Wedding plans turning into disasters?

We at weddingxtras.co.uk would like to think we can assist you with any of your dilemmas so below we have selected just a few to help you along the path of destruction into the light of day…

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Are you a laid back bride who leaves everything to the last minute and then you cannot cram it all in before the big day, follow these simple steps..

Tackle a task one at a time with a ten minute rule.  This way you will feel productive and in control.

Get your pen and paper out and write up list for each task, once you have completed one list reward yourself with a cuppa and a biscuit. 

Talk to your married friends, get ideas of what was on their lists and work together

Do you find your mind wandering on the more exciting tasks for the wedding then the boring mundane ones, follow our steps...

Enlist in a super-organised friend, they can help write the list and keep you on track

Make a monthly list of tasks and pin them to your fridge

Once you have booked your appointments, cross is off your list and cherish in the moment that you’ve got that done

Are you a worrier, do you over analyse every detail? follow these steps…

You need to take up a plan and relax approach.  Plan all the major things like church/venue, food, cake, dresses and cars, then let everything else fall in to place (we promise it will)

Try to be sensitive when it comes to the man in your life, he doesn’t want to marrying a bridezilla by any means.  Remember to take time out for the two of you and not talk wedding stuff.

Make a list of the priorities for the day and keep this on your fridge, this will remind you for when the flowers do not match the colour of the ribbon, as long as the main things happen (for example husband arriving) then everything else hails insignificants.

Are the all about the fun and not so much about the paperwork, follow these steps to get you organised…

Make two lists of jobs “what you want to do” and “what needs to be done” then for every job that needs to be done you can reward yourself with a job which you want to do.

Thought about sharing the load?  Find out what talents your friends and family have and see if they can help with the invitations or favours.  You never know what talents they have until you ask.

Ultimate count down to your wedding day

Here at weddingxtras.co.uk we would like to assist you through this amazing journey you are about to embark on.  We have separated the important dates into sections to help you breakdown what needs doing, by when.  We hope to make this experience as stress free as possible…

If you like our blogs please follow us and spend a little time to view the great range of personalised wedding gifts on our website, including our best selling personalised cufflinks

Just Engaged…

First and most importantly you must share your fantastic news with all your loved ones

Speak with both sets of parents and find out what your budget will be

Set up a wedding fund account this way it will be easier to track what you have been spending

Talk to your partner and find out when you would like to set the date and where

Decide whether you want a traditional wedding in a church, or whether you would like a more contemporary wedding at a hotel

Write up a draft list of guests

Start researching photographers (good ones also get taken fast)

Once you have made all these decisions arrange appointments with the church or hotel, pick a date and pay your deposits.  Get an arrangement with the photographer and start saving that cash.

9 months to go…

Get both sets of parents together and go over the final guest list, and send out save the date cards

Start collecting samples of material and fabric colours for your dress and bridesmaids

Start searching for your florist, entertainment and DJ/band

Talk with your partner about catering options and what you would like as your wedding breakfast

Search for a cake maker

Book transport from place of getting ready to the church/venue

Check your still on budget

Start searching for the dress (if you find the one buy it as it can take up to 6 months to make)

Start collecting ideas for stationery this including invitations, order of service, and thank you cards

6 months to go…

Order/buy your stationery

Check your passports are valid and book your honeymoon

Talk with your girls/guys and start discussing hen and stag weekend options, draw up a list of potential people to invite

Finalise your guest list

Go shopping for your wedding rings

Arrange menu tasting with your caterer

Have cake tasting sessions with your selected cake maker

Choose and purchase your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses

Begin your beauty and body health routine

3 months to go…

Send out your invitations along with any travel directions, local accommodation information and gift list

Choose your ceremony music

Shop for bridal lingerie and accessories

Have your first dress fitting

Have your first make up and hair trials and book your appointments for on the day

Discuss floral choices with your chosen florist

Maybe take some dance lessons for your first dance

Finalise contact details for your hen and stag weekends

2 months to go…

Confirm all your bookings whether that is hotel, honeymoon, hair, make up, collection of suits, etc

Go shopping for your thank you gifts for the best man, bridesmaids, flower girls, page boys, mother of the bride and mother of the groom

