With an ever growing selection of creative individuals designing and hand crafting wedding pieces – Etsy is the go to place for all your wedding needs. Whether you’re looking for last minute touches, wedding favours or even your wedding dress, Etsy is sure to get those creative juices flowing. Here at Bridebook.co.uk we have pulled together a list of our favourite Etsy suppliers to help you add a personalised touch to your wedding day. Enjoy!
A must have for all you book lovers out there. Your very own personalised Penguin book of your Order of Service. Completely personalised to include your readings, pictures and quotes.
Treat your wedding guests with these gorgeous packets of wildflower seeds for them to take home. Each packet can be personalised with your name and wedding date.
Add that finishing touch to your wedding cake with these made to order cake toppers by Miss Sarah Cake. Choose from a selection of different colours to suit any colour scheme.
Save money on your wedding stationery by using these beautiful clay heart tags as unique place settings which also double up as wedding favours. Win, win!
UK based wedding dress designers, This Modern Love Bridal make truly gorgeous wedding gowns to suit any budget. Bespoke and made to order dresses are available as well as fittings at their studio in Brighton.
If you’re looking for an eye-catching wedding band then look no further than this beautiful 9ct rose gold, rugged bark like textured ring. Suitable for both men and women.
Custom made cufflinks made of vintage world maps creates a very personalised gift for your groomsmen. Let people remember your special day for ever. Everyone smiles when they see a map of a place thats close to their heart.
Celebrate your wedding day by presenting this frame to your loved one, or bring another smile to the newlyweds face and present it as the perfect wedding gift.
Depending on the style you’re going for, chances are there’ll be a vast array of different flower arrangements at your wedding. The list includes bouquets, centrepieces, boutonnières, welcome arrangements, altar arrangements, bridesmaids’ bouquets, wedding cake flowers… and the list goes on. There’s nothing quite as lovely as wedding flowers and the joy and spectacle they bring.
Some couples won’t have a budget anywhere near the national average or want to spend over a grand on flowers, but still want to have beautiful blooms at their wedding. If this is you, there are still plenty of options out there for you.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at all the ways you can save money on wedding flowers while still making sure your venue is full of gorgeous florals.
A wedding is a fabulous occasion, and like many celebrations, flowers are the go-to decorative item for adding colour, luxury and elegance. Flowers are also a popular symbol of love, which is why they’re so perfect for a wedding.
As a result, many couples love to use flowers throughout their big day, from the moment their guests arrive at the ceremony to the moment they leave the reception. And because they play such a prominent role, the price of wedding flowers can be somewhat on the high side.
But why exactly are they so expensive? There are plenty of reasons why you may pay a premium for wedding flowers, most notably:
Volume – From bouquets to boutonnières, many different flower arrangements feature in a wedding
Quality – When it comes to weddings, florists often use the crème de la crème of flowers
Service – Bespoke florals will involve a personalised design process and conceptualisation to bring your vision to life
Details – It’s not just about the flowers – think vases, vessels, ribbons, even props – everything you need to create a gorgeous display
Availability – Most flowers are seasonal, particularly in the UK, so it can be expensive to import certain flowers
Expertise – Florists use their skill and experience designing show-stopping arrangements
Time – Wedding flowers often take a lot of time to design and arrange
Delivery – Your florist will need to deliver and set up your flowers at the venue
Whether or not you have flowers at your wedding is entirely your decision. It all depends on your budget, your style and – ultimately – your preference. While there’s nothing written in stone that says you need to have flowers at your wedding, your guests will likely notice if you choose not to have them.
Flowers are one of the biggest wedding traditions there is, and the pure presence of flowers denotes elegance and love. That said, there could be several reasons for not wanting to have flowers at your wedding, for example, due to allergies, or you simply aren’t interested in anything floral.
Wedding flowers are a big expense, but they’re a non-negotiable for many couples. If you do choose to have flowers at your wedding, but don’t want to spend an amount even close to the UK average, then there are ways around it. Below are 15 ways you can save money on wedding flowers.
Choose flowers with big heads where possible. Not only do they look stunning, but the bigger the flowerhead, the fewer stems you need to fill out an arrangement, which means you’ll also generally spend less money.
For example, for every peony or hydrangea you have in an arrangement, you would need two or three roses to fill up the same amount of space. The bigger the flowers, the less you’ll spend in the long run.
Flowers like roses, carnations and tulips symbolise love, which makes them popular choices for floral arrangements. That means they can also be quite pricey, as demand is high. Instead, why not consider flowers which are both beautiful but which aren’t commonly seen at weddings, such as chrysanthemums, daisies and Peruvian lilies?
Be a trendsetting bride and instead of full bouquets, give your bridesmaids corsages to wear on their wrists or boutonnières to fix onto a neckline or waistband. It will leave their hands free (to fluff out your dress if need be) and provide the perfect accessory for their outfits. Not to mention it will save you a lot of money, especially if you have four or five bridesmaids.
Use flowers as your focal points. Positioning some at the bar and on the central table will draw the eye and let you get away with much smaller pieces on the other tables. This will make the room seem full to the brim with floral decoration, whereas actually, you’ve just been clever with how you use them. The key is to position them in a way that works for them and the space.
We may have already mentioned that bigger blooms can be more cost-effective, but if you’re going for a minimalist and sophisticated theme, then that can also be a great way to save some money. Instead of having big bunches of flowers on every table, try putting single stems in tall elegant vases as eye-catching centrepieces. Because of the impressive height, the room will still look decorated throughout, but this way you’ll use fewer stems and your guests will be able to truly appreciate the flowers you’ve hand-selected.
Roses are fabulous flowers which work well like this, but speak to your florist about which flowers will fit best within your specific budget.
Did you know you can still have flowers even if you don’t want real ones? Switching real flowers for faux or paper-made flowers works a treat and can cost less than the real deal. For example, at Paper Bouquets here on Bridebook, prices start from as low as £8! As an added bonus, you’ll have gorgeous floral paper creations to treasure long after the big day itself. For an extra touch of personalisation, you can also tie it to your wedding theme by making flowers from pages out of your favourite book or sheet music from your wedding playlist.
To save even more cash, you might want to consider making some paper flowers yourself. It’s not like they’ll wilt over time, so if you start early enough you should be able to make plenty. There are loads of paper flower tutorial videos on YouTube to get you started. Though these are unlikely to rival the masterful creations of a professional, if cheap flowers are your no. 1 priority, then the DIY approach can be both cost-effective and fun!
After the wedding ceremony, your bridesmaids will probably have little use for their bouquets, so why not make them work extra hard and reuse them at the reception? Place them at certain focal points, or even use them as centrepieces on some of the tables. It’s unlikely that your guests will even notice!
The time of year at which you’re getting married can have a big influence over the cost of your flowers, particularly if there are specific flowers you have in mind, because seasonality plays a huge part in cost. For example, peonies, when not in season, can be four times more expensive than roses. This includes cabbage roses, which look almost exactly the same.
To keep costs down, choose flowers that are in bloom during the time of year when your wedding is taking place, for example:
You might not have to as much much money on flowers if you choose a venue that has plenty of floral beauty of its own. An inner-city hotel might need a little extra help in the flower department, whereas a countryside manor will likely have landscaped gardens, wonderful artwork and stunning decor which means you won’t need to rely on having many flowers to add any additional beauty.
Depending on the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids you and your partner will have, one thing that bumps up the cost is the number of boutonnières and corsages you’ll need. Two ways to reduce costs is by cutting them altogether or getting creative to bring those costs down. Why not design your own with faux or paper flowers? Or you could pick them up for less than £2 each by using a website like TEMU or Wish. Just make sure you know what you’re willing to compromise on (obviously cheap alternatives to professionally-crafted florals are unlikely to match the quality and design of the real deal).
