Let’s look at what’s trending in 2025 and get real honest: do we even need a cake?

Let’s slice into it (sorry, had to).

Why Do We Have Wedding Cakes Anyway?

Wedding cakes have been a thing for a very long time. Back to Ancient Rome, instead of cutting a cake, they’d break a loaf of barley bread over the bride’s head for luck. Romantic, right? Nothing says true love like a carb-based concussion.

Then in Medieval times, people would stack pastries into a tower, very me, and if the couple could kiss over it without knocking it down, it was said to bring good fortune! A high-stakes pastry Jenga, you could say! 

Fast forward to royalty and the upper classes, who went all in on tiered, sugar-loaded, flamboyant cakes displaying a sign of wealth and fortune. And now? We still love a good tradition, and cake is definitely one of them! Whether it’s fancy,  low key or gluten-free, you’re pretty much guaranteed cake at a wedding.

Why Cakes Are Still a Big Deal?

There’s just something about a wedding cake that just makes it feel official. Even if you’re not big on sweets, the act of cutting the cake together is kind of iconic. It’s a part of the day, and it’s symbolic of your first “task” as a married couple, and let’s be honest, it’s the tastiest one. .

Historically, cakes were linked to fertility and prosperity. The white icing was once a status symbol because refined sugar was expensive. Today it’s more about celebration, tradition, and that one part of the night where everyone gathers around, phones out, waiting for you to stab a cake with a giant knife. Beautiful.

Wedding Cake Trends We’re Loving In  2025

This year is full of beautiful cake inspiration, and we are loving what we are seeing.

Pressed flowers and botanical designs are still in, made with edible petals pressed into buttercream to create a soft, romantic garden vibe.. 

Big (and we mean big), bold single tier cakes, topped with fresh fruit, are making a serious statement, and they look especially dramatic when cut with a sword.. 

Mini, one per guest cakes these are really cute and so easy to serve, especially if using your cake as dessert (more on that in a bit). 

Flavour-wise, we’re seeing lots of couples branching out. Pistachio and rose, chai spice, lemon and lavender are all having a moment. Of course, red velvet and chocolate are still firm favourites, but it’s great to see people getting more adventurous.

Sustainability is also key. Couples are opting for local ingredients, minimal waste, and choosing to work with bakeries that take an eco-friendly approach.

And best of all, we’re seeing a rise in inclusive baking. That means cakes without eggs, butter or gluten, that still taste amazing and look absolutely stunning. Guests with dietary requirements don’t have to miss out, and nothing has to be hidden away “out the back” anymore.

But What If You Don’t Want a Big Cake?

Honestly, you’re not alone. More and more couples are skipping the traditional tiered cake and choosing something that feels more personal to them.

Doughnuts are having a serious moment. Whether displayed on a wall or stacked in towers, they’re fun, tasty, and super easy to serve.

Cupcakes continue to be a classic choice. They’re cute, completely customisable with flavours and decorations, and can be styled to look just as striking as a traditional cake.

Macarons are another favourite. A pyramid of perfectly coloured macarons is both beautiful and delicious—and they photograph like a dream.

One option we can’t get enough of is the dessert grazing table. Think macarons, mini cakes, cake pops, chocolate covered pretzels and all the sweet treats you can imagine. It’s a real showstopper and gives your guests plenty of variety.

Not a fan of sweets at all? That’s fine too. Enter the pork pie tower. It’s hearty, savoury, and especially brilliant for the evening food. Add some chutneys and cheese on the side and you’ve got a winning combo.

Whatever you go for, the idea is the same: something sweet (or savoury!) that reflects your vibe.

Making the Cake the Main Dessert

A really smart trend we’re seeing is using the wedding cake as the main dessert. It makes so much sense, both logistically and financially.

By serving the cake as dessert, you can cut it at the start of the meal while all your guests are seated and paying attention. It also means you can skip the cost of a separate dessert course altogether.

Guests are much more likely to eat the cake when it’s served as part of the meal, and you can elevate it with beautiful plating. Add some berries, a drizzle of coulis or a fancy sweet sauce, and you’ve got something that feels special.

Plus, it puts the cake in the spotlight it deserves, not just wheeled out during the awkward post-speech lull.

Or… Maybe No Cake At All?

Here’s the truth. You absolutely do not need to have a cake. If it doesn’t feel like your thing, skip it. No big deal

Choosing to eliminate the cake gives you room in the budget for other things, maybe a few extra cocktails, live music, or something fabulous for the honeymoon. It also removes the pressure of making yet another decision in the planning process.

And if you still want to offer guests a treat, just do it your way. A surprise round of espresso martinis during dancing? A late-night s’mores bar? All brilliant options.

Final Thoughts (or the Last Bite)

Wedding cakes have come a long way since Roman bread-smashing and medieval pastry towers. Whether you go classic tiered, totally alternative, or skip it altogether, your wedding day should reflect you. 

Sweet, simple, full of flavour. Just like love, really. So, go ahead. Eat cake, or cheese, or doughnuts. Or nothing at all. And enjoy every second of it.

Still deciding what’s right for you? Book a consultation with us to see how a wedding planner can help take the stress out of your big day. You can also read more on our ultimate guide to wedding planning blog for some extra tips! 

Keep up to date with Hannah and the team on Instagram. Follow for behind the scenes peeks into planning, advice and those all important tips! We’d love to have you with us.

The post Let’s Talk Wedding Cakes appeared first on Wedding Planner and Event Manager, London and UK.

Not proposed yet? Read The Ultimate To A Romatic Proposal Location in London

Photo by Fineshade Studios 

HOW DO WEDDING RINGS WORK?

Wedding rings are the physical reminder of the vows exchanged during the ceremony. They represent love, unity, and the promise of a lifelong commitment. Their circular shape, having no beginning or end, represents infinite love and devotion.

Whilst wedding rings are mostly symbolic, they also have practical purposes, wearing one is a clear way to show you’re married, avoiding any awkward “Are you single?” moments and more importantly your wedding ring carries deep sentimental value, it’s a reminder of the big day and the journey you’ve been on together. 

In some cultures and legal systems, it’s also seen as a recognised sign of marriage, though it’s not required for a marriage to be legally binding. Traditionally, rings are exchanged during the ceremony, usually after the vows, and are then meant to be worn every day.

HOW ARE WEDDING RINGS WORN?

