wedding trend

HOW TO STAY SANE WHILE WEDDING PLANNING?

HOW TO STAY SANE WHILE WEDDING PLANNING?

Oskar on stage with the Editor of Tie The Knot Scotland Magazine

Recently, I have been tasked by the wonderful Beth from Tie the Knot Scotland Magazine to join her on stage of The Scottish Wedding Show in Glasgow on 19th and 20th February which attracted a whopping 9,719 attendees over the two days and answer some of the trickier wedding planning questions in an interview.

In today’s blog, I share with you the questions posed to me during the interview and the answers I have given to help you navigate your way around the challenges of wedding planning especially when family politics, traditions and the topic of money comes into play.

Want to find out more? You’ll need to check out the below paragraphs.


Blog by OSKAR GILCHRIST-GRODNICKI

If we haven’t met before - I’m Oskar and I’ve been involved in the wedding industry since 2009!

After 13+ years in the industry, I have run, delivered and planned over 600 weddings in my career and received 5 industry awards for excellence in my work.

Nowadays, I plan weddings in Scotland, UK, conduct legally-binding Humanist ceremonies, consult and coach wedding businesses internationally and in my spare time, I blog about all things weddings and feature as an industry speaker.

Most recently, I also partner with my husband George behind Edinburgh Wedding Directory - simply because we’re married to the job too! :)

Hit the chatbox option if you would like to talk some more today!


1.         How to ask for wedding finance support from your family?

You don’t want to seem rude or ungrateful, so do your research, set a budget and then ask parents if they would be willing to contribute to it.

Not sure how to set a budget - chatbox messages me today! I have some templates for you!


2.         How to involve your family in wedding planning and avoid misunderstandings? Including allocating roles in bridal party etc. and how to avoid disappointment e.g. if a would-be ‘bridesmaid’ doesn’t end up getting asked to be one?

Oskar discussing a wedding magazine in front of the fire at Christmas

Sit down and decide how many members of the wedding party you would ideally like to have, not just aspiration but realistic budget for outfits, hair and makeup, cars, accommodation, etc.

Additionally, having too many people involved can also carry its challenges – it is definitely something to be mindful of.

If you foresee some of the guests getting disappointed for not being given the Bridesmaid title, Best Man, etc. consider involving them in other parts of the day that won’t have as much impact on your plan such as ushering to ceremony seats, ceremony symbolic gestures, readings, reading out cards as part of the speeches, doing MC-ing duties for speeches, announcements and cake cutting/first dance.

Secondly, don’t assume everyone has the same ideas or expectations. Again, do your research, set a vision, mood-boards, budgets and outline what you’re hoping for in your wedding plan. Then communicate your vision, plans and choices to those who want to help you and assign specific roles if you want to avoid disappointment.

Would you have handled this otherwise, let us know in the comments below.


3.         How to communicate children-free wedding?

Let your guests know from the get-go including Save the Dates, so that your guests can make alternative arrangements early.

Don’t beat about the bush and be consistent if only family children are coming,

If budget, space or limited changing facilities come into play, be honest about these, your guests will appreciate knowing this in advance.

Nevertheless, if for any reason you still receive an RSVP with children on it, don’t act on emotion, relax and phone them, over the phone conversations will deflate the emotions.

What’s your opinion children at weddings or not? Let me know in the comments below.


 4.         How to request cash instead of presents?

Using cash registry website can help you with that and be specific why you’re asking for cash and how you’re going to use it - honeymoon, house deposit, house improvements, etc.

Example: “The most important thing to us is that you are able to celebrate with us on our wedding day. However, if you wish to give a gift, we will gratefully accept a small contribution towards our honeymoon.”

Example: “We are extremely lucky to have love, laughter and house full of furniture, so if you'd like to help us celebrate with a gift, we've set up a honeymoon fund at…”

Now that’s a hot topic - how would you approach it? Chatbox message me today if you’re still not sure how to go about it!


 5.         How to tell someone who expected an invitation that they are not invited i.e. plus one’s?

My advice is not to put it off and thank them for reaching out and offer them honestly – whether that’s budget constraint, venue size, keeping the wedding to absolute minimum as funding the wedding yourselves – they’ll appreciate your honesty and appreciate your instant response.

On the other hand, if it’s a distant family member, speak to your parents, they might be able to help defuse the situation.

Will you be inviting plus one’s? Let us know in the comments below.


 6.         How to approach doing the wedding seating plan? E.g. family politics/divorced relatives at play etc.

Oskar fixing flower during wedding setup

Do it visually and don’t leave it off!

Statistically, your numbers will only drop by a maximum of 10% (give or take) from your initial guest list to RSVPs, so why would you hold off until the last minute when you’ll have so much more to work out and confirm in the final months before the wedding?

Ask your venue for samples of table layout in the room and have these printed on large paper or simply use A4 sheet per table in that same layout.

Colour coordinated tabs will help you to organise your guests into groups - top table / immediate family / distant family / friends / colleagues, etc. and play about with it, there are no wrong answers!

Having it laid out visually in front of you, will make it real and a lot easier to navigate as you can always peel and move the tabs as necessary.

Are you going to wait with your table planning until RSVPs - knowing how much planning goes into it? Give me Y for Yes and N for No in the comments.


 7.         How to avoid clashing over traditions with family?

Always relate back to their experience of wedding planning! Ask them how it made them feel when traditions were being forced on them while wedding planning! You’ll see the change instantly!

On the other hand, if your family are contributing to the wedding, remember to be empathetic and open to compromise, yet remind them politely that this is your wedding and why you believe so strongly about something.

Have you ever felt pressured to follow traditions? Chatbox messages me today if you need help navigating this sensitive subject.


8.         How to avoid others influencing your decision?

Oskar checking stright lines in the top table setup

Set boundaries from the beginning and explain your expectations and why it is so important to you!

 

Again, don’t act on emotion and be sympathetic, for example: “I’ve dreamed of this day my entire life and there are certain things I really want to do myself.”

 

Another example: “I appreciate everything you are doing, and what would really be helpful is if you took care of this thing. The rest is something that I want to do.”

Would you now assign specific and defined roles to your wedding party to avoid disappointment? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.


 9.         How to compromise with your significant other half on the big decisions?

Ensure you take time to research your expectations before you start making decisions and lay them out to one another.

Creating a common wedding email address will help you to ensure you both have got the access to it and can be involved in all conversations.

If you start feeling heated about something, step back from it and review later. Don’t ever make rushed decision on an emotion! Setting “wedmin” days/times when all you do is concentrate on wedding decision making, will help you be more focused and less frantic, therefore distracted.

Finally, why not celebrate big decisions with a drink you both enjoy – wouldn’t that be lovely? Wedding planning has its challenges, so why not treat each other in the process for the challenges you overcome together!

Have you had any other ideas on how to come to an agreement when wedding planning? Let us know in the comments.


Have you found this wedding planning blog post useful?

Let us know your thoughts about this blog post in the comment below and if you’ve found this blog post helpful - share it far and wide as it is not always easy wedding planning and other wedding planning couples might find some comfort in the topics I raised here.

If you would rather watch the recording of the interview - check out the link below.

On the main stage of The Scottish Wedding Show

HOW TO STAY SANE WHILE WEDDING PLANNING

Wanting to DISCOVER more? Book a 15 minutes FREE consultation today!

MY COUPLES' TOP WEDDING VENUE CHOICES IN SCOTLAND

MY COUPLES’ TOP WEDDING VENUE CHOICES IN SCOTLAND

Very often I am being asked for recommendations of venues and it’s always a tough one as it really depends on what you’re looking for and what your priorities are! One thing is certain, all venues I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years know their stuff and pride themselves on executing weddings very well! They get it that this is going to be one of the most important days of your life, if not the most important day!

Now, instead of asking me for recommendations and as I appreciate many of you will be looking for your dream wedding venues in January and February, I thought to showcase to you the venues my couples most popularly choose for their special day.

Have you got your favourite venue? Tag it in the comments below.


HOPETOUN HOUSE

Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland’s finest stately home at its heart. Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a welcoming and thriving 6,500-acre community with a great deal to offer all year round.

Hopetoun House was purpose-built in 1699 to bring families and friends together in celebration and has been a family home for over 300 years. The Hope family still live in the house and invite you to enjoy their home for your special day, with the offer of exclusive use of the Stables and Ballroom.

So why not celebrate in one of Scotland’s most iconic ballrooms, adorned with priceless tapestries and magnificent crystal chandeliers.

Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration from 80 to 200 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Hopetoun House today!

https://www.facebook.com/HopetounHouse

https://www.instagram.com/hopetounhouse

weddings@hopetoun.co.uk


DUNDAS CASTLE

Secluded in the peaceful countryside of its own 400-acre estate, yet only 8 miles from Edinburgh, Dundas Castle offers all the comforts and high standards associated with the best of hotels. The difference is – when you choose Dundas for your special event, it belongs solely to you and your guests for the duration of your stay. No other guests, no distractions.

From the medieval to the elegant, the great outdoors to the intimate indoors, there are many locations to choose from for your unique ceremony.

Continue the celebrations with a delicious wedding breakfast followed by dancing the night away. Whether you are looking for an intimate setting or a larger location, there are several options available.

With 17 charming bedrooms within the Castle, they can accommodate up to 37 adult guests and have additional beds for children.

Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration up to 200 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Dundas Castle today!

https://www.facebook.com/DundasCastleScotland

http://instagram.com/dundascastle

weddings@dundascastle.co.uk


RESTORATION YARD

Restoration Yard is a unique wedding venue set at the heart of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park. Set in a wonderfully re-imagined 18th-century stables and courtyard, Restoration Yard is the perfect space to hold your dream wedding.

The venue is located just outside Edinburgh in Midlothian. Their 1,000-acre park spans through both Midlothian and East Lothian, perfectly situated for your guests to travel with plenty of accommodation options around the venue.

Perhaps you’d like an outdoor wedding ceremony in their historic Orangery? Or to dance the night away in their restaurant, The Kitchen? The choice is yours.

Ideal wedding venue for a beautiful celebration for up to 90 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Restoration Yard today!

https://www.facebook.com/RestorationYard/

https://www.instagram.com/restorationyard

events@restorationyard.com


BROXMOUTH COURTYARD 

Once home to the Duke of Roxburgh, Broxmouth has welcomed some very well-known visitors over the years from Queen Victoria and Oliver Cromwell, to more recently Gary Barlow. This rustic, yet luxury Courtyard dating back to 1841 is currently being restored to its former beauty, in order to host some of the most excellent banquets and weddings from 2022.

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish reception, Broxmouth Courtyard is the perfect venue to make your wedding day truly remarkable. With its magnificent gardens, woodland and lake, Broxmouth Courtyard offers an abundance of choices for your dream outdoor ceremony.

The Broxmouth Menu offers a plethora of luxury cuisines for you to design your own bespoke menu. And the Honeymoon suite for the wedding couple, overlooking the loch, together with a private hot tub is also included so you feel really indulged on the morning of the wedding.

At Broxmouth, the team understands that no two weddings are the same, the venue is unique as it offers you the opportunity to create the wedding of your dreams.