While flowers are beautiful and vibrant, and can make for some truly breathtaking displays, the more you have in an arrangement, the more you’ll have to pay. So, why not fill some of that space with a little greenery, instead? More greenery, like ruscus and baby’s breath, can bring new textures and shapes to an arrangement and accentuate the flowers so that they pop even more. Not to mention it will help keep the costs of your flowers down. Win win!
Dried bouquets are versatile and unique, and work whether you’re going for a vintage or more modern style at your wedding. They’re also more affordable due to the fact they last far longer than fresh flowers. Not only that, but you’ll be able to take them home afterwards and they’ll last for months, or even years. Dried florals works particularly well if you’re going with a rustic venue.
Fancy yourself as something of a gardener with particularly well-attended flower beds at home? If so, you might consider putting together some arrangements of your own? Or, if you’re not quite that adventurous, you could take just a few single stems, such as from a rose bush, to use in tall vases that would work as simple, yet elegant and highly personal, centrepieces on each table.
As always with the DIY approach, remember that there’s always a risk. Growing and then designing your own bouquets will be no mean feat, and won’t come with the same level of service and quality as working with a professional florist. Your flowers might not turn out exactly as you wanted them or your bouquets might not come together as you’d envisaged them, and they might get damaged on the day, either in transit or at the venue itself. So, carefully weigh up whether saving money is your no. 1 priority, or if you’d rather go for a more hands-off and stress-free approach (which will of course come at a cost).
When searching for a florist to design your flower arrangements for your wedding, make sure you choose one that is local to you. If you choose one based on price alone, you may be in for an unwelcome surprise when it comes to the cost of delivery and setup. Make sure you double-check the catchment area of the florist you hire so you don’t pay any additional delivery costs.
The only exception to this rule is if your wedding is taking place in London. Hiring a London-based florist is often more expensive than hiring one from outside the capital. So, if sticking to a tight budget is important to you, we recommend comparing prices to see if it’s worth hiring one that has to travel a little further, as it could save you money. Just remember to get plenty of quotes and weigh up which offers the best value for money.
Almost all of the big-name supermarkets sell decent flowers, and if you (or someone you trust with the job) get there early enough on the day, you’ll have a reasonable selection to choose from. You might not want a bunch of supermarket flowers as your bouquet or centrepieces, but they can work well as welcome flowers or accents, and are considerably cheaper than the flowers you’d get from a florist. Though they won’t match the quality or complexity of design of a bespoke creation, they’re a valid choice if you’re on a tight budget.
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Whether you’ve dreamed of yourself in a beautiful, flowing white dress since you were five-years-old, or you’ve only started to even consider it post-ring, the bridal dress is often a major component of a wedding. There are so many styles available that searching for and trying on dresses can be a long, fun and exciting journey for both the bride and the entire bridal party.
Many wedding dresses are made with premium materials and involve complex and intricate designs. As a result, the perfect dress naturally comes with a corresponding premium price tag. In the UK, the average amount spent on a wedding dress is £1,300, though it can often be double or even triple this. When you consider that the average cost of a wedding is £20,775, this may sound like a lot, but it’s proportionate with the cost of many other professional wedding services, including photographers and videographers.
However, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding dress. In this post, we’re going to explore the tips and tricks you can use to help you stick to your budget while still getting to wear a gorgeous gown on your big day.
Wedding dresses come with a premium price tag for several reasons:
They’re made using very high-quality materials
They can come with complex and intricate adornments
They’re often handmade by a highly skilled and experienced dressmaker
They’re highly customised both in terms of style and fit
It’s tempting to choose a well-known, high-end designer to mark the occasion
They usually involve tailored service and consultations to get it just right
As well as these, wedding dresses have great sentimental value and are massively important to many brides. As a result, many brides-to-be are willing to pay premium prices to get the dress of their dreams. After all, this isn’t any old day. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, which deserves an outfit like no other.
Do you need to wear a bridal dress on your wedding day?
While a white dress is traditionally worn by a bride in western countries specifically, you by no means have to wear one on your own wedding day. What you wear at your wedding is down to you, the style and theme of your wedding, and any religious traditions you may wish to stick to.
A white dress may be what many brides choose to wear, but there are plenty who don’t and opt for an alternative instead. Examples of these include:
A non-traditional dress, which may feature colours or be black
Religious or cultural attire, such as a saree, kimono or hanbok
Trouser suits or jumpsuits, which are stylish and modern but still elegant
A two-piece ensemble, such as a skirt and top
Many non-bridal dresses can also be expensive, but are often far more affordable than traditional dresses worn by brides in the West.
If you’re keen to wear a traditional dress on your big day, there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re willing to compromise a little. Below are 12 ways you can make a saving when buying your wedding dress. And for more tips, check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding.
Have you always wanted a stunning Vera Wang gown to get married in but aren’t sure your budget can stretch that far? Well, did you know that most wedding dress designers have a cheaper line available at bargain prices? That means you can go to your favourite designer and not have to break the bank to buy a dress. And for reference, for Vera Wang, it’s the White collection.
2. Look out for sample sales
When it comes to gorgeous designer gowns, boutiques and designers themselves will host sample sales at the end of seasons. You can find some absolute gems hidden among the endless racks; so as long as you’re willing to forego the typical bridal boutique shopping experience and service, they’re definitely worth it. Contrary to what some believe, the dresses are rarely permanently damaged – although they sometimes come with minor easily repairable flaws. In sample sales, all sales are final, which means no returns – so inspect your potential dress carefully for any imperfections before you buy.
Why not consider a preloved gown from a local charity shop? Remember, most brides will only wear their dress once and only for half a day, so the majority of the dresses you’ll find in a charity shop will be as good as new. It’s also a lovely sentiment to wear a dress that’s previously given so much joy to a happy couple. The only thing to bear in mind is that it’s unlikely you’ll find a dress that fits you perfectly, so you’ll have to take it for alterations and be prepared to compromise.
A great tip to save some pennies is to buy a dress that’s made ready to wear. It may need a little bit of tweaking, which can ramp up the cost, but the price of an off-the-hanger dress will generally be much lower than that of a made-to-measure gown. This approach can also save time, as it doesn’t require many months of creation and fittings. That said, if the creation and fitting experience is important to you, and you want a bespoke gown, you can’t expect to pay cheap off-the-rack prices. That level of service, and quality, is naturally going to cost. So it’s important to weigh up what’s most important to you when shopping around.
If you’re having a vintage-themed wedding, vintage shops are great places to find stunning dresses in a great variety of styles. In fact, you might not even buy a dress that was intended for a wedding at all. White Gatsby-esque evening dresses can look just as impressive as a specially made gown. When browsing, make sure to check the dresses for signs of wear and tear (especially on the hem and the armpits) and think of any potential alterations you might want to make ahead of buying. Then, you can put your bridesmaids in dresses of a complementary style.
This one might be a bit of a stretch, but if you happen to know a fantastic seamstress or dressmaker, you’re one lucky bride. It’s sometimes cheaper to have a dress made by a seamstress (especially if they’re not that experienced), and even more so if you ask for mates’ rates.
Many high-street retailers, like John Lewis and Next, have a beautiful range of bridal dresses that are fabulous, elegant and – most importantly, if you’re on a budget – affordable. Dresses from popular high-street brands can cost as low as £60, but make sure you shop early in case you need to take it for minor alterations. And again, weigh up your priorities, and manage your expectations. A high-street dress is unlikely to rival a bespoke custom-made designer dress, but if you’re on a budget, may be the best option for you personally.
