Came across this poem today – thought it was very appropriate for how you would feel on your wedding day…

The band has been booked, the cake has been made,
the photographer's chosen, all bills have been paid.
The guests are decided, the menu too;
Something borrowed? Check! Ditto old and blue.

The stationery's been ordered, along with the flowers,
favours are done after fiddling for hours.
The stag do's a blur, same goes for the Hen -
won't be drinking that much in one sitting again!

The dress has been picked, accessories bought;
there's nothing to schedule, no more to sort.
After endless to-do lists for over a year,
it's time to relax; the big day is here!

Sitting here with my girls as our hair gets done,
I can't help feeling lucky to have found 'the One' -
Just think, by lunchtime I'll be his new wife!
Roll on the wedding, and our new married life!

By Catherine Smith
Bridgend, Wales

This poem was selected as a winner of a nationwide poetry competition run by Marriott Hotels in March 2011.

So many choices - which supplier to use?...

I had the pleasure in attending The Designer Wedding Show in Battersea last week - it certainly proved to me that weddings are still (and always will be) all the craze!! Limitless number of suppliers for floristry, entertainment, photographers and the infamous chocolate fountain – no bride will be short of choice to personalise her day. To help make your final decision on your supplier ask for testimonials and find out if you can see them in action! Work closely with your venue and ask them if they can recommend anyone to you. If you have a friend or relative with a certain talent then great! The perfect supplier :)

Winter weddings have to be one of my favourites- mulled wine on arrival, comforting foods and cosy log fires in the evening! At least you don’t have to hold out hopes for the weather! It’s guaranteed to be cold so you can plan your day accordingly. Tables centres can play a big part in theming your day – candelabras wrapped with holly and ivy to add both warmth and romance!

We are pleased to announce that we are now officially a featured supplier on the My OK! Wedding Planning App - Download it now! 

More and more couples are opting for the infamous cheese wedding cake – not only does this provide you with a well needed snack after all the dancing, it also cuts down catering costs for evening food! Cheddar, brie and blue cheese just to name a few - remember to be mindful of any strong smelling cheeses! Dress the cake with seasonal fruits and accompany with crusty breads and chutneys. Who says wedding cake never gets eaten?! 

Autumn is just upon us (difficult to believe with the weather we are having right now!), however it’s time to cosy up and make the most of the golden leaves and berries! Incorporate into your table centres or decorate your stationery – there is an abundance of choices during the autumn harvest months. Plenty of dark green, brown, orange and gold foliage can be used to adorn your menus and table plan. Equally though, purples, dark pinks, burgundies and anything in chocolate browns look quite at home during the autumn. Remember the nights start drawing in early so plan your photographs before it gets too dark!...

Music is key for setting the tone for your wedding day. A classical pianist playing as your guests arrive is a sure way to create an elegant ambience, however perhaps consider a livelier act of a capella quartet or jazz band! Ask your local choir if they would be happy to perform one of your favourite songs! 

Some would think this was an easy part to planning for your day however others seem to think otherwise. If you have everything you need and don’t want your guest’s money going to waste why not make a difference to some else’s life and consider an Oxfam Unwrapped Wedding list!

Cocktail anyone?!

Weekend weddings for ITA venues!

It was reported recently in the news that more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot on a weekday rather than a weekend. The main reason is cost, with mid-week events about a third cheaper. 

This may be the case for most wedding properties however ITA venues are, believe it or not, cheaper to hire at a weekend compared to a weekday during which time the venues are hired out to all other events. So, if your dream is to have a Saturday wedding at a reasonable cost then look no further! :)

Bride Abbey Clancy looked stunning in a strapless white Giles Deacon gown with a fitted corseted top and a tiered skirt, which she accessorized with long earrings. The question is how far in advance do you need to buy your dream wedding dress? Unless you plan to buy it off the rack, it may take from three to six months prior to your day to receive the gown that you order, depending upon the style and the manufacturer.  In the case of very high demand designer wedding dresses it may even take more than six months. To be on the safe side (and if you have time!) plan on allowing a minimum of six months prior to your wedding for ordering your wedding dress. Our Creative Events Executive Laura Moss, who is getting married this October – I suggest you'd better get a move on!