommodation options. When scouting a venue, it’s also best to see if they have any provisions for cultural ceremonies and where they would suggest a mandap / nikkah ceremony or its equivalent.

Capacity: Make sure the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably. It’s also essential to ensure that the venue meets your requirements for both the ceremony and reception. Even if the venue itself won’t host all of your guests, definitely consider what’s in and around the area. 

Style: Look for a manor house that reflects your vision and style. Whether you prefer classic elegance, rustic charm, or modern luxury, choose a venue that complements your wedding theme and you as a couple!

Your wedding theme

The manor house’s architecture, gardens, and history offer a wealth of inspiration for your wedding theme. Here are some popular themes that work well for manor house weddings:

Classic Elegance: A classic elegance theme is perfect for a manor house wedding. This theme emphasises timeless beauty and sophistication, with a neutral colour palette, luxurious details, and formal attire. Often the lighter hues, pampus grass, or baby’s breath is perfect for this theme.

Garden Romance: The manor house’s gardens provide a stunning backdrop for a garden romance theme. This theme emphasises natural beauty, with a soft colour palette, floral arrangements (we suggest the pinks, purples or baby blues!), and whimsical details.

Vintage Charm: If you’re a fan of vintage style, a manor house wedding offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate vintage charm into your special day. This theme emphasises antique details, vintage props, and nostalgic elements. Anything rustic and wood-based is perfect for this.

The ceremony & the reception

Once you’ve chosen your venue and theme, it’s time to plan the ceremony and reception. Here are some tips for designing your wedding spaces to make the most of the manor house’s unique features:

Ceremony: The manor house’s gardens provide stunning options for your ceremony. Choose a location that complements your theme and offers the right atmosphere for your vows. Especially if you are having a summer wedding in the UK, it’s a beautiful touch to have the ceremony within nature, and then move to a marquee or indoor location.


Reception: The manor house’s ballroom, dining hall, or courtyard are perfect options for your reception. Consider the layout, lighting, and decor to create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Manor House Wedding

The experience

A manor house wedding offers endless opportunities to create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Here are some ideas to consider:

Live music: Consider hiring a live band or musician to perform during your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception.

Vintage transportation: Arrive at your wedding in style with a vintage car or horse-drawn carriage.

Champagne tower: Create a champagne tower to celebrate your first toast as a married couple.

Interactive food stations: Add a touch of creativity and fun to your reception with interactive food stations, such as a DIY dessert bar or an ice cream rolls cart.

Catering

On the topic of food, catering is an essential aspect of any wedding, and a manor house wedding offers the opportunity to create a unique and memorable menu.

Consider incorporating seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients into your menu, and work with your caterer to create dishes that complement your theme and venue.

Photography & videographv

Capturing the beauty and magic of your manor house wedding is essential, so make sure to choose a photographer and videographer who understand your vision and style.

Consider taking advantage of the manor house grounds and sweet little getaway spots (ask about these on your site visit!)

Specifically for your ceremony, figure out when sunset it and where is the perfect place to sneak away to for a few minutes to capture some great shots.

TOP TIPS FOR A MANOR HOUSE WEDDING

Book early!

Popular manor house venues tend to book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Make sure to start your search and book your venue as early as possible to secure your preferred date.

Have a backup

While a manor house wedding provides a stunning outdoor setting, it’s always best to have a contingency plan in case of unexpected weather (we do live in the UK, after all!). Make sure to have an indoor backup location in case of rain or other adverse weather conditions.

Embrace the grounds & architecture

The manor house’s architecture, history, and unique features provide endless opportunities for creative decor and design.

Embrace the manor house’s features, such as the grand staircase, ornate ceilings, or antique furniture, to add a touch of vintage charm to your wedding.

Try not to cover it’s beauty with too much heavy decor, which hides the natural beauty of the venue.

Manor House Weddings

Consider transport links

If your manor house venue is in a remote location, consider arranging transportation for your guests to and from the venue. This will help ensure that everyone arrives safely and on time.

In addition to this, be mindful of the time it will take for your suppliers to travel to your venue. They will likely charge you extra for increased travel, so be sure to budget accordingly for this.

Define your dress code

A manor house wedding often calls for formal or semi-formal attire, so make sure to include your dress code on your invitations. Encourage your guests to dress in accordance with your wedding theme and venue.

Also, let them know if there is an outfit change from traditional to western between the ceremony and reception. If your guests are staying far, account for any of the transport or timing implications.

