Top trends to help plan your wedding

Blogs, magazines, websites and Pinterest; they’re full of fantastic ideas and inspiration for creating your dream wedding. But if you want to keep up with the latest trends, where do you start? We’ve done our research and discovered the top trends wedding and event planners are seeing in 2016, covering everything from themes and décor to music and cake.

First up, we’re looking at venues, themes and décor.

Themes and Décor

Instead of attempting to recreate a royal wedding or something straight off a Pinterest board, brides are becoming more interested in doing things their own way; celebrating who they are as a couple and ensuring their wedding is a fun experience for their guests with plenty of individuality and creativity.

Metallics – Surprisingly versatile, they can add an elegant, ethereal, whimsical or extremely natural touch. Glitzy gold, burnished copper or warm rose gold are all becoming popular, however silver is on the wane.

Creating ambience – The key to setting a romantic mood is ambience and it can easily be created

using lighting: pendant lights with bare ‘Edison’ bulbs, chandeliers and candelabras are ideal for casting a soft warm glow.

Rustic chic – Barns are still a strong venue trend, providing a relaxed, informal setting that gives couples a multitude of creative options for putting their own spin on rustic chic.

Sitting comfortably – Instead of the large round tables traditionally used in reception layouts, couples are opting for long rectangular tables or a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables, to create a more intimate rather than corporate feel.

Treasured Places – Couples are finding ways to bring in elements of places that hold special memories, such as where they got engaged, their first holiday, places that are close to their hearts, and incorporating them into their venue décor, food, music etc.

In our next blog, we’ll take a look at the top trends emerging in flowers and stationery.

6 tips on how to have the wedding YOU really want

The ring is on your finger and you’ve set a date, so you’d better get planning for your dream wedding!

There’s so much to organise and you want everything to be perfect, right down to the last detail.

Sometimes, unless you’ve got specific ideas already in mind, it can be very overwhelming; where do you start?

Here are our top tips for starting, and surviving, the whole planning process:

1. Embrace the moment!

Don’t think you have to rush straight into planning mode the moment you’ve said ‘yes’! Whether you’re planning a 12-week or 12-month engagement, there’s plenty of time; so relax, breathe and take some time to savour that ‘just engaged’ feeling.

2. Think about the bigger picture

Would you prefer a church or ceremony at a licensed venue? A big or small wedding? In the city, by the sea or in the country? Deciding on these main points will help you decide on possible themes, colours and the overall style of your wedding.

3. Decide on a budget ASAP

It’s never a romantic conversation, but the sooner you can sit down and decide on a budget and who’s responsible for what, the better. Getting organised and keeping up communication ensures everyone’s on board and avoids potential conflicts. And the sooner you get it sorted, the sooner you can move on to sorting out the fun stuff, like cake and dresses.

4. Prioritise what matters

Spend money on what’s important and work out how to save money on what’s not. Do you have a friend that can make you amazing playlists, avoiding the need for a DJ and leaving more money for your dream dress? Can you make your flowers go further than just the church and use them in your reception venue too? One thing you may not want to scrimp on is a photographer; capturing the memories of your special day is important, so find the right person for the job.

5. Don’t get lost in details

So many couples lose sight of what their big day is all about, getting lost in minutiae and exceeding everyone’s expectations, including their own. Whether it’s staying within budget or making family happy, remember why you’re doing this and be realistic.

6. It’s good to break the rules

Rule-breaking can be great at weddings; taking something fairly traditional and adding a unique, fresh twist can be inspiring and refreshing and great for you and your guests. Why not take the indoors outdoors and create a reception under the stars, complete with chandeliers, sofas and sumptuous throws and cushions to create a laid-back, luxurious feel? Dare to do something different!

However you plan your wedding, remember to make it ‘you’ and inject it with your personalities, tastes and styles, so you can truly enjoy your special day and treasure it for years to come.

Wedding Seasons: The Pros and Cons

Did you get a marriage proposal on Valentines Day? Congratulations!