It might not be something you immediately think of as an option, but did you know that, along with wedding suits, you can also rent wedding dresses? If you’re excited to wear a gorgeous, flowing dress but can’t stretch your budget enough to cover the cost, renting can get you into that perfect bridal gown. The only downside is that you’ll have to give it back, so won’t be able to hold on to it for sentimental reasons. Plus, just make sure you’re aware of the return policy, because if you return it late, the fees can sting.
As we’ve already covered, one of the reasons wedding dresses can be so expensive is because of the high-quality materials and craftsmanship that go into creating them. So, one great way to lower the cost is by choosing a dress with a simple or minimalist design. The fewer intricate details there are, the less work it will generally take, which can help keep costs down.
Sometimes it can be more affordable to hire a seamstress – particularly if it’s a seamstress with less experience. Of course, a seamstress with decades of experience will produce a fantastic dress, but it will come at a price. By using a less-experienced and local seamstress, you’ll get a beautiful bespoke dress but not have to pay as much. Also, if they’re local (and outside of London) you won’t have to pay for shipping or as many travel costs.
Online retailers, such as ASOS, can have a wide range of dresses to suit a selection of tastes, styles and budgets. The cost of a dress will often start around £100, but if you keep your eye out for a sale you might be able to pick up a stunning dress for as much as half this amount. The main risk is that you might not like it as much in person as you did when you saw the images, so make sure you know the returns policy before purchasing.
And again, the quality is not going to match a custom-made ensemble, in the same way that the experience of browsing online will be vastly different to trying on dresses in an independent boutique with your bridal party. Part of the service involved in choosing a bridal boutique is getting fitted by a professional with years of experience and benefiting from their expert advice through tailored, one-on-one consultations. But if a finding a cheap and serviceable dress is your only priority, this is of course a perfectly reasonable option.
Know you absolutely want to wear a certain dress, which means that renting, borrowing or buying online are out of the question? You can still splurge and buy an extravagant dress, because there’s always the option of selling your dress once you’re done. Unless you’re particularly sentimental or want to pass it on as an heirloom, sites such as Vinted, Stillwhite or even Facebook Marketplace are great. You more than likely won’t get your money back, but you could still get a huge chunk of it, which you could then reinvest into your honeymoon.
The Expected Timeline of Pippa Middleton’s Wedding Day
The TWO-venue extravaganza is expected to last over 22 hours!
Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s leading wedding planning app, has helped thousands of couples plan their wedding day to perfection. Here is how we believe Pippa’s big day will run like clockwork:
6.00am – Hair and makeup
Pippa and her bridesmaids will be up early to start their beauty regimes with a team of 2 stylists to work on Pippa’s hair and makeup, and an additional 2 or so team members for the mothers of the bride and groom, and the bridal party.
9.00am – Usher’s breakfast
James and his groomsmen gather in their tails for the Usher’s breakfast. Likely to be in a local pub or at one of their hotels. A Scottish whiskey shot at the end to send them on their way.
9.30am – Flowergirls and pageboys arrive
The flowergirls and pageboys, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte, arrive at Englefield House, the house where the Bridal party will be staying to get ready.
10.30am – Guests begin to arrive
Ushers need to be at the ready for the arrival of the guests and co-ordinating the seating. James will likely be outside greeting guests on arrival to keep any nerves at bay.
11.30am – The bride arrives and marriage service begins
Pippa travels the short distance from the spectacular Englefield house in their wedding transport with her parents, and bridal party . The doors to the Church will be closed before Pippa enters ready to walk down the aisle with her father, everyone catching the first glimpse of the glorious bride and dress before the ceremony begins. Only 150 of the closest family and friends will be present for a traditional wedding service led by the Rev Nick Wynne-Jones.
12.45pm – They’re married!
Pippa and James walk down the aisle as the new Mr and Mrs Matthews! There may be some formal lineup photos at the church whilst guests wait outside.
1.00pm – Church Departure
Guests will be set up for a picture perfect confetti throw. Key friends and family positioned close to the entrance of the church, a flower arch around the entrance, and biodegradable flower petal confetti.
1.30pm – Guests arrive for drinks reception at Englefield House
Pippa, James and guests will walk to nearby Englefield House (with umbrellas at the ready) for the first and more intimate drinks reception at the home of a ceremony guest and close family friend, Conservative MP Richard Benyon.
1.45pm- The Englefield House drinks reception
The first drinks reception will run with champagne and light canapes. Music will be provided, potentially a bagpipe performance as a nod to James’ Scottish heritage. This is the opportunity for Pippa and James to personally greet and chat with their closest guests.
2.15pm – Father of the Bride speech
Michael Middleton will welcome the guests and deliver his Father of the Bride speech to this more intimate gathering, on a stage built especially for speech delivery. It is likely James will deliver his main speech then too or wait to do it in the evening with the other speeches.
3pm – All guests depart
The time provided for guests to return home to change into specially-requested second outfits and prepare for the festivities ahead at the Middleton family home.
3pm-5pm – Photos and Outfit change
Pippa and James will have this time to take private photos with their photographer in the grounds of the Englefield house, relax and spend quality time together alone. They will then both change into their evening’s outfits, with Pippa having her makeup redone and her hair style changed for the evening.
5pm – Evening Reception at the Middleton Family Home
The ceremony guests head to the Middleton family home joined by 200 additional evening guests. It is likely some elderly ceremony guests may not join for the evening. A champagne drinks reception will happen throughout the gorgeous Middleton garden, or within the spectacular glass marquee if the weather is not ideal.
5.30pm – Mr & Mrs Matthews’ Grand Arrival
Having travelled from Englefield house in a fleet of Bentleys, Pippa and James will be joining the guests with a dramatic entrance as Pippa reveals her second dress of the evening.
6.15PM – Spitfire flyby
A flyby of two vintage WW2 Spitfires are expected to wow the guests out on the lawn. Clear umbrellas will likely be provided for all the guests, so that regardless of wet weather they can still enjoy the flyby.
6.30pm – Guests called through for dinner
The Master of Ceremony will call everyone through into the incredible glass marquee to find their tables and be seated for dinner, with the wedding party taking their seats at the top table.
7pm – Dinner begins
An extravagant four-course dinner by top caterers The Admirable Crichton is served which is expected to have predominant Scottish themes throughout. The 15-chefs and up to 70 staff will be streaming out of the huge connected catering marquee to ensure everything is perfect.
The rest of the wedding speeches, including Best Man and Groom speeches, will take place between the 3rd and 4th course, and before the cutting of the cake.
9.45pm – Cutting of the cake and First Dance
Mr and Mrs Matthews stand to do the ceremonial cake cutting, potentially with a saber for ceremonial gravitas. Guests will gather around the dance floor for the couple’s first dance.
10.00pm – Party begins with 1st band
Bars will open by the dance floor serving champagne and signature cocktails. Begin playing as guests continue drinking and socialising as the party heats up.
10.30pm – Cake and Cheese available for guests
The caterers will have laid out the cut up wedding cake and platters of luxury cheese in a separate space for guests to eat as and when they like.
12.00am– DJ and Late Night Food
The entertainment shifts to a DJ for the late night partiers. The caterers will also provide late night food and midnight treats to help keep the guests going. These midnight treats are likely to be scottish and british-themed comfort food.
1am to 4am – Carriages
Some guests will be leaving as soon as 1am, with others likely to stay until the early morning hours.