A newly restored beautiful venue for 100 to 200 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Broxmouth Park today!

https://www.facebook.com/broxmouth/

https://www.instagram.com/broxmouthcourtyard

events@broxmouth.com


THE RHYND

Built well over a century ago, the Rhynd has been owned by the Foster family since the early 1950s, and up until the late 1990s, the space was a working farm. The café used to be a grain store while the event space was a cattle shed.

It is now beautifully restored with limitless potential for each couple to make it truly their own! They have kept as much of it as original as possible, so you don't need to do much if you don't want to!

The venue is super flexible with suppliers and drink/food service, there is nothing they cannot accommodate.

In addition to that, The Rhynd Farmhouse is a beautifully restored house that sleeps nine guests and is located only twenty metres away from the function spaces.

Completely your own wedding venue for up to 140 guests.

Want to find out more? Follow The Rhynd today!

https://www.facebook.com/TheRhynd/

https://www.instagram.com/therhynd/

lisa@craigiefarm.co.uk


KINKELL BYRE

Kinkell Byre, stunningly located on the coast just outside St Andrews, allows you to create your perfect event. The venue offers you exclusive hire of a converted barn, which is full of character and rustic charm. There is plenty of room inside and outside with spectacular sea views.

Kinkell Byre gives you the chance to build your own event with as much freedom as possible. The venue is a blank canvas retaining many original features. Their experienced team will give you as much or as little help and advice as you want. This allows you to really put your personal touch on your truly unique event.

The venue also offers optional hire of tables, chairs, and Chesterfield sofas directly from Kinkell Byre. Or if you love the venue but don’t want the blank canvas option, they can organise a full wedding package on request. 

Kinkell Byre is made up of separate areas which allows each part of your day to have its own space, which can all be set up in advance. There is no need for room re-setting, which helps create a relaxed flow to your day.

The average wedding here at Kinkell Byre is between 100-120 people, however, the space is extremely flexible and has hosted weddings from 60 people to 450 people.

Want to find out more? Follow The Kinkell Byre today!

https://www.facebook.com/kinkellbyre/

https://www.instagram.com/kinkell_byre

info@kinkell.com


THE OLD DR BELL’S BATHS

The Old Dr Bell’s Baths offer all-inclusive packages that are equipped and designed to remove all the stress from wedding planning!

The packages include high-quality decoration, flowing fizz and exquisite food provided by their incredible in-house catering team, the most refined touches on your event are taken care of.

The venue has one aim – to provide their couples with a perfect wedding day experience. And they achieve this by relying on their expert team!

A fabulous one-stop shop for up to 100 wedding guests!

Want to find out more? Follow The Old Dr Bell’s Baths today!

https://www.facebook.com/theolddrbellsbaths/

https://www.instagram.com/theolddrbells

events@theolddrbellsbaths.com


THE BONHAM

With beautiful event spaces full of character and luxurious decor, The Bonham is a truly luxurious venue for an unforgettable wedding day.

The team is pleased to be able to host wedding ceremonies and receptions in the Dean Suite. You can also enjoy access to the private Drumsheugh Gardens, which provide the perfect setting for your photographs.

At the Bonham, they know that it’s the little details that make your big day special and your dedicated Wedding Coordinators will be on hand to help and support you during the preparations and on your big day.

Ideal venue for a more intimate wedding hosting up to 40 guests.

Want to find out more? Follow The Bonham today!

https://www.facebook.com/thebonham/

https://www.instagram.com/bonhamhotel/

events@thebonham.com


Intercontinental Edinburgh The George

What’s in your heart for the wedding day of your dreams? A traditional Scottish occasion or maybe something more contemporary? An elaborate and traditional gathering in the majestic King’s Hall or perhaps an elegant, smaller celebration in the Forth View Suite? InterContinental Edinburgh The George can make your dream a reality. With their team of event specialists to help set the scene and plan your big day to perfection, you can be sure of a truly stunning and memorable time for you, your partner and all of your guests.

The Historic King’s Hall lends a classic scene for larger weddings celebrations including the ceremony and evening reception, where 18th-century décor with original features creates a sense of history and drama for everyone. 

The Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth is unique and perfect for smaller weddings or bridal prep. Moreover, access to private manicured gardens offer a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs and videos.

An historic and grand New Town venue for up to 200 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Intercontinental Edinburgh The George today!

https://www.facebook.com/IntercontinentalEdinburgh/

https://www.instagram.com/intercontinentaledinburgh

EdinburghTheGeorgeConference@ihg.com


Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh

Set in a stunning city centre location, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, The Royal College of Physicians on Queen Street is a prestigious place to host your dream wedding and celebrate in style.

With a stunning choice of the New Library, Cullen Suite and the Great Hall, RCPE offers a variety of options for your ceremony and reception. The tradition and atmosphere are felt through Georgian architecture, traditional bookcases and grand pillars.

Providing a panel of well tested and professional suppliers, the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh team will work closely with your choice of caterers to create a truly magical event.

This truly spectacular venue can hold weddings from 40 to 150.

Want to find out more? Follow Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh today!

https://www.facebook.com/rcpevenue/

https://www.instagram.com/rcpevenue

venue@rcpe.ac.uk


Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre

This historic building is home to a renovated and contemporary wedding venue, including the penthouse with a roof terrace. Venue’s dedicated wedding coordinators will take care of every detail and make sure that you have an easy planning process.

Whether it be a grand-scale celebration or an intimate family wedding, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre can offer a stunning venue for your special day at the heart of Edinburgh. With a team of experienced and dedicated event planners, their personalised approach will help create the wedding of your dreams.    

From a red-carpet arrival to a beautifully decorated wedding breakfast, the team will work closely with you and recommend local suppliers to ensure that every single detail is exactly as you have imagined it. Whether you would like to say “I do” with Edinburgh Castle perfectly framed behind you in the Penthouse or dreaming of a blank canvas ideal to be tailored for your dream day in their Orchardfield Suite, Doubletree by Hilton can cater to all your needs.

For an unforgettable wedding day, you can either book their all-inclusive Wedded Bliss package or their bespoke wedding option which is as unique as you are.

This contemporary venue with Edinburgh Castle views can accommodate up to 130 guests.

Want to find out more? Follow Doubletree By Hilton today!

https://www.facebook.com/SKYbarEdinburgh

https://www.instagram.com/skybar_edinburgh

weddings@doubletreeedinburghcity.co.uk


WEDDERLIE HOUSE

This beautiful, newly renovated venue filled with peacocks and pheasants will charm you upon your first visit! Wedderlie House is an exclusive use venue, accommodating only one wedding or event at a time. This means the whole estate is yours to enjoy.

The 50-acre estate which is set around a central courtyard with atmospheric festoon lighting, the grounds that are laid out to beautiful lawns, a walled rose garden, grassy paddocks and native woodland, provide a wealth of beautiful spots for an outdoor ceremony, ensuring no two weddings will be the same.

 Two carefully restored historic barns, with exposed beams and original sandstone walls, provide the perfect blank canvas for an indoor ceremony or a more intimate wedding breakfast.

Their elegant marquee in the garden adjacent to the Stables for your wedding breakfast, with an enclosed garden is also included in your hire.

 This magical venue in the Scottish Borders can host venues for up to 140 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Wedderlie House today!

https://www.facebook.com/wedderliehouse/

https://www.instagram.com/wedderliehouse/

kamile@wedderliehouse.com


HARBOUR CHAPEL

This beautifully restored Historic Wesleyan Chapel is the oldest in Scotland and dates back to 1764. John Wesley preached in the chapel on 21 occasions and in 1770 he wrote:

“In the evening I preached at the new house at Dunbar, the cheerfullest in all the Kingdom”

This spectacular former church and elegant reception bar create an exquisite destination in which to celebrate your love.

Imagine getting married and then celebrating in an atmospheric and historic space lit by magnificent stained-glass windows originating from St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Complimented by oak pulpit and balcony, as well as small outdoor garden and one minute walk to the historic Victoria Harbour with castle remains, an outdoor amphitheatre and stunning panoramic views – you’ve got it all on their door step!

Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration from 70 to 120 guests!

Want to find out more? Follow Harbour Chapel today!

 https://www.facebook.com/theharbourchapel/

https://www.instagram.com/theharbourchapel/

info@harbourchapel.com


SONAS HOTEL COLLECTION

What can be more romantic than getting married on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland?

Sonas Hotel Collection offers a choice of three luxury, yet intimate and boutique wedding venues - Skeabost, Duisdale and Toravaig, each with their own individual personality but all with the same warm island hospitality and a passion for sharing local produce!

Surrounded by private gardens, water and hill views, those full of historic character wedding venues are a natural oasis of peace in which to celebrate your love!

Proudly holders of 2 AA Rosette winning restaurants and Wedding Venue of the Year with Scottish Hotel Awards on many occasions, Sonas Hotel Collection offer a unique opportunity to celebrate your weddings from 20 to 100 guests and you can do so on exclusive use basis!

Would you like to Find your Happy Ever After on the Isle of Skye? Follow Skye Weddings today!

https://www.facebook.com/IsleofSkyeWeddings

https://www.instagram.com/skyewedding/

weddings@sonashotelcollection.com


WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken a look at the most popular venues my couple clients choose for their special day, but what are the venues you’re considering?

What’s important to you?

What’ informs your decision and what are your motivations?

Let’s take a minute to share your notes and help other couples make their important decision - share your opinions and tips in the comments below.

*All images used have been credited back to their authors with click-through links.

Proudly Celebrating Love, By Tasha Monaghan Leung at Fuze Ceremonies

Proudly Celebrating Love, By Tasha Monaghan Leung at Fuze Ceremonies

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A Lesbian, A Bisexual, and A Kickass Wedding

You know that feeling when you find someone who truly accepts you for who you, and you know that there is no one else you would rather spend the rest of your days with?  Everything has fallen into place, and you can’t wait to plan your future together - it’s just magic isn’t it?  Love is one of the most precious things you can experience and getting married should be one of the happiest times in your life.

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However, when myself and my partner, Lauren, got engaged back in 2012, there was a slight snag…we weren’t legally allowed to get married… isn’t that wild??  So… we bought a lovely house in the meantime and patiently waited until Scotland legalised same-sex marriage in December 2014 (now part of the 31 countries in the world who do so today).

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And the “fun” of wedding planning begins…

Fantastic news - time to plan the wedding!  We were so excited to get started.  Although we were officially recognised in the eyes of law, we soon realised that perhaps the wedding industry wasn’t quite ready for us… Going to a wedding show particularly sticks out in my mind.  Lauren and I walked up to various suppliers, as you do, hand in hand, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 

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“Who’s the lucky man?”, “Which one of you is the bride?”, “Oh, is this your bridesmaid?”, “Tell me about your hubby-to-be!”

GROAN!!  We were literally holding hands, both engagement rings glittering in the light!  All the signs were there, henny!  What should have been an enjoyable experience left us utterly bummed out and frustrated.  Having lived almost our entire lives as out and proud, it felt like we were being shoved back into the closet, forced to relive a hellish nightmare of coming out repeatedly, suddenly anxiety-ridden that we would be angrily rejected, a la homophobic American bakery.  It was not an enjoyable day.

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The most exciting part was about to truly begin

Luckily, we had some stand-out, amazing experiences to balance this out - seeing many, many live bands (a great excuse for a night out!), tasting delicious cakes, and making genuine friends with our photographers.  We married in 2016, on the stunning grounds of Mar Hall – where we got engaged – and our wedding co-ordinator and the staff were more than happy to make our dreams come true.  Our celebrant from Fuze Ceremonies listened carefully to our story and delivered a beautiful and touching ceremony.  We proudly declared our love for each other, joined by our closest family and friends.  As you can see, we were beaming with joy.

