York Fashion Week announces bridal show with Harvey Nichols, Leeds
Today marks a groundbreaking announcement from York Fashion Week (YFW) as it unveils its inaugural bridal runway show in collaboration with Harvey Nichols, Leeds, and Master Debonair. This milestone event, titled the Wedding Runway, is scheduled to grace The Impossible York on May 5th, commencing at 7:30 pm. The spotlight will shine on 10 exquisite bridal ensembles curated from the collections of esteemed brands such as Misha, Needle & Thread, Odd Muse, Bec & Bridge, and Rixo, all graciously provided by Harvey Nichols, Leeds. These elegant pieces will be elegantly juxtaposed with suave suits from the renowned Northern menswear retailer, Master Debonair, and adorned with jewelry from the independent retailer, Palenque.
Themed around the allure of chic city living and haute couture lifestyles, this event promises to showcase a diverse array of couples, offering a plethora of bridal inspirations for the forthcoming season. Additionally, Master Debonair is set to unveil a selection of avant-garde, modern tailored wedding suits meticulously designed for women, sourced from its latest collection.
Max Kendrew, the Women's Wear Department Manager at Harvey Nichols, Leeds, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to support York Fashion Week and present our contemporary bridal wear. At Harvey Nichols, we take pride in offering exclusive brands and unparalleled service, including complimentary Personal Shopping. It's a privilege to collaborate with such a creative team, and we eagerly anticipate the showcase."
Nicky Hayer, Creative Director at York Fashion Week, shared her excitement, remarking, "We are thrilled to welcome Harvey Nichols, Leeds, to York Fashion Week 2024 Part One and unveil our inaugural bridal runway. This event promises to offer a captivating glimpse into a myriad of stunning looks, catering to anyone planning a wedding."
York Fashion Week is set to captivate the city from May 2nd to May 6th, presenting an enticing lineup of runway shows, intimate in-store events, and installations across various venues:
- On May 3rd, from 6 pm to 9 pm, Rachel Peru, a silver-haired curve model, body confidence activist, and midlife influencer, will host a captivating runway show at The Impossible.
- The Indie Runway Show at York Art Gallery on May 4th, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, will showcase independent designs from Yorkshire Tartan, Ellis David Knitwear, Lupton Steward, and Melisanthy.
- JORVIK Viking Centre will open its doors after hours on May 4th, from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm, offering a tour highlighting Viking clothing, textiles, and jewelry, accompanied by live crafting demonstrations and an insightful talk.
- Local stylist Jackie Crawford will curate a stylish showcase exploring Smartworks' fashion archive at The Impossible York on May 5th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- Tee Style Tribe will present a vibrant collection of clothing and accessories celebrating Yorkshire and African cultures at Clarendon Art Gallery on May 5th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and at Barley Hall from May 3rd to May 6th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, where children are invited to participate in craft sessions to create their paper ruffs.
- The Cosmopolitan Wedding Showcase will dazzle attendees at The Impossible York on May 5th, from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
In addition to its dazzling lineup of events, York Fashion Week is collaborating with local waste management and recycling company Yorwaste on an innovative upcycling project. This initiative invites students and aspiring creatives from across North Yorkshire to participate in YFW's inaugural sustainable design competition. As the fast fashion industry continues to thrive and textile waste remains a pressing concern, designers are challenged to explore innovative ways of repurposing and remodeling PPE and discarded clothing, transforming them into stylish statement pieces.
For further information or to secure tickets, please visit www.yorkfashionweek.comwww.yorkfashionweek.com.
How many hours of wedding photography coverage do you need?
Your wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with precious moments that you'll want to cherish forever. One of the keys to preserving these memories is hiring a skilled photographer, but have you ever wondered how many hours of photography you'll need for your wedding? In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of wedding photography hours, providing you with a deep understanding of their importance and how to tailor them to your unique wedding day.
Why Wedding Photography Hours Matter
Before we dive into the details of determining the right photography hours for your wedding, it's essential to grasp the fundamental importance of this decision. Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, celebrations, and unforgettable moments. These moments, once captured by a skilled photographer, become cherished memories that you and your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime.
