3 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PRESERVING YOUR WEDDING CAKE TIER

Symbolic of sentiment and prolonged good luck from your wedding day, saving the top tier of your wedding cake (if preserved properly) is traditionally celebrated with on your first anniversary or the christening of your first born! If you are looking to do this, it is a good idea to let your cake baker know almost before anything else so that they can help you pick the best type of cake for your top tier when you come to freeze it!

CONSIDER YOUR FILLING CHOICES

Whilst fondant and buttercream’s covering the outside of the cake preserve well, you will have to consider carefully, the filling choice for your saved tier. If you are planning to have different fillings and/or types of cake for each tier it is worth talking to your baker about choosing the most well preserved combination for the top tier and vice versa your choices that may not keep so well to be used for the tiers that will be devoured by your guests on the day!

INITIAL FREEZE

Before leaving your cake in the freezer indefinitely, give the cake an initial freeze UNCOVERED just to set the fondant or butter icing layer on top. Take off all fondant flowers or 3d decoration before freezing your cake – think about keeping your top tier design fairly simplistic.

PRESERVE IT PROPERLY

Wrap your cake up tightly in numerous layers of plastic clingfilm – NEVER use foil or this will cause your cake to have serious freezer burn. When wrapped, place in an airtight container or box which your baker may be able to provide. Return to the freezer for safe keeping!

A-Z OF BRIDESMAIDS

ACCESSORIES

Rather then going all match match why don’t you let your bridesmaids choose what jewellery they wear, within a colour scheme (i.e. if you’re going silver, they should too). Their jewellery should sit them, be something they are comfortable with, and work well with yours. You don’t want your fashion forward friend rocking up in a fascinator and you’ve gone down the subtle route. One of the most important rules of being a bridesmaid is to let you steal the show!

 BEST FRIENDS

You might feel to obliged to ask you sister in law, your cousin or your finance’s brattish little sister, but you don’t have to have anyone! Choose those who have truly been there through your worst and best times – the ones you know will have your back on the biggest day of your life!

 FLOWER GIRLS

They can be really cute for photos and don’t have to do anything beyond looking pretty and carrying a basket of confetti (if you want them to), so why not? This will work well if you have small nieces on either side of the family.

 GET GORGEOUS

Make sure that your pampering team have enough time for your girls on the morning of the wedding (including your mum) – makeup is best kept simple but sophisticated and to a theme. It might be that they prefer to do their own makeup. If so, great, but make sure they know not to go curveball on it. No big fake eyelashes and no red lips, please!

HEN PARTY

This is the first of the big jobs for your girls – to plan your last night of freedom. While you don’t have much choice about what you do and where you go, you should make it clear if you have things that you really wouldn’t enjoy. But then, they should know these things already as your bridesmaids…

LIMITS

In spending, that is. If your bridesmaids are going to be given freedom to find their own accessories or even their own dress to your chosen scheme, curb their spending or they may just go designer, blowing your budget before the big day!

NECKLINES

Different things suit different people and it doesn’t say anywhere that bridesmaids have to look exactly the same. Choose multiway dresses like In One or TwoBirds and let them create their own style to suit.

PURSE

Bridesmaids can carry a bag or purse and in that bag they can carry your all-important blotting paper, tissues and lip gloss.

 SHOES

We love the thought of each of your girls choosing their own shoes to go with their outfit to make them feel extra comfortable. Makes for a fun photograph, too!

SLEEP

Make sure you get some! In the lead up to the wedding but also the night before. No staying up chatting until 4am, however tempting that might be, just because you are all together. You will all need to get good sleep, if you can!

TOP STYLING TIPS FROM THE GROOMSWEAR SPECIALISTS

You’re going to want to look super-sharp on the big day, so this is no time to pull on an old suit that’s been living in the back on the wardrobe for years. With this in mind, we’ve asked some top tailors for their hints and tips on how to achieve masculine elegance on the big day.