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And the memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives

I can quite honestly say, it was the best day of my life, and if I could relive it, I would in a heartbeat!  I would, however, say my vows first – I was so overcome with emotion after hearing Lauren’s vows, I ugly-cried two sentences into my own!  Seriously, she had to calm me down.  We laughed at how I’d set everyone else off too, ha ha.  Our guests told us how much they loved our ceremony and how personal it was, some even said it was the best wedding they’d ever been to! (Apart from their own, of course!)

(Photo credit: The Gibsons Photographers)


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Why I Became a Wedding Celebrant

Eventually coming down from the high of the big day, I reflected on the entire experience.  I wanted every betrothed couple to feel as amazing as me and Lauren felt on our wedding day… and I wanted absolutely no one to feel the way we did at that wedding show. 

Now, I LOVE a wedding, and Mahatma Gandhi was swimming around in my head, whispering, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  What a wonderful thing to be able to do… what if I were to combine my freakish organisational skills, my creative flair and speaking skills (I worked in training at the time) with the ability to play a part in people’s most special day?  How lovely to be a welcoming and understanding face for LGBT+ couples and help them proudly celebrate their love – to be exactly the kind of celebrant I would have loved to have. 

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A celebrant who truly understands LGBT+ community first-hand…

Now please don’t get me wrong, our celebrant was lovely and did a fantastic job.  But Lauren and I would have loved the option of having a celebrant who knew first-hand what we were feeling and had personally walked down similar paths in life.  I feel that it’s important to have a choice of celebrants that reflects the diversity of all the engaged couples out there.

Due to the trajectory of my career at the time, I put this idea on the backburner.  But such is life, redundancy pulled it back into the spotlight, and this time it had my full attention.  I trained with the UKCAPSA (UK Celebrant & Professional Skills Academy – an extension of Fuze Ceremonies) and got my SQA Qualification which gave me the skills and knowledge needed to create and deliver truly bespoke ceremonies.

I absolutely adore getting to know my couples’ love stories, and being able to retell them to their nearest and dearest is an absolute pleasure and an honour.  It just brings be such joy to feel the love radiating around the room!  Here’s Dani & James Jasper who were the very first couple I married in Clashnessie.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the…beach!

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(Photo Credit: Craig Johnson Photography)


How to Choose Your Celebrant

You wouldn’t necessarily book the first venue or wedding outfit you saw, so why would you do so with your celebrant?  One of the great things about Fuze Ceremonies is that we have lots of celebrants to choose from, and we all have different personalities and something special to offer, so you’re bound to find the perfect one for your day.

It’s important that you find a celebrant who you get on with and is on the same wavelength as you – after all, they will play such a big part in your wedding day, they will be intertwined with your memories.  Have a browse through celebrants’ bios and social media, which is a great way to see what they’re all about (these days it’s much easier to tell if they are LGBT+ friendly – phew!).  Check if they are available on your wedding day, as celebrants get booked years in advance, so it’s best to check to avoid disappointment…it’s never too early too book!

Make a shortlist of celebrants you are interested in and contact each one to have a chat with them.  They will be more than happy to explain what they can do for you and answer any of your questions.  Think about who you would like to stand at the end of the aisle with you, and then secure your booking with them!  Easy peasy 😊

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Create a Ceremony That’s True to You

When you close your eyes and imagine your wedding day, what do you see?  Maybe a deeply romantic and dramatic affair?  Perhaps a pared-back, easy going day?  Or even a loud, funny, lively celebration?  The beauty of a Humanist Ceremony is that your celebrant works directly with you to achieve exactly the kind of ceremony you want. 

There are no rules, apart from making your declaration and signing the marriage schedule – you can do whatever you want!  You could live your forest fantasy and get married in the woods (think of the pictures!).  You could have your furry (trustworthy) babies as ringbearers.  You could even walk down the aisle to RuPaul’s ‘Sissy that Walk’ if you wanted to!  The possibilities are endless.  But if you don’t have a clear vision in your head, do not fret, as your celebrant will give you plenty of suggestions on how to make your ceremony meaningful and memorable, like symbolic gestures and readings, which can be a great way to involve the thespians in your guestlist.

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Freedom from Tradition - Flexibility to Create Your Own Rules

One of the things I love about an LGBT+ wedding is that you can easily toss ‘traditions’ out the window and create your own rules!  In fact, I think everyone should if they want to!  For example, instead of defining your wedding party by gender, choosing only bridesmaids or groomsmen (and snubbing your favourite people in the process), why not have ‘mates of honour’?  The only requirement is, they have to be awesome.

Who comes down the aisle?  Well, both of you if you’d like!  You could make separate entrances, accompanied by whoever is deemed worthy of the privilege, go it alone (why you all gagging so?) or you could walk in together, like the power couple you are.

Please do not feel like you have to do what people ‘expect’ you to do – this is YOUR wedding day, so don’t dim your shine to make anyone else feel comfortable (friendly advice - if anyone makes you feel like you should, maybe they shouldn’t attend!).  Celebrate your love proudly, unapologetically, and make it a day to remember for all the right reasons.  Relax, and enjoy every second of it.

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Your FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Answered

In preparation to my LIVE Interview with George from Edinburgh Wedding Directory on Thursday 15th July 2021, you have sent through a number of questions and having reviewed the most frequently asked questions in the past year, I decided to give you a snapshot of answers in my next few paragraphs below.

Are you ready to have your questions answered? Scroll down to check out what I have prepared for you this time in terms of tips and wedding planning hints!

Would you like to have a FREE 1-2-1 personalised consultation with me? Book it instantly at https://theweddingguruoskar.co.uk/wedding-planner/one-hour-wedding-planning-consultation

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WHEN SHOULD WE START OUR DAY?

Interestingly, I did cover your wedding day timeline recently in this blogpost - https://theweddingguruoskar.co.uk/wedding-planner/read-me-blog/planning-your-wedding-day-timeline

You should start your timeline from the end of the night and work your timings back.

Here is my quick formula on how to come up with a solution to this question:

Evening Entertainment – length of service? (you’d need to check with your entertainment supplier – on average 4 hours)

Would there be any comfort break after the meal? 30/60 minutes?

Speeches – if 3 x 10 minutes speeches, that’s 30 minutes

Wedding Breakfast – three course is 2 hours

Drinks Reception between 1h30mins to 2 hours (you’d need to check with your photographer)

Wedding Ceremony between 30 minutes to 45 minutes (you’d need to check with your celebrant, officiant or registrar)

Guest arrival from 30/60 minutes prior to ceremony time

Hair and makeup – will depend on the number of girls and the styling planned, an average 1h – 1h30mins per person

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HOW DO I PICK A PHOTOGRAPHER?

There are a few ways to do this – you might have already received recommendations or met a photographer you like at another event. If not, do #hashtag search for your venue on Instagram and you’ll come across portfolio of photographers images of your venue.

It is always a good idea to book a call or a Zoom appointment to check on availability, rates and general feeling for your shortlist of photographers – you want to ensure that your photography looks great, but also that you and your guests will feel comfortable.

If you’re in any more doubt – check out recent reviews on Google and listing directories, you might even book an engagement photoshoot first.

If you’re looking for recommendations, why not download My Recommended Suppliers List today?

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HOW SHOULD I VET SUPPLIERS?

If you’re new to weddings and feeling a little lost when it comes to booking wedding suppliers – check out my Six Red Flags When Booking a Supplier blog that touches upon what to avoid and look at when booking your suppliers.

You ideally want to work only with reputable suppliers on your wedding day plans, so check out their Google listing and social media. Look out for the length of service, any reviews, comments and recognitions.

Wedding venues and planners will often refer tried and tested suppliers for you to approach and believe me those recommendations comes after years of working relationships, giving you additional warranties when booking.

Are you looking for more hands-on support with booking your venues and suppliers? Have a look at my wedding planning packages – this is something I could organise for you at specially negotiated rates!

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HOW DO I PICK MY FLOWERS AND COLOURS?

This is an interesting question! If you’re asking it, you probably don’t have a set theme in mind or you’re looking for suggestions.

Now, if you’re Scottish you might want to check your family tartan colours first and see if they rock your boat… if that’s not the case, why don’t you look outside for what nature has in stock for you in the season of your wedding?

Seasonal flowers are not only perfectly matching to what you’ll observe outside on your wedding day, but they’ll also be a lot better value for money than trying to get peony roses in October 😊

Additionally, you might want to consider your venue colours and any favourite colours you like - the easiest way to identify what you like from the design is to create moodboards of style images. You’ll very quickly make most fitting choices that way?

Are you needing a wedding styling consultation? Book my one-off wedding planning consultation today!

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WHEN TO SEND OUR INVITATIONS?

There are many schools of thought on this matter.

My recommendation is that you firstly send your save the date as soon as you’ve booked your venue and set the date!

Invitations that way can be sent in the last 6 to 3 months before the wedding and this is also when you’re most likely to attend your menu tasting. Many couples don’t want to have their tasting too close to the wedding, but there is in fact a reason why venues and caterers encourage you to have your tasting as close to the wedding as possible – you’ll have a fresh recollection of it, you’ll be able to try seasonally fresh ingredients and lastly, stock levels of fresh produce are very unlikely to change in the last three months before your wedding. You must also remember that a menu tasting isn’t so much for choosing your menu, it is rather to discuss your choices with the professional Chef in terms of quantity, flavours and presentation.

Finally, I recommend avoiding big gaps between sending invitations and their RSVP deadline – the more time you give your guests, the less likely they are to deal with it instantly.

Are you looking for advice how to best collect and organise your RSVPs? Chatbox message me today and I’ll provide you with more quick and easy tips!

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HOW SOON SHOULD I BOOK MY FINAL WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS?

If you’re having your wedding dress bespoke made for you, your designer will schedule these appointments for you automatically, however, if you’re buying off-the-rack or online, you want to ensure you have your alternations booked in advance.

I am being told that alterations might take up to three appointments, first is the longest one, which could take up to an hour and should take place shortly after purchasing/receiving the dress.

Your fittings should normally be scheduled between 12 to 2 weeks before the wedding in incremental milestones.

Dress designers advise against buying too small dress for motivation – it’s easier to take a larger dress in than to let smaller one out.

Are you looking for a wedding dress seamstress recommendation? Chatbox message me today!

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WHAT’S THE LEGAL PAPERWORK TIMELINE IN SCOTLAND?

All wedding planning couples need to complete their notices forms and the most common form is called M10.

These notices cost £30 each and you need to submit one for each partner. There is a £10 cost for your marriage certificate, which you can request several duplicates of at £10 each – it’s good to take more then one copy as you might need to send these away to authorities if you’re changing your name following the marriage.

Marriage notices – otherwise known as M10 forms can only be lodged maximum 12 weeks before the wedding and no later than 29 days before the wedding.

Along with these forms, you will need send your birth certificates, any previous divorce decrees (if applicable), proof of address (bank statement or utility bills) and if you fall under immigration rules, you might need to supply proof of your immigration status. If you’re under the immigration rules – you’re best to submit your notices minimum 70 days before marriage.