The hours allocated to photography significantly impact how these memories are captured. Insufficient coverage may result in missed opportunities to immortalize precious moments, while excessive hours can strain your budget. Striking the perfect balance is key to ensuring your wedding day is beautifully documented.
Factors to Consider
- Size of Your Wedding: The scale of your wedding plays a pivotal role in determining the necessary photography hours. A smaller, intimate wedding may require fewer hours, while a grand affair with numerous guests and events may demand extended coverage.
- Number of Locations: If your wedding involves multiple venues, such as a ceremony at a church followed by a reception at a different location, you'll need to factor in travel time and setup at each site. This may necessitate additional photography hours.
- Type of Ceremony: The type of ceremony you choose also affects photography needs. Traditional weddings with elaborate rituals may require more time, while destination weddings or elopements could be more streamlined.
- Reception Duration: Consider the duration of your reception. Longer receptions with extensive entertainment and festivities may require additional hours to capture the entire celebration.
Standard Photography Hour Packages
Wedding photographers often offer a range of packages to accommodate various wedding scenarios. Understanding these packages is vital in making an informed decision:
- 4-6 Hours: This package is ideal for intimate weddings with a limited guest list and a simplified schedule. It usually includes coverage of essential moments like the ceremony and some key reception moments.
- 6-8 Hours: This is the most common choice for many couples. It provides comprehensive coverage of the entire wedding day, from getting ready to the final dance.
- 8-12 Hours: Larger weddings with multiple locations and extended receptions may benefit from this package. It ensures that every moment, from early preparations to the late-night celebrations, is beautifully documented.
Each package offers its unique advantages and limitations, so selecting the right one depends on your wedding's specific requirements.
How to Determine Your Ideal Photography Hours
- Create a Wedding Day Timeline: Collaborate closely with your chosen photographer to create a detailed timeline for your wedding day. This timeline should outline when and where photography coverage is needed, considering all aspects of the day's events.
- Identify Must-Capture Moments: Sit down with your partner and make a list of must-capture moments. These could include the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cutting of the cake, and special dance performances. Ensure these moments are incorporated into your photography schedule.
- Consult with Your Photographer: Your chosen photographer is a valuable resource in this decision-making process. They bring their experience and expertise to the table, allowing them to provide insights and recommendations based on your unique wedding vision. Don't hesitate to discuss your expectations and any specific shots or styles you desire.
Maximizing Photography Hours on a Budget
Budget considerations are a reality for many couples, but it's still possible to maximize your photography hours while staying within your means:
- Prioritize Key Moments: Allocate extra time within your chosen package to capture the moments that hold the most significance for you. These might include the ceremony, your first dance, and candid shots with family and friends.
- Efficient Scheduling: Optimize your wedding day schedule to make the most of the photography hours you've selected. Minimize downtime by planning well and ensuring that key events flow smoothly.
Additional Tips for Memorable Wedding Photography
While determining the right hours is essential, there are other elements that contribute to creating memorable wedding photos:
- Poses and Candid Shots: Collaborate with your photographer to develop a repertoire of poses that reflect your style and personality. However, also allow for candid shots that capture genuine emotions and spontaneous moments of joy and love.
- Working with Your Photographer: Building a rapport with your photographer is vital. A comfortable and enjoyable working relationship will result in more authentic and relaxed photos. Schedule an engagement or pre-wedding photoshoot to get to know your photographer better.
Conclusion
Choosing the right photography hours for your wedding is a pivotal step in ensuring that your special day is beautifully documented. By considering factors such as the size of your wedding, the number of locations, and the type of ceremony, you can determine the ideal photography package that suits your needs.
Remember that, even with budget constraints, you can make the most of your chosen hours by prioritizing key moments and scheduling your day efficiently. As you embark on your wedding planning journey, keep these insights in mind to guarantee that your wedding day memories are captured in a way that you and your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime. Your wedding photos will serve as a timeless reminder of the love and joy you shared on this remarkable day.