For further information, interviews and images please contact
Harriet or Sarah-Jane at Harriet Hunt Communications
harriet@harriethunt.com sarahjane@harriethunt.com
T: 0208 871 2246 M: 07886 96908
Notes To Editor:
Bridebook.co.uk is the UK’s leading wedding planning platform with over 40,000 couples currently planning their weddings on the website and app.
Launched in 2016, Bridebook.co.uk‘s state-of-the-art wedding planning toolkit with personalised Wedding Checklist, Wedding Budgeter and Wedding Guestlist Manager, enables couples to plan their entire wedding from any device, anytime, anywhere, all in one place…for free. With over 70,000 wedding venues and suppliers in its directory, Bridebook.co.uk increases the digital presence of industry professionals and connects them directly with local couples. Bridebook.co.uk has also partnered with leading experts such as Mary Berry, Bobbi Brown and Jimmy Choo to provide genuine expert advice and inspiration to its couples. Bridebook.co.uk was founded by Hamish Shephard, an industry professional and recently married groom who used Bridebook.co.uk to plan his own May 2016 wedding. Visit Bridebook.co.uk online and the Bridebook.co.uk App on the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.
Depending on your plans for the big day, you may end up spending a fair amount of time in the back of a car. You might travel from home to the venue, then to have photographs taken, then to the breakfast, then be whisked off with your new spouse at the end of the night.
So, you might be keen to hire a luxurious car to be transported from A to B like royalty. Or, you might want to hire a bus so you and your entire wedding party can get around without having to worry about driving and parking.
But, there are ways to save money so you don’t have to spend anything close to the average. In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money on wedding transport and can still arrive at your wedding in style.
There are plenty of options available to hire fabulous wedding transport but pay way less than the average. Among the most affordable are modern, luxury cars, such as a Mercedes Benz S-Class or a Jaguar XJ.
Many wedding transport providers have rates that start from as low as £100, such as DS Executive Cars in High Wycombe, Classic Bridal Cars in Wirral and Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars in Whitstable. Each has a range of vehicles available, and provides further savings by offering discounts exclusive to Bridebook.
Have your eye on a specific type of car or vehicle but looking for some ideas to cut costs? Below are 12 ways you can save money on wedding transport. You can also read our comprehensive guide on how to save money on your wedding for even more ways to slash spending for your big day.
Wedding cars can be quite pricey, especially if the distance between the pick up and drop off locations is far. Many wedding transport companies will charge a per-mile surcharge if they have to travel outside of their usual level of service.
If you’re getting married in a church, try having it close to home or not too far from your reception venue. Factor this in when you’re searching for your perfect venue, because the further you have to travel, the more it’ll cost you for transport.
You can cut transport costs right down by hiring a venue that allows you to have the ceremony, breakfast and reception all in one. You’ll make further savings if your venue also doubles as a hotel, so you don’t have to jump in the car again at the end of the night.
Got an uncle who spends all his time tinkering with his E-Type Jaguar in the garage? Give him the opportunity to show it off and drive you to the venue. Calling in a favour with someone you know who has an extra special car is a brilliant way to save money and also give them a unique role in your wedding. Just make sure the car they have has a big enough back seat to fit you and your partner at the end of the night!
If a vintage or luxurious modern car isn’t necessarily for you, you may be able to save money by going for more alternative and quirky options. If you’re having a countryside wedding, why not climb into a tractor for your last drive as a single person? Or if your brother is a fireman, why not arrive at your venue in a fire engine for a more explosive entrance? Ask around and see what you can get that’s one-of-a-kind (and inexpensive).
For your grand exit at the end of the reception, consider forgoing a luxury vehicle and simply hiring a taxi. The experience might not be quite the same, but if your priority is to keep costs down at all costs, this can often be a more affordable option, costing a fraction of the price of a luxury mode of transport. If you’re having a London wedding, taxis are an iconic car choice in themselves. You will want to secure a fixed rate to avoid any last-minute hidden surprises or extra fees on the day (due to unforeseen traffic, for example).
For an example of what you might pay, prices at Wedding Taxis in Greater London start from as low as £30 – you can’t argue with costs that low.
During the most popular seasons (April through to September), and on the busiest days of the week (Fridays and the weekend), vendors’ rates will be at their most expensive – this includes transport. So, to keep costs down across your entire wedding, consider getting married during the quieter winter months in the middle of the week. If you do, you’ll pay significantly less, and will be able to get much more for your budget.
Make sure you hire from a local company, because part of their quote will include the miles they drive before you even get in the vehicle. With fuel as expensive as it is, you can expect to pay less if a vendor is based a couple of miles away compared to one that takes an hour to get to you.
The only exception to this is if you’re in London. Vendors based in the capital often have rates that are higher than those elsewhere, so it’s worth browsing from a range of companies and comparing their rates. Check out our huge list of wedding transport providers to find fantastic options near you.
You might expect vintage wedding cars to be expensive, but they’re actually fairly budget-friendly. Costs generally start from around £250, so you can ride in the back of a vintage VW, Rolls Royce or Bentley and still pay way under the UK average. Great vintage wedding car companies include Bridal Carriages in Northamptonshire, Splitty Wedding Hire in Hampshire and EWC Wedding Cars in Essex.
When you know your date and you’ve secured your venue, make it your mission to book your transport as far in advance as possible. The more popular and affordable options will soon get booked up, so you could end up paying more than you’ve budgeted for. And, if you book far enough in advance, many vendors offer early bird rates.
Ask friends and family for recommendations on which company they used when they got married. That way, not only can you be confident that you’ve hired a dependable service, but it can also be a great way to secure a discount. Another option is to browse the range of wedding transport we have here at Bridebook. Many vendors offer exclusive discounts if you book through Bridebook, so it’s worth taking a look – you could save a lot of money.
If you only need to use the services of a car and chauffeur for a certain number of hours, make sure you book an hourly rate, rather than a daily rate. A day rate will be much more expensive and you’ll end up paying way more than you need to. Paying an hourly rate means you only pay for the time you use, meaning you don’t waste any of your precious budget.
If a vendor doesn’t appear to offer an hourly rate, ask them for one. Chances are they’ll be happy to give you a quote.
As the saying goes, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Before securing your booking, ask your chosen company if they’d be happy to offer a discount. Just because they quote you a certain price doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Business owners often expect a bit of back and forth, so will may well have a bit of wiggle room that allows them to lower the price. Even just a tiny discount can make all the difference when you’re planning something as extravagant as a wedding.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we provide you with everything you need to plan your wedding stress-free and save money as you go. Sign up and start planning your big day today!
Here at Bridebook we are super lucky to have teamed up with the amazing ‘That Girl‘ to provide you with exclusive exercises to help achieve that dream wedding body. Before we get started let’s meet Christina Howells, one of the UK’s leading female trainers and co-founder of That Girl with Charli Cohen, London’s favourite fitness program.
Hot Tip! Receive 20% off your That Girl membership with discount code : bridebook20
Tell us about That Girl and how is it different from other fitness programs?
That Girl is different, and we are proud of our brand and what we offer. That Girl is of course great workouts all designed by me but we are more than just great workouts! That Girl is a holistic lifestyle approach addressing physical, mental and spiritual health. Sometime good training and nutrition isn’t enough to help someone make the changes they want but most plans don’t look at what else might be happening such as hormonal imbalances, excessive stress and low body confidence. That Girl is a community and we work alongside some of the best globally renowned experts in the wellbeing industry including London’s leading Life Coach, Jacqueline Hurst and nutritionist Robert Hobson. This enables us to meet more of our customers needs than ever.
