Archive for the ‘Hire-Weddings’ Category

Spring colour ideas for grooms

Our pick of colour trends for 2019 grooms – and how to wear them.

OUR PICK OF COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2019 GROOMS – AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

• WORDS: K. CHUBB

Whether you’re the groom, best man or a guest, spring is a great time to experiment with SS19’s colour trends. You can still pull off the darker hues as the temperatures are not too high, yet the lighter, brighter days mean that pastel shades are a great option too. Whatever your preference, we have something to suit everyone so you can really make it yours while still looking and feeling great.

The colour experts at Pantone® state that the colours of SS19 “reflect our desire to face the future with empowering colours that provide confidence”.  Who doesn’t want to look and feel confident at a wedding? They’re a great excuse to dress up in our increasingly casual culture, so we’re going to run you through some of our top colour picks for the season and how to wear them. Although the preparation might seem like work, weddings are meant to be a celebration and, of course, fun so what you decide to wear should be too.

SAGE GREEN

Making multiple appearances at the men’s shows in both NYC and London, sage green is up there as one of the colours of the season. This more muted shade of green is a stylish choice for spring weddings. It’s a subtle way of adding a bit of colour into your wardrobe, without losing the refined look. The natural hue pairs brilliantly with floral prints in pastel shades or other earthy tones like grey, light brown and beige. Create a relaxed look by teaming your suit with an open-necked shirt paired with brown Derby shoes, or if you’re going for a more formal look, opt for the matching waistcoat and add a tie.

POWDER BLUE

Groom or guest, nothing says spring wedding like a powder blue suit. A three-piece lounge suit in this pastel shade is both on-trend and a nod to the romance of the occasion – it can be your “something blue”. Despite what you might think, this shade of blue is extremely versatile. You could go top to toe in a blue suit and complete the spring look with a crisp white shirt and a floral tie that complements your buttonhole flowers. Alternatively, be bold in a statement shirt – the natural hue works well with lots of prints – or simply add some accessories that introduce this colour in a more discreet way.

NAVY

There’s a reason that the classics always stay in style. These colours work well on their own, but also form a base for distinctive colour contrasts. Navy blue is both sophisticated and easy to style. If you’re part of the groom’s party, match your accessories to the wedding theme, add a buttonhole and polished pair of brogues and you’re ready for the altar. As a guest you can afford to have a little more fun, so try teaming your suit with a patterned shirt or contrasting pale blue waistcoat to get in the celebratory mood.

ADD ACCESSORIES
Another great way to integrate the SS19 colours into your spring wedding outfit is through your accessories. Show off your personality and make a statement with a tie in a standout colour or a bold pattern. After a subtler look? Stick to more complementary pairings.

Posted February 25th, 2019 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

4 autumn wedding buttonhole ideas

 

Details matter – especially on your big day.

And if anyone knows the impact the little details can have, it’s wedding stylist Rachel Emma. She creates bespoke wedding stationery, decorations and other big-day details like contemporary buttonholes, so we asked her for her take on four autumn wedding trends and the accessories you need to set them off.

 

I’ll let you into a secret: autumn and winter weddings are becoming my favourites. I love the excuse to use rich tones and a bit of sparkle. But autumn and winter weddings can also rely too much on stereotypical themes (dry leaves and Christmas trees anyone?). Don’t worry, it’s not all about pumpkins and evergreens anymore, I promise. Here, I’m sharing some hot wedding trends for autumn/winter 2018 weddings, and how to translate those into your suit and buttonhole for the big day in a way that’s stylish – not cheesy.

 

 

MODERN CITY

Bring a bit of nature back into the city with a lush greenery theme. Greenery is still a huge trend in weddings in 2018, and it looks especially impressive in a sleek urban environment. It also transitions well for winter weddings – think oversized garlands of laurels and huge wreaths. Avoid festive colours if you’re not keen on a Christmas theme, and instead go for blues and teals for a cooler look. Anemones are a great choice for florals, as they bloom from November to April, and they look amazing nestled in among lots of greenery. Your suit styling for this look should be stylish and sleek. This blue lounge suit teamed with an anemone and fern buttonhole will fit the bill perfectly.