FAQ
How many hours of photography do I need for my wedding?
The number of photography hours you need depends on several factors, including the size of your wedding, the number of locations, and your budget. A typical range is 6-8 hours for most weddings, but larger weddings or those with extensive events may require 8-12 hours. Smaller, intimate weddings might be well-covered in 4-6 hours.
How many hours does it take a photographer to edit wedding photos?
The time it takes to edit wedding photos can vary widely depending on the photographer's style, the number of photos taken, and their post-processing workflow. On average, it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours or more to edit a full wedding's worth of photos. Some photographers may provide a turnaround time, so it's essential to discuss this with your chosen photographer to set expectations.
How many pictures should be expected from a 1-hour shoot?
The number of pictures you can expect from a 1-hour shoot can vary based on several factors, including the type of shoot (e.g., portrait, engagement, or family), the photographer's shooting style, and the level of preparation. However, it's not uncommon to receive around 50 to 100 edited and high-quality photos from a 1-hour session.
Is 6 hours of wedding photography enough?
Six hours of wedding photography can be sufficient for many weddings, especially if you prioritize capturing key moments such as the ceremony, reception, and formal portraits. However, the adequacy of 6 hours depends on your wedding's unique characteristics, such as the size, number of locations, and the schedule of events. For larger weddings with more events, you may want to consider 8-12 hours for more comprehensive coverage.
How many hours is a full-day wedding photography?
A full-day wedding photography package typically covers the entire day, from the preparations in the morning to the late-night celebrations. This often translates to approximately 8-12 hours of coverage, ensuring that all essential moments are captured from start to finish. The exact duration can be customized based on your wedding's schedule and needs.
Has UK wedding planning changed forever?
The pandemic brought many industries to a complete standstill, with the wedding market suffering enormously. Three years on and the wedding industry is thriving again, yet the way couples plan for their big day looks a whole lot different.
Going in and out of lockdown meant that the wedding industry took a huge hit. And when weddings were allowed, the guidelines put in place were baffling at times, to say the least. Fast-forward three years, the wedding industry is back to business as usual. However, Poptop have been doing their research, unveiling data suggesting that the way couples plan their nuptials has completely changed.
A rise in last-minute bookings
Poptop, a renowned UK party planning platform, showcased data displaying changes in how people are planning weddings now that we’re in the aftermath of the pandemic, and in the thick of the cost-of-living crisis. They discovered that couples are now booking entertainment and catering much later than couples did previously, with data showing that bookings with 3 months (and even less) lead time are up 44%. When you learn that organising a wedding typically kept to a lead time of 12 months and above prior to the dreaded C-word, 44% seems a pretty big shift.
How planning for the future has changed forever
The pandemic saw drastic changes, and the wedding industry didn’t exactly have it easy. For the past two years, wedding suppliers have been playing catch up - finally honouring bookings originally made for 2020 and early 2021.
After many postponements came an emergence in couples reluctant to plan anything too far ahead through fear of the unpredictability that lockdowns brought. And now we seem to be over the worst of it all, this newfound approach appears to have been instilled into engaged couples looking to get married. So, how does this impact suppliers?
Well, it means that suppliers, who would normally have dates in their diaries booked out years in advance, are now available for bookings made last-minute. Because of this, couples planning to tie the knot are fully taking advantage of this and organising elements of their wedding at the eleventh hour.
A seismic shift for suppliers
The cost-of-living crisis has also had a substantial effect on the types of weddings that people are planning. Hitched, a site dedicated solely to weddings, highlighted that the amount of money spent on weddings in the UK alone has risen 6% compared to 2021, and is expected to increase even more this year. Rising living costs combined with the cost of planning a wedding means that many couples are now opting for a more intimate, low-key event to make the most out of their budget.
We’re now seeing an increase in couples who are choosing to exchange their vows at home, secluded gardens, and rented holiday homes, eradicating the need to book a venue way ahead of time. By cutting back on lead time, couples can expect to save a lot more money – which is music to many people’s ears. Long lead times are still very much going to be a thing for couples wanting a grander event, however, there’s undoubtedly a visible shift in wedding trends.