If you’re looking for more hands-on support with completing your M10 form, book one of my one-off wedding planning consultations today.

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HOW TO PICK BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES?

Many couples find this challenging as very rarely will your Bridesmaids/Groomsmaids will be of the same size and shape and have the same tastes.

You might have already heard of the multi-tie dress options – these are ideal if you want to ensure the same colour palette and dress flow, yet give your girls plenty of options for how they want to tie the upper section of the dress – these dresses are made of stretch material, so it’s ideal for a varied size and shape wedding party.

Alternatively, you can try jumpsuits – these are very trendy at the minute and will definitely not upstage the bridal dress, additionally they are very comfortable for dancing and moving about. Most of the time these come with pockets! Added Bonus!

Finally, if you want to give your Bridesmaids plenty of freedom, why not give them one pantone colour to work with so that they are colour matching and only cover what you were planning to spend on their outfits? That way they can do the shopping themselves within your guidelines – it’s a win – win this means less pressure on you and they’ll be happy to pick an outfit that best fits within their style.

Would you be willing to give your Bridesmaids the freedom to pick their own outfits matching your chosen colour and guidelines? Comment “Y” for Yes and “N” for No in the comment boxes below.

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HOW TO BEST PLAN GUESTLIST?

If you’re finding this part of your wedding planning challenging – why not consider a couple of guest lists based on priority? If you decide to send your invites early, you might always have time to top up if your Top Priority guest’s respond with “No, I won’t be able to make it.”

If you’re already at the point of allocating your guests to tables, why not get creative? I get it – family politics might be challenging, but this can be fun, trust me!

Draw your tables on a large piece of paper – ideally flip chart size paper and bring stick on tabs - write your guests names on them. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll get through this and you can always move people about easily on this plan, if anything changes closer to the time, it’s just as easy as to peel the tab and place on another table – simple 😊

Would you need a hand with organising your tables? Book my one-off wedding planning consultation today!

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HOW TO BEST PLAN CATERING FOR THE MORNING OF?

This is so very important! Never underappreciate the importance of eating on the morning of your wedding – your Wedding Breakfast meal is unlikely to be served before dinner time and the last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel feint!

Good base breakfast makes a great start to a busy day!

You might not want to eat a lot such as a fry-up breakfast, but at least ensure you cover your morning catering with plenty of treats – continental buffet breakfast is ideal for that! Plenty fruit, pastries, hams, cheeses, yoghurts and cereals will ensure you’re not feeling bloated, yet you can nibble as the morning preparations get under way.

If you decide to opt in for a fry-up breakfast on the morning of your wedding - ideally you want to ensure this is first thing in the morning, so that you’re not feeling bloated and avoid this breakfast being made where you’re getting ready as the smells will penetrate the room and your outfits!

If you’re looking to book a light packed lunch, make sure it is delivered in plenty of time, so that you’re not eating last minute and already in your dress – you want to avoid any spillages before the ceremony and official photos.

Are you looking for recommendations for catering on the morning of the wedding? Chatbox message me today!

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SHOULD WE TAKE WEDDING INSURANCE?

I wish more couples asked me about this pre-Covid, yet statistics say that pre-Covid wedding insurance was rarely taken out, something many of you can’t even imagine starting to plan your wedding without.

As more and more insurers are starting to offer wedding insurance covers and policies, you shouldn’t underestimate this additional protection and not only for the pandemic, but for anything you contract for your wedding! Considering that some covers start from as little as £50.00 it is likely to be the smallest value items on your wedding budget, yet it can save you an awful lot of headache further down the line!

If you cannot take wedding insurance instantly, ensure you remain protected at all times and pay using credit card for additional protection.

Are you looking for advice on wedding insurance? Chatbox message me today!

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ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WEDDING MUST HAVE’S?

Following nearly two years of lockdown entertainment unique catering should be at the top of your priority list!

Your guests are longing for a good party and therefore if you’re going to be away for long periods of time ie. your photography, or changeovers or even transportation between venues – ensure this isn’t yet another dreaded hanging about time with nothing to do! You want to ensure that those gaps are filled in with creative and fun guest activities such games, magicians, live act music, quizzes, showstopping selfie opportunities, etc.

Catering is yet another important element of the wedding – unique catering options, full of variety is what your guests will remember and this doesn’t necessarily need to apply to your main meal, but maybe consider something different for your evening snack, that isn’t just another bacon roll display.

Being creative with the drinks will also set the tone for the day – pimp your prosecco is very cool, personalised cocktails and mocktails and theming of the bars can really make a difference to your guests experience and therefore memories.

Would you add anything else to our list of “MUST HAVE” suggestions? Comment below.

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BOHO-INSPIRED SAME-SEX EDINBURGH ELOPEMENT

You might have already noticed that Gerlof from Geebz Photography and I love to stir some photoshoot excitement every now and then, therefore it is with great pleasure that I would like to present to you the extraordinary work of all those involved while celebrating #pridemonth #loveislove #lgbtq

We all decided that while we’re waiting for the big and exciting changes to happen, we could get creative and that creativity once again lead us to produce something magnificent, but I’ll leave this for you to judge 😊

Another motivation for us was the success of our Autumnal Photoshoot in November 2020 and we simply knew there was so much more we could do, therefore in this blog I will present to you our spin on a spring boho style city elopement in some of the most picturesque locations of our glorious capital city of Edinburgh, so allow me to take you on a journey in the next few paragraphs…


HAIR AND MAKEUP

For hair and makeup, we were inspired by natural makeup and free flowing locks. It was very important for us to ensure that hair and makeup wasn’t too busy, too heavy and too arranged – our aim was to achieve a very natural look for an outdoor wedding. I think that the team behind Bryony Quate Hair and Beauty Couture managed to pull of this inspiration so perfectly, don’t you think?

Bryony jumped on board with us as soon as I said that we were working on a bridal photoshoot and I wouldn’t expect anything less from this top-class team!

What stuns me about working with Bryony and her team is how they manage to create an atmosphere of celebration at the point of morning hair and makeup – Bryony’s team is young, fun and vibrant and immediately uplifts the atmosphere in the room and deflects the nerves among the Bridal Party!

Did you know that Bryony’s team also do beautiful hairpieces for your special day? Give them a follow to find out more!


OUTFITS

Mette from Freja Designer Dressmaking is absolutely outstanding – not only did she supply us with those two beautifully complementing looks, she actually made them from scratch for this photoshoot, now that’s dedication!

Mette – the designer says: “I was delighted to be invited to take part in this photoshoot with this amazing line up of suppliers. I was told it would be a same sex wedding, taking all the good from micro and outdoor weddings and in a beautiful setting. I wanted the brides to wear something which was modern and easy to wear on the hill, but which had some elements of traditional bridal wear and feminine details. The dress was made of beautiful guipure lace, it was soft and contemporary, the skin showing through the lace. I felt the sequins would add a little bit of sparkle in the sun, without looking garish. The trouser suit, had the traditional corset style top and illusion neckline with lace motifs on the skin and drapes on the back, again similar to a veil but in a new and contemporary way. I am so pleased with the photographs and felt it all came together to the same vision"

In the initial conversations with Mette, I only suggested that we wanted two distinct, yet complimenting looks for this same-sex elopement photoshoot. We didn’t want long trains as majority of the photoshoot was planned for the outdoors and I suggested a tea-length dress and a jumpsuit, Mette just jumped at this idea with excitement and run with it. Don’t you think she’s exceeded the brief? Make sure you follow Freja Designer Dressmaking today!


VENUE

The dream was to have the entire photoshoot at the Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur Seat, which we had the pleasure of featuring on the day! Having been in this wonderful and creative industry for many years now, I knew we couldn’t bank on the weather (especially this year!), so I ensured to work with one of my highly recommended wedding venues to have another unique backdrop to our photoshoot!

Therefore, we started our day at the SkyBar of the Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre and featured our ceremony and drinks reception shoot against the absolutely breathtaking and uninterrupted backdrop of the Edinburgh Castle. If you haven’t been to the SkyBar before, you should definitely check it out, they regularly host ticketed and bar events there mid-week to experience this unique location.

We then proceeded to climb Arthur Seat… well… not exactly, we settled on St Margaret’s Loch and the beautiful hill there overseeing the Auld Reekie! This is where the weather cleared, and we got to enjoy true Scottish spring and the iconic city views in the distance. The scene was romantic and simply perfect for a city elopement wedding!

Would you like to find out more about the fabulous team behind this photoshoot? Make sure you follow all suppliers involved today!


STYLING

For this photoshoot we were inspired by moody, yet rich and vibrant colours of our Scottish spring! We focused on two scenes, indoor ceremony and outdoor romantic city view picnic scene.

Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events once again exceeded our expectations – we’ve asked Lynsay to create the perfect frame for our ceremony view encompassing the views of the Edinburgh Castle. She produced this trendy ivy and rose drooping copper frame for us along with cylinder vases filled with pillar candles.

On the hill by Arthur Seat, she set the scene perfectly with your dreamy picnic scene complimented by seasonal moss, floral accents, carved out wood trunks and earthy finishing touches.

Massive thanks also go to Dawn Stafford from Your Scottish Wedding who stepped in to help us with the setup on the day of our photoshoot – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Do you think the theme introduced by Lynsay fits with the landscape? Make sure you follow Lynsay on Instagram for many more of these gorgeous treats!


FLORISTRY

Once again, we had the pleasure of working with the best of the best in the wedding industry and Kathrin from White House Flowers hasn’t disappointed! Planning for this photoshoot we wanted something different, rich and lively, yet natural looking for our boho idea.

We’ve asked Kathrin to create two similar, yet slightly varied looks for the bouquets and headpieces, in order to give off a slight bohemian vibe.

Kathrin says: “When Oskar approached me to be involved in a photoshoot that celebrated the love of same sex couples , I jumped at the chance. Creating 2 flowers crowns that were the same - but different,  was something I was really interested in doing. Providing complimentary bouquets that were individual but also cohesive, one with pops of spring coral - the other more classic, was also fun. I guess I saw it as a marriage of flowers too. I loved working with this team of professionals again. It makes my job as a wedding florist just brilliant.”

Would you like to be inspired by more stunning floral looks from Kathrin? Make sure you follow her Instagram page today!


PHOTOGRAPHY

Now, let’s focus on the fabulous duo who captured the amazing work of all suppliers involved in this photoshoot!

We had the pleasure not only to be guided by Gerlof from Geebz Photography and Beate from BBPicture Photography on the day, but we’ve also been greatly entertained by them both – you wouldn’t expect anything else though! This is why these two don’t just make your wedding photography a tick box task on your special day – they make it a very special and fun event in itself and create special memories to cherish! All of us involved in this photoshoot can assure you of that!

They also don’t only work magic together, but they create some incredibly inspiring and distinct looks – don’t you think? Now, if you haven’t followed these guys on social media yet, you must do so!


VIDEOGRAPHY

We didn’t only settle on photography – this time we decided to involve a videographer to show behind the scenes footage of this truly beautiful elopement wedding photoshoot in one of the most picturesque locations!

You might not know this, but Daniel from Fern Photography is venturing out with a new string to his bow – videography!