When you join That Girl community or train with us in person we want it be one of the best deacons of your life and the best part is you will have finished your workout in the time it takes you to get to the gym and back.
You’re “the fashion industry’s favourite trainer” – what do you think it is about your training style that appeals to so many?
There are a number of things that I think appeal to my clients, certainly my intense passion to help both women and men achieve their results, my knowledge and experience and my ability to emphasise with each individuals world and work with their unique person they are. I remind my clients they are more than their measurements and together we focus on their health and well-being as well as body aesthetic. I help them to see “they can” by regressing an exercise to progress them to where they want to be.
One rule though, when you work with me exercise is a non-notable part of their day, it does not have to be the gym but it has to be movement and hopefully my enthusiasm becomes so infectious this becomes more of an enjoyable habit to my clients.
Do brides-to-be have to secure a personal trainer to get their dream body or can they have just as much success following online plans like yours?
There are so many free workouts on the web you certainly need to find a good structure if you want to get results. On line training is now far more advanced and some of the most sought after trainers in the industry offer online programmes, which allows you to train with the best at a fraction of the cost. Of course having a one to one trainer is still the ultimate but with plans like that girl that have supported systems such as our Facebook page and options to email for help you can get closer than ever to a one to one session. If you have the budget then yes a trainer is a fantastic experience and of course will always be more individualised.
What’s your favourite thing about your job, and in particular working with brides-to-be?
The best part about my job is I don’t feel like I go to work, as I love what I do and its part of my life. Brides usually have clear goals, which are a great start, but as a trainer it’s very important to help the bride to be to also focus on her health, stress reduction, eating nutritious food rather than extreme dieting and exercise. It’s about making long-term changes that last way beyond your wedding – they are for life.
What parts of the body do you get the most requests for help with by brides-to-be?
That depends a lot on the dress, at first the bride will come with her areas she is most concerned about which gives me a starting point and of course are important as this is hopefully the start of the new them. Once the dress is chosen I do adjust the training to ensure she looks the best she can on her big day.
If there was just one piece of advice you could give to brides-to-be looking to get fit and healthy for their wedding, what would it be?
Don’t focus on others and what they are doing or not doing but rather focus on you and what you need and want to achieve for you.
What is your favourite go to move you can do anywhere, anytime?
Lunges as you can do so many variations that you really do get to work the entire leg musculature and butt.
Don’t Forget! All Bridebook users receive a 20% discount with the code bridebook20
Anyone who is anyone in the wedding world knows that The Wedding Industry Awards are the event of the year. And with so many incredible wedding suppliers across the nation the awards sets the wedding industry bar very high.
But that only makes us even more excited to shout about all of our amazing suppliers nominated in The Wedding Industry Awards 2017! We could not be more thrilled to host so many incredible suppliers on Bridebook for all of our brides to choose from.
So if you’re looking for the cream of the crop for your big day, start enquiring with some of these TWIA nominees today!
It’s been an exciting year in the world of wedding stationery, with couples daring to be different and create something really personal to them. Papeterie Eugenie’s bespoke service means we are perfectly placed to pinpoint emerging trends, with the help of our inspirational clients. So, we’ve decided to share a few of this year’s favourites – predicted to vogue throughout 2017…
Share Your Story With an Illustration
We must start with this imaginative customised map, heroed by Bridebook’s very own Hamish & Rosie. Bespoke illustration is the perfect way to connect with guests and personalise your special occasion. No-one else will have the same!
Create an emblem unique to you both. Monograms motifs are our hottest prediction. Beautiful and personal, these can be used on everything from your wedding cake to your dance-floor lighting!
2017 trend predictions: Monogram motifs, foiled or letterpressed across your stationery.
Embrace the Romance
Our recent showstoppers – delicate, beautiful and romantic! Marry a monogram motif with letterpress, blush papers and pearlised lazer-cut. Add a dreamy quote – could we get any more on trend!
Taking super luxe to the extreme. Bespoke letterpress crest, tissue lined boxes, artesian hand-crafting, signature seals and miniature bow-ties… choose your style and impress with serious hand-craftmanship!
Elegantly understated, a metallic hint adds luxury to classic stationery. We’ve created meaningful motifs, family crests or beautiful borders pressed into each item – the list is endless.
2017 trend predictions: Chic metallic hints of rose gold, dusky blues and muted gold.
2016 top trends, set to continue…
Entwined initials – classic, elegant and timeless.
Personalised bookmark menus – contemporary, personalised, a lovely keepsake.
Venue illustrations – include old-school sketches of your desirable wedding location.
More Examples of Papeterie Eugenie’s Incredible Work…
Curious about what 2017 has in store for the wonderful world of weddings? Well, not to panic, because it’s here: Bridebook’s list of the Top 7 Wedding Trends you should expect to see in 2017. And don’t forget, we’re not just trend spotters, but also problem solvers. We have all the wedding planning tools you’ll need in the run-up (better yet, they’re free!), as well as the UK’s #1 Wedding Planning App. We’re your new best friend – and thrilled to be so, too.
Original Forms of Transport
2017 will bring new and modern ways of arriving at your wedding. We’re talking speed boating, parachuting, rowing (check out the amazing boat photo by Lars May below!) or even paragliding down the aisle! Never mind the wind swept look, it will add a complete WOW factor to your big day. Not feeling brave enough? Get some encouragement from our “Flying Bride” article; yes, a bride that actually flew down the aisle being held up by 250 helium filled balloons (all thanks to The Molecule Show)!
Blank Canvas Venues
This year, we’re saying ENOUGH to the hair-pulling vision-ruining frustration that can accompany short approved supplier lists and no blu-tack rules. Instead, couples are taking their wedding by the horns, and looking to fairly blank venues to be able to make their big day completely their own. of the spreadsheet and hair-pulling nonsense that has been associated with wedding planning for so long. Instead, introduce yourself to the UK’s largest wedding venue directory, where you can find the perfect place for your big day – whether that’s a renovated farm or a disused pickle factory.
Dress Less Bride
Who says you have to wear a dress at your wedding? The “dress-less” bride is one of the hottest wedding trends that has continued on from 2016. Look no further than bridal companies, House of Ollichon and Yolan Cris who will kit you out head to toe with a completely unique look.
Half Day Weddings
If you have a half day wedding, you could save yourself a small fortune. Have fun getting inventive with your eating options and serve your guests high tea or brunch instead of a full-blown wedding breakfast. Your guests will still love the food you serve and love the experience, but you’ll have saved some cash that could go elsewhere.
Dessert Wine
Instead of the usual champagne toast, serving dessert wine instead is actually much cheaper. Plus it has the extra benefit of being nice and sugary to get your guests all fired up for the dance floor!
Sharing Plates
Continuing the wedding breakfast theme – sharing plates are another hot 2017 wedding trend. They’ll create a great atmosphere around the table as your guests all share a meal together. It also allows your guests to be in control of their portion sizes. More roast potatoes for me, please! Top tip – make sure your table isn’t too cluttered with glassware, flowers or centerpieces to allow ample space for you and your fellow diners.
Virtual Reality – Film Your Wedding in 360
The rise of wedding videography has been well documented, and 2017 is going to see it get an upgrade. The Christmas present of choice, Virtual Reality, is set to be the next big thing. With VR videographers and apps soon to pour into the market you’re going to want to have your big day filmed in 360, so you can re-live your big day, anytime you like!
Congratulations, you’re engaged! You’ve been dreaming of this ring for years, and now that it’s a permanent fixture on your left hand, you’re going to want to ensure it stays looking sparkly and new for many more. After all, you need to guarantee that you can see the glint in your peripheral vision when you’re searching for venues in our online directory, right?
