Wedding Planner blog | Magic Dust

Wedding emergency kit - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Every good wedding planner has an emergency kit that goes with them to every wedding. This week's Wedding Tip Wednesday video gives you an insight into this along with our top 3 items for inclusion.

Until next time, happy planning!

Tips for a strong marriage - Guest blogger Belinda King of Beta Relationships

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The big day is getting closer. Invitations have been sent, the flowers and dress chosen, the honeymoon booked etc etc. So much preparation, so much planning. Nothing has been left to chance. The only thing you can’t have a say over is the weather. Even so you’ll probably have a backup plan should the heavens open.

Spare a thought for after what people term the ‘main event’. Surely a misnomer; the main event has to be the marriage itself? Or is it? How much time have you spent preparing and planning for the being married part? You’re probably thinking that you don’t need to. I mean, you’ve been together for ages and if things weren’t right you wouldn’t be getting married.

It is a sad fact that 45% of marriages end in divorce. With some careful thought and clear communication you don’t have to add to that statistic.

Have you and your husband/wife to be discussed how you are going to manage your marriage? On your wedding day you will have made a public commitment to stay with one another through thick and thin. It is imperative in my view to actually discuss how you will handle things in the thin times.

Think about the things that can have an effect upon a relationship. How will you deal with them? Is it wise to just assume that you will cross each bridge as it comes, and that everything will be ok? Take my advice; do not assume that problems will work themselves out on their own.

My first ex-husband and I did not plan for anything after the wedding day itself. When the recession hit in the 90’s we were trying to get on the property ladder. Things were incredibly tight financially. Neither of us was any good at managing money. We didn’t have any financial plans. We earned money – we spent it.

We managed to buy a house but it needed a lot of work. Neither of us had actually sat down and said how are we going to afford this?

After the birth of our baby I was diagnosed with post natal depression, and really struggled to cope. Because I had assumed that my husband would sort things out and provide for us, I began to lose respect for him when this didn’t happen. It wasn’t his fault, it was the economic climate and he felt very unsupported. I continued to spend money as I had done before as a way of dealing with depression. We never discussed it. Eventually I had to go out to work and I got myself better. But our marriage didn’t get better, and after only three years it joined the ranks of the 45%.

I am going to be married again next year for the third and final time. M and I discuss everything. We have had some rough times over the last four years; we’ve dealt with health issues, financial problems, children issues, etc. We are still as passionate about each other as we were in the beginning. We communicate, we prepare, and we plan as much as we can. M and I have a six monthly review of our relationship. We sit in a nice place and remember the challenges we faced, the things we learnt and great times we had. We identify if there is anything we could improve upon and express our gratitude for the work we’ve done and the positive results we got.

In other words we celebrate that we have got through the previous six months still in love and appreciating one another.

You can’t plan for every eventuality in the minute detail that you have planned your wedding day. But you can have a plan for how you are going to approach problems should the proverbial heavens open.

Belinda King runs Beta Relationships and is a qualified coach specialising in relationships, marriage and finding an ideal partner. She runs seminars, workshops and offers coaching to couples and individuals. She admits to being partial to wedding cake!

Wedding stationery - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Wedding Tip Wednesday. This week I'm covering a topic very close to my heart - stationery.

Yes, my name is Tammy and I am a stationery addict! That said, I've learned to control my habit and am happy to pass on some tips that will help you to stay stylish, simple and within budget with your wedding stationery...

Until next time, happy planning!

Do you need Orders of Service?

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The easy answer to this question is no... There really is no need to spend a small fortune on professionally printed orders of service unless it's something you have identified as being very important to you.

There is, however, something to be said for letting your guests know what is going to happen and when on your wedding day. People tend to relax more quickly and pace themselves more effectively when they know what's to come.

A simple note either handed out by ushers or emailed to guests a few days before the wedding is ideal, and not too time-consuming. The added bonus is that you will both relax knowing that you're surrounded by relaxed, happy guests who aren't worrying about what time they're going to be eating and whether they've got enough time to get another drink before the speeches start.

If you do have a bit of time and are feeling creative, there are lots of ways to create programmes that can double up as attractive favours - favours that serve a purpose rather than just cluttering up the dinner tables!