The impact of technology within the industry
The ever-decreasing lead time could also potentially be down to how suppliers are being booked. Companies such as Poptop and its ‘instant quote’ feature are making bookings more seamless than ever. Couples can now view a wide range of entertainment available within their area, as well as arrange catering and drinks packages offering exceptional services all at the last-minute.
In a post-COVID world, wedding planning has certainly undergone a revamp, however, there’s been no change in the people’s desire to celebrate a marriage. That wish remains the same – and rightly so! The change in lead time may mean that suppliers have much less notice for booking, but there’s certainly no shortage of business with so many couples out there who are wanting to plan their big day.
There’s no denying that the chaos that lockdowns brought on the wedding sector - but whilst we expected to see cancellation after cancellation, what we actually got was a wave of postponements that pushed plans into 2021 and 2022. In the aftermath of all this, event planning seems to be changing significantly - even huge life events like weddings are being organised more spontaneously than before. This represents a pretty momentous change to the wedding market, but these changes were arguably overdue. No other events sector retains such a long lead time, technology like Poptop’s has changed that, so it’s healthy to see wedding planning following the rest of the party planning industry in planning later than it used to.
Eugene Shestopal - CEO, Poptop
ABOUT POPTOP
Our goal at Poptop, is to make an event the best that it can be. We’ve teamed up with some of the UK’s most renowned suppliers, inspiring event-planners with exceptional experiences and high-end services. We have a unique ‘Live Pricing & Availability’ feature that enables a simple and stress-free process for anyone looking to organise weddings, parties, or corporate functions. So far, Poptop has helped to plan over 85k events – making us one of the UK’s biggest party planning platforms.
Why British coupes choose Iceland to elope?
Iceland is becoming a trendy alternative for British couples wanting to elope.
While most people choose to get married in a church or a registry office, there are those who want something different.
Iceland is one of the top destinations for couples who want to get married in an unconventional way. The country has become known for its scenic beauty and unique settings, making it an ideal place to elope.
The beauty of Iceland has been documented by some of the world’s most famous photographers. It’s no wonder why so many couples choose to elope here.
The island is home to a variety of natural wonders including glaciers, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs — all of which are easily accessible. Plus, Reykjavik is one of the most diverse cities in Europe with restaurants from around the world and a thriving nightlife scene.
There are many reasons why British couples choose Iceland as their wedding venue:
Iceland made it easy for couples to elope
Couples who want to get married abroad can often find it difficult to arrange a wedding in a different country. However, Iceland made it easy for couples to elope. The country has no residency requirements and the paperwork is straightforward.
For Aliza and Jahed, Iceland was the perfect place for them to elope. They decided that Iceland was the perfect place for them to say ‘I do’, even though neither had visited before. They knew that it wouldn’t be cheap, but what they didn’t know was how easy it would be to get married there.
Photo credit: Kaja Balejko Iceland wedding photographer
They speak English
Iceland is a Nordic country but most people speak English as their second language as they are taught at school. This makes it easier for British couples who want to get married in Iceland and removes the need for third party translation services meaning your ceremony can be conducted in English.
Stunning scenery
The landscapes in Iceland are breathtaking. You’ll find yourself surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and lava fields with no shortage of photo opportunities. With its dramatic volcanic landscapes and amazing wildlife, Iceland offers some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. You can choose from many different activities or just get lost in the beauty of nature itself.
Adventurous start to your honeymoon
Not only does it have stunning scenery, but it also has an adventurous start to your honeymoon. If you’re looking for an action-packed honeymoon then Iceland is perfect for you! From visiting waterfalls to hiking glaciers, there are plenty of ways to get out there and explore the island’s natural beauty on foot or by car. With a little planning and preparation, a trip to Iceland can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Icelandic horses
These horses are believed to have been brought to Iceland by settlers from Norway over 1000 years ago, but they have managed to survive in isolation ever since. They have adapted well to their environment and are now found throughout Iceland in small herds which roam freely across pastures and roadsides.