Insurance
This should be first on your list of things to do – you never know what could happen to your brand new piece of bling. It sounds like an obvious thing to do, but we hear far too many heartbreaking stories about rings being lost or stolen…make sure you don’t have one of these to tell! Remember to add this to your specific total on our free budgeting tool, too; that way you can keep all of your costs together in one place.
Leave it to the professionals
Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning of your ring with professionals. Whatever you do…don’t do this at home, because you run the risk of damaging the ring more. With regular maintenance and cleaning, you can ensure your diamond stays in tip-top condition and stays firmly in place.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Fancy a bit of spring cleaning? Your best bet is to take your ring off! But remember to store it in a safe, dry place. You could, of course, alternatively wear gloves, but if your ring has a stone or a setting, it’s likely to rip the material.
Take Care
Yes, diamonds are famed for their strength as one of the world’s hardest natural materials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t chip! Be careful not to knock your ring against other hard surfaces.
Introducing David’s Bridal’s New Birmingham Store…
The Bridebook Team had the incredible opportunity to explore the brand spanking new David’s Bridal store in Birmingham – and my goodness were we blown away! And to show just how excited we are about it, we are hosting a £1000 David’s Bridal giveaway!!
For those not in the know, David’s Bridal is an American behemoth in the wedding industry and the largest clothing retailer of wedding and special occasion wear in the WORLD. With exceptionally extensive choice of designs and brands, including collections by Vera Wang and Jenny Packham, David’s Bridal is truly the one-stop-shop for brides. And with the new store in the centre of Birmingham, the midlands is about to experience the wonder that is David’s Bridal for themselves! In the meantime, here’s our own sneak peak into the gorgeous space and incredible services…
By Dave Evitts
The Birmingham Store
The new Birmingham store is a magnificent 15,000 square feet of everything from wedding dresses and head to toe accessories to MOB outfits and hen do swag. While this may sound too good to be true, or even a little daunting, the free flowing layout, 38 spacious changing rooms (yes 38!) and exceptional customer service ensure you feel taken care of from the moment you step in to when you find ‘The One’. And when that moment happens you even get to ring a bell to announce it!
By Dave EvittsBy Dave Evitts
With Birmingham as David’s Bridal’s 4th UK based store (the first three being located in London’s Westfield, Watford and Glasgow) continues to deliver on it’s promises to brides-to-be: to provide a beautiful and welcoming space that has everything you need for your wedding under one roof.
By Dave Evitts
So midlands brides, what are you waiting for? Start your wedding shopping adventure at the Birmingham store asap! And in the meantime, enter our exclusive £1000 David’s Bridal giveaway today!!
Keep exploring the Birmingham David’s Bridal store below…
By Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave Evitts
With an overwhelming feeling of excitement on your big day, food may be the last thing on your mind. Avoid becoming a hangry bride by making sure to eat when you can. Knowing what to eat (and not to eat) can be tricky though. Here is our go to guide…
What TO eat:
1. Start the day by having a light breakfast, making sure to include a mixture of wholegrains and healthy fats to help beat the bloat. As long as you remember to eat, your day has got off to a great start.
2. Depending on the time of our wedding ceremony, it might be long time coming until your next meal so make sure you enlist a bridesmaid to keep some healthy, high protein snacks close by such as almonds.
3. For most brides, dinner will be at the wedding. When it comes to choosing your wedding meal, make sure to choose a mixture of lean proteins and vegetables, which will give you that energy to dance the night away.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day.
What NOT to eat:
1. If you want to stay dry in your wedding dress avoid caffeinated drinks and spicy foods on the lead up to the big day! These two stimulants can activate your central nervous system which triggers you to sweat.
2. Skip the pre- dinner champagne. Especially, if it’s been a while since you ate. The bubbles will fill your stomach with air making you feel bloated.
3. Avoid milk and dairy products. These should be fine in moderation, but can lead to an irritated stomach if you are already feeling anxious.
4. It’s easy to reach for the sugary snacks for an extra boost of energy but this can easily backfire and lead to a blood sugar crash! #weddingvibekill
With everything going on it will be easy to forget or simply not have time to eat, but don’t make this the case. Fuel up when you can!
The role of a page boy at a wedding is an honorary position typically given to a young boy who plays a special part in the wedding ceremony. Because the role of a page boy is relatively small, they’re not necessarily imperative, but if you have a boy of appropriate age in your family, asking them to be a page boy is a thoughtful and loving gesture. Plus, it allows you to get a few ‘ahhs’ from your guests before the tears start to flow as you exchange your vows.
In this post, we’ll take a look at what a page boy is, what they wear, and their responsibilities as part of your big day, as well as some helpful tips for ensuring everything goes down without a hitch.
A page boy is a young boy, often a family member or close relative of the couple, who is selected to take on a special role in the wedding ceremony. The page boy’s role may vary depending on cultural traditions and individual preferences, but it generally involves assisting the wedding party or symbolically participating in the event.
But don’t worry, a page boy is more of a symbolic role, so you don’t need to worry too much about something going wrong if your page boy misbehaves or you don’t have a boy of the right age in your family.
Why is a page boy called a page boy?
‘Page’ is a medieval word that refers to a male attendant or servant to noble figures or knights. A page would work in a castle or home from between the ages of 7 to 14 in exchange for food, lodgings, clothes and a basic education.
Today, the term has evolved to mean a young boy who has a small role at a wedding, and will help in a small, token way, such as by helping to hold the train of the bride’s wedding dress, throw flowers or petals, or simply look adorable in a little suit as they walk down the aisle.
Typically, page boys are aged between 3 and 10. This is because boys younger than 3 can be much harder to give instructions to, and boys older than 10 may be given responsibilities much closer to that of an usher (if in fact, they want to play a role in your wedding at all).
Is there a difference between a page boy and a ring bearer?
Yes, there are differences between a page boy and a ring bearer. At modern weddings, because there isn’t as much need for someone to help the bride with a long train on her dress, the role of a page boy is far more honorary than it used to be. Meanwhile, a ring bearer has an important role to play, as they carry the ring pillow down the aisle so the happy couple can exchange rings during the ceremony.
Page boys are traditionally seen at weddings, especially if you’ve invited a lot of guests and would like to include younger family members in the ceremony. However, if your wedding is small, there are no boys under the age of 10 in your family, or you simply don’t want one, there’s nothing to say you need a page boy. As we highlighted above, it’s more of an honorary position these days and is seen more as a loving gesture than giving someone in your family a job that could make or break the big day.
In our guide to alternative wedding ideas, we even cover how it’s common for couples these days to have a page girl instead of a page boy. It’s your wedding, so do whatever you want!
Can you have 3 page boys at your wedding?
Unlike the ring bearer, of which there is usually only one, you’re welcome to have as many page boys at your wedding as you like. If you have a particularly large family, you might want to have a maximum of three. After all, a group of young lads getting together can sometimes lead to trouble. But, nothing’s stopping you from having a dozen or more if you want to make sure everyone has a role in your wedding (just be prepared for a little mischief).
What does the page boy do on the morning of the wedding?
On the morning of the wedding, the page boy can do whatever they feel comfortable doing as everyone prepares for the day ahead. If close to the groom, the page boy might enjoy getting ready with the groom and his family, as well as the best man and ushers. This might depend on whether or not the page boy’s parents will be close by and how well they know others who will be there.
Speak to the page boy’s parents and talk to them about what they think their son would prefer to do. If they’re very young, you don’t want to scare them or make them feel anxious, and they may want to be close to their parents. If this is the case, then fine. Remember, when it comes to modern weddings the page boy isn’t likely to have a major role in the ceremony itself.