 

 

EVENING GLAMOUR

Nothing says glamour in a winter wedding quite like a celestial theme. Navy blues, mixed metallics, sparkling details and constellation patterns are the (ahem) stars of this trend and make for a gorgeous and opulent atmosphere. A tuxedo is a must for this theme, but why not go for a textured navy blue instead of the traditional black? Pin on one of these rose gold and peacock feather buttonholes to complete the look.

 

 

RUSTIC

Rustic weddings have been around for years, but there are ways to bring the trend bang up to date. Bring in metallics, contemporary shapes and shots of colour to elevate the look. Paired with a tweed jacket, this copper paper buttonhole design does rustic in a modern way that’ll have your guests nodding in approval (and maybe a bit of jealousy).

 

 

CLASSIC

Warm tones are a staple for autumn weddings, but for an unexpected take why not introduce some peach and coral tones? These vivid shades are the perfect throwback to late summer and make a refreshing change to typically rich autumnal palettes. For this classic wedding look with a twist, opt for a charcoal grey morning suit with pops of peach in a cravat and pocket square. Add a blush pink paper peony buttonhole with a tiny flash of silver and you’re good to go.

 

Rachel Emma makes beautiful details and environments for weddings and happy days. She loves helping couples let their personalities shine through on their wedding day. Follow her on Instagram @rachelemmastudio or visit rachelemmastudio.com

Posted October 1st, 2018 in Hire-Weddings.

Three celeb-approved wedding looks

Stylish groom and guest wear, this way.

STYLISH GROOM AND GUEST WEAR, THIS WAY

• WORDS: C. STEWART

It’s been a big year for weddings – and one in particular got the royal fanfare, so to speak. And while you may or may not have been interested in the all-day coverage (and mass internet hysteria) of Harry and Meghan’s big day, there’s no denying a celeb wedding is a great source of style inspiration if you’ve got any weddings coming up.

To save you trawling through the many photo galleries, we’ve picked the cream of the crop of stylish men who attended the royal wedding. And we’ve thrown Jamie Hince and Kate Moss’ wedding in there too because, well, he looked great.

Here are three celeb-approved looks to inspire your own big day style.

† IMAGE: 1. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 2. Beretta/Sims/REX/Shutterstock
GREY AND BLUE LOUNGE SUITS

A ‘lounge’ suit is another name for any suit that’s not traditional tails or a tuxedo. It gets its name from its origins in nineteenth-century menswear, where lounge suits were the off-duty alternative to the day’s formal dresswear. Now, they’re the tailored norm for any occasion that demands you dress smartly. Which brings us neatly to weddings, where a lounge suit is reliably smart, elegant and ticks the formal dress code, but also leaves plenty of room for personality.

This year’s best wedding lounge suits come in shades of grey and blue. To steer clear of officewear, go for light, soft shades and add in colour with your accessories. See George Clooney in his soft grey two-piece. Its one-button fastening is sophisticated in its simplicity, while peak lapels and a pastel-toned shirt and accessories take it firmly into special occasion territory.

Looking to make more of a statement? See Jamie Hince when he married Kate Moss in a powder-blue double-breasted lounge suit. While a double-breasted is a big statement to make, a light blue suit is a wearable but stylish alternative to the usual mid-blue as both guest and groom. It’s surprisingly flattering on most men, particularly when combined with a clean, tailored fit, and it’ll lend itself to lots of different wedding styles.

† IMAGE: 1 & 2. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 3. Chris Jackson/AP/REX/Shutterstock
MORNINGWEAR AND TAILS

So named because this type of tailoring was traditionally only worn at daytime events (with evenings having their own dress code), morningwear is now typically reserved for more formal weddings or society occasions like Royal Ascot. If it’s your own wedding and you’re thinking about setting a more formal dress code, morningwear really does make for fantastic photos and nothing else adds quite the same feeling of ceremony. If you’re a guest, it’s likely you’ve been requested to wear a morning suit or tails, but we encourage you to embrace it.

Although it wasn’t insisted on at Harry’s wedding, many guests like James Corden, Marcus Mumford and David Beckham plumped for traditional morningwear. And it’s not just for royal weddings – as more and more of us are dressing more casually in our day-to-day, lots of men are relishing the opportunity to get properly dressed up again.

