Blog

• Is it OK for some of the wedding cake to be fake?

  20th April 2012

  Absolutely – in fact it is quite common.  With the advent of several television shows showcasing decorative cake making, peoples’ expectations for the visual impact of cakes is increasing.  Having some of your cake as fake (ie. polystyrene) is a good way to save money on the cake itself and spend more on the decorative aspect.  If you are concerned you will run short of cake you can arrange for some ‘slab’ cakes to be delivered separately to the venue and cut up for guests.  Guests will not know the cake they are given was not part of the display cake.

• How can you save money on your reception?

  20th March 2012

  Venue costs are a significant part of any wedding budget, usually because food and drinks are being provided to all of your guests for a significant amount of time.  The equivalent cost at a restaurant or using external caterers would also be substantial.  Nevertheless, there are ways you can spend prudently.  Here are some ideas.

  Use your wedding cake as dessert.  It can still be served individually, but the cost charged by the venue should be less.  Just make sure you supply a large enough cake to ensure everyone receives an adequate portion.

  Pay for drinks on consumption.  If you do not believe your guests are likely to drink much alcohol you should arrange with your venue to remove the costs of alcohol from the package and reduce the price accordingly, but then provide a tab so alcohol can still be made available and paid on consumption.  Non-alcoholic drinks should still be provided, including tea and coffee.

  Only provide two courses.  Most people only eat a main course and dessert every day of the week for their evening meal.  Removing an entree or soup course should save some money without risking your guests going home hungry.

  These options will not be suitable for everyone, but may prompt some thinking.

• Should you organise a winter wedding differently?

  Winter weddings can be magical, with cooler weather, lush green gardens and softer light for photographs.  However, there are some special considerations.  For instance, when selecting your menu remember that as a general rule the colder the weather the more people eat but the less they drink.  You should bring your ceremony time forward compared with the warmer months to ensure you have sufficient light for photos, particularly if it is an overcast day.  The weather will also be cooler and potentially wet, so brining some umbrellas is usually a good idea.  Most importantly, you need to ensure your venue has a wet weather alternative to every part of your day.  Where will your garden ceremony be held indoors if it is raining?  Where will you be able to have photographs taken?  Where will your guests go?  All practical considerations to help ensure your winter wedding runs smoothly.

• Bonbonieres – should I bother?

  10th February 2012

  Bonbonieres are traditionally gifts the bride and groom give the guests as a thanks for celebrating their wedding.  Years ago the traditional gifts were a small organza style bag of sugar coated almonds or chocolates.  Nowadays a quick search of the internet reveals numerous options – from chocolates with the bride’s and groom’s names on them to personalised candy, picture frames, stubby holders and little boxes with lollies or chocolates.  However, you should not be obliged to provide such gifts.  It is truly optional.  You might like to provide them as a personal touch, or save the money and put it towards another part of your wedding.  Ultimately it’s up to you!

• Have you considered using ebay?

  1st December 2011

  Brides these days love a bargain or two. Let’s face it, a wedding is a costly event and can be very stressful too. We have met some very smart brides lately that have found a solution to keeping the over spending down and making it less stressful and more affordable.  EBAY!!!!

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• Don’t people want to come to my wedding?

  28th November 2011

  Nowadays people are very slack in responding to wedding invitations.  So don’t take it personally if by the time of your RSVP not everyone has replied!  You therefore need to have your RSVP date early enough to give you time to personally contact those you have not replied.

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