Premier Wedding Planners Scotland

Scottish Bagpiper - Spud the Piper

2010-04-06T15:35:00.004+01:00

Well I have just come back from a thoroughly enjoyable lunchtime meeting with the legend that is Spud the Piper!

For those of you who do not know Spud, shame on you! He is a world famous Bagpiper, having piped for Madonna, Jamie Lee Curtis, and (allegedly!) Mark Owen from Take That at his recent wedding at Cawdor Castle.

He began playing the pipes aged 8, and has been working as a professional Piper since 1999. He averages 65 wedding per year - globally. As well as weddings he also works for many whiskey distillers, included Diageo (who make Bell’s, J&B, and Johnnie Walker). He also works 3 months of the year in the Far East for Chivas Brothers Pernod Ricard (who make The Glenlivet, Aberlour and Strathisla). This is during our winter months though, so he can be here for Scotland’s summer wedding season. On top of that, he also pipes 3 times per week in Speyside Distillery. Phew - I am exhausted just writing about this man!

Although Spud does tend to pipe traditional Scottish music, he is open to suggestions from Brides-to-Be, and will do his best to accommodate them. For example, he piped “Like a Virgin” for Madonna as she came off the plane at Inverness Airport for her Highland wedding to Guy Richie!

It is tradition for a Bride to offer her Piper a drink at her wedding. Once Spud has piped the newlyweds to the Top Table, he will take a drink from the Quaich. The Quaich is a special kind of shallow two-handled drinking cup. It is seen as the Cup of Friendship, and it is said to bring you good luck. Tradition has it that this is the cup which is referenced in Auld Lang Syne: “For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne”. This is Sir Sean Connery with a Quaich. (Unfortunately Spud doesn't take Sir Sean with him, just a Quaich!)

Spud is what I’d describe as a ‘hoot’! He is such good fun, I always have a laugh with him when me meet. He is a great character and an asset to any wedding.

For more on Spud, check out our Wedding Music page and his Highland Bagpiper website. For help coordinating your Scottish wedding, contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland for a free wedding consultation.

Lucy,
Scottish Wedding Planners

Wedding Dress dilemma - use our Personal Finder Service

2010-03-24T21:43:00.004Z

Here at Premier Wedding Planners Scotland we strive to provide an exceptional service for our clients that is innovative and original. We are continually evaluating our service and developing it further to offer the best service possible.

Now we we can help you with what could be argued to be one of the most important aspects of your day - helping you find the perfect dress.

This involves us identifying suitable dresses, based initially on information from you about the desired dress shape/cut, your likes and dislikes, colour and fabric preferences, and even your theme for the wedding. We then use this information with our expert knowledge and experience of what will work on the certain body shapes (whether you are an athletic build, more pear-shaped, or hour-glass, etc), along with considering your budget, to pick out a selection of 'dream' dresses.

By chatting with you, asking specific questions, and using a look-book of designs; we gain a full understanding and grasp the vision of what it is you are looking for and what will suit you. Therefore ensuring you look "Stunning" on your big day - just the way you have dreamt it.

Being constantly exposed to wedding dress designers we understand wedding dress trends and are in the perfect position to compile a list of dresses that will suit you.

Teaming this with our knowledge of what Bridal Boutiques stock which designers, we can then set up appointments at specific Bridal Boutiques (local to you) to try the recommended dresses.

Furthermore, we can also help your to find the perfect pair of 'Cinderella slippers', and accessories such as veils and tiaras.

The options are limitless - contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland today for a free consultation and let us discuss your perfect wedding dress - another service to help turn your dream day into a reality.

Lucy

Wedding Day Focus - a guest blog from WeightShed Bootcamps

2010-03-23T22:26:00.005Z

Eilidh Macdonald-Harte is a highly experienced life coach based in Scotland. She motivates her clients to be all they can be and has inspired hundreds of people to live their lives with purpose and passion. She runs WeightShed and Highland Boot Camps to give clients an intensive week to re-evaluate where they are in life and where they want to be, then gives them the tools to get there. Eilidh’s work attracts clients from the UK and overseas and we are delighted to have her as a guest blogger. Today she is going to help you to clarify your thoughts when you can feel overwhelmed.

Pink Dress with Blue Spots

You’d be amazed how often brides find it easier to know what they don’t want. For instance they don’t want to be stressed, tired or anxious about their day. Knowing what you don’t want can be useful, it is more productive to spend a little time stating what you want for your wedding in the positive.

For example:

‘I don’t want a pink dress with blue spots’, is less useful than ‘I want special dress that flatters my figure and skin tone’. The listener understands you better and can connect with your ideas and dreams for your day in this way.

The same applies to when you have a member of your wedding party who is causing, perhaps, a little tension. You can easily get caught up in the “don’t want” argument. This usually leads to more frustration.

So here are some tips to know what you want and how to communicate your thoughts and ideas simply. You will be delightfully surprised by how easy it is to get others to listen, understand and accept your decisions about your special day.

Firstly, spend some time day dreaming about your wedding, see it in full Technicolor glory and hear all the fun and excitement in Dolby surround sound. The more you day dream in this way, the clearer you will become about what you want and can then stay true to your dream day.

Accept all opinions as useful, thank the giver for their advice and with a smile, be clear and say you have made your decision and are really happy with it and move the conversation on, or let them know you will think about it. Either way you placing less importance on their ideas and they will get the message.

Shift your focus back to what you want. Do you want to enjoy every moment, feel more in love than ever before, sparkle with happiness – yes, then focus on that and you will feel so amazing on the inside and glowing on the outside.

Have a blissful day.

Eilidh x
http://www.weightshed-bootcamp.co.uk/

We will be posting more words of wisdom from Eilidh in the future, so make sure you follow our blog to stay in the loop. If you need help coordinating your wedding, contact us for a free wedding consultation.

Lucy

Honeymoon like an A-list Celebrity!

2010-03-09T19:38:00.005Z

Check these super-chic celeb getaways for inspiration.....

The Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie and her actor husband Josh Duhamel tied the knot in Malibu, before cruising around the Maldives. They then stayed at the 5-star One & Only Reethi Rah, where they are said to have enjoyed cooking classes, private yoga, tennis lessons, spa treatments, scuba diving and fishing. The UK TV presenter Holly Willoughby and her husband Dan Baldwin also chose the Maldives for their honeymoon.

The music superstars Beyonce and Jay-Z honeymooned at the super romantic Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Arizona a week after their secret ceremony in New York. Their busy schedules meant they could only spend two nights at the boutique retreat, but they are said to have made the most of it by chilling out in the luxurious Sanctuary Spa and swimming in the infinity pool overlooking Paradise Valley.