It might be the end of October but allow me to transport you to a hot, sunny summer's day for a moment...

Imagine having printed your programme of events onto fan-shaped templates that offer guests not only an insight into proceedings but a much-needed respite from the heat (see Martha Stewart Weddings for more ideas).

Until next time,

Your wedding & parents - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:45:00 +0000

Welcome to Magic Dust's Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I'd like to offer you a few tips that should help both you and your parents enjoy the wedding planning process, and the wedding day, as much as possible...

Until next time, happy planning!

Wedding dress trends for 2010 - to cover or not to cover

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Whilst I absolutely love to see what appears on the bridal catwalk I am a firm believer in 'style over fashion' every time. Remembering that you will, hopefully, be seeing your wedding photos on the mantelpiece for many years to come, should provide you with the reality check you need to steer clear of overtly fashionable gowns!

Finding a dress that you love, that suits you and makes you feel like a million dollars, is what is most important. All reasons why we suggest at least one trip to try on dresses on your own...

Occasionally a trend emerges that we think perfectly combines style with practicality and these are the trends that are easy to embrace. For 2010 jackets and boleros are on trend and can be used to fabulous effect by the bride looking for a simple way to transform her outfit between ceremony and reception, without the expense of a complete change of outfit.

Check out Martha Stewart's catwalk video to see a good selection of the styles on offer and don't be afraid to step away from the bridal market in order to find your ideal cover-up. I promise you that your budget will thank you for this!

High Street stores that specialise in party wear are a good place to look - think Coast and Monsoon for your first stops and hunt out smaller boutiques that stock unusual brands. If you can find something that you know you will definitely wear again, even better!

Until next time,

Unique wedding readings - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:30:00 +0000

This week, I have some advice on how to come up with unique wedding readings. Whether they're chosen by you, or by the person you've asked to do the reading, there's the opportunity to make this a lovely surprise!

Until next time,

Marquee weddings in winter

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

As marquees become more and more sophisticated (not to mention expensive!) there are fewer reasons to think of them as exclusively for sunny summer days.

Some of our favourite weddings have been inside toasty marquees in the depths of winter and there are a few things we have learnt along the way that we thought we should share with you now. If it means that one person has one less sleepless night as a result of reading this then we'll be very happy!

TIP 1 - Make sure someone other than the couple getting married know how to use the heaters in the marquee and is prepared to take responsibility for them. It's a good job for an usher but they will need to be alert as the heaters can take a little while to warm up so they might have to go on earlier than you think!

TIP 2 - Why not buy up cheap 'pashmina' scarves in an array of colours and either use them as favours (wrapping them around the backs of the chairs will look fab AND keep the ladies warm!) or leave them near the entrance to the marquee in a big wicker basket with a note inviting guests to help themselves.

TIP 3 - Speak to your marquee company about providing - and laying - rush matting walkways outside the marquee. Not only will it save peoples shoes from the mud but it may end up saving you money as there will be less likelihood of damage to the marquee flooring.

Until next time,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 6 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TIP 6

When it comes to bridesmaid gifts, remember that you shouldn't feel obliged to spend a fortune but a token of your appreciation for their support is always a good idea.

This may be a handwritten, heartfelt card or you may have the budget to buy a gift too. A piece of jewellery for them to wear on the day is an ideal gift and it doesn't have to be expensive.

Alternatively, you might want to arrange a girls night out for when you return from honeymoon and treat them to a pizza and a bottle of wine whilst you catch up on all the gossip!

Remember to do what feels right for you but never to let any support you have received go unappreciated.

We hope you've enjoyed our short series of tips about bridesmaids - keep your eye out for other topics over the next few months and please do contact us if you'd like us to cover anything in particular!

Until next time,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 5 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TIP 5

As for hair and make-up, it really is up to you. As long as you manage peoples expectations - so bridesmaids know not to expect to have their hair and make-up done by a professional - and you've chosen the right people to be your bridesmaids, this will be perfectly acceptable.

Have a think about whether you have a friend whose make-up always looks fantastic and ask her if she'd consider helping you out on the day.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 4 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TIP 4

Think about the celebration you are planning and how your bridesmaids outfits will fit in with that. If you're going for a relaxed feel, an eclectic mix of bridesmaid dresses, perhaps tied together by everyone wearing the same shoes, will look great.