The seating

The manor house’s gardens or chapel may require special seating arrangements for your ceremony. Work with your venue coordinator or wedding planner to design a seating plan that maximises space and ensures that all guests have a clear view of the ceremony!

Manor House Weddings

Personalise your favours

Wedding favours are a great way to thank your guests for sharing your special day. Consider choosing favours that reflect your wedding city, theme or venue, such as miniature personalised wine bottles in a vineyard.

Consider a wedding planner

Planning a manor house wedding can be a complex and time-consuming process, so consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the process.

A wedding planner can help you with everything from supplier selection to day-of coordination, allowing you to enjoy your special day stress-free.

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Choosing A Wedding Cake: Everything You Need To Know

24th February 2023

Wedding cake tasting is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning a wedding, but it can also be overwhelming. With so many flavours, fillings, and frostings to choose from, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your wedding cake tasting experience.

Be sure to check out our incredibly talented cake suppliers for your big day.

Here are some wedding cake tips to help you choose the perfect cake for your big day. We’ve teamed up with Cake Layers, to provide their top expert cake tips. Keep reading below and be sure to check them out for your big day.

Do your research

Before your tasting, research different cake artists. Look at their pages to get a sense of their style, quality and favours. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you’re choosing an artist that fits your needs and preferences.

It’s also worth seeing if they have worked at your particular venue before, if not, keep in mind that you should bring them along for a site visit.

Schedule a tasting

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a tasting with each cake artists. Most bakeries offer tasting boxes or in-person tastings for a fee, but some may offer them for free. Be sure to schedule your tastings well in advance of your wedding date, as some artists have limited availability during peak wedding season!

Bring your partner or trusted friend / family member

It’s a good idea to bring your partner or a trusted friend to the tasting – it’s also the best way to get your bridesmaids involved!

Especially if they have a sweet tooth, they can offer a second opinion and help you make decisions. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do together!

Be prepared with questions

Before your tasting, create a list of questions to ask the artist. For example, ask about their delivery and setup process, how far in advance you need to place your order, and what their cancellation policy is.

Also, bring along any inspiration photos or your decor moodboard to help the artist understand your vision. Often, if you have a specific flower theme, your cake artist will help create something that matches.

TIPS WITH CAKE LAYERS
Everyone loves a good photo moment! When you are cutting your cake, you many find you are having to give your attention to the photographer. Couples often say afterwards that they can't remember how the cake tasted but was told by all the guests it was amazing. So why not have the very top tier made just to take home and not served? How lovely to have some cake on the night or the next day with a cup of tea!

Consider all the logistics

When you are sat with your cake artist, try to understand the exact place they fit into your day plan for setup. Your wedding planner / co-ordinator will know best.

Cake Layers - Luxury Wedding Cakes
CAKE VIA @CAKELAYERSOFFICIAL

Try tons of flavours

During your tasting, be sure to try a variety of flavours, fillings, and frostings. This will help you get a sense of what you like and don’t like. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavours and fillings to create your perfect combination.

Often, most cake artists will provide you the option of varying the flavour per tier, to allow for variations in your guests requirements.

Check out 43 unique cake flavours here.

Consider the season & venue

When choosing your cake flavours, consider the season and venue of your wedding.

For example, if you’re having a summer wedding, you may want to choose lighter, fruit-based flavours. If you’re having a winter wedding, you may want to choose richer, chocolate-based flavours.

Additionally, various cake icings will also hold differently in different weather conditions. Your cake artist is the expert and will advise you the best.

Take enough notes

During your tasting, take notes on each flavor and combination you try. This will help you remember what you liked and didn’t like later on.

Did you know? You can easily take notes on your Eternity UK mobile app, to keep all your wedding related ideas in one place.

 

TIPS WITH CAKE LAYERS
The cake portion guide is only a guide and the number of portions you actually get will depend on how the kitchen staff cut your cake. Most of the time, they cut the cake smaller than the guide so there is always plenty for your guests to enjoy.

Consider the size and design

When choosing your cake, consider the size and design that will work best for your wedding. Think about the number of guests you’ll be serving and the style of your wedding.

For example, if you’re having a rustic outdoor wedding, a naked cake or a buttercream-frosted cake with fresh flowers may be more appropriate than a formal tiered cake.

Be aware of dietary restrictions & allergies

If you or any of your guests have allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to ask the cake artist about their options. Most artists offer eggless, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.

If you have different tiers, with different options, be sure to make this absolutely clear on your table menus.

