Wedding Fairs; Your thoughts

Having just recently organised a wedding fair in Exeter, I am now looking whether it is best to have another one in September or just leave it at once a year at this particular venue. 


Feedback from the suppliers who attended has been to have another one at the start of the wedding fair season in September which is fantastic. 

After compiling a list of all the local wedding fairs throughout the year, nearly every venue seems to be holding their own style of wedding fair - whether its an extravagant show or just an open evening. 


We have a few major fairs that take place over the entire weekend and others just on a Sunday - amazingly there were four on the same date in a close vicinity to each other! 

As a supplier myself, I only advertise at certain fairs and do not always find them very beneficial. Having said that I got a few bookings out of my last one so it depends on who is there on the day. So I am also now debating which, if any, I should advertise at this year.


When organising a fair, the most important thing is the advertising - it is hugely expensive to do but that is the only way to guarantee brides and the "right" brides for my suppliers.

Thankfully a lot of my suppliers took bookings or good leads to follow up on which makes all the hardwood worthwhile. 


So I thought I would ask your opinions on wedding fairs - whether you are a bride or supplier - I would appreciate your thoughts.

Do you think there are too many wedding fairs around now? Or can there be too many?

What draws you to a certain fair - is it knowing how it is advertised or as a bride knowing that a particular supplier will be there?

How do you decide which one as a supplier to advertise at?

Thank you for your time x

Claire

www.weddingsbyclaire.co.uk 

Real Weddings; Charlotte & Matt

I am delighted to feature the wedding of Charlotte & Matt which took place on the 8th January 2011 at 2pm at The Priory Hotel, Herefordshire.


The gorgeous photographs were taken by Gemma Williams Photography.

                                           

The bride wore an ivory gown with duck-egg blue sash and diamond detail. The flowers were cream roses with diamonds in the buds.

The groom and two best men had cravats and hankerchiefs to match. 

The bridesmaids and brides mother were dressed in jade green.  The bride & groom's baby girl was the flower girl, and their young son was page-boy.

                                           

The venue was decorated with chair sashes to match the duck-egg blue/green theme, and there were vases with lights in to decorate all the tables in the same colour. 

The table names were after Disney Films as the family were honeymooning in Disney World, Florida. 

The venue was also decorated with boards of old pictures of the bride & groom from youngsters up to today!

Invitation to South West Wedding Tweet-up

Over the last few months I have seen many tweet-ups taking place around the country and decided it would be nice to have something down in the South West to cover Devon and Cornwall (where possible).

Tweet ups are a fantastic opportunity for suppliers to finally meet, put a face to the tweets they have been receiving and get to know each other. We are very excited about organising this one in Devon.

So for all those South West wedding suppliers, and anyone from anywhere else in the country, we would love for you to join us on the 6 May in Exeter, Devon.

We would be grateful if you could RSVP so that we can keep track of numbers and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact:

Claire - info@weddingsbyclaire.co.uk or

Amanda - amandaardley@yahoo.co.uk

Supplier Q&A featuring Cakes by Krishanthi

Can you give me some more information about your business (where you are based, exactly what you do and how long you have been doing it?)

Cakes by Krishanthi, based in Surbiton, Surrey.  I retrained six years ago and been baking and designing cakes for family and friends; business was founded since just over a year ago.

What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry and why?

I love using my artistic skills and my creative mind to design wedding cakes.  It is such a happy occasion that the couples are usually on such high spirits when planning their wedding.  I enjoy the buzz of the wedding industry; it gives suppliers the opportunity to be creative, artistic and be innovative.  There are so many talented people out there.

What do you think makes a wedding stand out?

A wedding that is truly unique and personal which will reflect the couples’ true personalities.

What do you feel a bride should be asking a supplier when booking?

Talk specifically about their requirements, e.g. taste/ theme/ colours/ design/look/style/budget.  Ask whether the supplier offers (free) consultation and take advantage of it.  Do your research and prepare questions prior to the consultation.  Questions can also incl.  delivery and set up on the day of your wedding, ask to look at their portfolios, any testimonials, etc. 

When you have a wedding booking, how do you get yourself ready and prepare for it?

After the consultation, start working on design ideas and liaise with the couple.  Liaise with the venue.   Prepare anything that can be made in advance, e.g. sugar flowers, buy ribbons,etc.  Bake cakes 5-4 days in advance, ice and decorate 1-2 days before the wedding.

Do you have any pre-wedding, on the day or post-wedding tips that you would like to share?