Ede & Ravenscroft

• Morning dress is the traditional choice for weddings and will typically consist of a black morning coat, grey stripe trousers, a traditional collar shirt, waistcoat and tie.
• Trousers should be worn slightly above the waistline and rest on top of the shoe showing a slight crease at the front, with the back of the trouser sitting just above the heel.
• Waistcoats should sit comfortably over the waistband showing no signs of shirt. Brighter pastel colours are popular choices for weddings.
• A shirt for special occasions should be of a premium quality and the sleeve typically show no more than a half an inch of the cuff when wearing a jacket.
• Ties should be worn in a Windsor knot, which produces a wide symmetrical triangular knot.
• A matching three-piece suit will always remain a contemporary yet classic style. A three-buttoned single-breasted jacket has an extra top button and a slightly higher lapel, which makes the jacket suitable for taller men. Double-breasted jackets are becoming popular again with modern grooms.
• The weight of a suit’s cloth should be considered, particularly for summer weddings. Darker colours such as navy or grey give a timeless, sophisticated appearance.
• Your wedding day might be the day you decide to order a personally tailored or bespoke suit. It’s your chance to add your own individual characteristics to the design, from buttons to patterned linings. Allow four to six weeks for a suit to be made for you, from initial fittings to final delivery.

5 TIPS TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT WEDDING SUIT

Though it can often feel like the bride takes most of the limelight on the big day, the groom deserves just as much attention. So here are the five things to remember when making a smart decision on the ultimate sharp wedding suit.

Colours To Suit

Having suits in different styles is a must for different seasonal weddings and events. Opting for the same suit in different colours could work well for variation. For a summer wedding, mix things up with a patterned, herringbone, plaid or houndstooth number to vary to add a sense of personality.

Fit Matters

The key to a pulling off a killer suit is fit, this means that it’s important to wear a suit that complements your body shape.

There are three main types of fit:

Regular – for those who prefer a classic style in a comfortable fit with room for extra movement. It’s also ideal for people with a larger build than average.

Slim – ideal for those with a slimmer physique and typically for people with an 8” drop.

Tailored – a more streamlined look and a midway option which allows more movement than a regular fit.

Think About Fabric

We often associate heavier materials with quality and expense. Wool, worsted or wool-blended suits are great quality, and maintain their shape over long periods of time. For weddings in the summer months, a linen suit keeps you cool and is highly breathable. If you’re on a budget however, cotton and polyester suits are both breathable to wear and adhere to a smart look.

Think Seasonal

Consider the season that the event will take place in when choosing your suit. If you’re a guest at a winter wedding, try to find out what the theme will be to ensure you don’t clash with the rest of the guests and groomsmen. Alternatively, a tweed suit offers a rustic look and feel. In spring, a waistcoat is the perfect back up for unpredictable temperatures.

Accessorise Your Look

Accessories can be just as important as the suit when it comes to injecting some personality into an outfit, so take time to find the perfect additions and ensure they match your suit. Cuff-links add a touch of sophistication whilst a patterned tie can look great against a dark suit. A bright silk tie is ideal for adding a splash of colour to summer events.

5 WEDDING PLANNING VOWS EVERY

GROOM SHOULD MAKE!

Whether your groom dives head first into wedding planning or avoids it at all costs, whether he is laid-back or knows exactly what he wants, these are five wedding planning vows that every groom should make. Like it or loathe it, teamwork does make the dream work!

I PROMISE TO SHOW I CARE

It’s a given that your groom cares about you – he did ask to marry you after all – but you want to know he cares about the actual wedding, too. That doesn’t mean your groom needs to be there to make every decision together, you’ll know as a couple what balance will work best, but it does mean that you shouldn’t feel like you’ve been left on your own to plan an entire wedding. The day is about the two of you, so approach it like that.

I PROMISE TO HAVE MY SAY

We’ve all heard of the bridezilla and perhaps even been guilty of being a tiny bit like one ourselves once or twice, so your groom might be tempted to take a back seat so you can have your day your way, without any fretting. While it might be tempting to have everything the way you want it, make sure he makes his thoughts heard and that you encourage him to do so. It’ll mean more to both of you as a result.

I PROMISE TO KEEP YOU COMPANY

To the department stores to make your gift list, to the venue to plan your decorations, to the cake maker’s to try different flavours. You’ll both have so much more fun planning your wedding and make some wonderful memories in the process if you do lots of it together. You’re a team – start by choosing your first dance song together.

I PROMISE NOT TO PRY

Just as some parts of your wedding planning are best done together, there are some that are traditionally kept secret – your dress and bridesmaid dresses, to name two. While your groom might be tempted to take a look at your gown while you’re out or pester your maids to find out what it’s like, a good groom will respect the boundaries. Whether your first look is as you walk down the aisle or in an intimate meeting beforehand, it’ll be all the more special for being a surprise. If you think his best man might need a few pointers too, then these best man commandments are the answer you’ve been looking for.