Cake Layers - Luxury Wedding Cakes
IMAGE VIA @CAKELAYERSOFFICIAL

Consider the seasonality of ingredients

When choosing your cake flavours, consider the seasonality of ingredients. For example, if you’re having a fall wedding, you may want to choose flavours like pumpkin or apple that are in season during that time.

TIPS WITH CAKE LAYERS
If you're having a naked wedding cake, bear in mind that if you want different flavours with different buttercream fillings, the colours of the sponges and fillings will look different from one tier to the next, and you may lose the elegance of the cake.

Ask about cake storage & leftovers

If you have leftover cake after your wedding, ask the artists about the best way to store it. They may have recommendations on how to store the cake to maintain its freshness.

Refer to your budget

Before you commit to a cake, consider the cost. Wedding cakes can be expensive, so make sure that the price fits within your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, consider choosing a smaller cake or a simpler design.

Cake Layers Official - Luxury Wedding Cakes
IMAGE VIA @CAKELAYERSOFFICIAL

TIPS WITH CAKE LAYERS
When choosing your desserts, be sure to offer the cake as one of them. Sometimes couples choose to have 3 desserts per guest and leave the cake at a buffet station (where it doesn't get eaten!)

Make it personal

At the end of the day, trust your instincts. Choose the flavour and design that you love and that fits with the style of your wedding.

Your wedding cake should be a reflection of you and your partner, so don’t be afraid to go with something unique and personal.

Have fun!

Lastly, remember that wedding cake tasting should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Take the time to savor each flavour and enjoy the moment. After all, choosing your wedding cake is one of the sweetest parts of wedding planning!

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Intimate vs. Grand Wedding: Our Tips On Choosing What Is Right For You

24th February 2023

Weddings are one of the most significant milestones in a person’s life, specifically for South Asian families, a wedding is one of the most important and joyous occasions. 

It is a celebration of love and commitment, and for many, it is a dream come true. When planning a wedding, one of the most important decisions to make is the size of the event. Some couples opt for a small and intimate wedding, while others prefer a big and lavish celebration, commonly known as a “big fat Asian wedding.”

In this blog post, we will explore the options to help you make an informed decision.

If you have a large guest list: GRAND

Now, this one goes without saying. If you know that you and your partner have large guest lists with tons of family and friends, it’s a no-brainer to go for a more grand celebration.

Grand doesn’t mean 7 different events over 4 different weekends with 1,000+ events and a 6 figure budget btw.

All we mean by that, is that you may want to opt for a larger wedding reception, off the back of an intimate wedding ceremony or pre-wedding events. This will save you the stress of cutting down a guest list, family members getting offended, and not having everyone there as part of your celebration.

If you prefer customisation: INTIMATE

If you are someone who loves personalised and bespoke table names, wedding favours, and gifts; then an intimate wedding might be for you. 

With a small guest list, you can spend more time with each guest and create a more personal experience for everyone. You can also customise the event to your preferences without worrying about pleasing a large crowd.

If you want to emulate dinner party vibes: INTIMATE

Hands up if you love a good dinner party!

A small wedding can create a more intimate atmosphere, allowing you to share your special day with your closest family and friends. This can make the day feel more personal and meaningful.

In terms of decor, you can also opt for a decorator who curates intimate tablescapes. It’s the lovely little details which will make the evening memorable.

If you want as many options as possible: GRAND

If you are someone who has tons of different pinterest vision boards, with tons of different themes; then a grand wedding may be best for you. It gives you endless amounts of options, and also doesn’t limit your suppliers.

An important thing to note, is that if you are looking to have a more intimate wedding, you may narrow out any venues or suppliers who have a minimum guest requirement. This is especially the case for caterers.

If you are considering a destination wedding: INTIMATE

Ok, now this is not to say that you can’t have a grand Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani destination wedding, but considering the average price per head for a destination wedding is higher (once you account for travel, accommodation, site visits etc.); you may want to keep this one intimate.

There’s a lot that goes into planning a destination wedding. You want to ensure that you are logistically able to manage all of your guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Intimate Wedding Decor

DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
This whole blogpost contains advice based on our experience, but with the right wedding planner, you can easily plan a big fat Asian wedding abroad and equally be placed with endless options for suppliers right for your intimate wedding. Explore all your options.

If you love a dance party: GRAND

When it comes to dancing, the more the merrier!

Chances are, if dancing is one of your biggest priorities, then you will want an incredible DJ & production team. For that quality expense, you are definitely going to want as many dancers on the dance floor as possible.