Conclusion
Iceland is the perfect place to marry if you’re looking for an intimate wedding with minimal fuss and maximum scenery. The island boasts a wide range of options, from luxury hotels and resorts to cosy guesthouses and traditional farmhouses.
Winter wedding styled shoot at Kirkham Priory
We’re delighted to feature this magical winter styled shoot at Kirkham Abbey in North Yorkshire. Find out what the photographer said about the shoot and check out this beautiful gallery below.
The shoot was organised by myself, Weddings by Charlie and Ellie of Eleanor Jayne Makeup Artistry. We had the idea for the shoot after having enquiries from couples getting married in the winter.
Many couples opt to get married in the warmer months, but there are so many opportunities to inject personality and creativity into a winter wedding. We knew we wanted to shoot outside, and early in the morning in order to capture the atmosphere created by the morning light, fog and frost.
We chose Kirkham Priory as it has a beautiful bridge and the River Derwent running alongside. Zoe at Treasured Brides was so kind to work with us. At the dress fitting with our model, Alina, Ellie was immediately drawn to the long sleeved Daniela Di Marino dress from the Incanta collection. It perfectly fit the organic, whimsical theme we had planned and so much beautiful detailing throughout the bodice, sleeves and skirt.
Paired with Alina’s striking, ethereal features, we all agreed it was ‘The One’. Flowers by Caroline was very kind to make us a beautiful white bouquet, using Carnations, Roses and silver, green Eucalyptus that perfectly mirrored the thick frost on the grass.
On the morning of the shoot, we got so lucky with the weather. We had an early start, and began shooting between 8.30am and 9.30am. It was still morning, with very little cloud cover, meaning nothing inhibited the bright morning glow that was diffused by the fog. This helped to create some incredible, romantic shots. We made the most of the scenic location, getting photos from the bridge (with gawking, confused commuters in passing cars), as well as from the lake side.
We worked quickly, with hot water bottles and layers on hand, so that Alina didn’t get too cold. It was incredible to see the shoot come together, all the way from conception to the final images, and to work with other York based suppliers.
Image credits:
Photographer @weddings.by.charlie
Make-up @eleanorjayne_makeupartistry
Hair @eleanorjayne_makeupartistry
Dress @treasuredbrides
Dress Design @danieladimarino_official
Florals @flowers_by_caroline
Model @alina_longmore_
Planning @eleanorjayne_makeupartistry & @weddings.by.charlie
How To Choose Music For Your Wedding Ceremony
You will no doubt have questions to answer about choosing music for your ceremony. How many songs do I need? Can I have a live musician in my venue? What mood do I want to set? Music sets a wonderful atmosphere for you and your guests and choosing the right songs will have you remembering your ceremony with happiness for years to come.
Choosing Music For Your Wedding Ceremony
From Walking Down The Aisle To The Exit Of The Happy Couple
By Fiona King Wedding Pianist
Live or recorded music?
There are two options when it comes to music for your ceremony – recorded or live music. Do check with your venue to see if there are any restrictions on either format, or on any particular song choices, especially if you are in a house of worship. By playing recorded music you will save money by not hiring a live musician. You have a wide range of songs to choose from and there can be plenty of variety in your choices. By having a live musician playing for your ceremony, a more intimate atmosphere can be set, and your guests can enjoy being entertained by a live performer.
How many songs do I need?
No matter your choice of music provision you will have to decide upon a number of songs for the different parts of the ceremony. Couples often come to me with a problem – they want more modern songs, but some family members are pushing for traditional versions. There is a way for everyone to be happy as there are usually about five songs needed for the ceremony. Let us find out what they are and some tips for choosing them.
The entrance of the bride
The first song you will need to choose is to be played during the entrance of the bride. This is a really special song and should be something that is important to you both, but especially to the bride. It should be a steady paced song, not too fast as you will be coming down the aisle at a steady speed. Couples often choose a love song or a song that is special to them at this point. Examples of entry songs I have played recently are ‘Your Song’ by Elton John, ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perry, and ‘Everything I Do I Do It For You’ by Bryan Adams.
