Why You Need A Wedding Web Site

When you are planning your wedding, there are so many details to take care of that, at times, you might think it would be easier to just elope some quiet night and get it over with. One solution to that dilemma is to create a wedding site so you can share all the details about your wedding with your friends and family.

Remember that, when you are planning your wedding, you will be dealing with both your friends and family and your fiancé’s. That’s hundreds of phone calls and just as many mailings with maps, reservations, travel information and just answering general questions.

A time-saving wedding website will allow you to keep your entire guest list up to date with your details, even if they change, without spending hours on the phone or half your life in the post office. You can post pictures of both you and your fiancé, share the important moments in your courtship and make it easy for your out-of-town guests to become part of your wedding excitement.

To start with, include a note or card in your wedding invitation telling everyone about your website and what they will find on there. Be sure to include the specific link, URL, so they can find it. If you mention in your invitation that your guests can RSVP online, you will be surprised by the number who take advantage of that email option.

Think of it as “Wedding Central” and include maps of your city, lists of local attractions for those arriving early, travel information, motel/hotel locations and rates. If you are having a large number of out-of-town guests, you might want to negotiate a group rate at a local hotel. If you do, be sure to post that information in a prominent place on your website.

It would be helpful to include directions to your house, the church and the reception for those arriving by car. If your guests are coming from different points on the globe, just write one set for each and post it, including major highways and landmarks. It eliminates the time spent telling each one how to find you.

Another benefit of a wedding website will be a solution to the inevitable wedding gift questions. You can have a link to your gift registry or a list of suggestions. The registry makes sending gifts easy as many will ship it for them and gift wrap it too.

Family members will love being able to look at photos of each of you and posting stories of how you two met, what activities you like to do together and what your hopes for the future are. Realise that one whole side of your wedding party might not know you or your fiancé. Your stories, photos and biographies will make everyone closer to both of you.

Be sure to post wedding and reception pictures and honeymoon pictures when you return from your trip. Families and friends will appreciate being included in your happiness.

Another website attraction would be including a guest book to let your guests leave happy comments for both of you.

There are many wedding website services online that make this process easy for you. Essentially, it is just filling out forms on their website and selecting the design template you want. The rest is taken care of for you.

Use a Google search for the term, “wedding websites” without quotes, and browse the selections that pop up. Many will offer free trials or examples of their work. Take advantage of them before you commit to anything. Ask all the questions that are not answered on their pages. Make comparisons and chose the one for you.

While the two of you might be the ones getting married, the wedding and all the events and excitement around it is a family and friends activity. Their happiness springs from yours and they definitely want to be part of it, particularly those who cannot attend.

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

What Questions to Ask the Wedding DJ?

The biggest thing that most people ask of their wedding DJs is the price, but there’s a lot more you should be finding out about when you decide to hire someone for your big day. There are lots of other factors you might not think of right away when it comes to the DJ, but that you should know about. Let’s take a look at a few things that every couple should find out from their prospective DJ before any contracts are signed or agreements are made. It could spare you some unpleasant surprises.

1. Will the DJ also be an MC? Many people don’t realise that not every DJ is also a master of ceremonies. Look for someone that offers this service, or select someone else to act as an MC and deal with finding the right things to say at the right time during your wedding.

2. Are setup and takedown included in the price? Some DJs do their own setup and takedown and use some of the time booked for it. Others will offer this service for free, and some DJs won’t use the paid time for it, but will charge extra. You should know exactly what services you’re paying for.

3. Is there a retainer, and when is the balance due? Respectable DJs tend to charge a retainer, and should present you with a contract to be signed by both parties. DJs who do not do this are a red flag. Take care when dealing with them.

4. How much control do I have over the music? You should have the ability to select a playlist from the DJ’s music library, and if songs you want are not available, your DJ should be willing and able to acquire them for you. You should also be able to request that certain songs not be played.

5. What are the available dates? Don’t assume the DJ isn’t booked for another job. Be sure to retain him or her well in advance, so you know your wedding music will go off without a hitch.

6. Who will actually be DJing? If you’re working with a service, there’s a good chance that you’re not going to be talking to the person who’ll actually be playing at your wedding. However, you should expect to get in touch with him or her very shortly after the signed contract and retainer have been dealt with. Contact information and information about your wedding should be shared at this time. This session usually lasts about an hour, and is not something to skip!

7. What kind of experience does your DJ have? You want someone who’s experienced and has provided entertainment for weddings before. Find out how many weddings and other events the DJ does per year, and how long he or she has worked in the industry. Will the DJ be doing other work the same day as your wedding? If so, he or she might be tired by the time yours occurs. Keep this in mind when hiring.