Traditionally, Wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, the “ring finger”. Sometimes this varies across cultures and personal preferences for example, in Orthodox Christian traditions, wedding rings are worn on the right hand instead. 

Most people wear their engagement and wedding rings together on the same finger, with the wedding band closer to the heart, below the engagement ring. But some prefer to wear them on separate hands, totally up to personal style!

For people who can’t wear rings at work, like doctors or construction workers, or people who just prefer not to, wearing the ring on a chain around their neck is a popular alternative. Recently, we’ve also seen a rise in ring “alternatives” like silicone bands, which are great for active lifestyles, and travel-friendly “fake” rings for those who don’t want to risk losing the real deal on holidays, or even opting for no ring at all and going for a tattoo on the ring finger. It’s all about what works best for you!

WHY DO WE WEAR WEDDING RINGS ON THE LEFT HAND?

The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand goes way back, thousands of years, and is tied to both history and symbolism. There’s the “Vein of Love” theory, from ancient Rome where the Romans believed the vein called the Vena Amoris ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. It was seen as a romantic and symbolic way to connect the ring directly to love itself. Modern anatomy has proven that all fingers have veins leading directly to the heart, but tradition has stood the test of time!

CHOOSING THE PERFECT WEDDING RING

Picking the perfect wedding ring is a big deal! It’s something you’ll (hopefully) wear every day, so it should feel perfect!

The first thing to think about is the material. A classic yellow gold, sleek white gold, modern platinum, or maybe something a little different like rose gold or titanium. Each metal has its own look, feel, and durability, so it’s important to consider things like your lifestyle. If you’re hard on jewellery, platinum is super durable, while gold is softer. If you have metal allergies, hypoallergenic options like platinum or titanium might be a better option. 

Jewellers will usually suggest getting matching metals for your wedding and engagement ring, not just for visuals but because different metals wear down at different rates, so if you stack a softer gold band with a harder platinum one, the gold could wear down faster over time. At the end of the day, it’s about choosing rings that feel right for each of you.

Next, when thinking about your rings, you need to consider style and comfort. Some people love a simple, timeless band, while others want something with diamonds or unique detailing. If you’re wearing it with an engagement ring, make sure they look good together! Some bands are designed to fit snugly against certain engagement ring styles. Comfort is also important as you’ll be wearing it daily. It’s good to try different widths and finishes to see what feels best on your finger. Also, think about ring profiles, curved, flat, domed, they all feel a little different when worn, especially when stacked next to an engagement ring, or future eternity band… 

Some other things to think about are practicality and personal touches. If you’re an active person or work with your hands a lot, a low-maintenance ring like a brushed finish or a plain band might be better than something with intricate designs or stones that need regular cleaning. Men will often choose Titanium as it’s lightweight, durable, low maintenance and hypoallergenic or Platinum which is also a great choice for a wedding band as it’s incredibly durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and has a timeless, elegant look. It’s also resistant to tarnish and corrosion, so it keeps its look for years without needing constant upkeep.

And if you want to make it extra special, you could consider custom engraving, we’ve seen couples add their wedding date or initials. You could also do an inside joke only the two of you get. Ultimately, the perfect wedding ring isn’t just about trends on social media or what looks good in a jewellery store, it’s about you and what feels right for you. 

If you can’t find something you love, going the custom route might be more your style. It’s a great way to get something totally unique and bespoke to you. It’s a great option if you’re having a hard time finding the one, but custom can take time, so make sure you plan the time for it to be made. But in the end you’ll have something totally personal to you, making it even more special.

Our advice? Take your time, try on different styles, and pick something you’ll actually love wearing every day. Wedding rings aren’t just another piece of jewellery, they’re a meaningful symbol of your love, commitment, and the life you’re building together. Traditions may differ, even maybe between the couple’s families, but the sentiment stays the same, a lifelong promise 

So don’t rush it. Find a ring that speaks to you, one you’ll be proud to wear, and enjoy every moment of this new chapter in your life!

Did this blog help you? Check out our Instagram for so much more inspiration and tips to help your wedding planning here or if you’ve recently gotten engaged and are thinking of hiring a planner then book in for a consultation here!

The post Wedding Rings: Your FAQ’s appeared first on Wedding Planner and Event Manager, London and UK.

Anant & Radhika

Let’s start with the sensational Ambani wedding! It has been quoted as the “wedding of the year” and you can guarantee we enjoyed every element. 

When it comes to grandeur, the Ambanis never disappoint! Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding was a real experience, blending tradition and extravagance. Held over several days at the Ambani family’s Mumbai residence, Antilia, the celebrations featured breathtaking floral installations, live performances, and rituals steeped in Indian culture.

Radhika looked radiant in a red Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla lehenga, adorned with intricate embroidery and jewels, while Anant wore a cream sherwani embellished with gold. Highlights? A stunning Baraat procession, fireworks, live dhol players,  topped with a star-studded guest list, and a reception dinner featuring an exclusive menu by Michelin-starred chefs.

Vicky & Ercan 

My Big Fat Geordie wedding indeed! Vicky Pattison and Ercan Ramadan tied the knot in a very chic ceremony at  London’s Marylebone town hall known for its classic intimate setting for the legal part of their marriage before flying to the Amalfi Coast for their main ceremony at Castello Monaci, nothing short of a Mediterranean dream! Vicky went for more than one dress for her wedding day. Suzanne Neville and The Wedding Club worked to ensure she looked stunning in every single part of the celebration!

Millie & Jake

Another Bride in gorgeous dresses in Italy, Millie Bobby Brown married Jake Bongiovi at the stunning Villa Cetinale. Millie wore four dresses across the occasion, for the wedding ceremony, she wore a custom Galia Lahav gown, working with designers to create her customisations. Later changing into a vintage-style Valentino dress for their couples photos, an Oscar de la Renta short dress for the reception and another Oscar de la Renta full gown to cut the cake! Millie’s four-dress approach not only showed her love for fashion but also ensured each element of the day had it’s own unique vibe.  

The flowers, oh wow! A huge white flower arch was absolutely stunning and they also had one of our favourite bands, Sensation Band, performing for their guests!