It was amazing getting Daniel involved in our photoshoot and the scenes, views and settings he’s captured for us in his short trailer video showcase the beauty of all of our work! I am excited to learn more about the new videography element from Fern Photography and if you haven’t followed Daniel and Matt on their social media channels yet, you must do so now!


ACCESSORIES

The wonderful team at ScotlandShop came to the rescue when we realised that Spring this year is very much unlike anything we’ve seen in the past few years!

Anna, Susan and Monja couldn’t have been more helpful – when I approached them about getting involved with the photoshoot, they invited me to their shop in Queensferry Street where they presented me with a vast variety of choices to keep our Brides warm on the photoshoot day!

We could choose from wraps, shawls, scarfs and structured jackets and we made sure to feature them all in our photshoot!

If you’re looking for first class wedding accessories, kilts, jackets, handbags, brogues, tartan high heels and much more for your special day – look no further as this shop offers a range of high quality items produced locally in Duns in the Scottish Borders! Are you not following them yet? Here’s their Instagram page for you to check out today!


PLANNING AND HUMANIST CEREMONIES

I said this many times that I am lucky to be surrounded by a network of some of the best Scottish wedding suppliers out there and it is an absolute honour to be entrusted by these fantastic people to plan such an important event like the showcase photoshoot! I am especially humbled to be working with such a loyal and dedicated team on these very creative projects, where we all can allow ourselves plenty of freedom to showcase our best!

This time wasn’t different! Not only did we put together something special, but we had a brilliant time doing it – just like we do at the weddings we all work together on!

Massive thanks also go to our fabulous, stunning and fun to be around supermodels – Holly and Ellie, you’ve not only been a pleasure to work with, but you’ve embraced every element of this photoshoot and it is also thanks to you that we’ve got such an outstanding work to showcase now! Thank you!

On another note, in this photoshoot, I decided to focus on another element of wedding I could work with you on – humanist ceremony. For those of you who haven’t heard yet, I am also a fully qualified and licensed Humanist Celebrant with Fuze Ceremonies and although I can’t offer this most important part of your day as part of my wedding planning services, I am sure I can help many of you elopement planning couples to ensure your ceremony is truly special and meaningful. If you would like to find out more about Humanist Ceremonies with Fuze Ceremonies, follow their social media channels today!

Alternatively, if you’re interested in working with me and my outstanding portfolio of my industry network on your upcoming wedding, chatbox message me on my website today!

Massive thanks to all photoshoot partners - without your enthusiasm, vision and determination this fantastic project wouldn’t have been possible!

📷@geebz_photography

💁‍♀️@bryonyquatebridal

🎀@lbweddingsandevents

👰@ourmodel

👰@ourmodel

💐@whitehouseflower

📌@skybar_edinburgh

💕@fuzeceremonies

👐@yourscottishwedding

👗@frejadesignerdressmaking

🎥@fernphotography_scotland

📷@bbpicturephotography

🧣@scotlandshop_edinburgh

📋@theweddingguru_oskar

HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING - a Guide by The Wedding Guru Oskar

“HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING?”

Recently, I’ve researched what advice wedding planning couples are most popularly looking for online and the above key term came up amongst top 10 wedding related searches online, so here is my spin on how to best plan your wedding based on over a decade of experience and 600 weddings in my career this far.

Do you want to find out more? I encourage you to scroll down now!


IDENTIFY YOUR VISION

In order to make your life easier on many levels, you must identify how you see you day and what’s important to you. Ask yourselves – what’s the big vision? Anything you must have or anything you’d rather avoid? Creating moodboards on the styles, venues, outfits, etc. can very quickly help you identify what you like and what you might not be so keen on.

This step is crucial in moving forward with your plan, otherwise, you might be going round in circles, until you understand your dream and perfect wedding day vision.

Would you know how to create your moodboards? Chatbox message me if this is something you think you’d like to learn more about.


DEFINE YOUR PRORITIES

So you say, “vision is a good focus point to have, but do I need it all?” and, I hear you!

Once you’ve identified your vision, it’ll become a lot easier for you to start defining all the elements of what’s truly important to you and what wouldn’t upset your dream wedding plan if you need to downsize or alter.

We will talk about your wedding budget shortly, but to give you an example – let’s say that as part of your vision you identified that you like big impressive entertainment, several acts, etc., yet you know that you’re also big foodies and want your guests to enjoy plenty of quality food and drink – now what’s more important to you? What can you compromise on in order not to upset your dreams if you need to make this decision?

Do you see what I mean about priorities? Have you come across this dilemma before? Give me ❤️ in the comment boxes below if you did, don’t worry we all compromise on some things 😊


CREATE A GUESTLIST

Now, this one is crucial and once you’ve got it done, it will truly help you multiple times down the line and if you can make it in a spreadsheet, that’s even better as it’ll make your life easier if you need to change or update it.

I often meet with couples to shortlist venues, catering and so on, so I ask about guest numbers and rough estimates are good, but then I ask about children or evening guests and this is where things get tricky, because these can have impact on your budgeting.

My advice is, spend one evening and write down all guests you’d like to invite, discuss with family, plan for +1s if you want to – remember this will help you not only in selecting the right venue or catering, but also with posting Save The Dates and Invitations, budgeting, assigning tables and so on… one task that will make a big difference to the rest of your planning.

If you’re looking for advice on how to best plan your guest list – head over to my blogpost on “Effective ways to plan your wedding guest list.”


CREATE AN ESTIMATE BUDGET

This is very important especially when you’re starting to plan your wedding, because in all the excitement it’s easy to make rushed decisions. You might wonder though, how will I know what’s a reasonable price and what’s not?

If you take time to assess your top wedding budget including your existing and future savings plus any contributions, this will give you a very good idea of how much you could spend on your special day.

You can then break it down into each element of your day – how do I do that – you might ask?

Head over to one of my latest blogs

“PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET - Realistic estimates that will help you stay within the budget!”

 to get an idea of costs involved in your wedding.


GET AND COMPARE SUPPLIER QUOTES

Now, let’s get the quotes! If you don’t know where to start, wedding directories and online wedding planning platforms will give you access to multiple suppliers in the same category that you can email at the same time to compare what they offer and find out their pricing – it’s a brilliant time-saving activity.

And remember, the more information you can provide about what you’re looking for, the more accurate quotes you will receive in return. Once you start receiving your quotes, you will be able to easily identify how realistic your budget is and if you need to adjust any of it.

If you’re working with venue or wedding planner suppliers, they will not only come verified by these suppliers, but they might also be offering preferential rates for referrals – so remember to always ask about these recommendations.

Chatbox message me today if you would like to find out about the suppliers I recommend and work with already.

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TRACK ESTIMATES VS. ACTUALS

Interestingly, often this is when the budget is considered done and forgotten about, while you move into finer detail planning.

My advice is to have your budget saved in a spreadsheet as a master working document that you can regularly update and keep on track of your spending. This will ensure you’re keeping within your budget as much as possible.

Why not create a column for your estimates/quotes and actually contracted values. You can also include what you’ve paid for and what’s still due to be paid. As you progress and make payments, your budget document can keep you right.

Would you like to try out one of my templates? Chatbox message me today.


BREAK YOUR DAY/DAYS DOWN

Breaking down your day or even days will help you compartmentalise the smallest of details into each individual element of your wedding.

You can start planning for what’s needed for your hair and makeup, then ceremony, and so on. If you’re planning for additional days, you will be able to identify what’s happening, and when and what you still need to organise for each event.

When wedding planning we’re all guilty of collecting little nick knacks as you shop around – I remember doing so myself when planning for George and my wedding nearly four years ago now and when you do so, you can note down which part of your day these little decorating features will compliment, you don’t want to forget about these, right?

You will also be able to note down what you still need to confirm with your venue, caterers or suppliers for each part of your special day.

Over the years, I’ve developed my own wedding planning checklist that identifies all of these events, details and questions you might need to ask yourself – would you like to try it out?

CLICK HERE to download yours today!


SORT OUT PAPERWORK

One of the most important elements of your wedding planning is the paperwork for your legally binding ceremony, so don’t forget about it and don’t leave it to the very last minute, especially if you’ve opted for a civil ceremony only, there will be nobody there to keep you right or send you reminders.

If you choose a humanist celebrant or a religious officiant, they will keep you right.

In Scotland you need to give minimum of 29 days’ notice of your intention to marry, however, don’t be too quick to do it either, because you will be disappointed to find out that notices aren’t accepted more than 3 months before your planned marriage ceremony.

These timings will depend on your location, so it might be worthwhile checking all the requirements at your ceremony destination and what paperwork you will be required to supply or even if you might be falling under any immigration checks.

If you’re looking for help and support with your M10 forms (marriage notice forms) in Scotland, chatbox message me today and I can talk you through these.


CREATE A TIMELINE

This matter is often approached the wrong way about – many couples’ perception is that you need to decide on when you want to start your day. Interestingly enough, the ceremony start will be defined by the end of your reception as you work your timings back from the end of the night – did you know that?

You need to identify how much time each event of your day takes and this will require a bit of work and communication with your venue, caterers and suppliers – watch out for my next blog as I will be offering a suggested timeline to help you out a little.

You will be asked about this wedding day timeline by almost all your suppliers in the final months before the wedding, but most importantly, you will need to have this figured out for your invitations, so the sooner you do it, the better.

Did you know your wedding day timings are worked out for the end of the night and not from your ceremony? Give me Y for yes or N for no in the comment boxes below.

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ASSIGN GUESTS TO TABLES

This is the bit that I see many couples struggling with and honestly, it doesn’t need to be that hard of a task. I recently turned this into a fun activity for my couples.

You will need a large piece of paper to map the room, your guest list, post-it tabs and markers.

Doing it visually and in colour makes all the fun and before you know it, you’ll run out of guest names. It’s fun, simple and so easy to update as you get your RSVPs.

One thing you want to avoid is leaving table planning until after your RSVP deadline as it is likely to come at a similar time when you’ll have a lot more on your mind and deadlines piling up, so do it earlier rather than later and make adjustments only when you’ve got 100% confirmation on changes.

Are you dreading this part? Would you like me to help you plan your tables and assign your guest? Chatbox message me today and we can do it together and make it fun!


COLLECT AND ORGANISE RSVPs AND PREORDERS

Now, this is the tricky bit – when do you ask for RSVPs? When is too early? When is too late?

When you know you might have a complicated multiple-choice menu pre-order – you might want to do it earlier rather than later and ideally online if possible. Online RSVPs will save you a lot of time and you will be able very clearly to see who’s accepted, who’s declined, dietary requirements and any pre-orders. Remember that if you’re using an online service that you accept only individual RSVPs especially if you need a menu pre-order.

In my experience, I often observe too big of a time-gap between invitations being sent and RSVP deadline – this unfortunately, allows your guests to put their invitation away instead of dealing with it then and there. Save the Dates are there to ensure your guests block their time off for the wedding, invitations are only a confirmation and shouldn’t take longer than a couple of weeks to one month to be collected. Don’t make a mistake of giving your guests too much time to respond and remember you will still need to organise them, double check, and potentially confirm pre-order with your caterers.

Give me ❤️ if it makes sense to shorten your RSVP deadline.


COMMUNICATE FINAL DETAILS TO ALL SUPPLIERS AND VENUE

Around one month before you wedding, you want to ensure you’ve got all your details in check and organised into a cohesive plan. You might think – surely there will be changes in the last month and yes, you’re correct, but rather than organising chaos, you’d rather update smaller things as you finalise things.

If you work with my wedding planning checklist, I highly recommend you share it with your suppliers, caterer and venue one month before and updating your changes as you go along on the form, yet communicate the updated form in the last week before the wedding to avoid loss of communication or confusion.

This might come across controversial, but you’re always best to create a list of updates and share this as infrequently as possible. In my career I’ve worked at venues with over 130 weddings each year, sometimes even 6 weddings on in the same weekend, so I understand that it’s hard for venues and suppliers to find the correct information when they are working other weddings and events, and receive several and sometimes conflicting updates in the same day – this is where errors can happen.

Wedding planning is about keeping communication organised and cohesive at all times – would you like help with your final plan to ensure you’ve got everything in check? Why not book my One-Off Wedding Planning Consultation today?


ARRANGE REHEARSAL AND FINAL DETAILS APPOINTMENT

You might think – “I’m not doing a rehearsal dinner!” and you don’t need to. What I mean here is that if you’ve not had your wedding party together for a ceremony rehearsal and they don’t fully know what they are expected to do and when, it might be a good idea to meet together in the final week before the wedding (if you can) to decide on a quick run-through of the ceremony. Some celebrants offer this at a supplement to be there and guide one practise run for you or if you’re working with me, I can help you with that!

Additionally, it is always a good idea to arrange for a final details meeting with your venue and caterers in the last two weeks before the wedding, to ensure that if there are gaps, you can still make this update to them one week before the wedding. This handover opportunity will give you peace of mind and the opportunity for the venue and caterer to ensure they clearly understand and can deliver your vision.

Chatbox message me today if you need a bit of support with the preparation to your final details’ appointment or with your ceremony rehearsal.


AGREE DROP OFF AND SETUP

Finally, make sure you arrange a time for venue drop off – you don’t want to turn up and find locked doors (especially if it’s an exclusive use venue) or even worse turn up in the middle of somebody else’s wedding… ooopps 😊

Ideally, if you need to go over anything as you drop things off, make sure you check the correct person can meet you then, so that you’re not handing over to an irrelevant person.

Finally, if you’re working with a dry hire venue, plan with them for when you or your stylists can get into setup, prepare and dress it for your special day and when things need to be collected by.

WOW this has been a long blog with a lot of advice and information – what did you think of it? Give me ❤️ if you’ve found it useful or DM me if you need help with some of the things I discussed in it.

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET - Realistic estimates that will help you stay within the budget!

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING BUDGET

- realistic estimates that will help you stay within the budget -

wedding budget

Due to some popular demand, I want to talk about the important things to you!

Working out your wedding budget is super important and one of the early activities you should put the time aside for to ensure you plan realistically and that you don’t overspend where you don’t want to or need to.

It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of wedding planning and go overboard before you realise it - I’ve been there just before our wedding in 2018, which is why I now work out a budget with my couples first. This is when we identify your must have’s, wants, desires and priorities. Similarly to mood boards, you’ll very quickly identify what’s important to you and where there is the flexibility to downsize or upgrade.

According to Hitched UK, the average UK wedding is £32,000 including the honeymoon, but statistics vary starting from £20,000. Don’t worry if this is not what you had in mind, but do remain realistic that a wedding could easily cost you a deposit for your first house or a new car.

Would you need help identifying and understanding your budget, message me in the chatbox today – this could be your one-off consultation that will save you a lot of headaches further down the line.

How to assess your budget? 

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Have an honest conversation together and identify your savings, how much you could contribute to the wedding before your day comes and if there are any other prospective contributors.

The last thing you want is anxiety about where the money comes from to fund your special day.

Once you’ve figured it out, you can start breaking things down into each individual item on your wedding list – you might wonder… how will I know the expected price to pay?

Want to find out more – check out the full blog below.

What can I expect to pay for…?

FLORIST

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Flowers such as bouquets and centerpieces are such a personal taste and therefore it is difficult to put an average price tag on these beautiful decorations, however, I can help you with a range of pricing for your estimate. Most prices will vary dependent on the season and therefore the price of the flowers at the market.

Decent-sized bridal bouquets in Edinburgh, Scotland will cost you in the region of £100-125, bridesmaid’s bouquets around £85 a piece, buttonholes and corsages will be around £15 each.

When it comes to centerpieces this is where the real differences happen and this can be influenced by the size of your arrangements, smaller low arrangements will start from £150 each, but the more opulent and sizable arrangements you would like to have, the more you will pay, on average many of my couples work with a budget of £300 to £500 per centerpiece.

Another trick that might help you maximise your wedding budget when it comes to florals is considering seasonal flowers, flowers out of season can be up to 4/5 times as expensive and therefore downsize your arrangement.

Additionally, you might want to consider artificial hire filled in with fresh floral accents – artificial florals nowadays offer higher quality than ever before and almost natural look to build your structure, accented with fresh florals, they can make a truly impressive arrangement and they are a lot more durable when transported or setup outside even in windy conditions.

Are my floral estimates in the region of what you’ve considered for your wedding? Let me know in the comments below.

VENUE HIRE

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The biggest element of your wedding budget will be wedding venue-related expenses, and these can vary dramatically.

Hotels and venues with all-inclusive packages might offer more competitive hire rates based on set minimum numbers. On the other hand, exclusive use or dry hire venues might offer you more flexibility and the ability to do your wedding your way!

Venue hires can start from £2,000 for all-inclusive package venues or mid-week hires, to £10,000+ for peak dates and multiple days hires at exclusive-use estates and dry hire venues.

Always check that you understand exactly what they include, because some venues will only offer bare walls and the rest is for you to arrange – so look out for A) accommodation inclusions, B) equipment provisions such as tables, chairs, linens, cutlery, crockery and glassware, C) VAT inclusions and D) additional things you might need to hire such as PA system for your music, staging, lighting, heating, power, toilets, catering units, etc.

Did you know that there’s such a vast choice of options available for you? Chatbox message me today if you’d like a bit of help navigating your way around venue hires, I can also negotiate special rates for you too.

CATERING

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This is another area of your wedding that will consume a big part of your budget – quite literally consume, did you see what I’ve done there? 😊

All-inclusive venue package will take care of it all for you, however, you might want to consider upgrades if food is important to you and your guests’ experience – menu tastings are brilliant for that!

External catering can provide you with more flexibility on the format of the dining choices available – anything from buffets, plated or family-style service or even BBQs.

Food catering will range from £100 per person to £150+ per person – it will very much depend on the style of catering, the number of courses, the choice of options on the day, and so on.

On the other hand, you’ll also need to consider your beverages too!

Once again all-inclusive packages will look after the main parts of your wedding from the drinks reception to your meal, after that, you will be offered a bar facility paid for by guests or something called an Account bar where you can provide some or all drinks to your guests on the account.

With dry hire venues, you might need to arrange for a bar service to cover service on the day, glassware, ice, setup and derig – some catering companies will offer this as an extra to their catering, so that you’re not having to source another service separately. Dry hire beverage fees may vary from per spend or per volume corkage to flat service fee – as an average, you’ll be looking at £1,500.00 to £3,000.00

Were you aware of these options and charges to consider for your special day? Give me ❤️ in the comments below if this has helped you to understand your wedding budget better.

WEDDING CAKE

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Wedding cakes are also such a personal taste – these days you can have three-dimensional character cakes, naked cakes, statement cakes, cake swings, upside-down cakes, tower cakes, you name it- there’s probably somebody out there who has done it before or would love a challenge.

The average spends I am familiar with working with my couples ranges from £500 to £1,500 and you’ll have plenty of flavour choices available serving an average of 100 guests.

If you would like to go for a much more personalised choice, you will be offered upgrades and extras to supplement your vision.

What cakes have you considered for your special day? Let me know in the comment boxes below.

LIVE MUSIC

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A very important element of your wedding day, but don’t just focus on your evening entertainment, remember to consider your ceremony music, background music for drinks reception and meal.

Music makes such an integral part of your special day and it can truly make or break the atmosphere of your wedding.

String quartets are very popular to accompany ceremonies and drinks receptions and can offer their services from £650 to £1,000, but if live music isn’t your priority ensure you check your venue for PA system and if you could connect a device to supply some music for these parts of your day.

Nighttime entertainment again is down to each individual preference, some couples will choose Ceilidh only bands, some will select Ceilidh + covers band, others will book a DJ.

Bands start from £1,500 and DJs start from £500 – if you’re going for mix of music such as Ceilidh and covers or band and DJ or DJ + saxophone player – prices will automatically reflect these additional extras. As an average you’re looking at £1,500 to £3,500 for your evening entertainment.

What choice of evening music are you going for? Let me know in the comments below.

CEREMONY

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This can vary between belief bodies, independents, and legal fees.

As of January 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland, your legal fees include – M10 form (Lodging marriage notices) is £90 per couple and marriage certificate is £10 per certificate.

In addition to that you’ll need to pay your ceremony room hire fee and celebrant, registrar or religious officiant fees – these can vary from £450 to £700 per ceremony.

Without these your ceremony will not be legally binding; therefore you need to ensure you cover all fees and remember venues don’t cover legal fees.

If you need help with organizing your ceremony paperwork, go ahead and book one of my one-off consultations today and we can get it all organised for you and have it checked ready to be submitted.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY

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I would almost want to say that wedding photography is the second most important element of your event after the ceremony as photography will remain the biggest tangible memory of your special day and you want to make sure it is captured perfectly.

Therefore, price tag for photography and videography reflects the detailed work it requires – it is the hours of preparing, shooting on the day and then weeks of editing.

Wedding photography can vary from £1,500 to £3,000 on average – this will also depend on the demand, peak/off-peak dates and travel.

Wedding videography can vary from £2,000 to £10,000 on average – this very much relates to the production required for your desired video and if international travel is required, this might also add to the overall cost of production.

Would you need some advice on recommended suppliers? Why not download one of “my resources” available on my website?

HAIR AND MAKEUP

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This is an important element of the wedding where all the girls in the wedding party get to relax and unwind ahead of the big day. Don’t sorry boys, you’ll get looked after too!

For wedding trials, you can expect to pay in the region of £85 for hair and £85 for makeup.

For on the day hair and make-up you can be looking at anywhere from £85-100 per service for the Bride and in the region of £75-90 per service for Bridesmaids and Mums. Some bridal salons will charge an additional venue fee if they’ve got to leave the studio to carry out your hair and makeup – this fee can vary from £80-£120.

Have you considered your on-the-day hair and makeup arrangements – how many you’ll need it for? Will you do it at the venue or in the studio? Chatbox message me today if you need a bit of support with this.

HONEYMOON

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According to Hitched UK, the average destination honeymoon for UK couples costs nearly £5,000 and although some couple opt in for mini-moon first with an average of £1,100 – you might need to identify your preference on the matter.

Some couples try to finance their wedding entirely from their saving, earnings and family support, while asking guests for contributions towards their dream honeymoon – would you consider that option? Give me Y for yes or N for no in the comment boxes below.

WEDDING RINGS

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Weddings traditionally can’t happen without a wedding band, although traditionally, it was the Bridegroom that offer a wedding ring to his Bride, these days you will likely both exchange your rings during a wedding ceremony, but how much do you think you’ll spend on your bands?