The signing of the register
The next part of the ceremony you need to choose music for is during the signing of the register. This section takes surprisingly longer than expected, especially when people are getting up to take photographs, so I would suggest choosing 3-4 songs to be played during this section. This is where you can think about your guests’ preferences a little more. You could choose a quiet classical piece, which will please the more traditional listeners at your ceremony. You could choose a song from a musical, such as ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’ from The Lion King. You want to choose a song that is calming but that people can recognise the tune to, such as Ellie Goulding’s ‘How Long Will I Love You’. You may even want to choose two songs mashed together, such as Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ with Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D’.
The exit of the married couple
The final piece to choose is the song for the exit of the newly married couple. Couples here usually choose something a bit more upbeat, a party song that will celebrate the marriage and get the guests in the mood for the celebrations ahead. Examples of recent songs I have played have been ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ by Van Morrison and ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars. It is up to you and your partner to find a song that uplifts you and celebrates your love for each other in a happy, lively way.
A final note on choosing music
Whether you are choosing the music just the two of you, or you have input from family members, it is important to remember that music sets an ambience and will have long lasting memories from your special day. Go with songs that speak to your heart or have a special connection. Whenever you hear these songs in the future, you will remember your wedding day with nostalgia and joy.
For more information and a playlist of songs please visit www.fionakingweddingpianist.co.uk
Intimate York Registry Office wedding - Lynn and Martin
Mr & Mrs Coombs added some razzle dazzle to York Registry Office on the most sought after wedding date of the year – 20.02.2020!
Spiritually a significant day in numerology for the signing of contracts, marriages and commitments alike.
York Registry Office Wedding
Lynn and Martin fell head over heels in love, in the first few months they having never been tattooed before gained matching ones, moved in together and decided to tie the knot. We just knew we had both found love, so why wait?
First stop on proposal Martin lead Lynn to a jewellers to design her very own band. What made her band special was the mere fact that her band was going to be the only ring on her finger, she didn’t want 2, being devoted christians Lynn loved the thought of having a TRIPLE band for trinity. Its personal!
Terrie who is conveniently a wedding photographer and daughter of the bride helped her mother tie and arrange some wild spring flowers for the single bouquet on the very morning, which gloriously helped them create a small but significant happy memory to kick start the day.
York Registry Office wedding photos
On arrival in the grooms very own company taxi they married in the Boothan Suite of the York Registry Office, the smallest room, with only 7 people in total.
The small yet sufficient wedding party pub crawled through The Shambles, giving the same relaxed but atmospheric feeling as the registry office, keeping a theme in mind… this wedding is about love! Us!
Not the frilly favours, wedding cars or huge venues. We just wanted to be united, married – and we did just that!
Lynn and Martin’s wedding suppliers:
Wedding photography: www.terrierosephotography.com
Ceremony: York Registry Office
Dress: Tesco
Styled wedding shoot at The Grove Hall
Today on the blog we present this beautiful inspiration wedding styled shoot at The Grove Hall in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire organised by Tammy from Howards Events and photographed by Nisha from Your Choice Photography.
Here is what Nisha, the photographer said on the whole shoot:
The inspiration behind photographing the shoot was to simply show the art of possible. My aim is to always capture naturally beautiful images, with a romantic feel.
In winter months especially, it can be hard to envision how things might look when it’s simply bare and muddy. You often need to see how it can be. Tammy also styled the event in a rustic way with touches of gold, including bespoke props from Bramble Sky.
Abigail’s hair & fresh faced make-up was done by lovely cruelty free MUA, Nicola Whitfield and she had a bespoke gown for Yorkshire designer, Danielle Sykes. Flox Bridal provided the finishing touches with a tiara & hair vine, whilst Amber from Mini Quinni Alternative Weddings provided beautifully designed, bespoke veils.
All tables were dressed with stunning arrangements from Jackie, The Flower Shop (South Elmsall) and she created a wild bouquet, with navy blue ribbon to match the accents in the room.