Rebel & Ramona

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma married on the Italian island of Sardinia, a truly romantic spot where they had holidayed before. They organised the wedding in 3 months and an important part of the wedding for Rebel was obviously the music, flying in a 20-piece band led and produced by Alessandro De Angelis

Rebel and Ramona stunned in a duet of Pronovias dresses in a Mikado fabric, classic elegance, styled individually. Rebels corseted princess gown looked stunning next to Ramona’s A-line silhouette, matching perfectly. 

Josh & Jordan

“In a *light* blizzard” Josh Radnor and Dr Jordan Jacobs married at the Cedar Lakes Estate in Hudson Valley, in upstate New York, in a heartwarming moment, outdoors, during a major snowstorm! 

Guests and suppliers had to stay the night as they were unable to travel due to the snow and ice! 

Guests received welcome bags on arrival, including incense sticks, an incense dish, CBD tincture and an ‘intention kit’ with paper a pen and a note reading “‘We find that setting an intention can be a helpful way to drop in and calibrate your internal compass to true north”

Lana Del Ray & Jeremy

The Lovely Lana announced her romance with Jeremy Dufrene, jut one month before they wed in an intimate ‘relaxed, family-focused’ ceremony by the water in Louisiana, where Jeremy operates his popular swamp boat tours and where they first met. 

We haven’t seen any official photos other than those released here, and no information about the dress, sad face!

Zoe & Danny 

Influencer and sister to Molly-Mae, Zoe Hague married her military fiance Danny Rae at the gorgeous Inn on the Lake at Ullswater, in the Lake District National Park. They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony, with the British weather on their side, with the clouds parting and blue skies and majestic mountains – Hannah’s idea of a perfect backdrop! 

The night before the wedding, the wedding party enjoyed a scenic lake cruise aboard the Ullswater steamer to start the celebrations. For the wedding itself, Zoe wore a fitted strapless dress from The White Closet, florals from the talented Amelia Rose Florals featured a white floral arch, flower meadows for the ceremony and stunning hand bouquets for the bridal party. Following the ever-popular trend of an outfit change, Zoe’s second dress was a beautiful shorter-style ivory dress and Danny changed into a different suit, after a shower first!

Adele & Rich

Adele has been keeping us on our toes, she has been dropping cryptic hints about her wedding to Rich Paul. If you try to find out information about Adele’s wedding online, you won’t find it! She keeps teasing us all, referring to Rich as her husband and responding to Alan Carr’s asking his audience if anyone has got married recently with an “I did” but she did confirm in August they are not married, yet! So 2025, Adele,  we want to see your wedding!

Hannah & Martyn

Okay, not necessarily celebrity weddings, but one I couldn’t miss out on! Our Hannah Rose married her very own Mr Right, Martyn. Hannah and Martyn met through a friend on a night out, and as she says “The rest is history”! 

The wedding celebrations started with the legal bit taking place in the registry office, afterwards, Hannah swapped her pink wedding shoes for her climbing boots, and they along with 2 photographers, a videographer and 2 friends climbed Snowdon to read their vows to one another! 

Hannah and Martyn continued to celebrate their wedding with Friends and Family a couple of weeks later at home in Northamptonshire, with an outdoor ceremony, in true British style the rain only started 1 minute before the end of the ceremony! They celebrated the rest of the day with a gorgeous BBQ station from Portfolio Events and amazing live music throughout their drinks reception and the Josie Soden band for the reception. You can read more about Hannah’s wedding planning in her wedding blog or listen on the “Let’s Get You Wed” Podcast.

From grand celebrations to intimate ceremonies, celebrity weddings in 2024 have been inspiring and we are excited for 2025! 

Are you newly engaged or planning your big day? Let us help you make it just as magical as you imagine. Book a consultation to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life, from full planning services to on-the-day management. 

The post Celebrity Weddings of 2024! appeared first on Wedding Planner and Event Manager, London and UK.

Meet Radhika and Ashik

Radhika and Ashik are a lovely couple, bonded by their deep affection for each other, and, of course, a shared love of Harry Potter! They both admit that they are on the introverted side, so even though the wedding was a three-day celebration, it was important to ensure they had moments to enjoy just being together amidst all the festivities. Working with this beautiful couple over 18 months was a pleasure! It’s super important when hiring a wedding planner for your personalities to click, after all, you are working together across a long period of time, so if you don’t get on, or if you don’t quite ‘get’ each other, it will be far more stressful! After meeting Ash and Radhika, we absolutely clicked, and I loved the ideas they had over the time we worked together.

Personal touches that made the wedding day

One of the things that made this wedding so memorable was the way we infused the couple’s personalities into the day. Their love for Harry Potter was cleverly incorporated into the table names, which were inspired by buildings and places from the novels, and featured hand-painted images by Abi at Draw My Door. These thoughtful details added a warm, personal touch to the day, making it truly their own.

The couple even created their own newspapers for each day! Each paper had information of what was happening for the day, with timings, including information of when taxis would arrive, and even a couple related crossword puzzle!

blending Indian and British Cultures and Styles

The setting for this wedding couldn’t have been more picturesque—Berwick House, nestled in the lush Shropshire countryside. Radhika and Ashik wanted a wedding that honoured their Indian heritage while also capturing the charm and romance of a British countryside celebration. Fortunately, the weather was just right—not too hot and not too cold—which added to the relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Family and friends travelled from all over the world, from India to America, so not only was it a wedding, but also an occasion for a reunion of family. A celebration of love, family and tradition.

We worked together to ensure that the traditions of an Indian wedding in the UK were kept, through the ceremonies, the food and the colour schemes, but also with a British, countryside vibe to the day, which is why the venue was a perfect choice for them.

Stunning Indian Outfits and Colour schemes

I will never get over the outfits at this wedding! (One of the highlights of working in the wedding industry – seeing the couple and guests’ outfits!) Radhika wore six different outfits over the course of three days, each one suiting such a natural beauty. From four traditional Indian dresses, including a traditional, impressive red dress on the wedding day, to a sleek lemon-coloured gown for the welcome party, and finally her elegant white dress from their civil ceremony earlier in the week—each outfit was thoughtfully chosen from India and the UK to reflect the different aspects of their celebrations.

The colour palette was also carefully considered to set the tone for each event. For the traditional ceremonies and mehndi party, we went with vibrant blue and yellow tones. On the main wedding day, we softened the traditional red by incorporating more pinks into the décor, creating a romantic and modern feel while still paying homage to the cultural significance of the day.