I PROMISE TO MAKE YOU FEEL SPECIAL

This might better fit wedding day rather than wedding planning vows, but it’s important, so it’s staying. Whether it’s that sneaky peek as you walk down the aisle, the smile your photographer captures, or the whispered words as you prepare to say your vows to each other, you’re both celebrating your love and commitment to each other, so make sure you show how special the person is to you. It needn’t be much – a smile, a word, even a nudge or squeeze of the hand will do the job perfectly.

What’s a Wedding Without a Photo Booth?

Photo booths have extended all over western countries and it has also reached India with force. More weddings than you think use photo booth in order to capture their guests' most amusing moments. Believe us, people can go wild in front of a camera and a fun setup! Check out some original and creative ways of turning your photo booth into the talk of the town.

1. Chalkboard paint

It’s an amazing idea for a more personalised photo booth backdrop. You could write a message, your names, or just about anything that will give your pictures an air of creativity and individuality. Chalk props will help you complete the whole ensemble!

2. Themed

There are thousands of themes you can choose from; for example, a retro setting or a kissing booth. You could even setup your favourite film scene; it’s easier than you think! If your wedding already has a theme, make sure that the photo booth matches the same. For example, if it’s a vintage wedding, a classic car, a bicycle or a huge half-moon as your backdrop will be just perfect!




3. Around the world

Your photo booth backdrop can be a country or a city. Moreover, you can give your guests the possibility to choose among different settings they’d like to use as their backdrops and create a unique ‘worldwide photobook’. From New York to New Zealand, make your photo booth an unforgettable journey, literally!

4. Video booth

Turn your photo booth into a video booth and ask your guests to record a 5 to 10 second video. We assure you that the outcome will be a perfect happy-funny-emo combo!

5. It’s all ‘bout that angle!

Instead of classic photo booth pictures, you can create an upside down setting; It’s fun, original and your guests are definitely going to go crazy and make the most out of it.

Tips for Creating a Wedding Guest List

Even if you yourself are paying for your wedding, you’ll need to think about the feelings of other people as well in order to avoid friction with both your family and your future in-laws. You need to pay attention to their wishes to invite guests but in the end, the decision is yours. Use your own analysis and judgement and prepare an exclusive wedding guest list. Here are the tips to help you make the best decision while creating your wedding guest list 

Be realistic about the number of guests

This is the very first aspect you need to decide upon before you prepare a wedding guest list.  Your budget and the venue size are the main factors that should play into this decision.Every guest adds to the number of plates to be prepared by your caterer and the chairs you will be required to rent. Prepare an all-inclusive list and start slashing until you reach your magic number. The easiest way to cut the list is to come up with rules and actually stick to them.

Prepare two different lists

This is a great method by which you caninvite the most people without increasing your budget or having to find a larger venue.  Make the first list (the “a list”) of the invitees who must be invited, without whom you can’t even imagine your wedding. This would mainly consist of your parents, siblings, first cousins, close friends, etc. In order of importance, make the second list (the “b list”) of those whom you want to attend your wedding but you have to put them on this second list because of your constraints. This will help you sending invitations as per your convenience and constraints.

Get organized using a system that's collaborative

Make a comprehensive list of guests and share with your family. Anyone who wishes to invite a particular guest can make edit in real time and see the most up-to-date version. If you do not wish or cannot invite any guest, do not delete his name from the list. Rather use the color-coding or the strikethrough feature to cut those names. This is because if you delete the names completely, you'll have no idea who you might want to invite. Make a separate document for names you're unsure about as you are best person to decide upon your space and budget capabilities.

Avoid last-minute add-ons

Be very specific with the rules you decided while filtering the names of the guests to be invited. Don’t get carried away with the statements by some people like, “I just can’t wait to attend your wedding," or “ I am really looking forward for your  wedding," etc. Be firm with your rules and polite with such people and avoid any last minute add-ons.

Remain in control of the wedding guest count by accounting for your guests' guests

India is a land known for its brotherhood and unity. People here are warm toward each other’s feelings and that is the reason there is every possibility that your guests might be wish to bring their own guests. So, in order to avoid any mess creating out of the increased guests at the actual wedding, make a room for the uninvited guests, your guests’ guests, on the guest list.