The Westlife singer Kian Egan married his actress fiancee Jodi Albert in Barbados last year, stayed there to honeymoon. They held their romantic ceremony on Turtle Beach, and then celebrated with family and friends at one of the most famous hotels on the island, Sandy Lane Resort. This luxury golf resort and spa is popular with many an A-lister, with Simon Cowell regularly holidaying there, as well as footballing sensation Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen.

Denise and her musical star husband Lee Mead married and honeymooned at the 5-star Labriz Silhouette Resort in 2009. Apparently the happy couple enjoyed romantic strolls along the beach, and treatments in the uber-luxurious Spa on the Rocks, and chilled out in their presidential villa.They are not the only celebrity couple to honeymoon in the Seychelles, with Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar Fregate Private Island

John and Jackie Kennedy, Julia Roberts and Danny Moder, Sandra Bullock and Jesse James, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Wow, what a list! All of the above have honeymooned at the glamourous San Ysidro Ranch, an hour outside of Los Angeles. The 500 acre resort has 41 cottages and suites, all furnished with oriental rugs, original artwork and antiques. Additionally there is 17 miles of beautiful hiking trails, and lush gardens - where Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier exchanged vows.

Inspired? Contact us to see how our wedding planning services can help you Wed like a Celeb.

Lucy

Unique Weddings in Scotland

2010-03-08T23:07:00.011Z

We don't necessarily mean crazy or ‘out-there’, but rather having something that is a little different from the norm, or something that is unique to you. Don’t get us wrong, we always look for inspiration that might appeal to another client. Just don’t fall into the trap of having a conveyor belt wedding. You want your guests to know whose wedding they are at through subtle touches of individuality, things that you personally like, not exactly the same as the wedding they were at before, or will be at next month. Don’t chose elements that you think you ‘should’ have, your fairytale is exactly that - yours!

Some food for though....

Have your wedding in: a vineyard, gallery, boat, up a mountain...

Have a best-woman, or bridesman!

Have a themed wedding: colour, character, celebrity, era...

Personalise gifts: give items engraved, such as a photoframe with a favourite picture in it, passport cover, a star named after them....

Why release sky lanterns or butterflies when you can release bio-degradable dove balloons?! www.dovebaloons.co.uk

Design your own dress or suit!

Favours? Sugar almonds are so standard, and ornaments often get left behind-what a waste of money! Why not hire a characturist to draw pictures of your guests to take home with them?

Ask relatives/close friends to write a personal reading - often so much more special.

While you and your new wife/hubby are away getting pics, give the guests a quiz about you both. Winner can be announced during speeches - the answers they have written can be hilarious to share!

Serve your own personalised renamed cocktail at the usual Champagne Reception section.

Ask guests to tell you their favourite songs when they RSVP. This can help ensure everyone is dancing after dinner! However, make sure you and your bride/groom actually like the songs, it is your day after all!

To find out how we can help you plan your dream wedding, contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland for your free consultation.

Lucy

Creating unique Scottish Weddings to suit all budgets

Top Tips for a Green Wedding

2010-02-15T19:17:00.005Z

A wedding can be a costly event – not just for the bank balance, but also for the planet. Do your bit and ‘think green’ for your big day. Our top tips make it easy....

Plan ahead. You will need at least 10 months if you are planning it yourself. Have a look at websites such as www.ethicalweddings.com or www.greenunion.co.uk. The Green Guide For Weddings book by Jen Marsden is also a helpful source of information and ideas.

Travel - depending on where your wedding is, you/your guests taking a flight can be unavoidable. However, where possible try to arrange train travel, or arrange car pooling for guests coming from the same area. If your venue is easily accessible, your guests could walk there. You could too!

Flowers - chose flowers that are in season, non-forced and local. Wild flowers are a popular choice at the moment. How about incorporating vegetables into your centrepieces for originality?

Food - try to find a local caterer, that uses locally sourced produce and Fairtrade food and drinks.

Cake - How about asking someone who is close to you to make it? (Make sure they can bake!) You can use fair trade sugar and dried fruits in the recipe.

Favours - As the perfect green wedding gift, give native seedlings as wedding favours. That way the guests can go home and plant a tree for the environment and remember your special day as they watch it grow!

Gift list - only ask for gifts you really need. Or alternatively what about asking guests to donate to a charity. Friends of the Earth http://www.foe.org/ focus on clean energy and solutions to global warming, protecting people from toxic and new, potentially harmful technologies, and promoting smarter, low-pollution transportation alternatives.

Dress - have your dress made locally, with material manufactured in this country. Or can you wear your Mother’s or Grandmother’s dress? You can amend it if it looks a bit dated!

Stationery - invites etc can be printed on recycled paper, and ask your stationer about printing using vegetable inks. Or how about e-invites?

Finally - enjoy your day knowing that you have helped the environment!

Lucy

Inspired? For help with coordinating your wedding, contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland for a free consultation.

Valentine’s Day Wedding Theme

2010-02-08T20:38:00.011Z

So it is almost upon us again, the most romantic day of the year for couples everywhere - Valentine’s Day. It’s the day when you celebrate your love and affection with your loved one - so what better day to get married?! Mind you, 6 days to plan your wedding isn’t long, so you might want to wait until next year! However, you don’t have to get married on Valentine’s Day to have a Valentine’s Day themed wedding....
Invitations
Invites form the first impression of a wedding ceremony, and most usually in sync with the overall theme of your wedding. Look for heart-shaped invites, or ones with a Cupid theme. Choose red, white and pink shades. Consider invites adorned in ribbons also.

Decoration
Decorations add to the essence of a party, making it creatively appealing. White ribbons, gauzy fabrics, think floaty and pretty. Balloons can be a fun addition also. Enhance the romantic atmosphere with candles and soft lighting. Or how about Doves or Love Birds in cages around the room? Place settings could be a single rose with a tag attached bearing their name. Flowers are a key factor in a Valentine’s day themed wedding. Roses are the most popular, and some would argue most romantic. They are available in the most gorgeous shades of red and pink, as well as brilliant white You can stick to one or two shades, or mix three or more together for a romantic and whimsical look.

Food and Favours
How about a heart shaped wedding cake, or a subtler option of heart shaped canapés. Pink champagne is a must to toast the happy couple. Favours are an important factor in your special day. They serve as the best way to say thank you to your guests for their presence at your special day. How about a note with their gift saying ‘Thank you for being our Valentines’? Or placing their gift in a heart shaped box?