Indian Traditions with a Modern Twist

In keeping with Hindu wedding traditions, the couple’s families were deeply involved in several key ceremonies. The Ganesh Puja and Haldi ceremonies on Friday were particularly memorable, with guests enthusiastically covering the couple in turmeric paste—a symbolic (and really fun – for the guests anyhow!) ritual.

A special moment that I’ll never forget was when the priest invited me to take part in the Haldi ceremony. Being asked to join in this intimate family ritual was a real honour and perfectly encapsulated the warmth and inclusivity that defined the entire wedding.

For the main wedding day, instead of a traditional mandap, we worked with the florist to create four contemporary floral pillars, which symbolised the traditional mandap pillars but with a fresh, modern twist on what you would usually see hired in for an Indian wedding.

Unique wedding Moments and Lasting Memories

There were several unique touches that stood out, but the cake was definitely a highlight! A one-metre wide masterpiece piled high with fresh fruit. This was a breath of fresh air from the usual traditional tiered wedding cake and was very well received by the guests (and me of course!). We actually hired a local bakery – Pont Bakery – to create this. Radhika and Ashik were keen to use them as they had visited the bakery on their first trip to Berwick House and loved it!

Radhika and Ashik’s Uk Indian wedding was a true celebration of love, blending vibrant Indian wedding traditions with the serene elegance of a British countryside setting in the UK. From the moment they chose to work with me, we set out to create a day that wasn’t just about their union, but also about bringing together the people they love in a setting that felt just right. The result was a wedding that was as unforgettable as the couple themselves.

Vendor Credits

• Wedding Planner: @hannahroseweddings
• Venue: @berwick_house
• Photographer: @toriafrancesphoto
• Videographer: @fineshade_studios
• Florist: @lunabloom_
• Cake: @pontbakery
• Caterer: @heenasevents
• Hair and Makeup: @stormemakeupartist
• Henna: @hennabyshiblee
• Tableware: @tipplescateringhire
• Signage/Invites: @drawmydoor
• Menus: @pinkpeonyweddings
• DJ: @eternaltaal
• Band: @distractionsband

This wedding will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its beauty and elegance, but for the love and joy that was so clearly felt by all who attended. Congratulations again to Radhika and Ashik—it was an honour to be part of your journey.

Are you looking to plan your own Indian wedding but looking to have a British twist? Get in touch here. Perhaps you are both from different cultures – diy uo know we specialise in fusion weddings? Find out more here.

The post Real Weddings: A Vibrant, Indian, UK Wedding in the Heart of Shrewsbury appeared first on Wedding Planner and Event Manager, London and UK.

The cost to hire a UK wedding planner

Now first up, it’s a bit like much of the wedding industry – how long is a piece of string! What we would say is that planners tend to charge 10-15% of your estimated wedding budget. It is so important to have a wedding budget and you can download our PDF guide on how to set a budget here. Once you have an idea of what you want to spend overall, you can then start approaching wedding planners with a budget and your ideas and they will then create a quote from there, taking into consideration the time they will need to plan, location, the size of the team they will need on the day and the length of the wedding.

But not every planner works in this way. For us, we work on a set fee basis as opposed to a percentage of your budget. Our fee is based on your style of wedding, the size of the guest list and what kind of wedding you would like. For example, if you wanted a hotel wedding which has inhouse caterers and accommodation on site, this would be a lower cost than if you wanted a marquee in a field as the logistics are far more time consuming. We generally need a bigger team for a marquee wedding and can be onsite for up to 5 days for the set up etc, so planning fees would be higher to accommodate for this. You can see a rough guide of what we charge here which can give you an indication of the cost to hire a wedding planner.

What services do UK weddings planners offer?

The services planners generally offer are full planning, where we plan your UK wedding from the very beginning, right up until the day, covering every part of the planning process to give you the day you want. Many, including myself, offer a partial planning service where you have already started booking the key things such as venue, catering, photography, and now need somebody to step in and take over. It could even be that all of your suppliers are booked but you need someone for the communication with the suppliers and the logistical planning, as that can be a lot!

There are other services some planners also offer, such as styling and décor planning, and we also offer an on the day management/co-ordination service which is perfect for you if you want to go ahead and plan your own day, but want to relax on the day and know that it’s handed over to someone else to handle the logistics in the background and to put any fires which inevitably crop up!

How much does it cost to hire a day of wedding coordinator?

Our 12 hour wedding co-ordination services are a set fee of £1500. There other extras you an add, such as final month planning, day prior set up, post wedding set down and an extension to have an event manager until the very end of the night, to manage the set down if it needs to be done on the same day, and also to manage any taxis/buses etc. But this is entirely up to you!

Every planner charges differently for this service but I would say £1000 – £2000 is the general rule of thumb. Some planners charge more and take over the planning 4-6 weeks prior to the day. I decided not to factor this into the base cost as some couples don’t feel like they need this service and would rather just have someone there on the day. With a background in event management, I have confidence to do this whereas I understand some planners would rather been more involved with supplier communication etc.

You can find out more about what our base co-ordination service includes here. This service is essential if you have a dry hire venue where you don’t have a venue co-ordinator onsite, or if you are getting married on your own land, or land you have hired.

How will I know if I need a wedding planner?

There are many reasons people hire a wedding planner, and as already discussed, in different capacities. Many of our couples (and parent!) afterwards are thrilled that they decided to hire a wedding planner, regardless of the cost to do so. For full planning and partial planning, most couples come to us because they have busy lives, careers etc so the cost of a wedding planner is the best many they spend in their budget! A wedding planner can’t take away all of the stress, such as family situations, but we can take away the stress of the supplier searching, the consistent emails, and the worries of whether the suppliers they are booking are legit and an appropriate cost.

If you’re not able to take the time out to focus on your wedding plans, if you are already feeling busy in your lives, or if you just don’t feel like you have the experience to know what to book, hiring a wedding planner will be essential for you and a great investment.

I truly believe everyone needs a wedding planner in the corner in some aspect, even if you just hire someone to manage your day, but you then have that relief in the back of your mind that you have a professional involved in some aspect that you can go to when you need to, even just to book a one off session to unload your stresses.

Many couples also book a planner if they aren’t in the same country, for example if you live in America, but would like a wedding in the UK or England, you will find a wedding planner is essential for you.

What is the disadvantage of a wedding planner?