Things can go wrong; don’t panic and remain calm.  Let others help you as much as possible.

Try to relax and enjoy everything prior to the wedding, on the day and after the wedding.

Don’t concentrate on what has gone wrong but concentrate on the positives.

Can you tell us one of your best wedding moments?

One couple gave me the opportunity to design their wedding cake.  I was only told about the colours of the wedding and that the cake should be quite unusual in look.  The day after the wedding, I got a call from a very excited bride who has since then recommended me to her friends.

Have you noticed any innovative or unique ideas at a wedding recently?

I love Martha Stewarts wedding ideas, very innovative and unique.  There are lots of vintage designs out there at the moment which I also like.  I love anything alternative.

What piece of advice would you give a bride (or groom) prior to their day?

STAY CALM AND TRY TO ENJOY AND HAVE FUN.

What do you think the next wedding trend will be?

Vintage will be around for a while. The following colours will be in trend for alternative weddings: teal and coral, mint and vintage purple.  However, The traditional white and ivory will never die out.

I think some young couples are moving away from the traditional weddings and looking for something different.  When it comes to cakes, people prefer to have sponges rather than the traditional fruit cake.  A lot of trend coming over from the US and definitely, internet helps couples to do their research well.  Wedding fairs also help couples to give ideas about what’s available out there.

How can brides find out more about you?  (Website/Twitter/Facebook)

Website: www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk

Twitter:  @KrishanthiA

Facebook:  Cakes-By-Krishanthi

Guest Blog Post; Lou Lou Belle Designs Press Release

Lou Lou Belle Designs is proud to announce the launch of their new range for Spring 2011 – ‘The First Dance Collection’.

Inspired by the decadence of Hollywood glamour and romantic vintage designs of yesteryear, ‘The First Dance Collection’ focuses on transforming statement focal pieces into beautiful bridal hair accessories that will be treasured for years to come.

A bride and groom’s First Dance symbolises the union of the newlyweds and this dynamic collection unites stunning diamante embellishments with classic pearls. Each piece has a unique signature style, taking its name from renowned dances such as the timeless Waltz or the quirky Fandango.

Waltz Double Band

Fandango

Waltz Comb

Using diamante embellishments and exquisite Swarovski pearls, the “First Dance” is a collection of distinctive and luxurious hair accessories including on-trend side tiaras and classic hair combs.

Charleston

Mambo

Designer, Lisa Longhurst, explains “My aim with this collection was to create a beautiful range of striking yet wearable vintage-inspired pieces that create a real wow factor for any bride on her special day”.

All pieces have the option of co-ordinating necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will complete a bridal look. These original designs are all handmade to order and adaptations are always welcome.

Samba

Rumba

With an ever-growing fan base on Facebook and Twitter, Lou Lou Belle Designs recently caused a stir with brides-to-be after releasing a sneak preview of key pieces from this collection which were quickly snapped up before they’d even hit the website.

Lou Lou Belle Designs was launched in 2007 and specialises in handmade bridal and special occasion jewellery, dress brooches and hair accessories. All items are created by the designer, Lisa Longhurst, who takes pride in handcrafting each individual piece and providing a service with a personal touch. 

Launch date: Friday 18^th March 2011

Website: www.louloubelle.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/louloubelledesigns

Twitter: www.twitter.com/louloubelle_uk

For all press enquiries contact: lisa@louloubelle.co.uk 

Hair and make up: www.thepamperpartyexperience.co.uk

Photography: www.fotocreate.com and www.shotbylucy.com

Supplier Q&A featuring Erin May Photography

Can you give me some more information about your business (where you are based, exactly what you do and how long you have been doing it?)

I am a photographer living in Great Dunmow in Essex, specialising in weddings and child portraits. I started up Erin May Photography in December 2009, my web address is www.erinmay.co.uk.  

For weddings, I am available in the UK and Europe, and for Portraits I operate in the South East and from time to time in West Yorkshire (originally from Leeds).

What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry and why?

Everything! What’s not to like?! I love taking pictures. When I photograph a wedding I capture the memories that have been planned by the bride down to every last detail. A story in photographs which, when delivered, can bring such visible happiness it just lights you up inside. Everyone in the wedding industry (that I have come across) is friendly, helpful and generally quite lovely. An inspirational community ... and they are all happy! Great industry to work in!

What do you think makes a wedding stand out?

Natural, genuine happiness. Simplistic vintage style weddings are my favourite!