Dress
Classic is the most favoured look at Valentine’s day weddings. A sweetheart neckline subtly concurs with the heart theme, or if you are feeling more adventurous why not go for a red dress?! Red and pink shades work well with Bridesmaids - very girlie. Men in black kilts or tuxedos compliment this look well, although I have seen a Groom and his Groomsmen in white kilts and they looked fabulous!

Lucy
Whatever the theme, Premier Wedding Planners can help you achieve your dream day. Contact us for a free consultation.

Wedding Planning - when "the big day" is extended into multiple ceremonies

2010-02-01T15:26:00.011Z

Who’s to say you can only have one wedding? You’re so in love with your partner, and the day goes so quickly, who wouldn’t want to do it all over again?! If it is good enough for Tom Cruise, Salma Hayek and Gisele Bundchen (to name a few), then it is good enough for you!

Many would say having two weddings is an unnecessary extravagance. However, there are many practical reasons couples will have more than one wedding: accommodate different cultural or religious traditions and beliefs, or to include friends and family that can’t travel. Many brides and grooms hail from different parts of the world, but want to share their wedding with their entire families, so they choose to bring the celebration to them.

Recently clients of ours had a traditional Scottish wedding for the groom’s family, and then another in India for the bride’s family. Both very different, both very fabulous! Maybe you and your partner have wildly different tastes - having two ceremonies means both of you can have the day you have envisaged. Maybe having two ceremonies would save any family arguments too - having a second traditional ceremony in a big white dress will keep your mum happy, while you can still have the Las Vegas wedding you really want! Or maybe you want to have an intimate ceremony for just you and your partner, but are worried it will offend your family. A solution to this is to hold another ceremony at a later date to celebrate your nuptials with all of your nearest and dearest. Not too late though - within 3 months is recommended, otherwise it almost becomes an anniversary party!

Whatever your reason for considering having more than one celebration, keep in mind that you will likely be spending twice as much. A way of getting around this would be to have one celebration smaller and more intimate, with the other being larger and more elaborate. Although more than one celebration is more expensive, it doesn’t necessarily have to a lot more work. By keeping the colours and themes the same you not only keep consistency between your celebrations, but can keep costs down by re-using the same props. Or choose a venue such as a beach, garden or castle as one of your locations. This way, decor is built-in and money does not need to be spent on ‘dressing’ the venue. However, you will need to think about dressing you- will the same dress work for both venues? Well hey, if not, I can’t think of a better excuse to buy two dresses!

Lucy

Getting married? Contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland for a free consultation.

Have a Cake Wedding!

2010-01-20T20:03:00.020Z

What is your wedding all about? The Groom? The Dress? The Food? The Band? How about the Wedding Cake

I defy you not to have a wedding themed around your cake, that is, if you have had your cake made by Andrea Webster.

Just check out some of these fabulous creations to inspire your 'cake wedding'! People dont always think of Northern Scotland as a trend setting region, but this Superwoman's approach to cake making and decoration is fun, innovative, original and ahead of its time. And......very importantly, absolutely scrumptious!

We spoke to Andrea to find out the emerging trends for cakes in 2010

Edible Painted Cakes

Andrea started painting on wedding cakes in 1995 when a couple, who were passionate about collecting Japanese Imari porcelain, asked her to replicate the design on their cake. Her hand-painted cakes have since been popular and often feature floral still lifes or even landscapes. She has decorated cakes with the works of Gaugin, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh, Degas, Gainsborough and even Hockney & Georgia O’Keefe. Couples love them so much they often don’t want to cut them!

Inspiration from Bridal Gowns

What a bride will be wearing often inspires the wedding cake design, shape, colour and texture. Edible satin ribbons, lace, beading, appliqué flowers, pleats or ruffles lend themselves to creating a gorgeous and unique wedding cake

Dramatic Color

Many couples looking for something refreshingly different and modern opt for a colourful cake, either in the form of coloured fondant icing or a white or ivory cake with splashes of colour. Keeping the palette simple and dramatic will always guarantee a sophisticated yet fun cake. You can also let your wedding cake be your “something blue".

Buttercream Cakes

Lately brides and grooms have been choosing meringue buttercream icing over traditional rolled fondant. Andrea’s melt-in-the-mouth meringue buttercream contains white chocolate and is not as sweet as fondant. Buttercream-iced cakes can feature sharp edges rather than rounded or beveled edges, giving the wedding cake clean lines and a more contemporary look.

Unique Shapes and Themed Cakes

Stacking different shaped tiers, some circular, some square or hexagonal, creates a modern look. Uniquely shaped wedding cakes are fun and memorable. These can include tiers stacked at odd angles for a Mad Hatter effect or an entire cake comprising, for example, a Caribbean island, complete with palm trees and hummingbirds. These cakes are highly personalised and tell a story about the bride and groom. The choices are endless – all it takes is a sense of fun and a wild imagination.

Wedding Cupcakes or Individual Cakes

These continue to be popular and are a fun departure from tiered cakes. There is no limit to colour and decorations can be sophisticated, such as the couple’s monogram, or playful, such as sugared flowers. Some couples are choosing alternative confections, such as individual cheesecakes or small tarts.

Other exciting trends she told us about:

Much to the delight (or sometimes the chagrin) of brides, their grooms are becoming more interested in wedding planning and being involved in wedding cake design. This has led to fewer girly cakes in pinks & pastels and more modern, edgy or humourous cakes. Men who are happy to let the bride have her way with the cake design will often express strong opinions about flavours – most just want a yummy cake. Those who are completely indifferent become less so when they find out that Andrea made basketballer Michael Jordan’s 40th birthday cake!

Back-to-Nature Cakes

Tying in with green and eco trends, a popular new look for wedding cakes is rustic and unfussy. Cakes can be completely uniced and adorned with seasonal berries, fresh fruit, wildflowers or leaves, looking simple and untortured yet inviting at the same time.

Cake Calligraphy

Beautiful writing inscribed on fondant cakes can tell a story about the bride and groom or feature a favourite meaningful poem or verse. The couple may wish to design a monogram of their initials or a new family crest to symbolize their union. Some couples prefer a single word, phrase or quote for a simple yet dramatic effect.

The Sweeter the Better!

Those who love sweets may consider a wedding cake decorated with their favourite: liquorice allsorts, marshmallows, candy floss or chocolate truffles. Or the cake itself could be a stack of three giant liquorice allsorts!

Introducing Black (or Dark Brown)

White or pretty pastel icing with black detail – lace, ribbon, dots – are becoming more fashionable. Black & white cakes can be livened up with a splash of colour, hot pink being extremely effective.