The day was finished with an exquisite white detailed cake from Cherry Blossom Cakes, styling from Howards Events included balloon decor, a flower wall and calligraphy printed mirrors and beautifully captured by Dan Williams Visuals.
From Nicola Whitfield (MUA) on her desired look: For the make up look I wanted to create a neutral palette so gold tones were used on the eyes and a pink toned lipstick complemented the look. To show off the beautiful hair accessories I designed a loose curled updo on our gorgeous model. It shows how several pieces can be worn together to create a cohesive look for your special day.
From Danielle of Danielle Sykes Designs on her bespoke dress: I wanted to create a gown that was dramatic, modern and timeless, so I used a plain ivory satin and focused on creating a striking silhouette. The puff ball sleeves
From Abigail on the vendors involved: Everyone on the day The Grove Hall was so welcoming and made me feel at ease, which is what you really want from the people that are bringing your wedding day to life! I loved the set up and everything went to plan on such a beautiful day. I would work with every one of them again.
From Tammy, owner of Howards Events: We chose to go for a Navy, gold and ivory theme along with lots of greenery to tie in with the Pantone colour of the year. We gave the whole room a feeling of warmth and regalness using a mixture of textures. Jackie from The Flower Shop created a greenery hoop along with some gorgeous floral centrepieces. We added lots of finer details including lace charger plates and a stunning 3d luxury flower wall.
Jackie, The Flower Shop:
I wanted to do something that was on trend and at the moment pampas grass is so on trend so incorporated with the pampas I chose to put some stunning ivory avalanche roses, Veronica, mimosa which I sprayed gold to add richness, wax flower, dried palm lease sprayed gold for that touch of regalness and corn with trailing asparagus adding softness and a touch of colour and finished with a deep rich blue satin ribbon tied around the bouquet.
Supplier's list:
Nisha, Your Choice Photography (photographer)
Dan, Dan Williams Visuals (Videographer)
Tammy, Howards Events (styling & props)
Jackie, The Flower Shop (florist)
Cake, Cherry Blossom bakery
The Grove Hall ( venue)
Amber, Mini Quinnie Alternative Weddings (veil)
Abigail (model)
Nicola, Nicola Whitfield MUA (hmua)
Danielle, Danielle Sykes Designs (bridalwear)
Becky, Flox Bridal (bridal accessories)
Choosing the right wedding car for your big day
For soon to be Brides in Yorkshire, and with such a large selection of wedding cars and other transport types available in the area it can be difficult to know what kind of vehicle to choose, and which option will work best for your wedding.
However, deciding on your wedding transport doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult, if you choose a professional company which has been long established over many years they’ll have all the knowledge and more importantly the experience to help guide you in your planning, resulting in the perfect wedding transport for a perfect day.
The best recommendation of a business is from a friend or family member that has used the services before. A company that has hundreds of five star reviews and perhaps has not been in business that long should start alarm bells ringing, reviews although a good thing should not always be the first consideration as they can sometimes be misleading and sometimes fake, however any business that has been around for many, many years must be doing something right otherwise they would not be in business, so always read between the lines and the number one piece of advice is go with your instinct.
When you’ve decided which company to go with you can then decide on which of their vehicles will best suit your theme. Even if you’re holding the wedding ceremony and reception in one place, you’ll still want transport to initially get there. You then have to consider how many people are travelling, is it in winter or summer, do you require a car with air conditioning or a bracing convertible. If you’re having a church wedding with the reception elsewhere, the transfer time needs to be taken into consideration, along with how many trips between the destinations are needed to take the Happy Couple, Bridesmaids, Mother of the Bride and so on, so do explain this to the carriage company prior to making your final choice.
If colour is important then you need to ensure the dress does not get lost in the colour of the car, for example a white car and white wedding dress sounds great but if the white car is whiter than the dress could it make the dress look greyish. Good photographers are great in solving this problem for exterior shots though, they will always have the Groom next to the car with the Bride next to the Groom resulting in dress and car not next to each other thereby creating a perfect contrast. Whether you’re having a traditional, modern, or themed wedding you’ll want the vehicles to blend with your theme. Two-tone coloured vehicles, that fit in with your overall colour scheme are a good option and will afford you a larger choice of vehicles. You could even use a traditional white or silver vehicle but bring in the colour of your wedding theme in the ribbons and bows.