So as you can see, there are more questions to ask your potential DJ than about the price. Getting answers to all your questions beforehand can lead to smooth and successful entertainment at your wedding reception.

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

Toasting Glasses For Your Wedding

When planning your wedding, don’t forget about the toast! The bride and groom will be expected to toast one another, and getting keepsake glasses for that toast can be a great idea. There are lots of options out there, from paint your own to charming pewter. There are even crystal glasses with a double horn and just one base – two vessels joined together, just like a married couple.

These glasses can be found all over, depending on what you’re looking for. Toasting glasses can be found in gift shops, novelty stores, and wedding supply outlets, and can also be special ordered from glassware companies. You can even hire an artist to make a set of unique toasting glasses for your wedding that no one else will ever have.

Champagne flutes can be made in glass, pewter, crystal, silver, or just ordinary plastic, depending on what you’re interested in getting. Consider personalizing ready bought glasses for a unique touch, especially if one or the other of you have artistic abilities. Just remember to allow plenty of time to practice before you touch your wedding toast glasses, and make sure that you know what you’re going to paint before you start.

Choose high quality paints meant for use on glass, as well. You can often find these in art supply stores. Some of these stores will even sell you the blank glasses, ready for painting. If you take the time to paint them carefully, these glasses will really be one of a kind! You can also have glass or metal glasses etched with your names, the wedding date, or images that are special to you as a couple. Engraving is another option.

If you’re not really crafty but you want to personalise the glasses yourself, consider gluing on small silk flowers, beads, and gems. Add a ribbon to the base and you’ll have some special, one-of-a-kind toasting glasses.

Of course, if you’re interested in something a little different from the standard champagne flute, you have plenty of other options. There are lots of excellent goblets available for themed weddings, for instance. Celtic designs are extremely popular, as are hearts and similar motifs. Choose matching dessert and appetiser plates if you’d like to start up your china collection, too. Some people even choose inexpensive printed plastic glasses as favors for the whole reception, or just the wedding party.

Your wedding toast glasses can add a little bit of personalisation to your reception and make your toasts even more special. They make a wonderful keepsake, whether you simply display them in honour of your special day, or use them on special occasions to remember your love for one another.

Take some time to investigate all the options available to help you make your wedding toast a truly unique one. There are so many different types and styles out there that there’s sure to be one for you as a couple. You just have to spend a little time looking!

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

The Best Man’s Wedding Toast

So, you’re expected to make a toast at your best friend’s wedding, but you don’t know what to say. Honouring the big day and the new couple without either embarrassing yourself and them or coming across dry and wooden can be pretty tricky. You’ll want to put some thought into what you’re going to say and do. Let’s take a look at a few ideas that can help you get started.

First, think about who you are going to be toasting. There are a few conventions in formal or traditional weddings you should be aware of. For instance, as the best man, you’ll be expected to toast the bride. You may be permitted to toast others as well, depending on how formal the wedding is, so pay attention to the circumstances and feel of the wedding.

Start by letting everyone know who you are and how you know the couple. Remember that some guests just won’t know who you are. It’s best to make this clear from the start to prevent confusion. Next, you’ll want to show gratitude to the hosts of the wedding, whether it’s the happy couple, their parents or someone else. Thank them for welcoming you to the occasion.

Most wedding toasts also have a bit of an anecdote, including how you met various parties or how they met, stories you want to tell their children some day, and important elements in your friendship. Don’t go for cliches if you can avoid it, and remember to think about the audience. It’s important to cater to the highest common denominator, if there is such a thing, and avoid offending anyone, especially the parents of the bride and groom.

Learn about the cultures involved in a wedding when more than one culture is involved, and avoid inside jokes or adult humor. Nudity, inappropriate behavior, and sex are all topics left out of most toasts, and you probably shouldn’t talk about politics or religion unless you’re really sure of the audience. If you’re not sure the story is appropriate, avoid it. It’s better to be safe than sorry if you’re the best man giving a toast. Another good rule of thumb is to go easy on the alcoholic beverages before you give the toast.

Remember to offer a compliment about the bride and anyone else you’re giving a toast to. Don’t go on and on about how wonderful they are, however. That could end up boring your audience, and no one wants that. Instead, use just a few adjectives to tell the audience what you think is best about him or her. In addition, remember to end your toast on a positive note. A traditional toast quote, a blessing, or good wishes are common choices. Remember to use your head and think in advance, and you’ll come up with a great wedding toast that everyone will appreciate.

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

10 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Surrey

When it comes to preparing for your wedding, you are probably up to your elbows in magazines, paperwork, bills, and glitter. But even though there seems to be a never-ending list of things to do in order to be properly prepared for the big day, you have to make sure that you are not skipping certain details.