Bejewelled Cakes

Large pieces of sugar costume jewellery are replacing flowers as a fashionable way to adorn a wedding cake and the availability of edible diamantes and gems makes bejewelled cake ideas almost limitless. This trend is good for evening weddings where the jewels will sparkle under lighting.

Metallics & Pearls

Metallic themes are in and the availability of edible powders and dusts in gold, silver, bronze and pewter enable the cake designer to go to town with exciting metallic details on wedding cakes.
Alternative or Non-Cake Wedding Cakes

Cheese Wedding Cake

Those who don’t care for sweets may consider a “cake” comprising a variety of stacked cheeses – Stilton, Brie, Morbier, Cornish Yarg, etc – as an alternative to a wedding cake. A cheese wedding cake could be decorated invitingly with grapes or fresh figs and surrounded by crackers and condiments. Or for something really different, you could try a Sushi Wedding Cake! It will be the talking point of your wedding!

Flavours

Tasting and selecting wedding cake flavours is one of the more enjoyable parts of planning a wedding. When choosing flavours consider whether the wedding cake will be served as the pudding (larger portions) or after the meal (smaller portions). In the latter case, the flavour chosen should complement the dessert. If the dessert comprises chocolate then avoid serving a chocolate wedding cake as well. If the wedding cake is the main pudding there will be no restrictions to flavour choices. Many couples will order a tier of fruit cake for traditional purposes or to keep, a tier of sponge cake to accommodate those with simpler tastes and a layer of a third, more decadent flavour, quite often chocolate, for the largest tier. Lemon curd cake, hazelnut chocolate and carrot cake with cream cheese icing are further favourites. If you have a favourite recipe or would like to replicate a cake you’ve enjoyed let your wedding cake designer know. It’s impossible to please every one of your guests so Andrea’s advice is to go with what you as a couple really love. As well as the design of the cake, the flavour you choose will be one of the opportunities you have to express your own personal style.

To find out more about Andrea and her delicious cakes, visit http://www.andreawebstercakes.com/.

For help coordinating your 'Cake Wedding', or any type of wedding, contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland for your free consultation.

Wonderful Winter Wedding Ideas

2009-12-31T15:48:00.005Z

Winter weddings, although not as popular as summer ones, are just as fabulous. In fact, some would argue that they are very more romantic and luxurious, especially if you have the snow we are currently having in Scotland!

Here are some ideas to consider if you decide to hold your nuptials in the winter months....

Colours

Reds and greens are the traditional colours used at winter weddings, in keeping with the season. However, if overdone, they can make your wedding feel Christmassy rather than a wedding celebration. How about silvers and whites, creating a classy and glamourous feel. Crystals from the candelabras, white ribbons and hurricane candles up the altar.

Flowers

Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms. Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they're accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.

Invitations

Winter weddings often call for a more formal invitations. Colours aforementioned such as whites and silvers are good. Consider also navy blue or chocolate-brown. Or how about Plexiglas invites to reflect the ice & frost of winter?

Centerpieces

Glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site, and using mirrors under them will reflect the light beautifully. To go for something slightly out of the norm, how about ice sculptures? Grand, a talking point, and not often as expensive as you would think.

Drinks

A winter wedding calls for warm, comforting drinks. As an alternative to a champagne reception, how about hot chocolate with a nip of alcohol? Baileys with warm milk is a yummy alternative to this. Or how about winter themed cocktails, such as Snowballs? (Advocaat, lemonade & lime).

The Cake

Again, a cake trimmed in red or green ribbon looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways. How about a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.

Favours

Food wedding favours are always a hit. Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. Or, for a twist on the chocolate fountain station, have your caterer set up a hot chocolate station. A wedding we did last year had a 'Favour Tree'. A huge Christmas tree was decorated in decorations, which guests could choose from to take home as a memento. I have the one I was given by the Bride & Groom on my tree this year, and it is a lovely reminder of their fabulous day.

Honeymoons

While many couples flee the wintery weather for warmer climes, snowy escape can be even more romantic. Consider renting a cosy log cabin in the snowy mountains of France. Snuggling in front of a log-fire with your loved one.....blissful.

Premier Wedding Planners offer free wedding consultations to enable you to meet us for the first time and to discuss your thoughts on the type of wedding you dream of having.

Lucy

Top Grooming Tips for Grooms by Colin and Justin

2009-12-07T18:45:00.009Z

Property and interior design presenters Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan (Colin and Justin) shot to prominence during BBC 2 TV’s hugely successful ‘Million Pound Property Experiment’. Their inimitable style, humour and flamboyance have endeared them to the public and press alike, and they are now as much in demand for their personalities as their interior design know-how. More recently you might recognise them from their appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" on ITV.

These super stylish men are known for their eye for beauty and trends, and have given their top tips to the Autumn/Winter edition of the Scottish Wedding Directory to help you, the groom, shine on your big day.

The main points they made were:

Preparation:

In the months running up to your wedding, cut out the junk food and beer, and try to incorporate daily exercise. Not only will you feel better, but your partner will appreciate that you are putting in so much effort.

Personal Grooming:

Make sure your antiperspirant is up to the task on the big day. Also, wear your partner's favourite aftershave, the one she loves you to smell of!

Get a Manicure:

Remember that your nails and hands will be under close scrutiny in photos/signing the register/cutting the cake etc. You don't want to be showing off your bitten nails when you are showing off your ring!

Mr Smooth:

Make sure you are clean shaven on your big day by employing your normal shaving routine. Don't experiment for the first time with new systems on the morning of your wedding, in case your skin reacts badly. Consider a facial to unblock pores, and don't be afraid of tinted moisturisers - just don't overdo it or you'll end up with the Peter Andre effect! Try L'Oreal's Hydra Energetic Holiday Look Gradual Tanning Moisturiser.

Fashion:

Decide on your outfit well in advance - it will give you time to change your mind if needs be! Sometimes classic is best: a killer shirt and tie will make a smart statement, and kilts look great on any age, shape or size!

Take Hair Care:

A gentleman's hair should be as well shaped at the back as it is at the front because the congregation will be seeing a rear view for most of the ceremony. Try out any big change of style at least a month in advance and simply tidied up a few days before the wedding. Colouring should be done 48 hours in advance, in case of any staining on the skin.

Plenty to Smile About:

Remember to visit the dentist in the months running up to your wedding day, and get into the habit of using a whitening toothpaste and floss to stop plaque build up. Keep a pack of breath mints in your sporran or pocket to ensure you're ever ready to kiss the bride. Don't chew gum! It'll look so common in the wedding video!