The average UK couple invests around £2,500 into their wedding rings – have you considered your options yet?

Why not chat box message me today for a referral to my recommended jewelers to offer you the best deals possible?

WEDDING OUTFITS

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So, you’ve always dreamt of this perfect white gown, or maybe not! There will be some considerable amount of time you might want to spend on considering just the perfect fit and feel for your wedding dress.

The same will apply to gent’s outfits, no matter if its suits, kilts or tuxedo, you should consider colours, fits and all the accessories that come with it.

Average UK wedding dress will cost you between £1,000 to £3,000 and bridesmaid’s dresses will range from £100 to £500 each.

Finally, Gents outfits can very, because if you’re hiring you’ll be considering outfits in the region of £125 per hire per outfit, however, tailor-made outfits will start from £500 to £2,000 on average per outfit, this applies to both kilts and tailor-made suits.

Have you booked your dress shopping appointments or kilt fittings? Not sure where to start? Chatbox message me today to take care of it all for you.

COST SAVING

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When you’ve assessed your budget and you realise it is a little steep, you might want to reassess a couple of things:

-        Consider your guests numbers again – venue and catering will be your higher cost, the more guests you invite, the higher overall cost of the wedding will become – think about it, average wedding guest costs you in the region of £100-£200 per person

-        Consider your date – could you move to off-peak dates to benefit from special venue deals or move your wedding back by a year, how much could you save in that extra year?

Would you need more help assessing your wedding budget? Why not book one of my one-off consultation? I can help you make sense of your wedding spending, and often ensure money savings!

MOST FORGOTTEN COSTS

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There are a few hidden or often forgotten costs you might want to be aware of before you end up clearing your bank balance.

-        VAT exclusions - make sure that you check all quotes for VAT exclusions, you don’t want to be surprised with additional 8%-26% bill before your wedding day

-        Delivery, service and corkage charges – once again, worth checking before you get surprised with these at the final invoice

-        Additional equipment and facility hires, such as cake stand, table and chairs or even toilets or the correct power supply if you’re getting married at a location with none of these things provided already

-        Wedding insurance is often forgotten about and it can be lifesaving! You want to ensure you’re protected just like you are with your car or house!

-        Stationary – not only invitations, but save the dates, on-the-day place cards, table plan and post-wedding thank you cards + stamps

-        Wedding day gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, Mums, Dads or other loved ones

-        Wedding outfit alterations or second trials – all these little things quickly add up

How did you find my estimates advice? Has it helped you plan and prioritise your wedding budget elements accordingly? Give me ❤️ in the comment boxes below if you’ve found it useful!

Christmas Eve City Wedding Story - Donna and Mark - REAL WEDDING

Christmas Eve City Wedding Story - Donna and Mark - REAL WEDDING

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It’s been quite a start to 2021 for everyone so far, hasn’t it?

In order to liven up the mood, I would like to share with you the very inspirational story of Donna and Mark over the next few days! I have had so much fun planning their most special day. There were plenty of giggles and even tears too, but what a day it was in the end! What was meant to be my very first wedding of 2021, turned out to be my very last wedding of 2020!

Would you like to learn their story? Follow their journey in the next few paragraphs.

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THE BEGINNING

Donna emailed me an enquiry on Thursday 20th August after receiving a message from her former venue that they wouldn’t be reopening in time for her and Mark’s wedding. Donna was distraught but beknown to her, Mark did his research and suggested contacting wedding planners to help them bring their vision to life again as they weren’t sure where to begin- again!

Upon Donna’s enquiry and without any commitment, I got busy organising provisional quotes and availability in order to give Donna confidence that her dream wedding day can happen 100%!

We were on the phone that same evening to discuss the options available.

Would you have considered a wedding planner to help you if you found yourself under those same circumstances?

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THE VENUE

It didn’t take  long  to get the venue organised – by the weekend, I had Donna and Mark visiting 5 fantastic venues in the city with me. I knew the city centre was their number one preference and we had such a great response and reception from them all – Hilton Carlton, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, The Old Dr Bell’s Baths, Kimpton Edinburgh Charlotte Square and finally The Bonham.

We matched and booked the perfect package within one week from the initial enquiry – With the weight lifted off their shoulders, the fun of wedding planning truly began for Donna and Mark.

Would you like to find out what venue they selected in the end? Follow their story below.

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THE SUPPLIERS

Very quickly after selecting The Bonham, the perfect wedding venue for our couple, we focused on sourcing the best team of wedding suppliers to complement their special day.

The next few posts will reveal to you who supported Mark and Donna along their wedding planning journey with me.

How do you choose your suppliers? Let me know in the comments below:

A - Word of Mouth Recommendation

B - Directories

C - Google searches

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Geebz Photography

We had a range of photographers to consider but when Donna and Mark told me that it is important that their wedding day photography isn’t long, dull and all staged and that their daughters are very important for them to be featured too – I immediately knew who I needed to speak to!

No matter the age of the group, I know Geebz can make photography fun and all guests naturally relaxed and they all had a brilliant time having their photographs taken and the effects are amazing!

What is most important in your opinion when choosing your wedding photographer? Let me know in the comments below.

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Mo Ackroyd

Donna and Mark also told me that they were looking for ceremony recommendations – they initially considered civil ceremony, but when they heard how personalised humanist ceremonies could be, they asked me to check availability with my connections. I know that personalised ceremony was important to them from the first moment we spoke. We were in luck! My recommendation Mo Ackroyd was available on their date!

I was very lucky to be responsible for the ceremony music and 19 guests joining on Zoom from around the world. Everyone agreed what a moving and heartfelt ceremony it was!

I hear about the statistics around the ceremonies, but I wonder how many of you – my followers are choosing each type of wedding ceremony – let me know your choice in the comments below:

A. Civil

B. Humanist

C. Religious

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DJ Edinburgh

Music and evening entertainment were one of the wedding elements that we weren’t too sure about from the beginning, but thankfully Jim at DJ Edinburgh was on hand to help us with suggestions and recommendations.

In the end, Donna and Mark performed their first dance, assisted with Toastmaster announcements and post-dinner games including Kahoot!

What evening plans would you make for your micro-wedding? If you’re looking for recommendations, message me in the chatbox now!

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BagPiper Online

As always Pipe Major David McRobert didn’t disappoint!

It was Donna and Mark’s personal request to ensure a Piper was available on their special day and David arrived an hour prior to the ceremony to greet all guests on arrival in his full highland dress.

He was then available to play the couple to the Top Table and raised a well-wishing toast to our couple with a dram of whisky (which was actually just an apple juice – he was driving after, you know 😊)

One thing that always impresses me with BagPiper Online is how David and his team can come up with tunes on the day and we weren’t disappointed this time either. David played himself out of the room to Jingle Bells.

Do you enjoy bagpipes at weddings? Give us ❤️ if you do in the comments below.

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EightYards

My next recommendation was the kilts for the male part of the wedding party! Mark’s Mum said that the service from Eight Yards was impeccable when dressing the boys!

As mentioned before – Eight Yards also now supply tartan face masks matching their range of kilts, which is what Mark chose for his special day too.

All the gents looked absolutely outstanding in their smart outfits, don’t you think? Live chatbox message me if you’re looking for some advice on the matter of outfits today.

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George Gilchrist-Grodnicki

My husband George got introduced to Donna and Mark during one of our consultations as we were looking for some winter wedding inspiration. George, having worked with flowers in his career, managed to pull off the perfect design for Donna and Mark’s wedding. Further to this consultation, we also met at the hotel to discuss the final touches and arrangements.

It was very important for Donna and Mark to ensure their wedding was matching the season perfectly with not flowers, but rather plenty of pine branches, pinecones and mistletoe to set the perfect winter backdrop to their nuptials.

George played an essential role in building the arrangements on the morning of the wedding and setting up the space in accordance with Donna and Mark’s brief.

Don’t you think he’s got a good eye for these things? Chatbox message me today if you’d like to speak to George about your upcoming wedding décor if you’re looking for inspiration consultation.

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The Dress/es

Now, this will be a very inspirational part of Donna and Mark’s story!

From day 1, Donna wanted to make her own wedding day dress and four dresses for her daughters, and she did it!

Initially, it was meant to be a 1920’s inspired dress by Vera Wang, however, along the process it became apparent to Donna that she wanted something a lot more flowing and open!

Her daughter’s dresses were finished in early December when Donna was working on the final elements of her dress, but by that point her dress changed to cigarette-style trousers with a stunning wrap-around train – when she arrived at the entrance to the ceremony, I truly appreciated her vision – it was breathtaking!

Give Donna ❤️ in the comment boxes below!

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THE 1ST CHANGE

Not long into the wedding planning the Scottish five tier Covid guidelines system was introduced and Edinburgh was immediately placed in the 2nd most restrictive tier, meaning we had to consider our options for evening entertainment and relook at the numbers again.

I was very proud of Donna and Mark for having persevered through yet another change to their wedding plan after having to find a brand-new venue all over again already!

We discussed the options and came to the conclusion that no matter what – their wedding was going to be epic! Donna and Mark managed to work out their final numbers and worked with their girls on games to keep their wedding fun, exciting and entertaining all round and they managed this!

Are you looking for inspiration for a micro-wedding? Chatbox message me today for some fabulous ideas!

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THE BIG CHANGE

On 19th December a big blow arrived when the First Minister of Scotland announced the full lockdown starting at 00:01 on Boxing Day – we didn’t think we’d get any further restrictions before the New Year and here we are back to the drawing board as Donna and Mark’s wedding was planned all along for 1st January 2021!

Initially the wedding was meant to have 40+ guests joining from around the world to celebrate. Starting with the torch Procession on 30th, followed by the Hogmanay street party and a late  wedding ceremony on 1st January- commencing at 4pm.

Without much notice or even anyone to speak to as the lockdown announcement was made on Saturday evening, I was quick to contact all suppliers and had options to present to Donna and Mark.

Knowing that Donna and Mark worked so hard on this wedding plan, Donna made her and her daughter dresses, and her parents arriving from USA over two weeks early to quarantine for their wedding (after four flights cancelations – I might add), I couldn’t imagine them not having the perfect wedding day, when we were so close!

A few private messages later with all my amazing suppliers and The Bonham, and we had a plan – we could move their entire wedding in its finalised format to Christmas Eve and they loved the idea!

How amazing is that with only four days’ notice? Give us ❤️ if you’ve loved this story so far!

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THE PERFECT DAY

After countless changes- venue change, supplier changes, date change, number changes, cancelled flights and many more… the day has finally arrived for Donna and Mark to tie the knot!

And it was the perfect day in every possible way – which started with a crisp, dry weather outside complimented by occasional rays of sunshine!

George and I arrived at the venue early at 10am to set up and dress the spaces -the hotel had everything ready for us and Mark delivered the remaining items for the décor. We got busy and had everything ready by 2pm.

Donna and the girls arrived at 1pm to get ready in the Bridal Suite- stunning, spacious and full of daylight. George and I greeted her on arrival and popped a bottle of Champagne to the room to help get rid of the nerves.

Guests and suppliers started arriving from around 3pm, and by 4pm we were ready in the ceremony room and on Zoom to announce the arrival of our stunning Bride to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis – you could quite literally hear pin dropping in the room!

From there guests proceeded to drinks reception while I helped the couple with their photographs.