Traditionally page boys are in charge of carrying the bride’s train down the aisle, but nowadays, with fewer brides choosing to have long, flowing trains, their responsibilities have evolved. That being said, if you do have a dress with a long train, asking the page boy to uphold this traditional part of the job should be something they can do without any issues.
Today, the page boy might have a dual role where they also carry the rings down the aisle. However, this depends on the age of your page boy and if you trust them to safely hold on to the rings. What a responsibility for the little man! If you’re worried about your precious rings disappearing, you may like to replace them with replicas and have your page boy carry those down the aisle instead. You can squirrel your actual rings away with one of your bridesmaids or ushers so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Other things you might ask your page boy to do could be:
Hold a symbolic object – The page boy may be tasked with holding a symbolic object, such as a ring cushion, a bouquet or a special item that represents the couple’s love or cultural traditions. The page boy presents this object during the ceremony to the appropriate person.
Escort the flower girl – In some cases, the page boy may accompany and walk down the aisle with the flower girl or another young member of the wedding party. This adds a sweet and charming touch to the procession.
Scatter petals – If you don’t have any little girls in the family or you know a page boy would enjoy it, why not have them scatter petals down the aisle as an adorable and romantic gesture?
Carry a sign – You might ask your page boy to carry a sign down the aisle that says something like, ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Please stand’, which gives them an important but very cute thing to do.
Scattering petals or flowers isn’t exclusive to flower girls. Both page boys and flower girls can be invited to scatter petals while walking down the aisle, which acts as a symbolic gesture of happiness for the bride to follow. Whoever you choose to scatter petals (if this is something you choose at all), it’ll definitely make for some wonderful photo opportunities.
Page boys are a fantastic combination of smart and cute, so you’re welcome to dress them in any style that’s in keeping with your wedding. This could be a tuxedo or a suit with a waistcoat and tie. If you have some Celtic blood in your family, take it to the next level of cuteness by dressing your page boy in a kilt with a tiny sporran.
Do page boys need to match the groom?
It’s common for the page boy to wear an outfit similar to that of the groom, but that’s not something set in stone. So, be as adventurous as you like. But, when it comes time for photos, the groom, best man, ushers and page boys will all look equally as fabulous if there’s some cohesion.
Do page boys wear buttonholes?
Yes, along with the groom, dads, best man and ushers, the page boy will usually wear a buttonhole. Just make sure the page boy understands it might be delicate and become damaged if fiddled with.
Like you might do for other members of the wedding party such as the bridesmaids and mums, you might also want to show your page boys and flower girls how much of a great job they did by giving them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be something big and expensive (and definitely not a bottle of wine) but a small toy, game or teddy bear would likely be hugely appreciated.
Excited to have a close friend or family member take on the role of page boy at your wedding? Just bear in mind these five tips so it all goes exactly as planned:
Make sure your page boy attends any wedding rehearsals to familiarise them with the ceremony proceedings and their specific role. Encourage them to ask questions, listen to instructions and practise their tasks so they can feel confident on the wedding day.
Make sure the parents of your page boy know exactly what the page boy has to wear and where they’re going to get ready on the morning of the big day. It’s often a miniature version of the groomsmen’s attire or a suit that matches the wedding theme. Make sure the page boy’s clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear throughout the day (which will prevent fidgeting).
Make sure everyone knows what time to arrive at the wedding venue, allowing ample time for preparation and to get dressed. Being punctual ensures stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum, which can otherwise rub off on your page boy.
Be thoughtful and understanding towards your page boy, but remind them to be on their best behaviour throughout the day. Make sure they know how important their role is and that they can ask you questions at any point if they’re not sure about something.
While it’s your day and you or your wedding planner will be in charge, keep your page boy included so they don’t feel like yet another grown-up is telling them what to do. Ask them what they’d like to do and let them make some decisions to help them feel included.
Remember, younger boys are more likely to throw a tantrum during the wedding ceremony or, even worse, may completely refuse to take part. To avoid either situation, you may wish to have a slightly older page boy or not have one at all…remember that page boys are by no means an absolute must for a wedding.
If the little man does throw a wobbly on the day, then bribing him with sweets, toys or other special treats is certainly an option to consider (but we didn’t tell you that!).
Finally, to make your page boy feel even more special or to give him a bit of encouragement, consider buying him a small ‘Thank You’ present. Not On The High Street has a whole page dedicated to presents for page boys.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Planning your wedding is a wonderful and exciting time, so hopefully this guide has helped answer your questions about page boys. Sign up to Bridebook today to access our range of tools and resources to make planning your wedding simple and stress-free.
While wedding planning, you can sometimes get so wrapped up with all the celebrations and organising, down time with your significant other is often the last thing on your mind. Here at Bridebook we believe its crucial to have regular pre-wedding date nights. While they don’t have to be fancy, it is important that they are just about the two of you! Take a read of our top 5 pre-wedding date ideas:
1. Wine tasting evening: Have a look to see if any of your local wine store holds a tasting evening. Choose a day that works for both of you and go have fun! If wine isn’t your thing, check out chocolate or cheese shops too.
2. Gourmet picnic: Cruise the supermarket aisles and load your trolley with all the delicacies you can find. Now head to the most romantic spot in town – away from all the stresses of finding the perfect dress and choosing your dream venue.
3. Plan to have breakfast together: Life is busy… we get that! Try setting your alarm half an hour earlier and plan to have breakfast together. Too busy for an eggs on toast moment? Meet for coffee together once a week instead.
4. Take a class together: Discovering something new together can add that extra spark to your relationship. Whether its learning a new language or taking a cooking class – go and enjoy the time you’re spending together.
5. Mini getaway: Even if its less than a mile away from your own bed, choose a hotel and get away for the night– just the two of you! Have a wander around the local shops, go for a long walk or try a new place for dinner. Sometimes a small getaway is just what you need!
Do you want to kick start your exercise routine ahead of your big day? Want to break free from the sweaty, smelly gym environment? Well, we have just the thing! Introducing…BARREtoned which will (literally) “shake” you in to that dress you’ve been dreaming of. We had the chance to speak with the owner of BARREtoned to find out her top 5 tips to achieving that dream bridal body:
Get the Guns Out
Reverse push-ups and bicep curls are a great way to sculpt those arms in preparation for the big day! Don’t fret, you won’t “bulk up”…just create long, lean, beautiful muscles.
Work for a Peachy Booty
“Folder-over” at the barre, is one of the best exercises to get that heart pumping and calories burning as well as creating a lifted booty and stronger thighs!
Hour Glass Silhouette
Trim your waist with our infamous “pretzel” (not the one you eat). You’ll definitely feel this one the next day!
Long Lean Thighs
Forget standing around and discussing your latest tutu… we’ve got shaking to do! Burn through a ton of calories with about 5-7 minutes of shaking per class.
Flat abs for the Honeymoon After?
Not a problem! At the end of each class we have a 15 minute concentrated core workout. After as little as 8 sessions you’ll really start noticing a difference in your body. You’ll feel re-energised, stronger and leaner.
More about BARREtoned:
BARREtoned is one of London’s finest ballet barre studios, located in Notting Hill. BARREtoned offers a full body workout using small controlled movements to work each muscle group to exhaustion. They cater for total beginners as well as seasoned gym-goers. It’s super fun (we promise), time passes quickly AND it actually works.
BARREtoned are kindly offering all Bridebook brides:
50% off the first month of BARREtoned’s “Bridal Special” making it only £85 and £170 thereafter (6 month contract).