I mean, after reading this, are there any? I think finding the right planner for you is essential. I don’t believe a wedding planner takes any control for you, you are ultimately in control, you make the final decisions, but this could depend on the planner you hire. You also need to ensure the planner you hire has experience. There have been many wedding planners popping up who may just think it is a nice job to do, but experience is essential.

There is a cost attached to a hire a wedding planner. Always check if your planner works on commission from their suppliers. This is something we do not do, as we want to hire the suppliers who are right for you, and now ones that we will earn an incentive from. A planner who works on commission may charge you less, but in the long run, will cost you more as your suppliers will then add that commission on top of your price. A wedding planner can most certainly save you money as we work with a budget planner, to make sure we are sticking to the overall budget you wanted to commit to, whereas when planning on your own, you are more likely to go over on the cost you wanted to spend.

Are you convinced that a wedding planner is the right route for you? Get in touch here and let’s get a consultation booked so we can chat further about your plans and how we can help you!

The post How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Wedding Planner In The UK? appeared first on Wedding Planner and Event Manager, London and UK.

Have an initial conversation together

Before booking venue viewings or visiting wedding fayres, have an initial conversation about your day together. So many couples I work with have a very different idea when they are first thinking about how to plan a wedding and how they would like their wedding to be. Once you know the style you want, it is so much easier to stay focused on looking for inspiration, ideas, venues and suppliers for the wedding you both want. There is SO much wedding inspiration out there, you don’t want to be like a magpie with shiny things, stick to the style you have agreed on. For instance, if you have chosen an informal, field style wedding, stick to looking at what will match this theme, not beautiful stiletto heels or venues with no outside space.

Choosing your bridal party wisely

When it comes to choosing your bridesmaids, maid of honour, best man, groomsmen etc (which is an important part of how to plan a wedding and one people get over excited about!) choose the people who you want to be by your side during your wedding day. Don’t feel pressured to choose certain people because you have been their bridesmaids or because they are your sister, or your partners sister.  I hear so often that they bridal party actual cause so much stress for the couple as they don’t want to wear the bridesmaids dress that has been chosen or they don’t want to plan the honeymoon – choose people who you know will support you, whatever your decision and will help relieve your stress, not cause you more!

Parents

It is an exciting time for all of your family to know that there is an upcoming wedding on the horizon, especially for your parents, and they may also be thinking about how to plan the wedding! Some couples love that their parents want to get involved with their planning and give their ideas and opinions, and others…don’t! My top advice if a parent wants to get involved with planning is to give them a specific job, whether it is arranging the favours, booking dress appointments or helping with the table plan, let them be involved, but give them something to focus on. Also, make sure they understand that it is your day and you want them to be involved but also to respect your wishes.

Terms and conditions

It can be oh so exciting when you are sitting at the venue of your dreams, speaking all about colours and flowers, the pretty things, then a copy of terms and conditions are put in front of you to be signed. One of the most important things when working out how to plan a wedding is to make sure you take these home, read them, understand them and get an extra person to read over them before signing. This is the same for suppliers too, don’t sign anything in the moment until it is fully digested.

Keep organised

During your planning process, make sure you stay organised, whether this be using a planning book, excel sheets or an app. Keep a list of all of the suppliers you have booked with their name, business name and contact details, along with the dates they require payments and further information. So often I speak with couples part way through their planning, or even a few weeks before the Wedding and they cannot remember who they have booked and have to search back through old emails! You also want to avoid unexpected payments!

Take time out of planning

This may seem strange now as I am sure you are super excited about planning your wedding day and don’t want to talk about anything BUT your big day, but there will be times that it can get a bit too much for you or stressful times. My advice is, from the very start of your Wedding planning journey, either set time aside when you DON’T talk about Wedding planning or time where you DO talk about Wedding planning. One of the couples I work with only discuss their Wedding plans once a week. Trust me, you will be glad for the break from it all further down the line…

Your day is YOUR day!

Remember your day is YOUR day, yours and your partners. Of course, you will want all of your friends and family to enjoy the full day, the setting, the food, the music etc but this is a day about YOU. Make sure you stick with what you have decided and how you would like your day to be. The whole planning process is part of your wedding memory – don’t let it be a stressful one because you are worried about other people.

If you need help, get help

Whether it is from one of your bridal party, your partner or a wedding planner, make sure you ask for help if you feel like your to do list is never ending and you cannot catch a break from wedding planning! It is also really important to talk to your partner or wedding planner if you are feeling stressed or worried about anything to do with your wedding day.

If you’re reading this, feeling slightly overwhelmed and still thinking ‘how am I going to plan a wedding?!’, and want to speak with a wedding planner sooner rather than later, you can book a consultation with us here!

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Planning a fusion wedding and looking for some advice? Have a look: here

The orangery at Kensington palace

First up is The Orangery at Kensington Palace, an elegant venue set within the beautiful gardens of the palace. The Orangery was originally built in 1704 for Queen Anne and has since been used for various events, including weddings. The venue offers a stunning backdrop for your big day, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens and a beautiful terrace for outdoor ceremonies. The Orangery can accommodate up to 150 guests for a ceremony and 300 guests for a reception, making it ideal for both intimate and larger weddings. In terms of accommodation, there isn’t any onsite, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Kensington Hotel and The Milestone Hotel.

One of the unique features of Kensington Palace is the opportunity to have a private tour of the palace’s State Apartments. This allows you and your guests to explore the lavish living spaces of royalty, including the magnificent King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments. You can also take a stroll through the stunning Sunken Garden, which was redesigned in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s passing.

As for celebrity sightings, The Orangery has played host to a number of high-profile events, and of course is within the grounds of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s most recent home, along with Princess Eugenie and her husband. So, if you’re looking for a venue fit for a royal celebration, The Orangery is definitely worth considering.

Visit here.

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Next on our list is The Ivy Chelsea Garden, one of our favourite wedding venues, which is also a restaurant, in Kensington and Chelsea. The restaurant and bar have become famous for their botanical décor, with an elegant dining room and a beautiful outdoor garden space. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Glasshouse, which can accommodate up to 26 guests for a ceremony and 40 guests for a reception, perfect for smaller celebrations.

As for accommodation, The Ivy Chelsea Garden doesn’t have any onsite options, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Draycott Hotel and The Sloane Square Hotel. In terms of celebrity sightings, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is frequently visited by many well-known names, such as Michael Cain, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Spencer Matthews.