For more wedding tips go to www.premierweddingplannerscotland.com

Wedding Planning - Who Does What?

2009-11-28T21:05:00.012Z

There are no hard and fast rules to weddings, but many people consider it an honour to have particular duties before and during your special day. Here are some guidelines of the traditional roles played by members of the bridal party:

The Bride
• Chooses wedding date, type of ceremony, the theme of the wedding and her outfit
• Chooses her attendants and their outfits
• Co-ordinates & advises other members of the bridal party on dress codes & colours
• Throws her bouquet amongst the unmarried female guests
• Writes thank-you notes to helpers and for wedding gifts
• Buys a wedding present for the groom and bridesmaids

The Groom
• Works out the budget
• Buys the wedding rings
• Arranges the outfits of the male members of the bridal party
• Arranges the honeymoon and the wedding night accommodation
• Buys a gift for the best man
• Makes a speech at the reception, on behalf of himself and his new wife

The Best Man
• Helps groom choose his outfits and those of the male attendants
• Arranges the "stag do"
• Along with ushers he is at venue to discuss seating and parking arrangements
• Attends the wedding rehearsal
• Collects hire wear for himself and the groom
• Collects cards or messages from those who cannot attend wedding
• Makes sure that ushers have order of service sheets and buttonholes
• Helps the groom dress and makes sure he gets to the church on time
• Produces the rings when required and gives them to the groom or the officiate
• Escorts the chief bridesmaid to the signing of the register (usually a witness)
• Checks arrangements with the ushers that all guests have transport to the reception
• In the absence of a toastmaster or master of ceremonies, announces events
• Makes a speech and reads out messages
• Helps transport the wedding gifts from the reception to a safe place
• After the wedding, returns groom's hire wear if necessary

Chief Bridesmaid
• Helps the bride choose her outfit and her attendants' outfits
• Helps the bride keep her weddings lists up-to-date
• Organises the "hen do"
• Attends the rehearsal
• Helps arrange and supervise a timetable for the bride on the day
• Helps the bride and her attendants get ready on the day
• At the ceremony venue checks bride's attire and lines up the attendants
• Holds the bride's bouquet during the ceremony
• Escorted by the best man, attends the signing of the register (usually a witness)
• Walks with the best man out of the ceremony
• Places her bouquet, along with the bride's, by the wedding cake
• Helps the bride prepare for "going away", takes charge of the wedding attire
• Along with the best man, transport wedding gifts from the reception to a safe place

Flower Girl (usually a younger bridesmaid)
• Carries a basket of flowers or flower petals
• Joins in the procession with the other attendants Ushers
• Before the wedding day, meet with the best man to work out duties
• Plan parking arrangements
• Collect order of service sheets from the bride or best man
• Provide umbrellas in case of rain
• Arrive first at the ceremony venue
• Organise parking
• Ensure that the approach is clear for the bride's arrival
• Greet guests and distribute buttonholes, order of service sheets and hymnbooks
• Make sure all guests switch off mobile phones
• Escort the bride's mother and elderly guests to their seats
• Help photographer organise people for group shots
• Help best man organise transport for the guests to the reception
• Helps check a few of the tables at the reception to ensure guests are happy
• Make sure all guests are seated for the speeches
• Stsrt applause during bride & groom's first dance, then get everyone up and dancing
• Line up guests when bride and groom leave

Bride's Mother
• Arranges press announcements
• Compiles the guest list in consultation with the groom's family
• Sends out invitations and keeps a note of replies
• Looks after gift list and makes arrangements to display the presents
• Makes a list of the guests for the ushers
• Attends the signing of the register
• Leaves the church on the arm of the groom's father
• Sends cake to those unable to attend the wedding

Bride's Father
• Attends the wedding rehearsal
• Travels with his daughter to the ceremony
• Escorts the bride down the aisle
• Gives the bride away
• Attends the signing of the register

We are in the process of building our resource guide to wedding planning - ideal if you are looking for inspiration and help around your big day whether you plan your own wedding or would like us to become involved.

A Castle Wedding

2009-11-23T11:46:00.002Z

The Scottish landscape is dotted with historic castles, which is why Scotland conjures up the ultimate image of romantic scenic beauty all around the world. This has helped Scotland become a more important destination wedding location and may be why more and more people now request that their wedding is planned around one of these romantic venues: a castle wedding is our most sought after wedding package.

We have built up a good working relationship with a variety of Scottish castles:
* Airth Castle,
* Blair Castle,
* Caerlaverock Castle,
* Cawdor Castle,
* Dalhousie Castle,
* Drumtochty Castle,
* Dundas Castle,
* Dunrobin Castle,
* Edinburgh Castle,
* Skibo Castle,
* Stirling Castle and
* Urquhart Castle

They are all ideal castle wedding venues in their own way and definitely make for a memorable setting. As distinct as they are, there is no right or wrong venue for a couple, it comes down to the size of your party and where in Scotland you would like to get married.

The popularity of a castle wedding is not limited to bride and grooms living in the UK, couples from all over the world have found it one of the most romantic and memorable wedding locations – and there is always the wedding photographs to look back upon. No matter which castle you decide upon, we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

We have created a map of Scottish places to get married on our website where we have set out all of the above castles to make it easier to pinpoint whereabouts in Scotland they are located and their nearest airport. You can click on each icon to find out more about the individual castles.

When you are ready, call or email us if you would like to discuss your own wedding plans or book an initial no obligation wedding consultation.

http://www.premierweddingplannerscotland.com/castle-weddings/

Cheryl and Andy's perfect day......

2009-10-20T17:34:00.011+01:00

Ever since she was a little girl Cheryl dreamed of marrying at Blair Castle, which sits spectacularly within the Perthshire countryside. Her dream came true this summer, when she married Andy in the grand white castle. White and ivory classic colours were used to dispel a crisp clean romantic theme within the castle venue, using hydrangeas, peonies, pearls and candles, as well as a monogram theme to portray a regal element.The champagne reception took place in the glass fronted Banvie hall, which was kitted out in a casino theme to keep guests entertained. Pink champagne and a string quartet accompanied this.The religious ceremony and meal were held in the huge dramatic ballroom, which then hosted ceilidh dancing late into the evening. The night ended with the bride tossing her bouquet and the newlyweds escaping off on their honeymoon...

Their breathtaking day was chosen to be featured in the Scottish Wedding Directory's Real Life Weddings supplement. To read more about it .....

http://www.reallifeweddings.co.uk/PDFs/RLWw09/084_RLWw09.pdf

Lucy
Destination Wedding Planner Scotland

No kids Allowed? How to tactfully not invite them....