Now one of the most important decisions you need to make is when you’re actually going to tie the knot. So before you start sending out save-the-dates, take a look at our guide to the pros and cons of each wedding season of the year.

WINTER

Pros

1. Living in the UK, we’re sometimes lacking in the snow department but, when it does, freshly fallen snow can add an extra touch of magic to your day, amplifying colour schemes and casting an ethereal glow.
2. With a winter wedding, there are so many options when it comes to catering; think rich desserts, hot chocolate bars, spicy winter cocktails and endless amounts of comfort food.
3. Roaring fires, candlelight and twinkly fairy lights can make the perfect setting for calm, cozy and romantic winter wedding.
4. Winter is typically a slower time of year for wedding suppliers and vendors, allowing you to save extra money in your wedding budget.

Cons

1. Christmas and New Year weddings can be absolutely stunning, but it’s worth considering that your guests may be travelling elsewhere for the festivities.
2. With all the usual celebrations, and increased mail, it’s important to give your guests sufficient notice before they start making plans and commitments to other parties and events.
3. Here in the UK, we’re partial to the odd storm, often involving a variety of weather conditions, all of which can play havoc with road and travel links for both your guests and suppliers.
4. Despite having tons of fabric and many layers, it can still be cold wearing a wedding dress all day! Think about adding a jacket, stole or cape to your outfit and make sure your bridesmaids stay warm by providing tights and wraps for theirs too.

SPRING

Pros

1. Spring’s natural beauty can be so romantic, with trees full of blossom, soft floral and pastel colours everywhere and the fresh bursts of nature’s greenery that are in abundance at this time of year.
2. With Christmas behind us and the summer holidays still a little way off, spring is a safer time for a wedding in terms of ‘yes’ replies, meaning you can send your invites out a little later if you need to.
3. Your choice of bridal gown is less restricted in spring, allowing you to wear sleeves without overheating or choose a sleeveless dress and not be too chilly.
4. Lighting is everything in photography, especially on one of the biggest days of your life! In spring, there is usually more cloud coverage which is ideal for flawless photos.

Cons

1. Unfortunately spring weather can often be unpredictable, so while you may have been dreaming of a sunlit, blossom-filled wedding day, the reality may turn out to be rain-soaked or even snow-covered.
2.  Spring is normally the time of year when pollen levels and therefore allergies are at their peak, and even though you may not suffer, your bridal party, guests and even your bridegroom may not be so lucky. Watering eyes and running noses are definitely not a good look for photos.
3. They don’t call it wedding season for nothing, and having a wedding in spring is incredibly popular. Vendors and suppliers often up their prices accordingly to account for demand, and some may already be booked for the date you have in mind.
4.  If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding bathed in warm sunlight, then waiting an extra couple of months would be your best option if you really don’t want to compromise and hold your nuptials indoors.

SUMMER

Pros

1. Catering and menus for summer weddings can be lots of fun, with loads of different options utilising local cheeses, ripe produce and fresh meat and fish.
2.  In summer months, daylight can last as late as 9pm, allowing for more flexibility in your ceremony scheduling to avoid the hottest parts of the day and still get great photos.
3. Summertime also brings longer, warmer evenings, meaning the party can carry on for longer. Think fires and candles under the stars in the evening, with soft twinkling lights for an added romantic glow.
4. Flowers are everywhere in summer, with a flower for every colour scheme that will be in perfect bloom at this time of year. Your bouquet, arrangements and centrepieces will be as perfect as you’ve been dreaming they’ll be.

Cons

1. Summer weather means high temperatures (if we’re lucky!) which can wreak havoc with you and your bridesmaids’ hair and make-up, not to mention making it uncomfortable for your guests.
2. The summer months are normally when families have booked to go on holiday, so think about who you’d like to be part of your big day and make sure you send out your save-the-dates early.
3. Top vendors and suppliers are often booked up for months beforehand, so if you’re planning a summer wedding, make sure you have enough lead time or consider a longer engagement to plan the wedding of your dreams.
4. Strong summer sunshine means harsh lighting for your photos, and not all photos can be corrected, so think about where and when you pose for photos during the day.

AUTUMN

Pros

1. Even though leaves may be falling from the trees and temperatures are a little cooler, you can still have endless options planning a late September wedding, whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony.
2. Autumn weather is slightly more dependable than spring, and there’s still a fair amount of daylight left in the evenings, allowing you to plan a later ceremony and reception if you wish.
3. Deep, dark colour schemes are perfect for this time of year; complementing the natural décor of your venue with rich bronze, orange, deep purples, reds and greens will create a stunning look for your wedding.
4.  Incorporating the nature around you into your wedding scheme can be a great way to reduce costs and boost the budget of your wedding, and autumn is the perfect time to do it.
   

Cons

1. You may find you get fewer ‘yes’ replies with an autumn wedding, especially if your guests would be travelling from further afield, having used up their holiday entitlement during the summer and saving the rest
   for Christmas and New Year.
2. As the weather changes, skin starts drying out and losing its summer
   glow, causing flakes, spots and dry patches -  not a good look for the photographs!
3. With the summer holidays over, school starting again and Christmas looming, autumn can be a difficult time for many people financially, meaning that your guests may not be able to afford to attend your wedding, especially if they have to splurge on travel and accommodation costs to be there.
4. Many autumn weddings take place indoors, especially in the UK where it can start getting chilly in September! Having an indoor wedding can sometimes place greater restrictions on your colour and décor ideas, so make sure you’re happy with any compromises you may have to make before you commit to booking.

7 Top Tips for making the most of a Rustic Wedding Theme

Choosing a wedding theme can be really hard – there’s so much inspiration, it’s hard to pick just one!

Here at The Cow Shed we love all things rustic, and rustic, country style weddings are our specialty, so we don’t think you could go wrong with this theme for your big day. It’s pretty, simple to style and works at any time of year, from sunny summer days through to frosty winter ones.

Pick a barn venue

One of the most important parts of the wedding planning process is choosing your wedding venue – and picking one that complements your wedding theme makes all the difference. Barns are the ideal choice for a rustic themed wedding, with their beautiful settings, neutral colours and natural, romantic feel creating a perfect backdrop and relaxed atmosphere.

Use pretty props for styling

There are so many objects you can use to style your rustic-themed wedding; hay bales, jam jars, barrels, logs, apple crates and candles can be given extra finishing touches to turn them from everyday items into pretty wedding props. And they don’t have to be expensive! You can find pieces at flea markets, car boot sales and charity shops for a reasonable price, and get creative with upcycling and embellishments etc. to create your own unique pieces. If you’d prefer to hire them, local florists and wedding hire companies stock most items which they will happily hire to you and also help you with styling.

Make mealtime fun

Rustic weddings and a relaxed, laid back atmosphere go hand in hand, and allow for a little more fun too. So serve up something a little less formal than the traditional three-course wedding breakfast, and opt for a hog roast or barbecue. Dessert could be a selection of classic home-made cakes so guests can choose a slice……or three…… of their favourites. Here at The Cow Shed, Sarah’s repertoire of classic dishes and delicious comfort food is always a winner with our guests, no matter what time of year it is.

Add a twinkly touch

Fairy lights are a must for adding subtle, romantic lighting that perfectly complements your rustic wedding and adds a little touch of magic to your big day. Hung as a backdrop from the ceiling, wrapped around the beams or strung between the eaves, twinkling fairy lights set among beautiful seasonal flowers and foliage are the perfect addition.

Keep it natural

A rustic wedding always has a natural overall finish, neutrally coloured in browns, creams and greens that works well with many colour schemes. There’s no need for chair covers, tablecloths or chair sashes; in fact at The Cow Shed, we use hay bales covered with cosy blankets and wooden trestle tables with simple linen runners, although you could always use burlap or lace depending on your taste.

Weave your theme throughout

Keep your rustic wedding theme in mind when choosing each element of your wedding. Choose wild flowers for simple floral centrepieces and bowers, and have a naked or lace-style cake as your wedding cake. In terms of your dress, add a rustic touch by opting for a simple dress style or a lace design, while your groom could choose a less formal suit with a touch of tweed, or even braces and a flat cap!

Give homemade favours to guests

Everything about a rustic wedding is natural, simple and homemade, so you can be really creative and bring a touch of this to your wedding favours for your guests too. Jars of homemade jam, honey or sweets are good choices, or you could put together hot chocolate and marshmallow jam jar kits for a winter wedding; the possibilities are endless!

If you’re stuck for inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to look for ideas on everything from décor, to dresses to homemade crafty touches. Whatever ideas you have in mind, make sure you discuss them with your venue co-ordinator who will often have plenty of tips and advice to help make your day perfect.

10 First Steps in Planning Your Wedding

Are you getting married next summer? 

Congratulations, that’s wonderful news!

While it may seem like ages away yet, time will quickly fly past, and planning a wedding is no easy task.

For our first blog, and to help all you brides-to-be, we’ve put together a list of 10 things you should do (or may already have sorted – well done you!) to ensure you can stay stress-free and have the wedding of your dreams:

     

      1.    Start a wedding folder or book

Leafing through bridal, lifestyle, fashion and food magazines, you’ll get tonnes of inspiration for your big day, so cutting out what you like and keeping all your ideas and research in one place will make it easier when it comes to making decisions.

      

      2.    Research local suppliers

Photographers, cake makers, florists, bands and caterers can get booked up well in advance, so start researching them now and store information and contact details for them in your wedding folder.

      

      3.    Work out your budget

Decide how much you want, or have, to spend on your wedding, factoring in you and your partner’s savings and contributions from any family members.

     
4.    Choose your wedding party

As soon as you get engaged, your closest friends will start wondering if they’ll be asked, so make your choices and ask them sooner rather than later.

     
5.    Start working on your guest list

Set up a spreadsheet or database you can use throughout the process, to record contact info, RSVPs, gifts and other relevant details. Remember, it may be brutal, but if you’re working with a small budget, the best way to keep costs low is to keep numbers down.

     
6.    Reserve your date and venues

Decide whether you want your wedding all in one place, or in        
separate venues and make sure you visit them to check you’re happy with the space, style etc. Don’t forget to factor in
travelling time between venues if you’re having the ceremony and reception in different places.

     
7.    Hire a planner, if you wish

Wedding planners can really help ease the pressure in planning
a wedding, and will have great relationships with – and insights on – local suppliers. Most wedding venues usually have a dedicated team who can also help plan most aspects of your big day in terms of catering, decoration and entertainment.

     
8.    Book your officiant

If you’re holding your ceremony anywhere other than in a church or registry office, make sure you book your officiant in enough time to secure the date you want.

     
9.   Throw an engagement party

Now’s the time to formally announce your engagement, if you want to, and throw a party to celebrate. Bear in mind that your invitees should also be on your wedding guest list too though.

    
10.   Start thinking about a honeymoon

Again, sometimes it pays to start thinking and planning this well in advance, taking advantage of any special offers and considering any potential weather conditions that may arise at your dream destination e.g. Maldives in July = monsoon season!

There are loads of websites, blogs and guides that offer lots of useful tips and advice, often with downloadable planners and checklists! The best ones we’ve come across are these:

https://www.theknot.com/content/first-wedding-to-dos- a really good guide to what you need to do in the first few weeks after getting engaged.

http://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/13-step-planning-guide_574.htm - 13 simple steps to follow in planning your wedding.

http://onefabday.com/uk/wedding-checklist/ - very comprehensive, this checklist thinks of EVERYTHING – great for those who love making lists and covering every detail!

http://www.realsimple.com/weddings/weddings-planning/wedding-planning-checklist - breaks everything down into simple, manageable steps and timescales.

At the end of the day, planning your wedding should be a lovely and memorable experience, so remember to enjoy it and have fun.

Good luck!