Visit here.

The royal chelsea hospital

If you’re looking for a venue with a rich history, The Royal Hospital Chelsea is definitely worth considering. The venue was founded by King Charles II in 1682 as a home for army veterans and has since become a popular location for weddings and events. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 250 guests for dinner and 350 guests for a reception, Wren House which can accommodate up to 50 for ceremonies and 40 for dinner, and The Figure Court which is available for up to 400 people for a reception from 6pm.

You can also have your wedding ceremony at The Wren Chapel, which can accommodate up to 320 guests, although there are a few requirements that you need to match to be able to have your ceremony in the chapel, such as one of you, your grandparents or your parents must have been christened, married or confirmed here.

In terms of accommodation, The Royal Hospital Chelsea doesn’t have any onsite options, but there are plenty of hotels nearby, including The Draycott Hotel and The Sloane Square Hotel. As for celebrity sightings, The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been visited by many household names, including David Beckham, who attended the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal in 2020.

Visit here.

the Chelsea harbour hotel

The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, a luxurious venue located on the banks of the River Thames, also available as one of the many wedding venues in Chelsea and Kensington. The venue offers a number of different spaces for weddings, including The Grand Room, which can accommodate up to 450 guests for the wedding breakfast and 700 guests for a reception, which offers stunning views of the river and can accommodate up to 250 guests for a reception. The Chelsea Harbour Hotel also offers onsite accommodation for you and your guests, with a range of luxurious rooms and suites available. They even have their own onsite spa, perfect for you to have a relaxing evening the night before your wedding, getting you ready for your celebrations!

In terms of celebrity sightings, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel has welcomed a number of famous faces over the years, including David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, who have been known to stay at the hotel when visiting London.

Visit here.

the natural history museum

The Natural History Museum is a prestigious wedding venue in Kensington and Chelsea that is highly sought-after for its stunning Victorian architecture and world-renowned collections of natural specimens. This venue offers a range of event spaces suitable for weddings, including the impressive Hintze Hall that can accommodate up to 450 guests for a reception and the Earth Hall which provides a unique and dramatic setting for a wedding ceremony, along with many other areas suitable for your celebrations. The Natural History Museum also offers in-house catering and event planning services, ensuring that every detail of your special day is taken care of.

The Natural History Museum provides a memorable experience for you and your guests, offering the opportunity to dine and dance beneath the iconic blue whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling of Hintze Hall. This 25-meter-long specimen provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for your celebration that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the venue provides a range of museum tours and exhibitions, giving you and your guests the chance to explore the fascinating world of natural history. The museum’s Victorian architecture and unique setting also make for fantastic photo opportunities, creating lasting memories of your special day. Much loved Ollie and Gareth Locke married on the well-known steps of Hintze Hall, under Hope the whale, back in 2020, with just 13 guests due to Covid restrictions.

Visit here.

Chelsea old town hall

Adding to our list of esteemed wedding venues in Kensington and Chelsea, we couldn’t forget the iconic Chelsea Old Town Hall. This stunning Grade II listed building is situated in the heart of Chelsea and is renowned for its elegant Victorian architecture and rich history. The venue offers a range of beautiful event spaces suitable for weddings, including the elegant Main Hall and the intimate Small Hall, each exuding its own unique charm.

Chelsea Old Town Hall can accommodate varying wedding party sizes, with the Main Hall accommodating up to 340 guests for a ceremony and 180 guests for a reception, while the Small Hall accommodates up to 140 guests for a ceremony and 80 guests for a reception. There are also smaller spaces available for your ceremony, especially if you are looking for a legal ceremony only, before your celebrations elsewhere, which are part of the register office, for example, The Rossetti Room, which accommodate 12 guests for a ceremony. The venue boasts exquisite period features, including a magnificent grand staircase, stained glass windows, and ornate ceilings, creating a romantic and sophisticated ambiance for your special day.

One of the advantages of Chelsea Old Town Hall is its convenient location, surrounded by vibrant boutiques, fashionable restaurants, and picturesque streets, providing an array of options for stunning wedding photographs and a vibrant atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. Furthermore, the venue offers flexibility in terms of catering options, allowing you to customize your wedding menu according to your preferences and dietary requirements.

Chelsea Old Town Hall has also hosted its fair share of celebrity weddings. It has been the chosen venue for notable figures such as Pierce Brosnan Judy Garland, and of course, most recently, Jamie and Sophie Laing. Choosing Chelsea Old Town Hall for your wedding will not only provide a touch of glamour and history but also the opportunity to create your own memorable moments within its elegant halls.

In terms of accommodation, Chelsea Old Town Hall doesn’t offer onsite options. However, with the wedding venues being situated in a prime location of Kensington and Chelsea, it means that there are numerous hotels and accommodations nearby, ensuring that you and your guests can find comfortable and convenient places to stay.

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Struggling to choose who to have as your bridesmaids? Read my advice here

how much does a wedding planner cost?

This can be like asking how long is a piece of string….many planners work on a % basis and you can expect to spend around 10-15% of your budget, with many planners having a minimum budget they work with.

Many planners also offer different services at different costs, for example, for the planning side, I offer a full planning service, which covers everything from finding your venue and suppliers, to guest management, wedding management and all the other things in-between!

I also offer a partial planning service for couples who have already booked their venue and a couple of key suppliers such as caterer and photographer, have then realised it’s actually ridiculously time consuming to find suppliers, and then decide to hire a planner! I then jump in and take over.

For couples who want to plan themselves but need a co-ordinator as they have a dry hire venue or hosting their celebrations from their own land, I also offer an on the day management service. All of my services work on a set fee basis, so the price on the website is what you can expect to pay, depending on your requirements, ie. If your celebrations are multiple days, the cost will be higher. You can see my pricing here.

What does a wedding planner do?

It’s a planners job, basically, for you as a couple to enjoy the planning journey more than you would without a planner….of course you are going to still face potential stresses of any family related problems that we cannot control, and of course the stresses of guest list and table plan, so I am not going to say we make the process completely stress free. But what we do do is take a lot of stress away that isn’t necessary, such as endless Google searches for suppliers, stressing over not having the time for searching for suppliers, the endless communication between suppliers and many other time-consuming tasks!

As you can see from my answer to the question above, there are various services that many planners offer, so depending on the level of service you opt for depends on how much the planner will be involved with planning tasks.