2009-10-01T17:09:00.004+01:00

Cheryl and I are noticing that more and more of our clients are saying ‘no’ to children at their wedding. It can be a very difficult situation to be in. I happen to love children at events, they add a fun and carefree dynamic to the day, but couples can have different, and legitimate, reasons for not wanting kids at their weddings. For some, it can be numbers - the venue doesn't hold enough. For others, it is cost - paying for meals that most probably wont be finished. And for some, it can be behaviour. Children can potentially cry through your vows or be skidding across the floor of your sophisticated champagne reception. This is not necessarily ‘bad’ behaviour - it is just kids! Yet this is not to say that you would like this behaviour at your wedding. It’s okay to agree with any of the above reasons for not having them at your wedding though - it is ‘your’ day! Just as your guests appreciate your decision on the type of ceremony, the venue or the catering, they should appreciate your decision on inviting children. If people feel that they are unable to go places where their children are not invited, then those people are free to decline the invitation.

Having said that, it can be awkward to broach the subject. Usually, the way to not invite certain people is..... just not invite them! Wedding invite etiquette insists that every guest must be invited by their name, even tiny infants. Therefore, if there name isn't on the invite, the haven't got an invite.

If you are worried this is not clear enough and are worried that guests may take their children along, you must be more to the point. Be nice, yet firm and to the point. A separate note inside the invitation can be a good idea of doing this, saying something along the lines of ‘We love your children, but our wedding is an adult only event. Thank you for understanding!’ There is nothing incorrect about inviting some children and not inviting others. You follow that same rules as for inviting adults: invite those you know and care about and do not invite those you do not know and do not care about (harsh, but true). Of course you have to be careful not to exclude children in such as way that hostility will be created between you and their parent(s). If you invite your Aunt Marge, Uncle Homer, and cousins Lisa and Maggie, it would be inconsiderate to not invite Lisa's and Maggie's brother Bart. Just try to make sure your policy is fair if you do decide to invite some and not others i.e. family only, only over 12s, etc.

Try not to worry too much though - some parents will in fact enjoy an evening where they can let their hair down without worrying about what their child is doing. Consider carefully the pros and cons of inviting children to be a part of your big day before making your decision as a couple.

Lucy

Scottish Wedding Planners

What your Groom is REALLY thinking....

2009-09-11T19:47:00.017+01:00

Whilst flicking through one of my favourite glossy magazines last week, I came across a feature called ‘What he’s really thinking on your wedding day’, and it got me thinking.......what ARE grooms really thinking on their wedding day??

Stereotypically, the groom doesn’t appear to have to do much with regard to the wedding except turn up on time and say ‘I do’ - well, he might have to arrange the honeymoon maybe, or handle one aspect of the wedding his fiancee has delegated, while she usually agonises over every minor detail. Surely stress free, no?

The reason for this, it could be argued, is that ‘the wedding’ has been designed for women. The ring, the dress, the flowers, the cake.....it’s a girl thing really. Yet, throughout this girl-orientated day, there are a number of scary scary scary elements that grooms have to face. The author of the feature I read appropriately named these as ‘The Four Tests of a Bridegroom’. These are listed below, with some possible thoughts from a mans' perspective:

Test One: The Vows

Managing to say them, not shout or squeak them. In fact just managing to speak at all. Managing to not mess up the words, managing to say something sincere & heartfelt. The kiss - peck, long, which direction to put his head? Managing to contain his emotions so he doesn't cry like a girl....

Test Two: The Speech

As above, except this time he has the eyes of all the guests on him. And potentially still beaming from embarrassment from the Best Man’s speech....

Test Three: Leading the Dance

Even for the most confident John Travolta’s this is intimidating - all eyes on him again. Not stepping on her toes/dress. Managing to deviate from the safe ‘side to side sway’ to something a bit more impressive - without looking like a fool....

Test Four: ‘Consummating’ the marriage.....too tired? Too much alcohol?....

So Brides, have some sympathy for your Bridegrooms....yes they (frustratingly) might not have as much work to do in the lead up to the wedding as you do, but they do have an awful lot to live up to on the day. And remember, they are marrying you because they want to spend the rest of their life with you......and all this ‘the wedding’ scary stuff? That’s all because they love you and want you to have ‘your’ perfect day.....

Lucy

Wedding Planning for the ultimate Wedding in Scotland

Why get married in Scotland?

2009-09-03T21:52:00.015+01:00

Gossip columns are currently abuzz with rumours that Take That’s Mark Owen is going to marry in Cawdor Castle in the Highlands of Scotland. If he does, he wont be the first celebrity......Madonna, Stella McCartney, J.K. Rowling, Ashley Judd, even Phillip Schofield, all chose to hold their nuptials in Scotland. And it’s not just celebrities - couples from all over the world are drawn here like these newlyweds at Edinburgh Castle - but what is the appeal of getting married in Scotland?

First and foremost, Scotland is a beautiful and historic place. It has long been known as a romantic venue for a wedding - imagine exchanging your vows in an ancient chapel, a candle-lit vault, a castle by a Loch or a beautiful ruin. With its beautiful countryside and abundance of stunning castles, Scotland offers one of the most romantic settings in the world. It’s weather, yes, can be dubious, but it can be beautiful, and our four distinctive seasons make for beautiful scenery - Flowers starting to bud in the Spring, Summer flowers blooming, leaves turning every shade of yellow, red, orange and brown in Autumn, and a snowy and frosty magical wonderland in the Winter.

The village of Gretna Green in the south of Scotland is has a long historic connection with weddings. It is one of the most popular places in the world to get married, with more than 5000 couples per year doing so. Gretna's famous runaway marriages began in 1753 when an Act of Parliament was passed in England which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was possible for boys to get married at 14 and girls at 12 years old with or without parental consent. Therefore couples headed just over the border from England into Scotland so they could get married legally.

Our deep rooted wedding traditions are something that proves popular with couples. From the moving melody of the bagpipes, to our traditional Scottish dress of the Kilt, to our renowned reputation of throwing a great party, couples like to embrace Scottish customs. Couples often opt for a traditional Ceilidh band so they can dance all night to customary dances such as the Gay Gordons and The Dashing White Sergeant.
Getting married?

Why not contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland to see if we can help you plan your dream day?

Lucy

Choosing 'The Rings....'