The key to wearing morningwear is keeping it simple – you’re going for timeless elegance. That’s not to say you can’t play with the fairly strict rules a little. A light grey tie is the traditional partner to a dark morning coat and grey striped trousers, but you’ll see both James and David above have gone with a darker tie instead. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s tied tightly in a classic four-in-hand knot. And while we’re talking about David, let’s not leave out a mention of his waistcoat. Again, tradition says your waistcoat should be cream or grey, but David dialled up the drama with a double-breasted style. The DB suit is enjoying a comeback at the moment, and David’s seal of approval means the DB waistcoat is destined for big things at British weddings this year. We advise you follow suit.

† IMAGE: 1 & 2. Lionel Hahn/Pool/REX/Shutterstock; 3. Chris Jackson/AP/REX/Shutterstock
DARK BLUE AND BLACK

And finally, a spot for classic dark suits. While a lighter suit is the more popular choice for weddings, there’s something understatedly cool about a darker suit. You wouldn’t see James Bond in a pastel two-piece, would you?

Make sure you keep the look firmly out-of-office by paying attention to the fabric. Steer clear of shiny man-made fabrics and go for a wool-blend or pure wool cloth instead. You’re going to want to add in some detail or colour, even if it’s just a little, to keep the look wedding-appropriate. Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras chose a deep, dark navy suit for the royal wedding but added a feel of occasion by pairing an impeccably tailored double-breasted jacket with a pristine blue shirt with contrast white collar.

Or throw all that out the window and go full monochrome like Idris Elba. It might not be the done thing for weddings, but if you’ve got the confidence of Idris then quite honestly you can wear whatever you want and still look sharp. There are some subtle details that lift his look from funeral wear though – note the addition of a waistcoat, powerfully sharp peak lapels and a clean, slim fit.

Posted September 24th, 2018 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

How to choose a wedding suit to match your wedding venue

wedding suit

 

Whether you’re marrying in a rustic barn or a grand classical ballroom, your wedding suit should complement your surroundings so the marriage of these two styles is pretty key.

 

Written by Emma Hla, Coco Wedding Venues

 

There are usually twitchy knees a-plenty during the festive season, so if you’re one of the ones that got engaged over Christmas and New Year then congratulations! How ruddy exciting!

Whilst I always advise taking a little time to enjoy the just-engaged bubble, it’s also very tempting to start the wedding planning ASAP – especially the venue search as locations can book up one to two years in advance… gulp.

But, once you’ve found the dream spot to marry, then it’s time to turn your attention to the fashion. For the bride, the wedding venue and the wedding dress go hand-in-hand and I don’t see why it should be any different for the groom!

To help guide you through this style dilemma I’ve selected eight of my most-loved venues and matched them with the perfect suit. Pretty handy right?

 

wedding suit
Venue: Streamcombe Farm; Photo: Freckle Photography

THE BOHO ONE

Streamcombe Farm is a magical venue completely ‘off the beaten track’ and unspoiled by modern farming. The meadows are wild and very natural, the streams are crystal clear, and with no near neighbours, you often hear no noise other than the stream and the buzzards calling.

Beautifully wild, it’s the perfect location for an outdoor boho celebration and what could be better than a bit of tweed to reflect this outdoor vibe. For me, boho always airs on the side of being a little bit dark and moody, so I’ve opted for this tweed-style jacket and waistcoat in grey.

Tweed is a key trend for groomswear that shows no signs of slowing down; for the modern goom it offers a more relaxed feel. To ramp up the bohemian look pair with floral shirts and contrasting patterns such as another check. Cut in a smart, tailored fit (so it’s not like your Granddad’s boxy tweeds!), you can buy the coordinating chinos from Moss Bros.

 

wedding suit
Venue: Stratton Court Barn

THE RUSTIC ONE

I’m crushing on this lounge suit – a contemporary option that looks rather at home in rustic locations thanks to its soft, faded blue hue. Brown leather shoes match really well and I love the geometric detailing on the lining. Cut in a fashionable slim fit, the package includes the full look (slim-fit shirt, tie or cravat and a pocket square). So now we have the look we need a rustic venue, but which one?

Meet Stratton Court Barn – it’s found at Pool Farm, set amidst rolling Oxfordshire countryside, yet only 10 minutes from Bicester. Once you enter the venue by the gorgeous tree-lined drive, the peace and quiet of the countryside will surround you and provide a gorgeous backdrop for your celebrations.

Originally built in 1870, and thoughtfully refurbished, the barn has kept its rustic charm, making it the perfect setting for wonderfully intimate, relaxed and happy celebrations.

 

wedding suit
Venue: St Giles House; Photo: Taylor and Porter

THE LUXE ONE

Nothing says luxe more than a deep, sexy burgundy and this limited edition, fashion-forward lounge suit is my pick for a wedding at St Giles House.

At this fine-art county house located in Dorset you can marry surrounded by fireplaces and old master paintings or in their intimate and romantic grotto. This delicate Shell Grotto forms part of the ‘Pleasure Grounds’ built in the early 18th Century using shells brought back from the Caribbean. It’s perfect for couples looking to wed in a unique and magical setting.

The Moss Fuchsia Berry Lounge Suit is a bold, richly hued fabric and has depth and surface interest for a luxe finish. A truly standout look for the groom, it’s a wedding suit that’s cut in a fashionable slim fit. Pair with tonal damask accessories with a metallic edge and you’ll fit right into this location.

 

wedding suit
Venue: Chateau de Redon; Photo: Ryan Flynn

THE DESTINATION ONE

Chateau de Redon is a romantic French venue in a unique, relaxed and natural landscape. Set in a 2-hectare private park with rare, century-old trees it offers a perfectly secluded and exclusive location for your wedding. The Chateau has been completely renovated in 2013 with a taste for modern design and respect for all the authentic elements: century-old oak wooden floors, chimneys with majestic mirrors, fine handcrafted mouldings and woodwork.

To complement such a location the high fashion Moss London Blue Tuxedo is a luxurious option. Cut in Moss London’s fashionable skinny fit, there’s still a nod to the venue’s history with its formal eveningwear vibe. The full hire package includes the cumberland and bow tie so you can relax knowing you’re faultlessly turned-out for such a flawless venue.

 

wedding suit
Venue: London Rowing Club; Photo: Anne Shwarz

THE VINTAGE ONE

The London Rowing Club is a new addition to our collection of venues so what better than to pair it with a new suit for 2018! This limited edition, sharp, skinny fit wedding suit comes in a perfect vintage-inspired iced pastel shade which is super on-trend for this new year.

The Light Blue Suit has a ‘preppy’ appeal in-line with the venue’s rowing-themed décor. The London Rowing Club is the oldest club on the Thames embankment, established in 1856, so the club’s interior is full of memorabilia, including pictures of the club over the years, awards, oars and even a boat on the roof!

 

wedding suit
Venue: AREA

THE CITY ONE

AREA is a wonderful blank canvas venue and the perfect space for a vibrant city wedding. Located in London’s creative capital, Shoreditch, this is one of the most fashionable hangouts where innovative bars, restaurants, shops and clubs pop up every day alongside traditional east-end trades. AREA is all distressed wooden floorboards, exposed brickwork, a high vaulted ceiling and original Victorian windows, all of which give this space the wow factor.

So, if you want all eyes on you in a space like this then we think you need a wedding suit which also has the wow factor! Step in the Moss London Blue Suit in this fearlessly bold shade of blue. It’s cut in a sharp, slim fit suit with fashionable notch lapels that add to its ‘special occasion’ feel.

 

wedding suit
Venue: The Gallivant

THE COASTAL ONE

French Connection has got you covered should you choose a seaside wedding. This Sky Blue Lounge Suit hue nods to the ocean but it also just so happens to be a huge trend for groomswear.

French Connection suits are cut slim around the shoulders and waist for a flattering, modern fit and the wool-blend gives it a nice handle (the name for how the suit fabric feels) but still comfortable and cool enough to wear all day – especially important if you hit the jackpot and have a glorious summer’s day wedding! This particular style is also available in Junior sizes so your little guys can match the older guys.

So, which venue? Well, The Gallivant is a pretty epic venue on the raw coastline of Camber Sands in East Sussex. Weddings at The Gallivant always take place on an exclusive basis, meaning guests can enjoy the entire hotel and its 20 individually-styled bedrooms for themselves.

In the warmer months, guests enjoy weddings naturally flowing between the beach and the coastal styled marquee. In the cooler months, the open log fire in the New England Room and the heated marquee creates a beautiful Scandinavian/Hamptons themed environment.

 

wedding suit
Venue: Kew Gardens; Photo: Ali Paul

THE CLASSIC ONE

I’ve saved my favourite venue for last – the incredible Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. With floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, the Nash Conservatory provides an abundance of natural daylight for your wedding celebrations. The Conservatory is the oldest of the 19th Century glasshouses at Kew and is of major historical and architectural importance making it a unique venue for your event. The style of this venue is super versatile but I think it’s the perfect backdrop for a classically elegant wedding.

Classic doesn’t necessarily mean traditional, and while tails would certainly suit this space, I urge you to opt for a dinner suit instead. There’s something very dashing about a man in this particular attire and, believe me, your bride or groom will go a little weak at the knees when they see you in one.

 

Emma Hla is founder of Coco Wedding Venues – a curated collection of wedding venues and big day inspiration for style-focused couples. Browse her directory of beautiful and unique venues by style or location and find more wedding inspiration on Instagram and Facebook.

Posted January 11th, 2018 in Hire-Weddings.

How a wedding planner can make your life easier

Your engagement should be exciting and fun but planning your wedding can become overwhelming and stressful. Some people love the idea of doing it all themselves but if you have no experience in events, have a young family or have a busy career then a wedding planner might be just what you need.

 

Written by Natalie Hewitt Weddings

Newly engaged or just about to pop the question? Then huge congratulations are in order! But maybe the prospect of actually planning your wedding doesn’t sound as appealing. My husband’s response to our wedding planning was “whatever you want”, “how much does it cost” and “let’s add more booze!”. Does that sound familiar?

If you think about it, your wedding day will most probably be the biggest and most expensive party you will ever host. But this party isn’t a straightforward dinner party, oh no! This is a party stretching over a full day that may have multiple locations, potentially hundreds of guests, a tight schedule and a long list of suppliers to orchestrate. That’s a lot going on!

For many, hiring a professional is an easy decision to make but you might still be unsure whether it’s right for you or not. So, to keep it short and sweet, here are three ways a wedding planner can make your life easier.

 

 

TIME

Hiring a professional planner is a little bit like having a bridal personal assistant on hand throughout your engagement. Reading contracts, completing booking forms, chasing guests that haven’t RSVP’d, creating schedules and then assisting with the set-up and clear-down; a planner can carry out a vast array of tasks that are a little tedious, a tad boring and incredibly time-consuming. The result? You to catch up on Netfilx rather than spending your evenings doing ‘wedmin’.

 

 

STRESS

Pulling off a perfectly planned and beautifully styled wedding can be quite stressful, especially if you haven’t got any experience of planning. Creating a picture of your wedding day isn’t as straightforward as deciding what you want and booking it; there are so many details, logistics and timings to consider.

Your planner will have experience of the industry and will know what will and won’t work, be able to problem-solve, know what to book and when to book it and know to cross check everything to ensure nothing is missed. In addition to a stress-free engagement, they’ll also take responsibility for coordinating the whole day itself, meaning you can relax and fully enjoy the day, without having to sort out anything that may crop up.

 

 

MONEY

For those who just see the big picture and think it’s daft to spend money on a planner when that could be spent elsewhere you should definitely keep reading…

I didn’t have a wedding planner when I got married. I plucked a figure out of my head when I started planning but not knowing what a wedding was going to cost, I ended up doubling it. If I had spent a little on a planner I could have saved thousands by having them manage my spending. Now, as a wedding planner, I always start the process by talking about your budget; you can’t spend what you haven’t got, and I strongly advise my clients to plan their finances first before we commit to anything.

Next – discounts! A lot of suppliers offer my clients discounts for booking through me, which they wouldn’t be able to get going direct. I am a member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners too and we don’t believe in taking a commission. I only recommend suppliers because they are awesome, not because I am getting a cash incentive to put them forward, so that cash incentive goes straight to you.

