Getting Hitched at Brighton Races. . .

Thanks to all the brides who stopped by our stand last Sunday at the Brighton Racecourse Wedding Fayre.  Alongside Fay and Adele from Pink Rose Cakes, who showcased some fabulous new cake designs, we displayed some simple ideas for wedding flowers using fresh white daisies, cymbidium orchids, Mero Star lilies with lots of scattered sweetheart rose petals and love hearts!

Good to chat to all the brides-to-be; lots of whom had been proposed to on Valentine's Day!

 

 

 

 

Tea and Nuptials

Stopped off at  Bateman's - National Trust house in Burwash - for lunch on Saturday.

Very tasty Pumpkin Soup.

This was after delivering the flowers for Hannah and Ryan's wedding at The Flackley Ash Hotel in Peasmarsh.

Smart venues; smart boys; smart flowers

COUNTDOWN TO YOUR BIG DAY!

Planning a wedding requires high levels of organisation and many, many to-do lists!
Give yourself enough time - depending on the size, allow between 9 and 12 months to plan your wedding.

There's lot's of elements to consider - this will provide a useful planning checklist.
 12 - 9 months before the wedding date

• Set the budget
• Set up a filing system for details and receipts.
• Choose the wedding date

• Draw up a guest list

• Decide on the type of ceremony religious or civil.
• Meet religious minister/registrar to discuss ceremony

• Choose and book venues for wedding and reception.
• Obtain menus and cost estimates
• Investigate photographers and entertainment

• Choose the best man, bridesmaids, pageboys and ushers.

• Make appointments to try on wedding gear
• Look into florists and check seasonal flowers.

• Look into honeymoon ideas and destinations.
• Book time off work for the wedding and honeymoon.

9 - 6 Months before the wedding date

• Finalise the requirements for the style of ceremony chosen.
• Discuss the  music and book ceremony performers if required, discuss readings and ask who might want to do a reading at the ceremony

• Choose the caterers 
• Research table settings, menus and seating plans

• Choose and order the drinks and wedding cake 
• Choose flowers for bridal flowers 

• Finalise the guest list
• Design and order the invitations

• Book and pay deposits for the all suppliers 

• Confirm and book musical entertainment

• Book wedding cars 
• The groom should book a hotel room for the wedding night (if required).

• Buy/order the wedding dress and accessories
• Book the honeymoon 

6 - 3 months before the wedding date

• Choose/order outfits for the wedding party

• Choose and buy wedding rings
• Choose the presents for the list
• Choose thanks you gifts.

• Design and print the order of service

• Look into arrangements for the honeymoon.

• Send out invitations

• Ensure hen and stag parties are being organised.

3 - 2 Months before the wedding date

Start the reception seating plan but allow for changes.

• Chase guests for RSVPs to finalise the guest list

• Set a ceremony rehearsal time

• Meet the hair and make-up stylists 
• Final dress fittings for bride and bridesmaids.

• Order favours for the reception (if required).

• Choose a first dance and consider practising.

• Reconfirm honeymoon details.
• Check that visas, passports and inoculations are all up to date.

1 month before the wedding date

• Confirm prices with suppliers, double-check delivery or arrival timings.
• Pay any outstanding amounts to suppliers.
• Reconfirm all details with suppliers and staff involved on the day
• Reconfirm all transport arrangements

• Confirm final number and special requests with the caterers
• Draw up the final seating plan

• Make a list of telephone numbers in case of any emergencies on the day: local cab firms, the wedding party's mobiles and suppliers. Also, brief wedding party of what they need on the day.

• Brief the best man on final payments due on the day, and supply cash or cheques, as required.

• Collect the wedding dress/bridesmaid dresses 
• Practice putting on the wedding dress, including accessories and shoes, with whoever will be helping on the big day

• Keep an eye on the forecast; make provision for adverse conditions

The Day before the wedding

The night before the wedding is a time for relaxing - usually apart from one another - brides' party usually stays with the bride, the groom's party with the groom.

The rehearsal may take place during the afternoon or evening preceding the wedding, sometimes followed by a final get-together with family and key members of the bridal party.

The Day of the wedding

Photo by George Rutter Photography

Having a running order for your wedding is good practice - here's a rough timeline, from the ceremony to the end of the reception.   
Arrivals
Ushers: 45 minutes before
Best man and groom 45-30 minutes before
Guests: up to 30 minutes before;
Groom's parents: 15 minutes before
Mother of bride and bridesmaids ten minutes before
Bride and father five minutes before.
Photographs 

Allow 20-30 minutes 

Seating Guests
Up to 30 minutes.

The Wedding Meal
Two hours for three courses. 
Speeches
30 - 45 minutes
Cake Cutting
15-20 minutes.

Above all - enjoy your day!