What I will say is that what a wedding planner doesn’t do is take away your control. I hear this a lot from couples who say that they can be control freaks and don’t want to loose the control. Ultimately, you don’t loose the control. You make the final decision on your suppliers, you just save the masses of time searching for them, finding our if they are available on your date, are within your budget and fit your style and vibe. You also make decision on details such as colour schemes, what flowers you want and your menu. We just do the background work to make this information far more accessible to you with the right suppliers who are the best for you!

Do i need a wedding planner?

In short, yes. Everyone needs a planner is some way. I have hired a planner to manage my own wedding day, and that is what I do for a living. Whether it’s just a few one off 1-1’s along the way to put your mind at ease and help unload some stress, or a full planning service to completely take the time-consuming task of planning a wedding off tour shoulders, every couple will benefit from a planner.

Venue co-ordinator vs wedding planner?

A venue co-ordinator is there to manage the venue. Yes, they can give recommendation for suppliers, but those suppliers may not work for you. Let’s put it this way, a co-ordinator manages anything from 30 – 150 weddings a year, depending on the venue, compared to a planner who generally take on 5-8 full plans a year. This shows how involved a planner is.

I was a venue co-ordinator myself for 10 years and can wholeheartedly tell you that the roles are completely different. A planner works directly for you. You may also find that your co-ordinator may leave the venue during your planning process, so although you could have a great relationship with them, they don’t work directly work for you so have free will to get a new job elsewhere! You may also find that your venue co-ordinator isn’t there for your full wedding day and passes over to an operational team, as a venue co-ordinator role is full on and doesn’t always leave time for wedding day management!

do wedding planners help find venues?

Yes! If you hire a planner for full planning or even just for a venue search which many planners offer, we can of course find you the perfect venue to fit your requirements such as date, location, accommodation etc and of course your budget. As planners, we have a directory full of perfect wedding venues, including some hidden ones you would probably struggle to find yourself – those private, family-owned venues who don’t have the budgets to get themselves to the top of Google or maybe aren’t the best on social media!

when to hire a wedding planner?

You can hire a planner at any point, depending on when you decide you need one! Only thing I would say is that with busy diaries, and with many planners only taking on a certain amount of couples each year to make sure they can give each and every one the time they deserve, if you have a particular planner in mind, you may want to get in quick!

Do wedding planners get commission from vendors and suppliers?

Ok so this is a controversial conversation across the wedding industry and is one that you may want to ask your planner during the consultation stage when you are deciding on which wedding plan you are hiring, although they may not want to answer the question! For me, my answer is simply – NO! I would never choose a supplier based on who will give me commission. If they want to pass on a payment or a gift to say thank you for booking, then that is up to them and I will always happily take a gift, but I would never choose a supplier based on this factor. I base my choice on the suppliers who will work for my couple.

is hiring a planner a luxury?

It could be, it all depends on your wedding budget, but what I will say is that many of my couple’s feedback after their wedding that they would never have kept to the budget they had in their heads if they hadn’t hired a wedding planner.

When we first start working together, we discuss what you want to spend, and saying ‘we don’t have a budget’ doesn’t wash with me (unless you literally have unlimited money to spend, then fine!) as everyone has a certain budget to spend. My answer to that is, if I put a 1 million pound wedding in front of you, would you be happy to spend that? No? You have a budget in mind then….

We then split your budget down to each area of the wedding, so when I am supplier searching, I can make sure they don’t go over what you want to spend.

Many couples make the mistake of not thinking about budget, as we all, as humans, hate talking about money! They then go off, find a lovely venue and book it without thinking of all the other costs that come with it, then stress because the wedding ends up costing far more than they actually want to spend. Hire a wedding planner and avoid this – in fact, I can guarantee the cost of a planner will actually what you overspend by (and more!) without having a planner.

Still looking for your perfect London hotel wedding venue? Check out my favourite options here

Yes, you may get the odd comment from a friend – “you have a planner?! What are you, Beyonce?!” but this thought process needs to change. In America, when you get engaged, you get a planner, it’s pretty standard. No one thinks you are being a diva by getting a planner, they just think you are clever. They have the right mentality. So many of my couple’s friends and family say afterwards, wow, I will definitely hire a wedding planner now I’ve seen what you’ve done for them and how incredible their wedding was. In fact, many of my bookings are referrals from previous couples. So, ignore the stigma of having a planner and get in touch here!

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Need to book a planner to help with your day, whether you need help with full planning, just parts of your journey or a wedding co-ordinator on the day? Find out about my services here.

Planning your London wedding and want to know where you can shop in London for your wedding? We have the answer for you here: London Wedding Shopping At Department Stores

Utilise the Pantone colour of the year trend in your wedding colour scheme

Not something we are seeing much of yet, but with the pantone colour of the year just being confirmed as viva magenta, more of you may be possibly bringing this into your styling and colour palettes. And why not? I absolutely love it, but I am a sucker for deep colour palettes and red tones. Pantone say viva magenta “vibrates with vim and vigor” and is “expressive of a new signal of strength”, so if that is the vibe you are going for, then let’s get a moodboard created for your day!

Check out the colour here!

Top tip – this colour scheme is quite bold, make sure it matches the venue styling, for example, maybe older properties may already use deeper tones in their carpets and upholstery, you don’t want this to clash!

Sharing platter courses are on trend for 2023

Sharing platter courses made a come back after covid, but is definitely one of the wedding trends of 2023. Couples seem to be moving away from the formal 3 course sit down meal. They want to be different. Many couples are completely moving away from formal and opting for a more informal day – BBQ, street food and no formal place settings, but if you want to keep to a more traditional sit down then sharing platters work so well! All guests will still be seated as per your seating plan, but each table will be bought a selection of your menu on boards to share amongst the table. It’s even becoming more popular for a joint of meat to be put on the tables, and a carver nominated by the couple to carve for the guests at that table with an engraved knife and personalised apron!
Top tip – don’t crowd your tables for this option! Go tall and narrow with your centre pieces as you need to be able to fit the boards/bowls etc

Use bigger floral arrangements for your wedding décor

It seems like bigger is better recently, more statement flowers, and not just for the tables, arches at church entrances, floral backdrops and walkways for ceremonies and floral decorated lounge areas, bringing a wow factor to any space that guests walk into.
Top tip – if opting for tall flower arrangements, use clear vase or a narrow option to avoid blocking people’s view of guests opposite them

Travel for your perfect wedding venue

Travel is back on the cards and bigger than ever. I am seeing more couples coming to England to get married from America and Europe, and couples not being stuck to the one area they live in, but traveling across the UK, maybe even eloping to Wales or Scotland, to find their perfect venue and the best possible location for them, regardless of travel time.
Top tip – when sending out save the dates, pop in a location so guests can start preplanning their trip.