There's nothing wrong with asking your bridesmaids to wear a dress they already own to keep costs down. Chances are they'll feel more comfortable in something they chose themselves anyway!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 3 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TIP 3

A small gesture can mean the world to people - we've seen close friends honoured with special buttonholes that mark them out from 'normal' guests and always evoke a positive response, as well as a few tears of joy!

You don't have to ask everyone to be your bridesmaid but you can make those closest to you feel very special with a little bit of thought, and without spending lots of money.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 2 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

TIP 2

If you do have more than 1 best friend and are finding it hard to choose, ask them to play different, but equally important, parts in your day. Readings, liaison with the venue in the run up to the wedding, organising entertainment for any children at the wedding - these are all tasks that good friends will be delighted to help out with.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Tips to ensure happy, helpful bridesmaids - Tip 1 of 6

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

We are often asked - by brides and by the media - for our tips for ensuring that you pick the right bridesmaids, make them feel special but also are able to ensure that they do exactly what they're supposed to do... Support you on and in the run-up to the most important day of your life! So we thought we'd bring our favourite tips to you over the next 6 days - 1 quick helpful tip per day. Enjoy!

TIP 1

Don't feel pressured into asking too many people. One incredibly organised, willingly helpful and supportive bridesmaid is worth a million times more than 5 friends who spend more time fretting about their own hair and make-up than they do about helping you out!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Wedding accommodation advice - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:21:00 +0000

Welcome to this week's Wedding Tip Wednesday video. Today I'm focusing on a few bits of advice that will come in handy when you're looking at guest accommodation for your wedding. A couple of minutes spent considering these points now will likely save you at least one sleepless night further down the line when you'll have more important things to think about!

Enjoy!

Alternative credit-crunching yet stylish buttonholes

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

One of my favourite jobs at weddings involves a queue of handsome, well-dressed men requiring my assistance in the positioning of their buttonholes! It's a tough job but somebody has to look after the ushers...

I have seen some absolutely beautiful arrangements and must admit that it's the simplest styles, using the freshest blooms, that usually catch my eye. But, it's a very easy area in which to spend a small fortune and so when I first came across the idea of using herbs as buttonholes I was intrigued.

Credit Crunch Bride has written a great piece on the subject and shows a couple of images of lovely rose and herb buttonholes and I think her primary reason for using herbs in a buttonhole is a genius one (hint - think Sunday lunch!)

You could go one step further and forego the flowers altogether and use healthy sprigs of either rosemary, sage or lavender tied with contrasting ribbon. This would easily be a third of the cost of a traditional single flower buttonhole and the aroma equally, if not more, intense.

Take the theme up a level and use potted versions of the herbs as your table centrepieces and I'd say you've hit the simple, stylish and slightly different nail firmly on the head!

Until next time,

Transport after the reception - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Welcome to another Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I'm talking to you about taxis and how to ensure that the end of your reception is as stress- and hassle-free as possible. Nothing that a little bit of forward-planning can't sort out!

Enjoy!

Autumn wedding receptions - an unexpected surprise

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

People lucky enough to have planned their wedding to take place this weekend were no doubt grinning with delight at the unexpected Indian summer we enjoyed!

It got me thinking about 'Plan Bs' - one of my favourite things as you'll know if you're a regular reader - and how it's not just bad weather that might have you reaching for an alternative plan.

Autumn weddings can be hugely unpredictable in terms of the weather and I think it's worth spending a little bit of time seeing if the venue you choose will allow you to make the most of an unexpected October heatwave. Imagine being able to have your drinks reception on the lawn when previously you'd been worried about whether the Great Hall would be warm enough without a roaring log fire!

One of the most important things to remember when planning your wedding is to think through every eventuality - good or bad - so that nothing can take you by surprise and stop you from enjoying every single minute of your day.

To all those couples who got married this weekend, I really hope you were able to take advantage of the fabulous weather!

Until next time,

Wedding reception food - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:16:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to another Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I have a few tips for you to remember when you're planning the food for your wedding celebration...

Enjoy and, until next time, happy planning!