When the meal was being served, George and I had another surprise for our lovely couples – beyond the double doors to the function room, we set up a round first dance dancefloor including cylinder vases and pillar candles surrounded by a circle ring of pine branches, pinecones and mistletoe to help capture their first dance and give their guests the best view from the dining table.

After that guests remained in their seats and enjoyed the games organised by the youngest in the family until the 10pm curfew.

So much persistence from this fabulous couple ensured the most magical wedding day – it truly proves that it’s not the numbers and the volume that make beautiful weddings, it’s those that truly care that make it happen!

If you would like to find out more on how I could help you with your elopement or a micro-wedding, chatbox message me today!

MEET MY INTERVIEW TOP-SECRET GUEST SPEAKER

MEET MY INTERVIEW TOP-SECRET GUEST SPEAKER

Have you missed my LIVE interview on 14th January? Nothing is lost! Why not watch it on #repeat?

Feel free to share your comments or questions in the comment boxes below and don’t forget to give us ❤️

SIX RED FLAGS WHEN BOOKING A SUPPLIER by Monica Cutler

SIX RED FLAGS WHEN BOOKING A SUPPLIER by Monica Cutler

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Lately, I have been observing quite a few engagements popping up on social media and since it’s this exciting time of the year, I thought to share something I believe to be incredibly important to know for newly engaged couples.

Following my Facebook Live interview with Monica Cutler – I remembered that she’s worked with industry experts on a guide for wedding planning couples and came up with “Six red flags when booking a supplier” which she’s agreed for me to share with you.

If you would like to find out what to look out for when booking wedding suppliers, you’ll need to check out the next six paragraphs.


ONLY OFFERING PAYPAL PAYMENT AS FRIENDS AND FAMILY

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PayPal buyer protection is not as iron-clad as it used to be. If you send a supplier money using the f&f feature you will not be covered.

 Excuses to look out for: "It will take X days to clear. If you want it before a certain date you would be better off paying f&f."

Remember that Credit Card payments may give you additional protection – would you normally pay using credit card for wedding services? Chatbox message me if you’d like to find out more.


NO WRITTEN CONTRACT

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Even if it's a friend, family member or someone you've known for years. Getting an agreement down in writing saves so much trouble and shows empathy for your future self. Get a contract and ensure there's a copy for supplier and couple.

A contract doesn't have to be complicated or full of jargon, but it should include the service you're paying for, exact payment terms, and a refund and cancellation policy. 

Have you received a contract for all your wedding services? Chatbox message me if this is something, you’d need help with.


STOLEN IMAGES

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Reverse search images to check if they're from other companies.

Most wedding professionals are comfortable using some stock imagery as fillers on their site but would never claim them as their own product. This is completely different to one wedding supplier stealing images from another and claiming them as their own.

Would you be able to identify this? Let me know in the comment boxes below.


ONLY ONE METHOD OF CONTACT

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There are many successful wedding businesses who only operate on social media, without a website.

But you should have multiple contact details, such as an email address, mobile number, postal

address. If you can only get in touch via Facebook messenger back away. If they don't have a physical postal address ask them why. This address should match any accounts you pay. 

Is this something you have given thought to before? Let me know your thoughts in the comment boxes below.


MULTIPLE NEGATIVE AND SPECIFIC REVIEWS

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If there are a small number of poor reviews ask your supplier about them. It could have been a challenging circumstance where they might have a completely sensible response to.  

If they did upset a client ask how they used the experience to move forward. No

business gets it perfect 100% of the time so always compare with their positive reviews and check the dates for their most recent customers. 

Do you normally check supplier reviews before booking? Give me YES in the comment boxes below if you do.


CHEAP PRICING

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If it looks too good to be true it probably is!

If their price is way below market value they could be brand new or not as legitimate as you would like. 

If they are a newer business make sure you talk about their level of expertise and what they are capable of delivering. If you pay for a Mini don't expect a Rolls Royce. 

Would you opt-in for a cheaper option based purely on pricing? Chatbox message me today if this is something you’d like help with in order to understand what you can expect to be paying for a specific service.

STYLED PHOTOSHOOT - Autumnal Intimate Wedding Experience

STYLED PHOTOSHOOT:

Autumnal Intimate Wedding Experience

I’ve got a very exciting project to share with you, which I’ve been working on in the background with some amazing industry partners lately.

It was following an informal coffee with Geebz Photography that an idea was born. We’ve identified that many couples who were due to get married in 2020 and early 2021 still want to go ahead with their plans on a smaller scale but often don’t know where to start when they had initially planned for a large gathering. Therefore, we’ve put our heads together to bring to you the idea of a perfect romantic elopement or micro-wedding which we believe will blow your socks off! We’re sure you’ll be impressed at how personalised and beautiful intimate celebrations can be, so stay tuned and learn more about our project below.

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STYLING

We were inspired by the natural tranquility of the autumnal and scenic Scottish countryside. From the beginning, we were keen to have our photoshoot in an iconic Scottish location that would allow us to capture the intimacy of an elopement or micro-wedding perfectly and I think we managed to achieve that and a lot more!

Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events beautifully dressed an arch for the ceremony with leafy fern, pondweed and autumnal florals. Setting the scene with atmospheric pillar candles, earthy moss and wood-inspired finishing touches – arranging the perfect stage for a romantic ceremony.

Lynsay has been involved in the wedding industry for nearly two years and what a breath of fresh air she brings with her. Her creative flair and enthusiasm allowed us to capture our photoshoot perfectly against a stunning backdrop, don’t you think?

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FLORISTRY

The romantic atmosphere was perfectly finished with a stunning creation of a bridal bouquet and a buttonhole from Kathrin at White House Flowers. They were both blooming with peach avalanche and black bacarra roses, asparagus fern, orange euphorbia, vintage lisianthus and eucalyptus gunni.

The colours were truly eye-catching, and perfect for our autumnal wedding theme, for the very first time, I could smell the beautiful scents of roses and botanicals used for this rich, yet natural looking bouquet – Kathrin simply never fails to impress me!

Having worked with Kathrin on many weddings over the years now, I would highly recommend her to all those couples who look for something truly special – she’ll not disappoint!

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LOCATION

From the very beginning we were keen to make the most of the Scottish scenery surrounding the stunning estate of Glencorse and we were so lucky to shoot the majority of our project inside this privately owned ‘Glencorse Old Kirk’ dating back to 17th century.

Sarah Chambers who owns the estate and is pictured here, looks after all the wedding planning couples in the lead up to the wedding, as well as on the day of delivery. She greeted us so warmly and kindly with a welcome smile and prepared for us refreshments – a true testimonial to a truly personalised and caring service this unique venue provides.

If you’re still undecided and looking for you dream venue that radiates the true Scottish spirit in every way possible – you should contact Sarah today at sarah@glencorsehouse.com

An interesting fact to mention about this stunning location is that the chapel used for our photoshoot was also used in the filming of the “Outlander” Wedding in episode 7 of the 1st season!

Can you imagine a better location for your truly Scottish elopement?

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CEREMONY

All current restrictions were taken into consideration when planning for this gorgeous photoshoot including working with the best of the best in the industry.

Mo Ackroyd (pictured) from Fuze Ceremonies helped us with the ceremony plan for the project. Mo is up-to-date with all the latest regulations and was able to instruct us on appropriate distancing for all the photography.

She’s also come up with some fantastic symbolic gestures including drinking from the quaich, hand fasting and the official exchange of rings. Humanist ceremonies definitely make weddings more personable and memorable, no matter their size.

Having worked with Mo for many years now and very often on weddings and showcases together, I know for a fact that she is loved by all her wedding couples. She emanates caring approach with all of her couples and out-of-the-box approach to performing ceremonies that is personalised, yet fun – I continue to recommend her to all my couples too!

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OUTFITS – THE DRESS

Thanks to Jade from Crystal Bows Bridal Boutique and Kyle from 8 Yards, we were able to dress our models, including Geebz Photography and I, in attire perfectly fitting for the occasion.

Don’t you just love that full-length cathedral veil over the stunning Victoria Kay dress full of lace and delicate embroidery? Our model Lynsay looked absolutely stunning in it! Can’t you spot that she played as a double act?

Crystal Bows once again didn’t disappoint – one message from me to Jade was enough for her to say: “Yes to the dress” at our photoshoot 😊 Lynsday and I were invited for a dress fitting and the dress Jade picked for us was just stunning, don’t you think? It’s the personalised touches that make a difference and even the assistant at the shop – Liz also supplied us with a gorgeous feather balero from her daughter’s wedding! There is a reason why Crystal Bows are one of the most loved Bridal Boutiques in Scotland!

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OUTFITS – THE KILT

Joel on the other hand was perfectly matched to the autumnal feeling, perfectly matching the season. For the photoshoot he wore the Hebridean Kilt range exclusive to 8 Yards in modern tartan with no specific clan affiliation and matching tie. It was complemented by a colour coordinated tweed waistcoat and jacket in addition to copper-coloured brogues and sporran.

A lot of men these days like to opt in for something a little more modern, fashionable and matching to the rest of the celebrations and with the latest range from 8 Yards – you can clearly do that! 8 Yards can provide you with a full range from matching flashies to the same tartant face masks – how cool is that? You can get kitted out from top to toe in one place and they also offer a great range of hire and ex-hire outfits too.

Don’t you think our couple looked perfectly dressed for the occasion and the theme?

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Geebz Photography is very close to my heart. For this reason Gerlof photographed my wedding to George, I know the lengths he will go to for the perfect shot! He is an outstanding photographer.

He doesn’t just shoot, he is a magician who transforms photography into a fun activity and creates a vibrant and exciting aura around him.

I’ve observed Gerlof’s master photography on many occasions. Every photo tells a story, every photo captures the moment perfectly! Its almost as if his elopement weddings were big and elaborate parties– not a micro wedding at all!

Additionally, Gerlof introduced us to Beate from BBPicture who accompanied his efforts and captured so many outstanding moments in the photoshoot – it was great observing the two working together!

After the photoshoot everyone messaged me how relaxed they felt around him. He was coming up with off-the-cuff jokes, orchestrating a  perfectly photoshoot-fitting playlist, we didn’t even realise how quickly the time passed us.

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PLANNING

I have said this many times, that I am very lucky to work with the best in the wedding industry and I am very glad that Geebz Photography and I met for that informal coffee chat – our photoshoot was organised within a short 9 days and everyone truly pulled all the stops to make it happen and make it the best possible!

It was great fun putting briefings together, sharing ideas, scheduling things in and bouncing ideas off each other. The hard work clearly paid off and everything came together creating this very special piece of work. It brings me great joy to announce to you that if you’re looking for that perfect elopement or micro-wedding and don’t know where to start, I have got it all covered for you. With the best portfolio of partners, years of experience and four wedding industry awards! If you would like to find out more, why not get in touch today for an informal chat? Who knows, we may turn your vision into a yet another stunning Outlander-worthy wedding scene!

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Massive thanks to all photoshoot partners - without your enthusiasm, vision and determination this fantastic project wouldn’t have been possible!

📷@geebz_photography

👰@lbweddingsandevents

💐@whitehouseflower

📌@glencourse_house

💕@mo.ackroydscottishcelebrant

👗@crystalbowsbridalboutique

🤵@eightyards

📷@bbpicture_photography

📋@theweddingguru_oskar