Get creative with your team, to curate a bespoke and personalised dance floor to really get everyone up on their feet.

If you want a unique culinary experience: EITHER

Honestly, one of the best parts of the wedding is the food! 

Even better, you can truly create a personalised and bespoke menu for you and your guests, regardless of the size of event. The key is to work with a caterer who can help curate a menu of dishes that are easy to serve in bulk, but still bring a unique taste to your guests.

If you aren't a logistics person: INTIMATE

Honestly, if you aren’t much of a logistics person, the best option is to always opt for an intimate wedding. This is also the case if you are one to easily get stressed out by too much planning and too many decisions. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your wedding to the fullest, and that includes the entire lead up.

That being said, the right wedding planner can really take away all of your concerns.

If you want to DIY it: INTIMATE

If you are someone who loves a bit of craft and wants to DIY your wedding invitations, guest favours, gift baskets & more; then opt for intimate!

It might seem like a fun task to create & pack 500 invites, but it’s honestly a mammoth task and so many couples will say that they wish they had outsourced it to the professionals in hindsight. 

With smaller and intimate numbers, it’s less time consuming, costly & enjoyable to DIY different elements. Check out some of our favourite wedding DIY’s here.

If you are having a short engagement: INTIMATE

If you are someone whose engaged and wants a super short engagement, an intimate wedding is the way to go!

It makes it a lot easier to find smaller and intimate wedding venues, within unique spaces. You can work closely with your suppliers and ensure that everything is executed as planned.

Intimate Wedding Tablescape

Ultimately, the decision to have a small and intimate wedding or a big fat Asian wedding depends on your personal preferences, budget, and cultural expectations. While a big wedding may offer more grandeur and an opportunity to celebrate with everyone you know, a small wedding can be more personal, cost-effective, and less stressful. Whatever you choose, make it special and remember to enjoy!

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19 Tips For Planning A Destination Wedding

23rd February 2023

Destination weddings are a wonderful way to celebrate your big day in a unique and memorable way. Whether it be the place you first met, got proposed to, or simply have always dreamt of: this place will always hold a special place in your heart going forward.

However, planning a destination wedding can be quite daunting, as there are many details to consider. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips to ensure that your destination wedding is a stress-free success!

Scroll down to hear about one of our current favourite destination wedding locations!

Choose the right destination

The first and most important step in planning a destination wedding is choosing the right location for you. There are a few things to consider when choosing a destination. 

Firstly, consider your budget and the budget of your guests (this will totally vary – so try to come up with an average that they would spend, based off of anything you will cover for them). You don’t want to choose a location that’s too expensive for you or your guests.

Secondly, consider the accessibility of the location. You want to make sure that it’s easy for you and your guests to travel to and from the location. 

Lastly, consider the climate and weather of the destination. You want to make sure that you choose a location that has good weather during the time of your wedding.

Hire a local wedding planner

Hiring a local wedding planner can be extremely helpful when planning a destination wedding. They will have knowledge and expertise in the local area, and will be able to recommend the best suppliers, venues, and activities. A local wedding planner can also handle any language barriers and cultural differences that may arise during the planning process.

Often, wedding planners abroad will also be able to have more bargaining power of offers with local suppliers.

Remember, if you are getting married in the UK, check out the Eternity Rewards Club for savings with local suppliers.

Check the legal requirements

Legal wedding requirements vary from country to country, and specifically in the UK you will require a legal registry marriage. It’s important for you to be aware of this and account for it in advance.

If you do this as a different local larger scale event, be sure to add it into your budget.

Plan for your cultural event

Depending on which ceremony you are doing abroad, make sure your wedding planner is aware of your specific requirements and is able to arrange for a specific expert / priest to run the ceremony correctly.

If you and your family have any specific requirements, this is one of the first things to finalise. If it’s easier, consider flying your expert / priest out to the destination.

Consider all the logistics

When planning a destination wedding, it’s important to consider the logistics of getting everything to the location. This includes shipping decorations, wedding favours, and other items that you’ll need for your wedding. You should also consider the cost of shipping these items, and whether it’s more cost-effective to purchase them locally.

Moments & More - Destination Wedding Stationery
STATIONERY VIA @MOMENTSANDMOREDESIGNS

INTERPRETATIONS VARY
As weddings and times evolve, different families choose to incorporate each age-old tradition in a different way. Some couples choose to stick to the bare minimum events, whilst others take a 'the more, the merrier' approach. It is down to your personal preference, beliefs, and budgets.