Even if you yourself are paying for your wedding, you’ll need to think about the feelings of other people as well in order to avoid friction with both your family and your future in-laws. You need to pay attention to their wishes to invite guests but in the end, the decision is yours. Use your own analysis and judgement and prepare an exclusive wedding guest list. Here are the tips to help you make the best decision while creating your wedding guest list :

Be realistic about the number of guests

This is the very first aspect you need to decide upon before you prepare a wedding guest list.  Your budget and the venue size are the main factors that should play into this decision.Every guest adds to the number of plates to be prepared by your caterer and the chairs you will be required to rent. Prepare an all-inclusive list and start slashing until you reach your magic number. The easiest way to cut the list is to come up with rules and actually stick to them.

Prepare two different lists

This is a great method by which you caninvite the most people without increasing your budget or having to find a larger venue.  Make the first list (the “a list”) of the invitees who must be invited, without whom you can’t even imagine your wedding. This would mainly consist of your parents, siblings, first cousins, close friends, etc. In order of importance, make the second list (the “b list”) of those whom you want to attend your wedding but you have to put them on this second list because of your constraints. This will help you sending invitations as per your convenience and constraints.

Get organized using a system that's collaborative

Make a comprehensive list of guests and share with your family. Anyone who wishes to invite a particular guest can make edit in real time and see the most up-to-date version. If you do not wish or cannot invite any guest, do not delete his name from the list. Rather use the color-coding or the strikethrough feature to cut those names. This is because if you delete the names completely, you'll have no idea who you might want to invite. Make a separate document for names you're unsure about as you are best person to decide upon your space and budget capabilities.

Avoid last-minute add-ons

Be very specific with the rules you decided while filtering the names of the guests to be invited. Don’t get carried away with the statements by some people like, “I just can’t wait to attend your wedding," or “ I am really looking forward for your  wedding," etc. Be firm with your rules and polite with such people and avoid any last minute add-ons.

Remain in control of the wedding guest count by accounting for your guests' guests

India is a land known for its brotherhood and unity. People here are warm toward each other’s feelings and that is the reason there is every possibility that your guests might be wish to bring their own guests. So, in order to avoid any mess creating out of the increased guests at the actual wedding, make a room for the uninvited guests, your guests’ guests, on the guest list.

Even if you yourself are paying for your wedding, you’ll need to think about the feelings of other people as well in order to avoid friction with both your family and your future in-laws. You need to pay attention to their wishes to invite guests but in the end, the decision is yours. Use your own analysis and judgement and prepare an exclusive wedding guest list. Here are the tips to help you make the best decision while creating your wedding guest list :

Be realistic about the number of guests

This is the very first aspect you need to decide upon before you prepare a wedding guest list.  Your budget and the venue size are the main factors that should play into this decision.Every guest adds to the number of plates to be prepared by your caterer and the chairs you will be required to rent. Prepare an all-inclusive list and start slashing until you reach your magic number. The easiest way to cut the list is to come up with rules and actually stick to them.

Prepare two different lists

This is a great method by which you caninvite the most people without increasing your budget or having to find a larger venue.  Make the first list (the “a list”) of the invitees who must be invited, without whom you can’t even imagine your wedding. This would mainly consist of your parents, siblings, first cousins, close friends, etc. In order of importance, make the second list (the “b list”) of those whom you want to attend your wedding but you have to put them on this second list because of your constraints. This will help you sending invitations as per your convenience and constraints.

Get organized using a system that's collaborative

Make a comprehensive list of guests and share with your family. Anyone who wishes to invite a particular guest can make edit in real time and see the most up-to-date version. If you do not wish or cannot invite any guest, do not delete his name from the list. Rather use the color-coding or the strikethrough feature to cut those names. This is because if you delete the names completely, you'll have no idea who you might want to invite. Make a separate document for names you're unsure about as you are best person to decide upon your space and budget capabilities.

Avoid last-minute add-ons

Be very specific with the rules you decided while filtering the names of the guests to be invited. Don’t get carried away with the statements by some people like, “I just can’t wait to attend your wedding," or “ I am really looking forward for your  wedding," etc. Be firm with your rules and polite with such people and avoid any last minute add-ons.

Remain in control of the wedding guest count by accounting for your guests' guests

India is a land known for its brotherhood and unity. People here are warm toward each other’s feelings and that is the reason there is every possibility that your guests might be wish to bring their own guests. So, in order to avoid any mess creating out of the increased guests at the actual wedding, make a room for the uninvited guests, your guests’ guests, on the guest list.