Schedule in a weekend away with your groom to get away and not talk about the wedding

1 month to go…

Start your marriage licence and legal paperwork

Chase any guests who have not responded to your invitations

Confirm you final wedding breakfast menu with your caterer

Sit down with your partner and go over the seating plan

Write out place cards

Collect your wedding dress and suits and practise walking in them and sitting in them

1 week to go…

Pack for your honeymoon ensuring all essentials are packed

Confirm all bookings once again

Make the favours for your guests

Get your hair and nails done maybe even get yourself booked in for a fake tan

Day before…

Ensure everyone in the wedding party knows the plan for tomorrow

Ensure all bags are packed and if possible get them checked into your resort ready for tomorrow

Have a long bath and relax…

On the day…

Have a sustainable breakfast including fibre, this will ensure you are fuller for longer

Breath and relax

Let the professionals work there magic on you and take it all in your stride

And most importantly enjoy the day!

Bodylicious count down

You have 6 months to go before your special day, it’s about time you started working on your bodylicious count down, here at weddingxtras.co.uk we have put together a guide for you to follow to get you to where you want to be on your amazing wedding day…

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6 months to go….

Need to lose some weight before the day, start keeping a food diary you will soon see where your weakness lies.  It’s not all about diets, and cutting out carbs, if you can focus on portion control, healthy snacks and positive thinking you should be able to stick to it whilst keeping busy with all the planning.  Don’t be unrealistic with your goals as you are sure to fail, by keeping the goals small you are more likely to reach them and not get depressed and reach for the biscuit tin.  Also another tip is do not deny yourself a treat once a week, if you exclude all your favourite food then it will become an obsession and you will eventually indulge in it at your own expense, but if you let yourself one meal a week as your treat, you wont feel as though you are missing out.

5 months to go…

Start to introduce gradual exercise into your daily routines.  This hasn’t got to be done everyday, but every couple of weeks increase the amount of times you do it, for example start off by walking around your block, then the next week take this up to two walks a week, then the following week take it up to three walks a week.  If you gradually increase it into your normal routine then it will not seem such a chore.  As your weeks progress try to increase your speed, and the length of the walk maybe even add in some steps.  This process can be applied to any exercise depending on where you want to lose the inches.  If it’s your arms, reach for the baked beans tin and do some arm curls whilst waiting for your dinner to cook.

4 months to go…

After two months of following the exercise and healthy eating we think you deserve a treat so go and book yourself a pamper session at your local spa.  Why not get your husband to be involved and maybe book a double massage experience or check in to a health spa for a night.

3 months to go…

Has realisation hit you yet? Just realised you only have 3 months to go before your special day and you really need to lose those extra inches or pounds then why not book yourself onto a bootcamp for a weekend? Going on a bootcamp will give you the extra push you need to keep going at your plan, why not get your bridesmaids or husband to be involved too.  Getting others involved will make the experience a lot more enjoyable and it will give you a new memory to share for the rest of your lives.

2 months to go…

Is your healthy eating becoming a drag and your beginning to slip?  Dig out your food diary from 4 months ago and remind yourself of what you have achieved so far.  If it helps start the food diary again, and you will see where your weakness lies and you can improve your healthy eating again.  Are the foods getting boring, need some alternative recipes to spice up your meals, get logging on to search engines and look for some fresh ideas this will defiantly kick start your healthy eating plan.

1 month to go…

Things can getting stressed right about now and we are sure what with final preparations getting underway, receiving all those acceptance cards and final dress fittings.  Now is the time to take some time out and treat yourself to a reflexology session or if you can handle it an acupuncture session to ease away all the stress.  Although you have been so good at keeping your body in shape, you must remember to take time out ease your mind.  Having these treatments will help you to cleanse your thoughts and see things in a much brighter and clearer light, which will help ease the stress of everything going on.

2 weeks to go…

You have been doing really well but it’s the time to find that extra strength to bring forward for the next few weeks.  Now is the time to cut out the alcohol and replace caffeine with water, you really need to detox your body so your skin is flawless and bright for your special day.

7 days to go…

Don’t give up on the detox but do treat yourself to an all over body scrub, this will get blood circulating around your body and will encourage the fat tissues to break down into toxins which you will eventually sweat out.

