The A To Z Of Weddings In Essex
We have created the A to Z of Weddings in Essex with you in mind.
If you are planning a wedding it can be difficult remember everything you need. We hope that our A to Z helps inspire and remind you of things for your wedding.
A = Alcohol
Your wedding should be the biggest celebration of the year, this means there will more than likely be alcohol involved!
You should make a list of the specific alcohol you want at your wedding to make the celebration one to remember. This may include:
- Beers
- Wines
- Spirits
- Champagne
If you know what type of tipple you want it will allow you to make sure your venue can accommodate your needs.
B = Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids are the special friends or family that you cherish the closest to your heart. Thanks to this tradition you can ensure that the people you are closest with, share all the little moments of your wedding day.
When selecting your bridesmaids, the possibilities are endless. Try picking from:
- Your best friend
- Your school friends
- Your work friends
- Your mother
- Your sister
- Your husband to be family
Who ever you choose, just make sure you love them!
C = Cake
What is the thing people comment on most during a wedding (apart from how gorgeous you look, obviously)? That is right it is the cake. Your wedding cake plays a role in upholding wedding traditions. This does not mean it needs to look traditional.
Your cake should be a representation of your personality. It can be elegant and classic or extraordinary and unique.
Why not check out our other blog on 37 Cake Flavours and Fillings for some cake inspiration?
D = Dress
In Essex, we are known for being some of the best dressers in the country. Thanks to shows like TOWIE, we have revolutionised the style and dress sense of many Brits. So, no pressure with your wedding dress.
When you pick your dress make sure it is something that you love. This is the thing that the guests have been waiting patiently to see. It is the moment to wow and delight as you have imagined since you were young. This said, do not be tempted to go over the top, especially if it is because you are trying to impress or please relatives.
If you have not bought your wedding dress yet, why not check out our blog on Wedding Dress Shopping 101.
E = Entertainment
Following your wedding reception is the wedding party. An amazing celebration for you to let loose with your friends and family.
You want to ensure that the party has something for everyone, so make sure you consider:
- The type of music
- Whether you want a sweet stand?
- Whether you want photobooth?
F = Flowers
Flowers can make a major difference to the look and feel of your day. Make sure you find an option that suits your wedding venue and the season you are getting married.
When you decide on the type of flower, you want to find a florist that is a suitable price. Why not check out our florist suppliers in the Essex area.
G = Guest List
We all know that to get into the hottest parties you need your name on the guest list. Your wedding is no different.
Make a list of the people you want to invite as early as possible. This helps with the planning of your wedding helping you decide on a venue and a caterer. You can also start to sort out a seating plan once you have an idea of the guests that will be coming.
H = Honeymoon
Admittedly, not the most important part of a wedding or a marriage but getting away from it all will feel like a relief after such a busy day and a hectic year of planning. Try and book this as early as possible or look out for special offers to get the best price.
You can stay in the UK or go abroad. There are a lot more options available than you may realise. If you have not booked your honeymoon check out our other two blogs – Honeymoon Tips and Tricks and Honeymooning on a budget in the UK or abroad.
I = Invitations
The wedding invitation is usually the first contact your guests will have for the day itself and your plans to celebrate your marriage together. Therefore, it is important you use your invitations to set the tone, while informing your guests of the important information they need to know. Even the wording will give your guests an indication for the type of wedding you are planning – traditional or modern?
J = Jewellery
Jewellery pays an important part of a wedding. The exchanging of the rings is a western tradition used to symbolise your love for one another.
Whichever other jewellery you wear on your wedding day should be plain and compliment your dress. You can design your wedding jewellery bespoke to you; it will be worth sitting down with a jeweller to discuss your ideas if this is of interest.
K = Kiss
You may now kiss the bride… A kiss seals your marriage starting the rest of your new life.
This kiss is likely to be watched and photographed by the whole room, so try not to over do it with the PDA. To be on the safe side you can even work out how you are going to do it before the day. Speak with your husband to be and put in a plan.
L = Lingerie
Wedding lingerie is traditionally a firm favourite with the brides, so why not splash the extra cash – it could make all the difference to your wedding night!
M = Money
Sometimes the price of a wedding can seem astronomical. Before you begin planning or booking your suppliers, sit down with your partner and work out what you can afford. It is worth noting the average total cost of a wedding in 2019 was £31,974.
N = Nails
Essex is known for our amazing nails and make up. A wedding is the perfect opportunity for the bride to get pampered and look even more glamorous. You want your nails looking amazing for when you take a picture of your engagement and wedding ring.
The groom should also think about having their nails filed down a day or two before the wedding (and that does not mean biting them!)
O = On the Day
A lot happens on your wedding day. It will be difficult, but our best advice is to try and enjoy as much of it as possible.
You should also not focus on the small worries that may occur. Pass them onto the maid of honour or best man! If you are organised your wedding should run smoothly with no major hick-ups.
P = Photographer
Do not underestimate the importance of a photographer. You will continue to look back on photographs from this day with fondness for the rest of your life. Therefore, book the very best you can afford and make sure you like them and that they share your vision – you’ll be spending a lot of time with them so ensure you know how they will interact with you and your friends.
Q = Questions
Not only will you get asked a lot of questions throughout your wedding planning, but you will be asking a lot of questions too. You will not always remember what you need to ask so keep a pen and paper to hand so that when a moment of inspiration or confusion strike you won’t forget.
R = Reception
This is an enjoyable part of the day. Keep it traditional, simple, but not too long. Don’t settle for the first place that becomes available and make sure when you visit the reception room you also ask to see examples of the menu. Get a written statement of what they intend to provide.
S = Speech
It is the moment of the day when the best man has his opportunity to dish the dirt on the groom. Usually, the main men of the family, including the best man, makes a speech in front of the seated guests, but these days the bride has chosen to have a go too. Do it if you feel comfortable and use notes if needs be.
T = Transport
Depending on the location of your ceremony it is likely you will need some mode of transport to your wedding. This transport can be anything you like and should match your personality.
Some ideas of what transport you can have are:
- A Horse and Carriage
- A traditional wedding car
- A supercar
- A helicopter – if you really like making an entrance
U = Ushers
As part of the wider bridal party, including bridesmaids or the best man, it is the ushers duty to arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony and assist in seating guests and handing out the order of services. They should be the last to sit down before the brides arrive. Traditionally, one usher is assigned to 50 guests, however many couples now match the number with the number of bridesmaids for symmetry in the photographs.
V = Vows
Most couples still follow the tradition when it comes to wedding vows, however by adding a line or two of your own can give the ceremony more of a personal touch.
W = White
Although you do not have to, many brides wear a white wedding dress. This is a tradition that symbolises the bride’s purity.
If you are looking for a traditional wedding be ready to wear white all day. With this being the case, you may want to think about getting a tan to make your dress look even better.
X = Xtras
Or extras, if you like to speak proper English. Your wedding day is a complex event that take months of planning. You should be prepared to research and include any extras you want on your wedding day to make it as special as it can be.
This can include finding a photobooth for the party or wearing something borrowed during your ceremony. What ever it is there are a lot of extras you may need to think about.
Y = Why?
Much of your wedding planning will seem stressful and the day itself will be taken up with speaking to guests and being congratulated by friends and family. However, aside from all this the bride and groom should remember why they are prepared to commit the rest of their lives together and give each other a few moments of contemplation.
Z = Zero Regrets
After the wedding has finished and you have arrived home from your honeymoon, you and your partner should have absolutely no regrets about the day. Getting married and planning the wedding should be a once in a lifetime opportunity so treat it like one and soak up every moment – this is your day!
