Fantasy Guest List VS Final Guest List

It is never too early to start your wedding guest list, in fact it is one of the first things you can do as a newly engaged couple. See my post 'Top Tips for Newly Engaged Couples'.

The first list you will make is called the Fantasy List, this list should include absolutely everyone you would like to invite to your big day. Once you have an idea of your where your budget lies and where you will have your ceremony and reception then you will be able to start crossing names off accordingly.

Things To Consider For Your Final Guest List

• Budget


• Ceremony and reception venue capacity


• Who will be paying for your wedding


• Whether you prefer to have an intimate wedding or large lavish affair

Hopefully you're one of the lucky few who will be able to accommodate your entire Fantasy List but for the rest of us we will have to utilise our cutting skills. This is not an easy task, especially since we want all of our friends and family to share our special day and we definitely don't want to offend or upset anyone by not inviting them. But unfortunately, sometimes budgets just won't allow us to have our cake and eat it too.. yes even on your own special day.

Here are some suggestions on how you can or might want to narrow down down your Fantasy Guest List:

1. Any relatives that you have either never met or haven't seen for more than a year


2. Colleagues


3. Children


4. Plus ones


5. If parents are paying for the wedding, they may want to have the final decision


6. Invite the first eldest cousin of each family


7. The ex factor

I am yet to sit down with my gorgeous fiance to write out our 'Fantasy' List and as we've decided to get married in Bali I'm expecting a lot of our friends and family won't be able to make our destination wedding.. Boo! On the plus side, we will have parties for our loved ones in both Australia and the UK for all of those who cannot make the wedding. Any excuse for a party right??

If you've got any more great ideas on guest list management I'd love to hear them?

Much love

T x

Looking For A Band For Your Wedding Or Event?? Look No Further!

One of the many forms of entertainment you can have at your wedding is a band. It may be a more pricey option than say a DJ but boy do they know how to put on a good show a get your guests making good use of the dance floor (alcohol or no alcohol). I thought I would share some of the very talented and VERY entertaining bands I have come across throughout my research and networking.

Do you have any recommendations of amazing entertainers and bands I should know of??

Much Love

T xx

DJ Dylan & Michael R Leavy Jnr
This pair are an entertaining match made in heaven, they absolutely rocked Hyde Park during Winter Wonderland 2012/2013. They are like an all in one package DJ, singers, dancers, beat boxers, MC, rappers and phenomenal entertainers, they would make an absolutely amazing addition to any event or wedding. They don't have a personal website but I found this video for you which although amazing does not do them or their crazy, dancy, jumpy audience any justice. This song was done A Capella with DJ Dylan beat boxing and Michael R Leavy Jnr's vocals, one of their many talents. I snapped up their details after spending two nights at Winter Wonderland jumping and dancing to their tunes, if you're interested in hiring them you can email Michael at mighty_molb@yahoo.co.uk or I already have an informal price list in my hot little hands which I would be happy to send you. Just email me at tanyalotherington@hotmail.com



Wandering Hands
Cutting loose from the tangle of wires and amps of a regular covers band – Wandering Hands are a talented, energetic trio who bound between tables and groups of guests performing crowd pleasing versions of hits from the last 60 years. Featuring saxophone, 2 guitars and vocals, the band have already proved hugely popular at venues across London. Wandering Hands’ infectious enthusiasm mixed with a vast repertoire of beloved party tunes is guaranteed to give any event an electrifying atmosphere and unmatched feeling of spontaneity.



Fully FunKtional
With their fun and playful side already showing in their name please meet the all singing, all dancing, booty shaking Fully FunKtional. I saw these guys perform when I was at Ascot Races and they were amazing, I don't think there is anything the can't do.

Fully FunKtional are the ultimate party people! An 6-12 piece professional band featuring top London session musicians with outrageously cool credits including Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, BBC Big Band, Kylie, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, Bryan Adams, Children in Need, Craig David, Lemar, Daniel Bedingfield, virtually every West End show inluding Chicago, Jerry Springer the Opera, Witches of Eastwick and umpteen others!
Their premier 10-piece features their famously funky rhythm section, two scorching horns, three sexy singers and their conga-tastic percussionist. Fully FunKtional mainly perform as a 6 or 8 piece.

The 2013 Wedding Industry Awards - London and South East Winners

Hello lovelies,

I thought I would share this fountain of knowledge with you, the people at Wedding Industry Awards announced the winning suppliers and services of 2013 earlier this year.. you can see the national winners here. For all you fellow Londoners I have listed our regional winners conveniently below.

Enjoy!

T xx

London And South East Winners

The winners are displayed alphabetically by category.