Oh, and the dress and the flowers are key for me too

What do you feel a bride should be asking a supplier when booking?

I think every bride is different and they probably have a million questions to ask, there are never too many so don’t be afraid to ask them all! Plus it helps the supplier gain a good understanding of what the client really wants. Personally, I think it’s equally important to “get a feel” for your supplier.

When you have a wedding booking, how do you get yourself ready and prepare for it?

I always visit my venues prior to any event, more than once if possible. Thorough investigating when you have the time pays dividends on the day as you can prepare many of your shots before the event saving time on the day and ensuring you don’t miss what could be a superb shot. I have a good chat with the bride and groom in the initial consultation to find out colour schemes, numbers, arrangements etc as this also helps me prepare some of the shots ahead of the event. And I will happily throw ideas backwards and forwards with my clients on the run up to the big day.

Do you have any pre-wedding, on the day or post-wedding tips that you would like to share?

Get to know your clients. It’s as important to them as it is to you that everyone is relaxed on the day.

Can you tell us one of your best wedding moments?

Depends how you define best? I had a heart stopping moment when the bride (on her way up the path to the church) noticed a bit of frayed cotton on the hem of her dress and her dad whipped out his lighter from his suit pocket!!!

Have you noticed any innovative or unique ideas at a wedding recently? 

I saw a desert wedding on a blog recently which I thought was pretty cool. Effortless beauty.

What piece of advice would you give a bride (or groom) prior to their day?

Just to enjoy planning it as well as living it. You can have so much fun and be as creative as you want. Don’t let the little things get you down and remember it’s your day, do what you want!!!

What do you think the next wedding trend will be?

Vintage is popping up everywhere at the minute, and I LOVE IT!

How can brides find out more about you?  (Website/Twitter/Facebook)

Web: www.erinmay.co.uk

Twitter: @erinmayphoto

Facebook: Erin-May-Photography 

Have you thought about hiring a wedding planner?

You hire professionals to take your photographs, make the cake and arrange the flowers, so why not hire a wedding planner to help with the planning.

According to reports 70% of brides who did not hire a planner wish they had!

Unfortunately when people talk about a wedding planner, a number of common misconceptions are mentioned – “a wedding planner is only for high budget weddings and an extravagance I cannot afford”, “I do not want someone taking over my wedding, its my day” and “I do not need any help I am doing it all myself”.

After thinking about this matter for some time I have decided to write a blog on Wedding Planners and what I actually do.


I am based in the South West of England and cover Devon, Cornwall and Somerset which have some of the most stunning locations to get married, whether its on the hills, beside the sea or in a castle. 

Challenges

1) The biggest challenge to overcome is that of couples thinking that planners are an additional expense that is not needed. When I actually meet couples and go through costs and what I can offer them, they are always amazed at how little it costs.

If you equate my full planning fee over a year it costs the same as one cappuccino a day from Starbucks which many people have without thinking about the cost. Therefore, my services are affordable to all couples no matter what their budget. I also work with suppliers on a daily basis and can often negotiate discounts with suppliers all of which I pass directly onto the client. I will work to find the best suppliers within a couple’s budget to get them the best value for money.

My full and partial planning services are tailored to your requirements and I have a set on the day fee but if you only want some elements off one package or a mixture of two, this is absolutely fine. I offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss in detail what requirements you have and I will always be upfront about my costs. 

The average UK wedding budget including a honeymoon is around £20,000 and planning a wedding takes between 250-300 hours – on top of your family life, day job, housework, socialising, etc.

2) It is quite sad to think that brides still feel that a wedding planner will take over their day, make decisions on their behalf and cause them upset.

All my brides remain totally in control of their wedding. I do all the organising, chasing, administration and hard work, keeping my couples up to date at all times. I give regular updates and all decisions are left to the couple, I help make the decisions clearer to them so they can make the final choice.

It is my job to get to know my couple, their likes and dislikes in order that I know exactly what they want and then make sure that is achieved.

3) A lot of brides love planning their own wedding but may need a helping hand getting started, some advice along the way or help on the day.

A wedding planner usually offers different services depending on the requirements. I myself offer a partial planning package which allows the couple to have help at the beginning if they need it, handing it over half way through if it is all getting too much or taking over at the end when they want to relax and enjoy the final weeks; as well as an On the Day Co-ordination package which is very popular. This package takes away all stress from the bride and bridal party on the day, and means everyone can focus on enjoying the day.

No matter what stage you are at, if you need some help a planner should always be able to point you in the right direction and we should never be ruled out.

What I really do......

Knowledge & Experience

The experience I have means that I can think of innovative and unique ideas for your special day as well as knowing which suppliers can offer you the best service. I can give advice on all areas of the planning – from etiquette to what the groom should wear. Following a meeting with a couple, I will often produce an inspiration board to enable them to see how their ideas will look, or create boards from scratch if they do not have any specific ideas to help them make that decision.

From the minute I start work on your wedding, I am there to help you whenever you need it and will ensure your wedding day is as you have dreamt.

I love planning all types of weddings – from the traditional church wedding, themed weddings through to the quirky wedding in a garden. I have experience and knowledge of locations and suppliers to cater for all styles of wedding and love to create a couple’s vision.

Every wedding is different and I make sure all my couples have a unique day where their individuality shows through.

Guidance

I am not here to take over your day. I am there to help guide you and make sure everything is as you want. I will not give anyone orders or tell you what you should do but offer advice and make recommendations for your consideration, all of which you can ignore if you so choose. I offer to make the process easier for you and reduce your stress and time spent planning.

Listening

I am always available for my couples whether they want to run through the plans, have a query or just want a chat. I love talking about weddings so will happily listen to you whenever you need me to and I will not tell you that you are silly or that any idea you have is stupid.I am there for my couples whenever they need me.

Reducing stress

Unfortunately weddings increase stress levels – whether it’s making decisions, choosing who to invite, family arguments and I’m here to help you reduce that as best I can. 

If any issues arise, I will sort them out whilst keeping you calm. If you have what you think is a great suggestion and I do not think it will work – I will be totally honest with you. 

I will always endeavour to be open and honest with you, and would hope that you would feel that you could do the same with me. No issues are too big and we will work through everything together.

Money

Most couples know at the beginning their maximum budget for their wedding along with their wish list for their dream wedding. My job is to work with you to achieve this, making sure your budget and ideas are realistic, and keeping costs within this (and ideally under). A budget does not have to be restrictive. You can create the most amazing day with a smaller budget, whether it is for 100 guests or just 30. I work with all budgets and wedding sizes – nothing is too big or small for me to take on.

My fee is set and agreed at the beginning and will not change during the planning process which can be a great relief to couples. I do not take any commission from venues or suppliers and pass any discounts straight to you.

Suppliers

If you have started to look at suppliers you will see there are a huge number in each category, how do you know where to start? I research wedding suppliers all the time and will find you the best ones who match your requirements and ones that I know will make sure they deliver what is required of them. A key feature of a wedding is that all suppliers work together as a team and I will make sure that they all know what is expected of them, what they need to do, where they need to be and when.

I work very hard to negotiate discounts or deals with any suppliers I find for you and pass all of the savings directly to you.

Assistance on the day

One of my most popular packages is the On the Day Coordination. Lots of couples love planning their own wedding but start to worry about how it will work on the day.

Who will be there to make sure the flowers/cake have turned up? What if the meal is running late? Who will help decorate the room? Who will help fix the bridesmaids dress?

On your wedding day you do not want to worry about suppliers arriving, making sure the wedding runs to time, what to do if problems arise – all of this adds to the worry and stress which you do not need on this day!

The On the Day service allows me to be the main point of contact for the venue, suppliers, the bridal party and guests. I will be there to make sure everything runs smoothly and on time. I can help decorate the venue, make sure it is set up as you wanted, run any errands, keep everything to time – anything and everything you worry about on the day will be my job to sort out along with my rescue box!

Locality

A number of brides are choosing to get married out of their local area. Having someone based near to their chosen wedding location to find the venue/suppliers is incredibly helpful.

Imagine if you had to check on something and had to drive hundreds of miles when you could just call your wedding planner and ask them to check it out for you. It saves a huge amount of time and worry, let alone petrol costs!

As a planner I know all the local suppliers and can ensure you get the best value for money and the service you require. 

I hope this gives you all a bit more insight into wedding planning and in particular how I work and what I do for my clients.

Unfortunately as much as I love this job I do have to charge for my services, in order to pay the bills, but as every wedding is different the cost is dependent on what is required of me and I will always do my best to help each and every couple I can.

So, if you are looking to get married, whether it is a traditional ceremony or something that little bit different, please give me a call to discuss your ideas and see if I can help you make them a reality,

Claire x

Weddings by Claire