Budget accordingly

Destination weddings can be more expensive, as the price per head, than local weddings due to the cost of travel and accommodations. It’s important to budget accordingly and factor in all the additional costs associated with a destination wedding. You should also consider the currency exchange rate and any additional taxes and fees that may be required. Remember to account for extra luggage allowance fees!

Check out some of the unexpected expenses of weddings here.

Consider the time of year

When choosing the date for your destination wedding, it’s important to consider the weather and climate of the location. You want to avoid monsoon season, extreme heat or cold, or any other weather conditions that may affect your wedding day.

In addition to this, consider any younger nieces / nephews / family members who may have school holidays. Working around these will help your guests out a lot, but may also raise travel expenses.

Consider speaking to a travel specialist.

Give your guests a heads up

It’s important to inform your guests of the details of your destination wedding as soon as possible. This includes the date, location, and any travel details they need to know.

You should also provide your guests with a list of recommended hotels and activities to do in the area, if you aren’t as fussed about everyone staying in the same hotel.

Consider bulk bookings

You should make travel & accomodation arrangements for yourself and your guests as early as possible. You may want to consider arranging group rates or discounts to help your guests save money.

If each guest will pay for their own accommodation, work out the best way to provide them with the bulk booking rates – hotels are used to this and will give you and your guests a reference / block out a certain number of rooms too.

Embrace the culture

If you’re getting married in a different country or culture, it’s a lovely idea to respect and embrace their traditions and customs. Whether it be serving the local cuisine, or getting local entertainment; all of these little aspects will enhance the experience.

It’s important to note that you may need to adjust your wedding ceremony or reception to fit with local customs and etiquette – especially any sound restrictions!

Tenerife Destination Wedding
IMAGE VIA @SMAZINGEVENTS

Consider a pre-wedding visit

If possible, it’s a good idea to visit the destination before your wedding day. This will give you an opportunity to meet with vendors, scout out locations, and make any necessary adjustments to your plans.

Sometimes, it’s not always possible. Simran & Avjeet booked their France Chateau without having seen it!

Have a backup plan

It’s important to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, travel delays, or other unforeseen circumstances. You should have a contingency plan for your wedding ceremony and reception, as well as any activities or excursions you have planned for your guests.

Choose the right venue

When selecting a venue, consider the number of guests you’re inviting, the style of wedding you want, and the location. You’ll also want to consider the amenities the venue offers, such as catering, decor, and lighting.

IMAGE VIA @SMAZINGEVENTS

Ask for local recommendations

Get recommendations from locals or travel experts on the best places to eat, drink, and see in the area. This can be especially helpful if you’re not familiar with the location or if your guests are coming from out of town.

Arrange group activities afterwards

Arrange for group activities that your guests can enjoy together, such as a group excursion or a group dinner. This will help your guests bond and create lasting memories together.

Budget, prep & pack welcome bags

Welcome bags are an incredibly thoughtful way to greet your guests and show them that you appreciate their presence. Include items such as local snacks, a map of the area, and a list of recommended activities and attractions.

Most importantly, include a wedding itinerary so your guests know where & when they should be for meals & events.

Hire a good photographer

As with all your wedding events, hire a good photographer & videographer, that understands your vision, to capture your special day. You’ll want to have beautiful photos to look back on and share with your friends and family.

Create a wedding website

Having a wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about your wedding plans. You can use it to share important information such as travel details, accommodation options, and the wedding itinerary.

Enjoy the moment

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the moment and soak up all the special memories of your destination wedding. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it!

A DESTINATION WE LOVE

Recently, we have seen a number of stunning weddings take place in Tenerife.  It’s a stunning location, and super popular.

Weddings By Sian & Tarry, are incredible Tenerife wedding planners. From day one, till the day of, they can look after everything for your big day.

Did you know? Moments & More designer, Nimisha, got married in Tenerife, planned by Sian & Tarry, and had wonderful things to say!

Here are our top 7 reasons to choose Tenerife as your 2023 / 24 wedding destination.

IMAGE VIA @SMAZINGEVENTS

Beautiful scenery

Tenerife is known for its stunning natural scenery, including the rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and stunning mountains. There are many beautiful locations for a wedding ceremony or reception, including cliffside venues and beachfront resorts.

Good weather

Tenerife enjoys warm weather throughout the year, making it an ideal location for a destination wedding. The island is known for its mild temperatures and sunny days, which means you can plan an outdoor wedding without worrying about the weather.