The Winner - Best Wedding Accessory (Tiaras etc), London And South East

Jo BarnesEastleigh,
Hampshire,
447958166723
www.jobarnesvintage.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Bridal Retailer, London And South East

Froufrou Bridal BoutiqueTunbridge Wells,
Kent,
01892 541381
www.froufroubride.co.uk

Maids to Measure
London,
Greater London,
02073869537
www.maidstomeasure.com 

The Winner - Best Wedding Cake Designer, London And South East

Rosalind Miller CakesLondon,
Greater London,
07957571797
www.rosalindmillercakes.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Caterer (independent), London And South East

Jacaranda CateringMidhurst,
West Sussex,
01730810900
www.jacarandacatering.com

Kalm KitchenPuttenham,
Surrey,
01483 813360
www.kalmkitchen.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Co-ordinator (venue), London And South East

Jennie Hopcroft The Pinewood HotelSlough,
Buckinghamshire,
01753 896400
www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding DJ, London And South East

Mighty Fine EntertainmentHarrow,
Greater London,
020 8427 2252
www.mfent.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Dress Designer, London And South East

Joanne Fleming DesignBrighton,
East Sussex,
07403047616
www.joanneflemingdesign.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Entertainment (non-musical), London And South East

Coco Photo BoothsLewes,
East Sussex,
0800 040 7692
www.cocophotobooths.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Florist, London And South East

Ruby & GracePangbourne,
Berkshire,
0118 9767652
www.rubyandgrace.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Hair Stylist, London And South East

Pam Wrigley Wedding HairLondon,
Greater London,
0208 742 1994
www.weddingmakeupandhair.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Live Entertainment, London And South East

The JazzberriesLondon,
Greater London,
02072724466
www.jazzberries.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Make-Up Artist, London And South East

Kristina Gasperas Make Up ArtistLondon,
Greater London,
07812 351 575
www.kristinagasperas.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Marquee Provider, London And South East

The Arabian Tent CompanyLewes,
East Sussex,
0800 88 15 229
www.arabiantents.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Menswear Supplier, London And South East

SIMON JAMES MENSWEARWoking,
Surrey,
01483 808525
www.simonjamesmenswear.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Photographer, London And South East

Sean Gannon - Energy PhotographicWindlesham,
Surrey,
07903798755
www.energyphotographic.co.uk

Cotton Candy PhotographyPortsmouth,
Hampshire,
07595 166 159
www.cottoncandyweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Planner (independent), London And South East

Cranberry Blue Weddings & EventsSevenoaks,
Kent,
01732 463633
www.cranberryblueweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Special Touch, London And South East

Jennifer Sue WeddingsTunbridge Wells,
Kent,
07748843413
www.jennifersueweddings.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Stationery, London And South East

Amelia Lane PaperLondon,
Greater London,
hello@amelialanepaper.co.uk
www.amelialanepaper.co.uk

The Winner - Best Wedding Transport Supplier, London And South East

OxonCartsOxford,
Oxfordshire,
07747024600
www.oxoncarts.com/weddings

The Winner - Best Wedding Venue, London And South East

Caswell HouseWitney,
Oxfordshire,
01993 701064
www.caswellhouse.co.uk

The Gallivant HotelCamber,
East Sussex,
01797225057
www.thegallivanthotel.com

The Winner - Best Wedding Videographer, London And South East

Mark Brown FilmsLondon,
Greater London,
www.markwbrown.com

From The Hip Wedding FilmsGodalming,
Surrey,
07905377882
www.fromthehip.tv

The London UK Wedding Show Saturday 16th Feb

Hello hello,

So my lovely Bridemaid and I attended the UK Wedding Show this past Saturday and I thought I'd share some photos from our day out..



These were some beautiful table decorations that I loved.



I fell in love with the bling around the plates and the napkin ring to match.



Champagne tasting?? Why not!! This was actually a stall for a supplier who personalises champagne bottles.. and their champagne was delish!!



This is the idea I have for writing the table plan onto, I would love to source a giant mirror and display it on the garden for guests to see where they are seated. This is a slightly smaller version than what I have in mind but I was super excited to be able to show my BM.



Complimentary goody bags.. always a pleasure.



Here are some of the goodies inside of our goody bags.

And yes, I did take advantage of the complimentary entry for the Bride.. so at £5 entry each we had a fabulous time browsing and gaining inspiration.

The National Wedding Show is on this weekend, you can find more information here. I have managed to convince not only my BM to come along again but also another gorgeous friend of mine.. tickets are confirmed, now to just plan another Bride 2 Be outfit!

I hope you're all having as much fun as me!

T xx

DIY - Glitter Banners

Hello lovelies,

I recently came across a fabulous blog all about DIY and handcrafting, it's called Ellinee. Sometimes it's fun to get your hands dirty and add a bit of DIY to your big day.. it also adds a personal touch since you will know what hard work went into it.

All of Ellinee's blog posts are fabulous and a great read,however I feel in love with two in particular. I love love LOVE a bit of bling and these DIY glitter banners are just gorgeous. They even post a downloadable template of both the 'Love' and 'Mr & Mrs' banners.. UH Mazing right?!?



Here it is again.. http://www.ellinee.com/blog. Well worth multiple visits or even better, subscribe to get their updates via email.

Much love

T x

A Wedding Timeline

Hello beauties,

In amongst all of the wedding shows, dress fittings, wedding magazines and pinterest marathons it's easy to forget that in order to successfully organise a stress less or less stress wedding of your dreams we must stick to a schedule and complete tasks in good time so you (or your wedding planner) is not running around like a chicken with it's head cut off when the day grows quickly closer.

Your wedding might be 18 months away or 6 months away but in wedding years this translates to days since times flies by so quickly without us even noticing. Scary!! Not to worry, if you follow a trusty timeline that your wedding planner will supply you with (and make sure you're on top of) then all will fall into place.

Below is an example of a basic wedding timeline, a more detailed one would include dates and details specific to a particular bride. The wedding day has only a few tasks mentioned as this special day requires it's very own timeline.

Organising your wedding day should be fun and exciting, so enjoy every little bit of it.. and if things do start to get a little stressful then remember to take some time our for yourself. Run yourself a nice hot bath, organise a spa day with your bridesmaids, go on a shopping spree.. just forget the wedding planning for a short while and you can come back to it with fresh excitement and a clear mind. Otherwise, just hand it ALL over to your wedding planner. ;-)

If you would like some assistance creating a timeline for your wedding day please get in touch.. I'd only be too happy to help, complimentary of course. 

Much love

T x

Wedding Timeline

8 - 12 Months Before Wedding……………………...…………………......

	Decide on a wedding date and time
	Decide on local church and contact to discuss possible dates
	Arrange to speak with the vicar/priest
	Divide and categorise expenses
	Decide on the type of wedding (Formal/Semi-formal/Informal)
	Devise initial guest list
	Find location for reception
	Send ‘Save the Date’ cards
	Select and inform a bridal party (bridesmaids, maid of honor/groomsmen, best man)
	Find a photographer
	Find a videographer
	Arrange wedding insurance
	Give notice of marriage to the local register office
	Contact register office in district where marriage is taking place. This is to ensure registrars are available.

6 -8 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Discuss and select colour theme
	Shop for bridal gown and matching attire (shoes, veil, jewellry, garter etc)
	Find a caterer (food and drinks)
	Find a band
	Find other entertainment (fireworks, magician, giant gameboards etc)
	Find a florist
	Arrange ceremony and reception music
	Compile names and addresses for the guest list
	Reserve accommodation for out of town guests

4 - 6 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Select menu with caterer
	Select drinks packages
	Order invitations and other stationary
	Shop for bridal party dresses/suits
	Plan and book the honeymoon
	Book wedding night accommodation
	Arrange and book transportation
	Plan wedding decorations and favours
	Confirm floral arrangements
	Order wedding cake
	Finalise arrangements for ceremony and reception
	Ensure all deposits are paid and contracts are signed
	Devise gift lift or wishing well
	Select readings/poems
	Book a hair and makeup artist

3 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………...........

	Buy wedding rings
	Select gifts for bridal party, parents and helpers
	Buy guest book

 2 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Send wedding invitations
	Have hair and makeup trials (cut, colour, style etc)
	Begin making arrangements for rehearsal dinner

1 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Confirm and finalise all aspects of the wedding
		Church and priest
		Reception venue
		Caterer (Food and drinks)
		Attire (Dresses/Suits/Accessories)
		Florist
		Cake
		Decorations
		Transport
		Accommodation (Bride and groom and other guests)
		Honeymoon
		Other suppliers
	Send suppliers and venues event schedule
	Have final dress fittings
	Pick up wedding rings
	Select relatives or friends for certain jobs (guest book, music etc)
	Devise seating chart
	Bride and groom to work on their vows (if writing their own)
	Discuss photos and/or arrange trial shoot with photographer
	Discuss requirements with videographer
	Discuss requirements with the band

 2 Weeks Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Post wedding announcement to be prepared
	Contact guests who have not responded
	Finalise seating arrangements and placecards

1 Week Before Wedding……………………...…...……………...……......

	Pick up wedding gown, bridal party and grooms wear and accessories
	Reconfirm all suppliers and venues
	Send event schedule to bridal party and helpers
	Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer
	Wedding rehearsal
	Brief bridal party and other helpers
	Ensure all balances are paid
	Give rings to best man/ring boy
	Manicure and pedicure

 The Wedding Day…………………….……...…...……………...……......

	Hair and makeup
	Begin dressing 2 hours before the ceremony
	Ensure photographers capture the process

Will You Be My Bridesmaid??

Following my 'Bridesmaids - Now it's the brides turn to pop the question!' post, the cards from Zazzle arrived.. and they are fantastic. I've never used Zazzle before and I didn't know what to expect of their quality. I'll tell you what, I am looking forward to using them again. Although I personalised the cards myself when I read them back I got all teary.. happy tears of course and I can't wait to send them off to my Bridesmaids and lovely Mother.

While getting lost in my research for the perfect gift to give my bridesmaids to be and mother I came across these other cute ideas.

A DIY Gift Box

 

Personalised wine or champagne bottle

Bridesmaid vest top

 

Personlised Clothes Hanger

Ring Pop Box

Cute stationery ideas

Message In A Bottle

I'd love to hear about or see your ideas..

T xx