Here are 10 questions to ask when checking out wedding photographers. This is not just about making sure that you are spending your money wisely but it is also about making sure you are going to end up with photos you will be able to proudly cherish for the rest of your life.

1. Will he or she be the exact person at your wedding taking your photos?

If he or she cannot guarantee that, you will want to look somewhere else. You want to make sure you are interviewing and reviewing the work of the exact person who will be at your wedding taking photos. The last thing you want is to be surprised on the day of your wedding and end up with photos that are not worth a dime.

2. What styles does he or she specialise in?

Photos are not just photos. Every photographer out there has their own special style or way of doing things that you want to be familiar with. Do you like the photographer’s style? Is it your style? In order to be a happy bride, make sure that you are getting a photographer that is capable of taking the shots you want on your wedding day.

3. What kind or type of camera will be used for your photos?

It is important to make sure that some inexpensive 35mm camera available at any superstore is not being used. There is nothing wrong with an everyday camera for everyday photos, but your wedding is special. You want high quality photos so make sure that your photographer has the right equipment.

4. Is there a backup plan?

What happens if that camera breaks? Make sure the photographer has a back up plan such as having spare cameras on hand and an assistant who is qualified to work in his or her place should an emergency occur.

5. How large is the photo package and what is the price breakdown for each photo?

By understanding all of the pricing and what you get within each package you will be able to make an educated decision on what you should be going with. Ask questions if you don’t understand. It’s better to not be surprised when the bill and the proofs come in.

6. How long before the proofs are ready?

You will want to know how long it will take for the proofs to be finished for your review.

7. Do they automatically give the negatives or is there an extra charge for this?

Some will give you the negatives free of charge while others will not unless you ask for them and then there is an additional charge.

8. Is he or she covered by liability insurance?

In case something goes wrong or there is an accident, the photographer needs to have liability insurance to cover costs.

9. Can you request specific types of photos to be taken?

This will help to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want. If the photographer seems rigid and uptight about your input, you should look elsewhere.

10. Is there an additional cost for staying longer then scheduled?

If there is a delay or the event simply lasts longer than you expected you probably want the photographer to stay. Is he or she available to stay longer, and do they charge extra for doing so?

Your wedding photographer can be like a magician creating beautiful photos of your very special wedding. Don’t hesitate to ask questions when you’re deciding who to hire – it’s that important.

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Body Type

Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Body Type? No Problem

Almost every woman wants to get their wedding day right. It is a very special occasion and most have imagined exactly how the big day will be when it finally comes. For this reason, it’s a must for women to get every detail of their wedding right- from the food to the invitations to the venue for the reception, and of course, their wedding dress.

If there is one detail about a wedding that a woman feels most attached to, it is the dress she will wear on the big day and how to choose one is an important thing to learn in the whole process. No bride should have to look less than her best on her wedding day and her gown must be something that compliments her although it is true that not every type of gown made suits just any woman.

Women come is varying shapes and sizes and there is a different type of dress that looks best on certain body types. The first and most important thing to do is to determine your body type. Are you slender or full figured? Bottom or top heavy? Small or large chested? Women will usually want a wedding dress that accentuates their best parts and hides those that they aren’t too happy with.

If you are a full figured or petite woman, you might be best off with a dress that has an a-line skirt. This type of dress will help create a slimmer silhouette for the fuller figured woman, while a petite bride will be given the illusion of added height.

Women who are full figured on the bottom are advised to go for dresses that are more form fitting in the upper body area. This way, the upper half is accentuated with no attention being drawn to the lower area. As for those who are full chested, a strapless is best avoided as those who have more bust need more support from dress straps, plus a strapless dress will draw attention to your chest area.

Necklines are also an important part of choosing your wedding dress. This is the best way to accentuate your chest, neck, shoulder, or collarbones, or mask and hide certain areas. Women with a fuller bust can certainly carry a sweetheart neckline, although this also works to further accentuate or create a bust for those who are not too well endowed. If you plan on emphasizing your collarbones or shoulders then an asymmetrical top or an off shoulder neckline would be the best choice. However, this is not recommended for women with very broad shoulders.

A halter neckline, on the other hand, works well to accentuate the shoulders for such women and those with a larger bust. There are necklines, though, that generally go well with any body type, such as the square neck or the scoop neck and these are usually the necklines on most general dresses.

When it comes to choosing your wedding dress, remember too that you are the one wearing it – not your guests. So if you don’t feel comfortable in it despite all the advice, it is not the dress for you. Make sure you pick a dress you will love wearing while at the same time, will make you look the best you can on your big day. Good luck!

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings