A pile of toasters, kettles and other household appliances are the items most couples will receive when they tie the knot. However, this could be changing as a new recession-busting trend is beginning to emerge. This is according to Andy Smith, a spokesperson for Abbey, who said that newlyweds are increasingly asking their friends and family to give them money towards their honeymoons instead o…
It may be easier than people think to serve up an organic or environmentally-friendly feast to guests on their wedding day, it has been claimed. The Los Altos Town Crier reports that when it comes to food, fresh is better and finding locally-sourced produce from a farmer's market is an easy way to go green while still enjoying a delicious meal. As the world increasingly focuses on the environme…
As the recession continues in the UK, it is likely that many people will be spending less on unnecessary extravagances and cutting back wherever they can. Couples planning their weddings are no exception, according to one financial expert, and they too are tightening their purse strings and being more prudent with their funds. Andy Smith, a spokesperson for Abbey, said that nowadays, people are…
Take That band member Mark Owen is finally set to tie the knot with his long-term partner Emma Ferguson. Reports claim that the couple, who have been engaged since 2006 and have two children together, have sent out invitations to around 50 friends and family. However, they are determined to keep details of their big day including the wedding venue a secret until the last minute. …
Instead of serving a traditional sit-down meal at their wedding, couples are increasingly letting their guests choose the cuisine for themselves. This is because, according to research from AA Savings, people are trying to reduce the cost of their nuptials by serving buffets instead of three course dinners. To save money, many thrifty people are calling upon the help of their nearest and deares…
Although it may be traditional to purchase newly-married couples a gift when attending their wedding, it seems as though many Brits are now being a bit less generous with their giving. New research conducted by Abbey General Insurance has revealed that as a result of the credit crunch, people are tightening their purse strings and spending 10 per cent less than they would have previously. In Ju…
While brides and grooms-to-be may be searching for thrifty ways to bring down the cost of their nuptials, it seems as though no expense can be spared when buying rings. UK jewellers are reporting an increase in the number of top-end platinum wedding and engagement jewellery being sold, despite the current economic climate. The metal is very rare which means it is also very expensive. However, …
The importance of choosing a well-established and reliable wedding venue appears to have been highlighted by one bride in the US recently. Joy Haring, 22, from Pottstown, had booked Lakeside Inn back in December 2008 and paid a deposit of $10,700 (£6,559) to hold her reception there. However, when she tried to contact the venue a month before her big day, she found the owner impossible to …
Whether couples decide to serve up an extravagant three course meal with all the trimmings, or a simple buffet of sandwiches and nibbles, working with the caterers to develop a custom package can often be a good idea. This is because, according to the Examiner, the standard deals already offered by the experts can often be more than a bride and groom usually need. The website advises people to …
How much would you be willing to spend on some top-notch entertainment for your post-nuptial celebrations? If you have a spare £5 million then you could hire The Rolling Stones, who have just been named as the world's most expensive wedding act. The rock band, which consists of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts, refuse to play private functions unless they are alre…
It seems as though one couple got two celebrations for the price of one on their wedding day, as they tied the knot and enjoyed two christenings at the same time. Newlyweds Rachel and John Young spent just £2,000 on their nuptials when they wed at St Mary Magdalene Church near Bridgend recently, Wales Online reports. However, their marriage was not the only cause for celebration, as, once …
Sophie Dahl and her finace Jamie Cullum are set to tie the knot in July next year. The couple, who got engaged in March, reportedly have their hearts set on a country estate in Hertfordshire and are planning a lavish, no-expense-spared occasion. Although the pair had originally planned to exchange their vows in January 2009, they had to push the date back because of jazz musician Jamie's work c…
One of the best ways for women to celebrate their hen night in style is to invite as many people along as possible, it has been claimed. According to Wedding Ideas magazine, a group of at least ten people is ideal if hens really want to enjoy themselves on their last night of freedom. Rachel Southwood, editorial director at the publication, suggests inviting as many people as possible, even tho…
Couples have been advised to think outside of the box and break some rules when it comes to organising their wedding day. Although it may be tradition to have a large, four-tiered cake standing proudly on a table at the reception ready for guests to enjoy, people should not be afraid to do something a little different, according to the Examiner. In fact, swapping this kind of dessert for an arr…
Many brides-to-be are choosing to spend their last night of freedom closer to home and are no longer jetting off for weekends away, it has been claimed According to Rachel Southwood, editorial director at Wedding Ideas magazine, women are opting to save money and stay local for their celebrations. This often involves a night out around their local high street which is something all attendees ar…
Choosing the perfect venue is an essential part of arranging a wedding and couples have been advised by one website to keep a firm idea of the style of their nuptials in mind. According to the Examiner, some couples may want a classic and elegant affair to take place in the afternoon, while others may prefer a party-style evening celebration where they can really let their hair down. Whatever t…
They may be barely visible under the long and elegant gowns many brides choose to wear on their wedding day, but this does not mean that a pretty pair of shoes is unimportant. In fact, it seems as though women think the more dramatic they are the better at the moment and a trend for elaborate, embellished shoes is emerging. Brides may be keen to avoid an outbreak of drama among guests at their …
All eyes could be on the fashion world this weekend, as designer Marc Jacobs is set to wed his Brazilian boyfriend Lorenzo Martone. In what may be one of the most fashionable events of the year, the ceremony will take place in Provincetown, Massachusetts, the New York Post reported. The Louis Vuitton designer had hoped to tie the knot earlier this year, but his heavy workload forced the couple …
A cloudy sky, cold winds or the threat of rain are things that no couples will want to see when they open their curtains on the morning of their wedding. In order to beat the British weather and ensure that the sun is shining when they tie the knot, it seems as though many people are now leaving nothing to chance and are heading abroad. According to the Greek National Tourism Organisation, ther…
It may be traditional for the bride to walk down the aisle looking resplendent in white, but it seems as though there is nothing to stop her from adding a touch of colour to her outfit on the big day. According to Flights of Fancy, a trend is emerging for brightly coloured shoes - whether they are brilliant blue or ravishing red - and women are choosing whatever shade they like to complete their…
When the ceremony is over and champagne has been sipped to toast the new man and wife, it is likely that many of the guests will look forward to sitting down and eating a delicious meal at the reception. However, choosing the perfect menu is not as easy as some people may think, one mother of the bride explains. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bel Mooney, 62, describes a trip to a tasting session w…
One bride has spoken of her disappointment after plans to hold her wedding at her dream venue fell through. Lucy Maskew booked Caverswall Castle, a Grade I listed building, for her big day on October 10th 2009 a special date as it is also her 11-year anniversary. However, she was devastated to learn from some local residents that the venue may not have the correct license to conduct wedd…
Gay couples entering into civil partnerships may now be able to rest assured that their big day is covered thanks to a new wedding insurance policy. Hastings and Company Insurance Brokers is offering coverage for same-sex marriages after receiving an increasing number of enquiries about the service. The idea is the brainchild of Hastings broker Alan Murphy, who explains that he had the notion a…
One bride beat the credit crunch and found her dream wedding dress for just 99p on internet auction site eBay. Natalie Mapletoft, 30, explained that although she could not afford the £700 gown she had her heart set on, she felt like a princess in her bargain find. Mrs Mapletoft and new husband Lee cut the costs of their nuptials from £11,000 to £5,000 by purchasing things such as…
Royal wedding rumours have once again been flying after Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a friend's nuptials together recently. The pair watched as Nicholas van Cutsem and Alice Hadden-Paton tied the knot, with William playing the role of an usher at the ceremony. His brother Harry was also in attendance for the event at Wellington Barracks in London. It has been suggested that Willi…
Brides and grooms-to-be should not be afraid to get into the "bartering spirit" and haggle their way to a cheaper wedding day, it has been claimed. According to Belleville News-Democrat, the trend for negotiating prices is on the up and now is the time for couples to try their hand at bargaining for their nuptials. Citing tips from Modern Bride, the news provider advises people to ask…
Flowers can often be one of the most beautiful ways to decorate a venue for a wedding and of course, carrying a bouquet as they walk down the aisle is a must for most women. However, a new trend is emerging that may see brides sporting floral accents on their gowns as well. According to Lindsay Law, who discusses the issue in an article for the Examiner, many designers such as Vera Wang and Car…
From flowers to frocks, it is likely that couples will be able to rely on the help of their friends and family when arranging their nuptials, it has been claimed. What is more, this could help to keep costs down and help people to stick to their wedding budget during the recession, eComparison notes. Couples may find that they can use flowers from a family member's garden to make decorations, b…
For many couples, wedding rings are a symbol of their love and commitment to each other that never leaves their fingers. However, it seems that many celebrities have different ideas and like to pick and choose when they wear their jewellery. USATODAY.com reports that David and Victoria Beckham are one pair who usually have their wedding diamonds on show. Likewise, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes a…
When it comes to wedding food, it has been claimed that simple is sometimes better on the big day. According to eComparison, choosing simple fare that is guaranteed to be enjoyed by everyone can often be a better idea than selecting a complicated and lavish menu. Furthermore, serving delicious cuisine to guests does not have to be an expensive affair, as many caterers are able to design and pre…