2009-09-01T17:06:00.011+01:00

The exchange of rings at a wedding is one, if not the most meaningful parts to the whole day, and has long been a tradition of marriage. Although not legally important, wearing a wedding ring is one way of showing your love and commitment to your partner (it’s also a nice subtle way to let people know you are off the market!) The shape ring itself is of course a circle, and circles are said to symbolise eternity, therefore wedding rings are said to represent an everlasting circle of love. They are said to be worn on the third finger of the left hand as the vein of this finger travels directly to the heart (cute!). Originally they were made from grass, plants and hair!! Fortunately a wider range of ring materials are now available....

Like the engagement ring, you have to love it, as you’ll be wearing it everyday for the rest of your life. As discussed in the previous blog, make sure your engagement and wedding rings complement one another – having them in the same metal is a good way to help them correlate. Of late, white gold and platinum are most popular, but the choices are endless!

Many men choose a wedding ring made from platinum due to its strength and durability. However if this is an important factor for your Groom he should also consider titanium, as this metal is not only strong but also holds less weight than other metals, making the ring lighter and easy to wear.

Many couples choose ‘plain’ bands, but rings with diamonds and/or gemstones are also widely available. You don’t have to go blingtastic like Peter Andre & Katie Price did for their rings, a few subtle stones can be beautiful

Or why not consider a personal touch by having your rings engraved? This could be on the outside or inside of the band. Your partner’s name or initials, date of marriage, small quote? Or what about having your partner’s fingerprint engraved into your ring? Andrew English specialises in ring engraving

If none of that takes your fancy then why not consider something bespoke? Jewellery designers can make a unique design for you & your partner. Sometimes this can be more expensive, but not always - visit a few jewellers who offer this service for a consultation - you might be pleasantly surprised.

Lucy

Oh, and another thing – remember to adjust your home contents insurance to cover your new rings!

Choosing ‘The Rock….'

2009-08-10T15:16:00.009+01:00

Most engagements involve a sparkler, but what type are you having?

Some people have a family heirloom as their engagement ring. This can be very special due to sentiment and also makes your ring unique. If you suspect that your partner might be planning to do this, make sure he knows your ring size……and very importantly……your taste in jewellery. As thoughtful and sweet as it would be to receive a family heirloom, if you don’t like the style of it then speak up, otherwise you are going to have to look at a ring you don’t like every day for the rest of your life! According to Tiffany & Co., you will look at your ring over one million times in your lifetime….so make sure you love it!

Diamond Guide

To help the right Rock for you, be sure to consider the 4 C’s:

The closer a diamond is to having no colour, the more valuable it is. When jewellers speak of a diamond's colour, they are usually referring to the presence or absence of colour in white diamonds. Because a colourless diamond, like a clear window, allows more light to pass through it than a coloured diamond, colourless diamonds emit more sparkle. The formation process of a diamond ensures that only a few, rare diamonds are truly colourless. Thus the whiter a diamond's colour, the greater its value. However, fancy colour diamonds do not follow this rule. These diamonds, which are very rare and very expensive, can be any colour from blue to green to bright yellow. They are actually more valuable for their colour.

Clarity
The clarity of a diamond also influences its value. Most diamonds contain some inner flaws, or inclusions, that occur during the formation process. The visibility, number and size of these inclusions determine what is called the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance, and thus are more highly sought after, and more highly priced.

Carat
A carat is a unit of measurement, it's the unit used to weigh a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams, or 0.2 grams. The process that forms a diamond happens only in very rare circumstances, and typically the natural materials required are found only in small amounts. That means that larger diamonds are uncovered less often than smaller ones. Thus, larger diamonds are rarer, therefore more valuable. Remember - Size does matter. It is not, however, a measure of your love! Keep in mind though that size is clearly visible... even to the untrained eye. You might not be able to tell the difference between a D grade diamond (colourless) and a G grade (near-colourless), but you can tell if it looks big or not.

Cut
Firstly, don't confuse diamond "cut" with "shape." Shape refers to the general outward appearance of the diamond, (see below). When a diamond jeweller (or a diamond certificate) says "cut," that's a reference to the diamond's reflective qualities, not the shape. Diamond cut is perhaps the most important of the four Cs, so it is important to understand how this quality affects the properties and values of a diamond. A good cut gives a diamond its brilliance, which is that brightness that seems to come from the very heart of a diamond. The angles and finish of any diamond are what determine its ability to handle light, which leads to brilliance. When a diamond is well-cut, light enters through the table (this is the large, flat top facet of a diamond) and travels to the pavilion (the lower portion of the diamond, below the girdle. It is sometimes referred to as the base) where it reflects from one side to the other before reflecting back out of the diamond through the table and to the observer's eye. This light is the ‘brilliance’, and it's this flashing, fiery effect that makes diamonds so mesmerising.

Some shapes to consider:

Round - This shape reflects almost all the light that enters it, therefore said to be the most ‘brilliant’. The round brilliant shape is the most popular diamond shape, closely followed by the Princess.

Princess – These diamonds are square-shaped with untrimmed corners.

Radiant – These are square like the Princess, except they have trimmed corners.

Emerald – Emerald shaped diamonds are rectangular and are usually set with side stones.

Marquise – The Marquise diamonds are oval-shaped with tapered ends. (These can look particularly good on small fingers.)

Pear/Teardrop – as the name suggests.

Your engagement ring will generally look more stylish and in-sync if it is made from the same metal as the wedding ring itself. Wedding rings/bands are usually gold, white gold, red gold, or platinum…..more on this in the next blog……

Lucy
Scottish Wedding Planning

How not to become Bridezilla…..

2009-08-06T13:17:00.009+01:00

You might laugh, but it’s easier to turn into her than you think! Or for your Groom to become Groomzilla!! (It does happen, I assure you!)

Firstly, remember that your engagement is supposed to be one of the most exciting times of your lives! Keep the bigger picture in mind – your perfect future together. Try not to get too consumed by it!

Decide early on with your fiancé who is doing what and stick to it. Unless, however, if you are feeling swamped, then speak up and delegate.

With this in mind, try not to let little details send you into frenzy. Entrust friends and family with tasks. Or even let Premier Wedding Planners help you coordinate your day!

Don’t worry about being bossy and opinionated (yes, really!) From our point of view as wedding planners, it’s much easier to work with someone who is clear on exactly what they want, or don’t want. Write down ideas you have and rip out pictures of things you like and keep them in a file.

And last, but certainly not least, do be sure to build in some wedding-free time. As important as your wedding is, it is fundamental that you don’t spend every minute talking about your wedding to your fiancé and friends.