How to become a wedding planner

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:35:00 +0000

September is always an exciting month at Magic Dust, combining as it does, some sensational late Summer weddings and a lot of forward-planning for the following year. We're certainly not ones to wake up on New Year's Day thinking, "Shoot, we've got weddings to plan THIS year!"

As well as planning weddings we made a commitment when we launched Magic Dust to challenge the wedding industry to be better, more professional and less intent on seeing £ signs every time the word 'wedding' comes into the equation.

So we're delighted that our Wedding Planner Master Classes have become so popular and, thanks to the positive feedback we have received from every single attendee over the years, we know that it's a combination of the course content - focusing, unlike many other courses, on the importance of a strong business foundation for your wedding planning company - and the face-to-face access to an experienced, professional wedding planner who really wants Master Class attendees to succeed.

After all, the more wedding planners there are who work with a similar ethos to Magic Dust, the easier it is for us to ensure that more couples getting married have access to the right type of wedding planners. Ones who focus on the couple getting married, listening to what they need and making sure they deliver it, delighting them with exemplary customer service and proving to be an invaluable resource and support every step of the way.

So, if you're interested in becoming a professional, successful wedding planner, check out the new Master Class dates for Spring 2010, just released on our website, and book your place. Who knows, you may even be selected to join our Mentoring Programme and become one of a select few who enjoy regular coaching, support and advice from Tammy as you build and develop your new career.

Until next time,

Wedding venue questions - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

It's time for another Wedding Tip Wednesday video and we're back on the topic of venues with more advice about things to ask of potentially your biggest wedding day supplier...

Enjoy and don't forget to let us know if there are any specific topics you would like us to cover in these videos - we're happy to help!

Until next time,

Wine tasting & colour scheme inspiration

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Wow, where are the weeks disappearing to? Can it really be the middle of September already...

We've had a great week at Magic Dust, spending some time planning for 2010 - it really isn't that far away - as well as putting the finishing touches to a surprise 'non-wedding' event we're planning for next month (I promise to blog about it when it's not a secret anymore!)

One of the highlights of our week was the invitation to an exclusive wine-tasting evening from our friends at Wines Unfurled. They were christening their beautiful new premises deep in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside with an evening of New Zealand wines and delicious canapes. Not only that but we had the pleasure of the company of the winemaker himself from the Man 'O War vineyards - it made such a difference learning about wine from someone who really knows what they're talking about.

Jerome & Carrie of Wines Unfurled run these tasting evenings on a regular basis and there were more than a few regulars there this week - 2 of whom we were lucky enough to share a table with - and the concept is a simple yet educational one that could prove very useful if you're looking for something a little bit different, and personal, for your wedding wine.

Even if you're just looking for a bit of advice and inspiration for wines to complement your wedding breakfast that are different to the norm in all but price, do consider getting in touch with Jerome. If I were marrying the man of my dreams again, I'd definitely be on the phone!

The drive through the Chilterns in the early evening sunshine was absolutely stunning and conjured up images of colour schemes for late-summer country weddings. Fresh palettes of green with yellow and orange make for a stylish yet simple effect that isn't overpowering nor twee but provides the perfect backdrop for the most important element of any wedding - the couple celebrating the start of their marriage. Thanks to Style Me Pretty for these beautiful images that show exactly what I'm trying say!

Until next time,

Wedding gift lists - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

It's that time again - Wedding Tip Wednesday! This week I'm offering some advice about gift lists - should you have them, how do you get the information to your guests and is there ever a polite way to ask for money instead of another toaster!

Until next time, happy planning!

Children at weddings - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to another Wedding Tip Wednesday video from Magic Dust. This week we tackle the sometimes thorny issue of whether or not to invite children to your wedding... and what to do with them if you do decide to include them in your celebration!

Until next time, happy planning!

Alternative wedding plans - wedding tip video

tammy@magic-dust.co.uk (Tammy Willson) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome to this week's Wedding Tip Wednesday video. I'm focusing on the importance of thoroughly researching, and preparing, a Plan B today. It might sound pessimistic but it is only when every possible outcome has been thought through and prepared for that you can truly relax, knowing that whatever happens, you'll be ready for it!

Until next time,