24 hours to go…

Give yourself a pat on the back!  You have done amazing over the past 6 months and look at what you have achieved. WELL DONE!! Okay the nerves are kicking in, you have butterflies in your stomach, and you have last minute panic about “what if something goes wrong”… take this time to treat yourself to a face mask and pedicure.  Get the girls over and have a girlie afternoon (minus the caffeine, sugar and alcohol) put on your favourite chick flicks and music and give each other a pedicure and face masks.  Now is the time to relax and unwind and enjoy what you have mastered over the last 6 months.

On the day…

Congratulations, the day has finally arrived and we hope you look and feel amazing today.  Just a last few tips from weddingxtras.co.uk and you are free to enjoy what will be your most treasured memorable day… Ensure you have a sustainable breakfast, including fibre, so wholemeal toast, or porridge.  This will keep you fuller for longer, but will also help to absorb all the alcohol you may drink today.  Try and be conscious of your consumption after all you haven’t drunk alcohol in over two weeks so firstly you maybe be slightly tipsy before your first dance, but secondly you don’t want to be dehydrated the following day and spoil your glow with a horrible handover.

We hope you have an amazing wedding day and gorgeous honeymoon.

Want a wedding day with a difference?

Are you a bride or a groom who likes things different? Do you like to be unique? Do you fancy having something different at your wedding which will make your guests go WOW!?

We at weddingxtras.co.uk have put together a list of unique ideas which can turn your special day into an extra ordinary day which your guests will never forget!  If you like our blogs please follow us and take a look at our great range of grooms gifts and brides gifts

Get your guests involved:

• Purchase a large canvas and provide felt pens so your guests can leave a memento message for you both to enjoy for the rest of your lives.
• Is the bride having a bouquet? Why not raffle it to raise money for charity in the memory of someone special
• Why not get the guests singing at your wedding reception, hand out carol booklets filled with your favourite songs, for a good old sing-a-long
• Have a dress code (this could be fancy dress, or just one particular items of clothing or colour)
• Set up a slide show of childhood photos of all your guests
• Provide each table with video cameras so they can provide you with a home video of the day

Decorations

• Make your theme based on your favourite film, show or music
• Hire an impersonator as a guest
• Have a simple wedding breakfast – example: fishfingers, chips and beans

Yourselves:

• Brave enough to go nude? Why not get nude sculptures made of you both to put at the top of your cake?
• Fancy arriving at the reception on the back of a motorbike? Or golf buggy?
• Get your wedding rings engraved with the same saying
• Why not read each other love letters from your early days, or select a few quotes from romantic poems or quotations in your speech to each other.
• Sing your vows to each other
• Bride: incorporate elements from your mothers wedding dress into yours
• Groom: try different colours, textiles for your suit, get personalised cufflinks
• Have your pet/s as ring bearer/s
• Bride: arrive early for your ceremony

Mother of the Bride (MOB) survival guide

Are you the mother of the bride? Do you want your daughters wedding to go off without a hitch?  Here at weddingxtras.co.uk we have put together a survival guide to enable you and your daughter to have a stress free day, just follow our simple steps.  If you like our blogs please follow us and take a look at our great Mother of the Bride thank you gifts

First Aid Kit

Mother of the bride should always carry the essential first aid kit with them throughout the day, this should include:

Packet of tissues

Confetti

Camera

Comb

Lipstick

But along side the essentials you will need to think of others too:

Mints for the groom (post pint in the local pub)

Pumps for the girls (for when the dancing commences)

Paracetamol for the bride (all those hair grips)

Chocolate bar for the bride (encase she needs a sugar rush)

Baby wipes for everyone (whether it is chocolate fingers, or that spilled drink)

Imodium Instants for everyone (encase the day gets too much)

If you are staying at the hotel where the wedding is being held you would crowned queen of all MOB if you can get a bag of the things mentioned below to keep in your room for the just encases:

First Aid kit including plasters, safety pins, smelling salts

Spot remover/ make up (for touch-ups) incl mirror

Bride’s Mobile phone

Extra earring backs

Dental floss/toothpicks

Mini sewing kit

Nail file/ clear nail varnish

Hair pins/ponytail holder

Perfume and deodorant

If you manage to get all these things together we at weddingxtras.co.uk can confirm your daughters special day will defiantly go without a hitch!

Every thought about haggling but never had the guts??

Here at weddingxtras.co.uk we want you to have the best wedding day ever, and we understand that every penny counts!  So here are a few of our guides to help you haggle your way to the right price…If you like our blogs please follow us and check out our great ange of personalised wedding gifts

Venue Costs

Scenario: You’ve fallen in love with the venue and you just have to have it, but its way over your asking price…

Haggle: Ask the coordinator how flexible they can be on the price, then reveal that your upper limit is £X (always state £1000 under what you can actually afford, this will then give you space to bargain with them).  If that doesn’t succeed, find out if there are any extras which can be taken away from the package to lower the price a little further.

Hire Car Costs

Scenario: You husband to be wants that specific car and make, but your not sure if the salesperson has given you the best cost around…

Haggle: Shop around on the internet, check out prices with other companies and see if it’s any different, if so you will have backup to be able to tend play quotes off against each company.

Photography Costs

Scenario:  You’ve found the perfect photographer and you love his/her style, but his/her price is way more than what you wanted to spend….

Haggle: Meet the photographer face to face and explain to him/her that you love his/her work and be honest about what you are able to spend, see if you are able to make it work for the both of you.

Catering Costs

Scenario:  You’ve got yourself a caterer but you feel they are still quoting you over the budget...

Haggle: Say to them you will agree to pay the discussed price if they are willing to upgrade your main course, from one choice of meat to the pricier meat in the range.

Flower Costs

Scenario: You’ve searched all around your local florists and you’ve agreed a fab price on gorgeous arrangements, but you want to see you if you can get anything else of it for the price…

Haggle: Before you sign the contract see if they are able to provide you with petals from flowers which have not sold the day before your wedding, explain that you would like them to scatter in your bridal suite as a surprise for your husband to be on the night of your wedding.  (chances are the flowers will only get dumped if they are not sold, so you might be able to rescue them free of charge)

WARNING ALL BRIDES!!! (keeping stess factors at bay and hold on to you sanity)

You will encounter several stress factors leading up to your big day, but here at weddingxtras.co.uk we would like to help you unravel the stress and help you feel at ease with the whole process.  Here are some problems you may encounter with a little help from us!

Problem 1: Your husband to be is more interested in football than talking about your wedding…

HELP: It may be hard but try a little patience with him you will find men are really great with specific instructions on the tasks they can get excited about.  For example he could organise the DJ, or the entertainment. If you pick tasks which he has interest in then you are guarantee to get 100% concentration.

Problem 2:  Your Mother in Law has chosen an awful outfit for your day….

HELP: It could be really hard but try a little tact and restraint.  When you approach the issue try to be subtly maybe you could plan a shopping trip together.  Even better why not book her a session with a stylist as a Mother of the Groom thank you gift and you could then get two rewards in one hit. 

Problem 3: Your line manager states you are too distracted and your work is suffering…..

HELP: It can be a common problem for many brides letting the wedding arrangements takeover your work and social life, but you must try to get a balance.  It is well known that our best ideas come when we get some breathing space, so try to prioritise your daily tasks and allow yourself a break from the wedding arrangements.

Problem 4: Your mum is taking over the wedding arrangements…

HELP: This may be hard to do for some brides but you need to try to be assertive with your mum and explain as much as you love her advice and input it is still your wedding and some decisions are non-negotiable.

Problem 5: Your bridesmaids disagree with every dress you have chosen for them….

HELP: It is your wedding day and they should wear the dress that you have chosen, but you do want your bridesmaids feeling confident and happy on your day, so you will have to learn to be flexible with them.   Ask them what styles they like, and see if you can find a company that offers multiple styles in the same colour to keep everyone happy.

Problem 6: Your family and friends are getting bored of all the wedding talk…

HELP: This can be a very common problem for brides as all your attention to detail will be taken up with your wedding thoughts, but spare a minute for your family and friends.  Although you wedding is your number one priority remember that your family and friends have their own lives too, let them know you are interested in their lives and sparing the time for a catch up will give you that “break” you need and find a balance.