Use neutral tones in your wedding colour scheme

I am seeing a lot of neutral wedding tones this year, as is cake maker Nina from Erzulie Cakes and florist Hayley from Bloomfields. Whether it’s blush pink, a palette of brown and nude hues or creams mixed with green tones, I feel many couples are wanting to bring a relaxed and natural feel to their day.
Top tip – put together a mood board of your ideals before hiring any styling related suppliers

Large wedding cakes are the way forward for 2023

Nina from Erzulie cakes has found that couples, much as with their floral arrangements want to go bigger! They want statement pieces which will wow their guests. Tall cakes also look great if you have a venue with tall ceilings, particularly stately homes tend to have the taller ceilings. A low ceiling with a smaller cake can look deflating, so add in some tiers! Make sure your cake is also displayed somewhere spectacular such as an archway.
Top tip – you can still go big without having mountains of cake, ask for faux tiers

Wedding dessert tables are on trend right now

Much the same as the sharing breakfast courses, many couples are opting for dessert tables either alongside their wedding cake or instead of a wedding cake. These can also be used instead of a dessert – you find a lot of guests will be getting up, going to the bar, chatting etc by the time the dessert comes out and many don’t even sit back down to eat it. A dessert table means guests can enjoy the rest of the evening, while picking at a dessert as they wish! I think we will see a lot of these in 2023!

More wedding entertainment is trending

Wow, entertainment is KEY to a wedding day! A good band, string quartet, solo singer, maybe even a magician! Whatever you decide to have, keep the guests entertained. We saw a lot of saxophonists in 2021, moving into 2023 wedding trends, I think we will see couples mainly having bands suited to their taste in music, with a DJ in-between sets and also live musicians such as drummers, singers, pianists etc, and not just for the evening reception, also for the rest of the day. I’ve also seen a surge in surprise wedding entertainment, such as singing waiters, and think this will continue.

Still stuck with what 2023 wedding trends to include in your wedding planning? Get in touch and let’s talk through your plans and how I can help you! You can book a consultation here.

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I absolutely love the Urban Dictionary’s definition of a Bridesmaid: “A woman who is the sister I never got, a best friend in every way possible, an amazing lady who I want to share my special day standing next to me”

As a London wedding planner, with 15 years’ experience in the industry, I have seen and heard it ALL and what I will say is that one of the biggest things couples say cause them stress during their planning, is yup, you’ve guessed it, their bridesmaids. From being difficult about what dress they are wearing, to making zero effort with the hen, and just being plain jealous that the day is all about you, your bridesmaids can really cause some dramas, and seriously here, some upset and stress to you. So how can we avoid that? Well firstly, let’s look at what your bridesmaid is actually there to do:

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What is the purpose of your Bridesmaids?

These people are your TEAM!! Whether you’ve had a bad dream in the night that you walk down the aisle with your dress on, or if you’re panicking that your hair isn’t going to go right, your bridal party need to be there to give you any support, be there to wipe away the tears and tell you that it will all be ok! You should be able to trust them with any worries or concerns you have without feeling silly or like they won’t care. They should be bigging you up at all possible opportunities to make sure you feel amazing on the day!

Plan the hen party!

While you have the job of planning your wedding day, plus organising a honeymoon and many other factors involved with a wedding, there is no way you are also going to want to deal with the hassle of the hen party. Of course, it’s a good idea to speak with your bridal party about what you would like (although these people should all know exactly what would suit you! If they don’t, they shouldn’t be a bridesmaid) and also who you would like to invite and an ideal budget per person, but the rest should be down to them. Sorting dates, location, and all the other details for a big group of people can be super stressful – put this on your bridal party and not on yourself!

Whether it’s helping you shop for your dress, or just giving their advice on a decision you aren’t sure of, your team should be there to help with anything you aren’t sure of. They can be a real help with those questions where you think, what would people expect, ie. if you should have credit behind the bar, if you should opt for gin instead of wine on the tables – you get the idea! They should be your first port of call to send a message to for opinions, without any worry of judgement.

It’s the morning of the wedding. It’s an exciting but also nerve-wracking for you. These bridesmaids should be there at your beck and call! Not worrying about themselves! You don’t want to hear any utter of them moaning how they look or how they haven’t lost enough weight. A bridesmaid’s job is to make sure every part of your morning is positive and enjoyable, even if you are a nervous wreck or a ‘bride/groom-zilla’, they should take it all in their stride!

Similar to support and help with planning, but this goes deeper. If you generally need this person’s advice, on something such as what you are wearing, you will need to feel comfortable asking them. If you have a family situation that you are concerned about, you should be able to freely talk about it to them. And you should always get a good reaction from this person and shouldn’t just make you feel worse with their negative reactions. If you are worried about how a guest will be on the day, it is for your bridesmaids to make sure they don’t cause any issues, and if they do, then it is quickly resolved and you don’t notice. It is your bridesmaid’s job to be fully there for you and to be able to be trusted with your deepest, darkest secrets!

So, how should I choose from bridesmaids?

Use the list above and really think about if the person you are thinking of would fit those job roles! Never choose somebody just because you think you have to have them.

What should I expect to pay for my bridesmaids?

Expect to pay for everything they need – dresses, hair, makeup. Most bridesmaids will be happy to provide their own shoes/jewellery or use ones they already have. If you are asking them to be bridesmaids, it’s difficult to then ask for this to become an expense to them. For makeup, many will be happy to do this themselves so this could be a saving, or you can get quotes so they can have it if they wish and pay for that themselves. If you decide to hire a house or hotel rooms for the night prior to have a night with all your bridesmaids, make sure this is also covered by you and is in your budget. For your hen party, leave this for your bridesmaids to discuss how much your guests are willing to spend and leave this to them to then arrange around everyone’s budgets. For your hen, you should only be paying for yourself, but only expect guests to spend what they have said they are happy to spend.

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