FREE BARREtoned tank top, grippy socks and a BARREtoned tote bag.
A complimentary private “Hen Do” class for up to 11 of your friends.
Don’t live in London? BARREtoned provide online classes too so you can take their class from wherever you like. Contact the studio to claim your discount code.
The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent wedding gift list service with over 450 brands and over 27 years in the industry.
The gift list rules are changing. Gone are the days of heavy Mother-of-the-Bride involvement and overly bride-centred list. Your gift list should be seen as an amazing opportunity for you both to choose things that you will enjoy and treasure using together.
The Wedding Shop has pulled together the ultimate modern-day His ‘n’ Hers gift list just for Bridebook. See Bridebook’s complete gift list comparison right here for even more options.
Think of it like this – your gift list is essentially shopping without opening your own wallet! The Wedding Shop have over 350 great brands to choose from as well as the option to create personalised cash funds with no hidden fees. Plus if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they will source it for you.
There really is something to suit every couple!
The Entertainers
Add all the right ingredients to your gift list to make you the hosts with the most, taking your post-work drinks, Saturday night dinner parties or even a big family gathering to the next level. You will be the envy of all your friends with all the right tools to become the ultimate at-home bartenders.
The Outdoor Explorers
If you relish every moment to go and explore the great outdoors, make sure your list is packed with outdoor essentials such as the perfect picnic set or even his ‘n’ hers matching bikes.
Plus, regardless of its’ shape or size, make the most of your outdoor space all year round by investing in good quality garden furniture and a top notch BBQ that you will actually want to venture outdoors to enjoy.
The Lazy Weekenders
If your perfect weekend starts with an indulgent lie-in, make sure you do it right, starting with the most romantic breakfast in bed with all the trimmings and by that we don’t mean bacon but beautiful china, luxurious cushions and soft bedding.
The Tech Lovers
If it’s new technology that you both love, treat yourselves to the latest home gadgets or quality sound system to ramp up the fun factor in your home. There is also never a better time to invest in a quality camera or camcorder to make sure you capture all the amazing moments you will share together in the years to come.
The Adrenaline Junkies
Always wanted to do a tandem skydive together or go on that once in a life time road trip? Pick from hundreds for out of this world experiences or create personalised cash funds that your guests can contribute knowing they are helping you make memories that are going to last a lifetime.
Voted Best Gift List Provider 2017, The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent gift list service with over 27 years in the industry. Our service is designed for couples who want unrivalled choice, flexibility and exceptional service all in one place. Create your dream gift list that is entirely unique to you, with absolutely no hidden fees.
Chose from over 350 brands and combine products you love with honeymoon contributions, personalised cash funds, memorable experience days, annual subscriptions or even a charity fund that is close to your heart. Visit one of our four beautiful showrooms or build your list entirely online, your very own personal Gift List Advisor is on hand to offer any advice or guidance you may need. Plus you can build your list on the go with The Wedding Shop App. The handy barcode scanner means you can add products to your list while you out and about.
As well as unlimited choice, you will receive full financial guarantee, free UK delivery, and a lifetime discount of 10%.
It’s always exciting receiving a wedding invitation, especially when you see the words “and Guest” written next to your name. But after the excitement wears off about not being a lone solider at the wedding, you might be stuck wondering who to bring. You’re suddenly left with a big responsibility. After all, nobody wants to be the one who brings the guest who takes advantage of the free bar and spends the rest of the night in the toilet. Follow our tips to save you any potential embarrassment!
Will Your Guest Actually Show Up?
Everyone is flakey now and again but not showing up to a wedding is a big deal. Make sure the person you are inviting is responsible and reliable and they’ll actually block off the date of the year. Weddings are expensive and the price per head is no small matter. You don’t want to be in the situation where you’re making excuses for their absence.
Have You Seen Them in a Social Situation?
You’ve been out for the occasional drink but have you seen them in any social situations? Some people act differently when they are in big groups of people and may end up being a big cause of embarrassment on the day of the wedding. You want to be able to feel relaxed, without having to keep a watchful eye on your guest. Make sure he/she has manners and will heed the dress code.
Beware of The Exs’.
You don’t want to be the one who brings any drama to the wedding. Make sure the person you are bringing isn’t someone’s ex or anyone you know might make another wedding party member or guest feel uncomfortable. Consider the to-be-weds feelings—and the feelings of other guests too.
Introduce Your Plus One to The Happy Couple.
If the couple doesn’t know the person you’re inviting, be polite and introduce your plus one to them at some stage of the day– it’s a nice thing to do since they are paying for them to be there.
So your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life meaning you’re unlikely to get a ton of sleep on the night before the big day. Bridebook is here to help with our top 5 tips to help get those zzzzzs.
Avoid the Booze
Although having a glass (or two) of wine before bed sounds like a great idea at the time, it can actually effect your quality of sleep. Opt for mug of de-caffeinated herbal tea instead.
Lace Up Your Trainers
Exercise is the best way to ‘de-stress’ and take your mind off things. Try going for a run or a light stroll an hour or so before bedtime.
No More Phones
Take advantage of your ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting on your phone so you’re not distracted or woken up in the middle of the night.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is really important to aid a good night’s sleep. It also helps keep your skin plump and well hydrated.
Don’t Dwell On It
Accept and embrace the fact you may not get the best night’s sleep before your wedding, but don’t be hard on yourself about it! Try creating a ‘sleep’ playlist on Spotify to help calm all your emotions you may be feeling.
Whilst we hope and pray that nothing goes wrong on your wedding day, it’s always better to be prepared. Here at Bridebook, we’ve compiled a list of some essential items you’ll need for those ‘just in case moments’. These should be readily available at the ceremony and wedding reception. Maybe put your maid of honour in charge of this one!
28 Items You’ll Need In Your Wedding Day Survival Kit
Pain killers
Plasters (normal and blister plasters)
Large bottle of water
Tic Tacs or Smints
Money (just in case!)
Chalk (to cover up any smudges or smears you may get on your wedding dress)
Comb or hair brush
Dental floss
Eye drops
Emergency extra earring backs
Hairpins or ponytail holder
Hair spray
Makeup (for quick touch-ups)
Matches
Mini portable sewing kit
Mirror
Nail file
Perfume
Deodorant
Safety pins
Cellotape
Small scissors
Straws (so you can drink without messing up your lipstick)
Tampons
Tissues
Tweezers
Snacks
Wet wipes
Want some more helpful ‘on the day’ tips ? Have a read of our wedding day tick list!
Deciding between ‘boho chic’ or ‘classic romance’ can be a hard enough decision when it comes to wedding planning. However, couples nowadays are faced with a much bigger conundrum: The Wedding Hashtag! Over 55% of couples incorporate a hashtag into their big day, so here’s how to choose yours.
Be Unique
The last thing you want is for the photos of your big day to get mixed in with someone else’s. Make sure to check the social-sphere to check it hasn’t already been taken.
Throw It Out There
Once you have decided on the perfect hashtag make sure to ‘announce it to the world’! Include it on the save the dates, invitations or even cocktail napkins so everyone can get tagging and tweeting those photos!
Include Both Your Names
Get brainstorming with those ideas. Whether you want to include your first, last or nick names, write them all down to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re really struggling you can opt to use a wedding hash tag generator… yes, these things do exist. Wedding Hash Tag Wall is a popular one.
Make It Short and Sweet
Don’t make it too complicated. Steer clear of words that can be easily misspelled. If guests are confused and not sure what it is they are likely to use the wrong one AKA: bride’s worst nightmare.
Happy Hashtagging!
What hashtag have you decided on for your big day? Leave a comment below.