Wedding gowns will vary. Some can be pencil style and simple, others may be hiding additional layers and a variety of hoops. The fullness of your dress will help decided which car is right for you. The rear seats in some cars may not give your dress the space it needs as every Bride wishes to arrive at their destination looking fresh and crease free. If you’re opting for a fuller style gown you’ll need either a modern long wheelbase style vehicle or even a limousine, some vehicles from the vintage era will provide a wealth of space as the passengers in those days used to travel in spacious cabins while their chauffeur was squashed in to the small cabin at the front.
To avoid upset on your big day do take the time to go and see the car prior to your wedding, so you can see how easy or not it is to get in an out off. A professional wedding car provider will be more than happy to arrange a viewing for you.
A two-seater convertible may be your dream wedding car, but it’s no good, if you’re opting for just the one wedding car and are looking to have four bridesmaids in your wedding party, and where will the poor old groom sit as their will only be one seat for passengers as the other is taken by the chauffeur. If you want to make one trip only then perhaps a limousine style vehicle would be more practical. Alternatively, you could hire more than one vehicle, in which case look for a company that can provide two matching or reasonably similar cars. Another possibility is to choose an elegant wedding car for the happy couple with simpler style cars for the rest of the wedding party.
Make sure you ask what items are included and what are additional, always check the terms and conditions as these are there to protect you. A good company will have a very comprehensive set of terms and conditions on their website for you to see.
Finally make sure you consider purchasing a low-cost wedding insurance policy before you book any part of your wedding as this will cover you from day one, not just on the day itself. You will be surprised how cheap these policies are and how much they cover.
Lastly, book the vehicle as soon as you know it’s the car for you, because if you like it, others will too.
To help you with your Yorkshire wedding car hire planning visit Premier Carriage Wedding Cars website or call 01924 693 684.
Things to consider when booking a wedding band
Everyone agrees that having background music at your wedding drinks reception can make the occasion feel extra special. It fills any awkward silences and helps to set the atmosphere beautifully for the few hours before the wedding breakfast begins, putting your guests at ease.
When booking background music performers for your wedding, it's important to consider the following five aspects of booking a band:
1. Image
Will the 'look' of the band fit into your plans for the day? A wedding is a big investment and you don't want a group of scruffy musicians in the background of your wedding photos. It's vital to choose a band which understands that image is important, this is your special day and a band should treat it with as much care and attention as you do.
2. Professional
You can get a good idea of how professional a band is during the booking process. Do they have a clear and concise booking process? Are they quick to respond and decisive with costs and requirements? Indecisiveness is a good indication that the band isn't used to performing at weddings and problems could arise at a future date with them.
3. Contract
It's an obvious point, but it's important that you both sign an engagement contract for the booking and pay a deposit (if required). A form of legal agreement between you helps to mitigate any disagreements in the future. The contract should mention the date, arrival time, start and end time plus any requirements that the band may have; food, drink, accommodation etc. The band should have a standard contract for the purposes of weddings.
4. Repertoire
Weddings are usually a mixture of generations from your family. So, music everyone will enjoy is a must. You may be into some obscure Norwegian prog-rock trio, but there's a good chance that your parents (and their parents) are not! It’s best to opt for a band which play a variety of music across all years.
5. Schedule
Having a detailed running order for the day is vital. Ensure that you agree on an arrival time with the band and know how long it takes them to setup so you can inform the venue staff what to expect. Be aware that if the band are to be performing in a room which is already occupied by your guests, then you may need them to setup a couple of hours in advance, as to not disturb your guests with sounds checks.
One wedding band which ticks all these boxes is the Devon jazz band, Mojito. They are a professional jazz trio based in the southwest of the UK and have years of experience in planning and performing at weddings throughout the region. You can find out more about their wedding services on their website, but they are a highly recommended wedding jazz band in the area.