Remember, here at Premier Wedding Planners Scotland we help eliminate the stress of planning your day, leaving you to enjoy the build up and the big day itself without a worry. Whether you want help coordinating the whole event, or just some of the components, send us an email to see how we can help.

Lucy

Having the wedding you really want….

2009-08-02T14:47:00.006+01:00

Last week a distraught bride-to-be contacted me in floods of tears…..’I don’t know what to do, it’s gone too far now, I can’t say no, it’ll upset them and cause an argument.…’ She and her fiancé had wanted a small civil ceremony, yet pressure to please everyone had led them to book a Priest & a Cathedral. You might not think this could happen to you, but from the amount of couples I have worked with I know how frequently and easily this happens.…….your cousin assumes she’s a bridesmaid, your Mother wants you to wear her wedding dress, your in-laws want you to have a huge wedding inviting all their friends (most of whom you have never even met. It is important that right from the start you have the wedding that you and your partner want.
It can be easy to get bulldozed into having a particular kind of wedding just to suit your parents/in-laws, even friends. To help this from happening to you, make sure you state the ground rules clearly. Problems often occur when people ‘assume’ you are ‘having this’ or ‘doing that’. Getting everything out in the open and making your intentions clear from the beginning will get any thorny issues discussed at an early stage and cleared up so to minimise any conflict, disappointment - or even resentment - further down the line. It is important to understand and respect the views of others, especially your parents. However, it is equally important that they should respect yours. If parents are contributing, it can be difficult. Let them know what you would like, and start to compromise. Also consider a compromise if it is your partner that you are having disagreement with. A willingness to work together is what marriage is all about! Consider what is really important.

Remember, it is your wedding day. Be true to yourselves. And make it your perfect day.

Lucy.

Oh, and just to let you know, I have now helped that bride-to-be book a quaint venue and a Registrar for her special day….… just the way she wanted it!

First things first........When???

2009-07-21T19:17:00.016+01:00

So you're engaged - yipee!!!! Your head will be buzzing with excitement - dreaming of how you'll look on your big day in your fabulous dress, who will be your bridesmaids, where you want to go on Honeymoon............STOP! Yes, these things are so exciting and most probably key factors in your wedding, however, without a venue and a date you haven't got anything! Please, ensure this is what you organise first. Obviously, this is where I step in and say you should enlist the help of a wedding planner! Many people think that hiring a professional is a luxury they just cannot afford. However, we can not only save you valuable time and take the stress out of the whole planning process, we can also help with ideas, recommend the best value & most reliable suppliers, and help smooth out any problems you may come across - remember - we have been there and seen it all before! We can also help pull in the reins when you are tempted to over-spend (& it is highly likely you will be, believe me!!!) When choosing a Wedding Planner the most important thing is finding someone you have a good rapport with & who shares your visions and dreams for your wedding. Cheryl and I believe we cater to everyone’s tastes - we are both highly motivated with an unfaltering attention to detail; yet while Cheryl is cool, calm and collected, I am super lively and bubbly!

Anyway - back to the date & venue. You probably have an idea of a possible date/month you would like, but you might need to be flexible on this. Firstly, if you are opting for a popular venue it might be booked (think Bride Wars - but it's not just The Plaza Hotel in New York that gets booked up years in advance!), especially if you are opting for one of the traditional wedding months. Consider your options.....do you really need to get married on a Saturday in August? Weekdays & Sundays are becoming more popular, and are definitely a cheaper option - as are out of season months. Remember to consider though those who work weekdays, or that a Sunday wedding might mean guest having to take Monday off.

As for choosing your month, winter weddings can be fabulous....snow, (fake) fur shrugs, fairy lights, glitter.... One of our clients got married between Christmas and New Year and had a 'Winter Wonderland' theme, one of the highlights being a Christmas tree decorated in favours that guests could choose from and take home. Every year I hang that favour on my tree and remember what a fantastic day it was (extra bonus - a favour that I can use/want to keep - but that's a story for another blog another time!!) Many of the guests spoke about how it was really nice to go to a wedding in the winter, as during the summer they felt that it had been a bit 'wedding-crazy' for them.

Time of the year can have a huge impact on the type of wedding you have. Many brides dream of a glorious summers day, flowers in bloom as she gets photographed on the lawn. However, just because you picked July this is not guaranteed!!! Please have a contingency plan at the ready for rain/hail/sleet/snow - just as Scotland can have beautiful weather, we can also have 4 seasons in 1 day. Also, try to take account of other events i.e. World Cup. You might not care much for football, yet you will be mighty upset if half the guests don't turn up, or sneak a radio into your ceremony to hear the scores! Another example of this is of a couple from the USA who wanted to get married in Edinburgh around the time of the military tattoo so their guests could spend a few days in the city after the ceremony to see it. It became, unfortunately, quite a costly decision, as flights and accommodation around this time is always more expensive. A bit of research at the beginning could save you a lot of grief in the long run. Discuss it with your partner and closest family & friends. Get your diaries out and pencil in a few potential dates. Take into consideration how long you would like/will need to plan your perfect day. Armed with these thought, start considering where you would like to say your vows

Our First Blog!

2009-07-20T14:56:00.009+01:00

Hello everyone!
I’m so excited to finally have our blog up and running. I plan on keeping busy finding great items, offering great tips for weddings, and researching the newest trends so you can be the first to experience them on your special day, whether you plan 2 or 200 guests. I will take you inside our life as wedding planners - I hope to tell you all about what we do & the new ideas we try. I plan to discuss everything from flowers to fashion, rings to receptions, and vows to Veuve Clicquot!
For those who do not know us already, Premier Wedding Planners Scotland are Cheryl Dowie & Lucy Swanson, sisters and best friends who wanted to help take the stress away from brides on the run up to their big day & allow them just to enjoy it. It takes on average over 250 hours for a bride to plan her wedding - so not only can we save you time with our knowledge and expertise, we can save you money with this knowledge, expertise & also our negotiating power with suppliers. We cater to every budget also. Don't think that you have to spend a fortune to create your perfect wedding. Cheryl and I always say that it is not immediately obvious how much has been spent on a wedding - what is noticeable is how much thought and effort has gone into it...

Looking forward to posting again soon!

Lucy

P.S. Remember - We would LOVE to hear from you! Your thoughts, questions, ideas.....please get in touch!

Premier Wedding Planners Scotland

2009-07-08T14:36:00.003+01:00

Our blog is live - looking forward to posting lots of fabulous wedding pictures and stories. There is so much going on in the wedding industry, so many venues to showcase, dresses to die for - even wedding flowers have moved on so much over the past few years.

Keep in touch....

Lucy and Cheryl