Many Derry brides have been angered by one wedding photographer who took their money and failed to deliver the albums of their special days. Edel Payne was paid up to £1,500 in cash upfront but has still not given some couples their precious snaps, the Derry Jounal reports. As a result, other brides-to-be in the area have cancelled their bookings with the photographer at the expense…
When searching for the perfect wedding venue there are likely to be a whole host of things couples have to take into consideration. From the size of the location to the decorations, reception area and dining rooms, everything needs to be perfect to ensure that the big day goes off without a hitch. The surroundings are also likely to be a key decision-maker and one venue that could offer the set…
Sitting down to a delicious meal is likely to be the perfect way to end the big day for many newlyweds. But what should they do if they want the caterers to cook up a vegan feast for their guests? In an article for the Examiner, Catherine Capozzi explains that couples should always review the menu before the event so that they can modify it to suit their individual needs and preferences. She s…
Designer Kath Kidston is currently a great source of inspiration for many brides-to-be organising their big day. This is according to wedding planner Kate Mulhal, who told the Daily Mail that a trend for home-spun style decorations and ceremonies is emerging. She also claimed that the recession is not preventing some people from splashing out on their nuptials, as she has found that the average…
Organising a wedding is likely to be a stressful affair for anyone and for one specialist planner, the madness begins at 7:30 am. Speaking to the Daily Mail, 29-year-old Kate Mulhal describes how she switches her phone on in the morning and is soon inundated with calls from anxious brides-to-be who want to check up on the tiniest of details. The calls do not stop until 10 pm, she claims, howeve…
One bride who should have no worries about having the same dress as someone else on her wedding day is Hollywood actress Milla Jovovich. This is because the Ukrainian-born star has announced that she plans to make her own gown ready for when she ties the knot with fiance Paul Anderson. Sky News quotes Milla as saying: "It's super simple, but beautiful like a late 60s or early 70s white min…
If people are looking for a wedding venue that fulfils all their needs while still providing a romantic getaway, then one new location could be the perfect option. Rivervale Barn , located between Sandhurst and Yateley in Hampshire, offers two magnificent barns that could offer the ideal backdrop for any big day. What is more, a honeymoon suite is also provided by way of the Cornstore Cottage,…
Couples could soon be monkeying around at one unusual wedding venue when they say their vows. This is because the Monkey World ape rescue centre in Wool, Dorset, has now been granted a wedding licence so that people can wed surrounded by their favourite primates. The first ceremony is set to take place in September and happy couples will say "I do" alongside Paddy's Enclosure, which i…
Brides and grooms-to-be will no doubt have weddings on the brain at all times in the run up to their big day. However, one industry commentator has urged them to avoid "anything with the word wedding in it" if they want to be kind to their bank balance when planning their nuptials. In an article for the St Petersburg Times, Dalia Colon explained that instead of buying expensive statio…
Couples with a green conscience may find that a newly-opened wedding venue is the perfect place for them to celebrate their big day. Rivervale Barn is a sustainable building and is located close to Horsehoe Lake near Yateley in Hampshire. After months of hard work and grafting, the owners John and Moyra are finally ready to throw open the doors and welcome brides and grooms-to-be to the venue…
Looking as beautiful as possible is likely to be something every bride-to-be aspires to for their big day. Therefore, they may wish to take note of some tips offered by one news provider, which suggests that the natural look is best for walking down the aisle. According to the Sun, finding a foundation that is as close to the natural skin tone as possible is the first step and many department s…
One couple have proved that people do not need to spend a fortune to have the wedding day of their dreams. Ben Alty and Karolina Nowakowska from Chorley, Lancashire spent just £1,000 on their nuptials because they did not want to get into debt. To cut costs, they decided to hold their reception in a double garage and the bride found her gown for £30 in a Cancer Research charity shop. …
Brides trying to decide on the perfect bouquet to hold when walking down the aisle may be interested to know that one website has listed some of the most popular arrangements. Writing for the Examiner, Connie Glasheen has explained that a cascade of blooms which is "reminiscent of a waterfall of flowers and foliages" - is a formal option. In comparison, the hand tied option is …
Those planning to host an extravagant wedding ceremony with all the trimmings may find it hard to top the efforts of pop star Mariah Carey. Discussing its favourite celebrity weddings of all time, Lily Likes explained why the singer's nuptials to record producer Tommy Mottola were so notable. According to the website, a total of 47 flower girls scattered perfumed rose petals down the aisle befo…
One bride has explained how she brought a little Jamaican flavour to the food served on her wedding day. Speaking to the Telegraph, Predencia Gabbidon, 50, a life coach from Jamaica, explained that she wanted to represent the different cultures she and husband Andrew Dixon, 53, from Birmingham, were brought up in. The couple opted to serve their guests a traditional English meal when they sat d…
Couples looking for a way to add some sparkle to their big day may like to follow in the steps of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Although they are now divorced, the pair enjoyed a lavish wedding in 2000 that has been voted as one of Lilly Likes' top celebrity weddings of all time. This is because Brad and Jennifer treated their guests to a fantastic fireworks display to round of their nuptial…
Fed up of eating the same old food at every wedding she has been to, one bride has decided to serve up something a little different on her big day. Melissa Williams told the Independent that she has been to far too many receptions where she has eaten "an unidentifiable fish course followed by medallions of mediocre meat". Therefore, she has chosen to feed her guests something she is s…
Getting in the kitchen and baking the "simplest of cakes" is an easy and "stunning" way for couples to round off their wedding meal, it has been claimed. In the opinion of Cheap Wedding Success, cupcakes make a good alternative to the traditional tiered dessert and they are so easy to create that anyone can make them. A simple recipe can be used and then people can let their…
The first thing any couple planning a wedding must do is decide upon the perfect location, it has been claimed. According to thelondonpaper, this does not have to cost a fortune and there are many ways in which brides and grooms can have a memorable day without breaking the bank. Firstly, they should consider holding their nuptials on a weekday or during the off-peak season between October and …
Buying a wedding dress may be one of the most extravagant purchases many women make, especially considering the fact they are often only worn once. But what about finding the perfect pair of shoes? This may not seem like the most important item on the list of things to do, but considering the bride will be on her feet for a long time, her footwear must be just right. Writing for the Daily Mai…
Newlyweds who want to remember their big day and look back on it with fondness for years to come will no doubt enjoy flicking through photos of their nuptials. However, creating the perfect album full of wedding snaps can be an expensive business and hiring a top-quality photographer may not be something everyone can afford to do. Writing for the Enterprise, Julie Clark, owner of Elegant Events…
Brides and grooms-to-be in the middle of planning their big day have been advised on how they can easily cut the cost of their nuptials. The Enterprise claimed that flowers are one wedding accessory that can look beautiful without having to cost a small fortune. Speaking to the news provider, wedding consultant Julie Clark, owner of Elegant Events by Julie, explained that many women are opting …
It has been claimed that there is often no food better than that served at a wedding reception. Writing for TheTimesNews.com, online editor Alex Kreitman claims that after attending a ceremony, one of the things people always talk about is the food and drink. He says that he is yet to attend a wedding "that did not have a fabulous menu" and they are often unbeatable. Describing the f…
Getting married is likely to be one of the important things that many people do, so choosing the ideal venue is crucial. With the recession causing many couples to tighten their purse strings, it isn't always easy to budget for the big day. According to the Enterprise, one way to make the perfect venue more affordable is to reduce the number of people attending. By cutting down the guestlist b…
Couples looking for an interesting and money-saving way to treat their guests may be interested to hear some advice about making wedding favours. Cheap Wedding Success suggests candles as a gift that are both practical for guests and a versatile addition to the wedding table. These could come in the form of shop-bought tealights that are often very cheap. By adding a ribbon that matches the co…
Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg has tied the knot with his long-term partner Rhea Durham. The couple exchanged their vows at a small Catholic ceremony in front of family and friends in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Rhea wore a strapless Marchesa gown with silver beading and was accompanied down the aisle by the couple's five-year-old daughter Ella Rae, who was a flower girl. Speaking to People.com…
Brides and grooms-to-be are being encouraged to break with tradition and do something a little more inventive on their wedding day. Cheap Wedding Tips claims that because many couples have tighter budgets as a result of the recession, they are using their initiative to arrange more unique and creative celebrations. The website reminds people that there is no rulebook when it comes to getting ma…
It seems as though wedding bells will soon be ringing out over Hollywood as one actress has set a date for her big day. Milla Jovovich has announced that she will wed her British film director fiance Paul Anderson on August 22nd. The couple have been together for six years and have a 20-month-old daughter called Eve. Ukranian-born Milla, 33, said: "We're having an intimate wedding with a …
Establishing a good working relationship with a caterer is one of the best ways to ensure that food lives up to expectations and fills hungry guests on a wedding day. This is the opinion of Phyllis Thomas, who claims that firms should be able to accommodate any requests made by the happy couple and meet the dietary requirements of the guests. Writing for the Examiner, she also suggests that the…
It is a good idea to get recommendations from friends and family when deciding which company is going to provide the food for a wedding, it has been claimed. In an article for the Examiner, Phyllis Thomas says that the opinions of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom can often prove to be very useful. She advises couples to think about receptions they have attended "where every…