We also have an extensive recommended supplier list so can put forward an incredible range of suppliers at different price points; a far better selection than you’ll get from carrying out an internet search for going to a wedding fair – which let’s face it, you probably can’t be bothered to be dragged around on your day off.

 

 

SOME FINAL TIPS

If you’re considering a planner for your wedding, I have a few pieces of wisdom to pass on. Firstly, do your research on wedding planners before you book one. Request testimonials, have a look at their portfolios and even meet them. You are going to work closely with this person for the duration of your engagement, so you need to not only trust them, but you need to also like them.

And finally, in the UK, wedding planners aren’t audited, so please make sure you book an experienced one. Visit the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners website for a directory of professional companies who have been pre-vetted and selected as members. It’s a great way to find talented, reliable and awesome planners to create your dream wedding day.

 

Natalie Hewitt creates beautifully styled and perfectly planned weddings. From the intimate to the extravagant, she works with clients across the UK to ensure that their big day is an unforgettable one. Find out more about Natalie and her work at Nataliehewitt.co.uk or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Posted January 5th, 2018 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

10 things to tell your wedding venue

Help them help you.

Low Hall The Lakes | Image by Jono Symonds Photography

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR WEDDING VENUE BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

BY COCO’S WEDDING VENUES

Words: E. Hla

Communication with your venue is absolutely key to making sure your wedding day goes smoothly for you and your guests, but what should you bring to the party?

10 THINGS TO TELL YOUR WEDDING VENUE

There are lots of things to think about when you’re planning your wedding. You’ll find plenty of guides out there telling you how to find the perfect wedding venue and what to ask when visiting your shortlist. But, once you’ve picked the one what should you be telling your venue ahead of your big day? An experienced wedding planner or coordinator will usually ask these questions during the planning process, but it’s always worth making sure you’re all on the same page ahead of the wedding. And if you’re doing things yourself, communicating clearly with suppliers and delegating jobs could save you a lot of stress later down the line.

Here are ten things that’ll help them help you get wed without a hitch:

 

Middleton Lodge | Image by Gasp Photo

1. Guest numbers

Your guest list is integral to the feel and indeed the flow of your day. So whether you want an intimate ceremony for family and close friends or a gathering of 200 for a full day of celebrations, make sure your wedding venue is aware of your planned numbers for each part of your day. If your venue also offers guest accommodation, then make sure to factor this into your plans and get it secured early for your nearest and dearest.

2. Little people

If your guest list includes children, it’s always a good idea to inform your venue. They may have certain restrictions or information for you to pass on to your guests. Knowing this information sooner rather than later will help when creating seating plans including high chairs, or additional access your little guests may need. Also, some wedding venues may be able to put you in touch with local crèche management companies and children’s entertainers.

3. Furry friends

You’ll find some wedding venues (those without livestock in surrounding fields) are now welcoming the idea of couples incorporating their pets into the proceedings. However, rather than just rocking up with the pup in tow, it’s always a good idea to discuss the possibility of having your pets present on your wedding day and if your venue has pet-friendly rooms to accommodate your furry friends.

 

The Walled Garden at Cowdray | Image by This & That Photography

RSA House | Image by Rachel Takes Pictures

 

4. Supplier details and logistics

Make sure you send your wedding venue a full list of your suppliers, who they can expect when, who will be on site setting up and whether there will be items being delivered on the day. Include their business name, contact details, what they’ll be supplying and the time they’d like access.

The venue can then get in touch with them directly to discuss logistics and any formal paperwork that may need completing by your chosen suppliers (such as including PAT testing certificates and liability insurance). Some suppliers may wish to visit the venue ahead of time, this way they can simply arrange it with them directly.

5. The wedding party

To take the pressure off, ask a few members of your wedding party to liaise with the venue and suppliers on the day. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is chasing suppliers or worrying about whether your carefully made plans will go off without a hitch. Make sure your venue has telephone numbers for your key players – this could be parents, groomsmen or bridesmaids. Doing this will leave you and your partner to relax and enjoy the day.

6. Arrival times after ceremony

If you’re having your ceremony at a nearby church or town hall, then make sure that one of your tasks for the aforementioned wedding party is to call the venue when you’ve left your ceremony. A glass of chilled champers waiting for you on arrival at your reception venue will kick the festivities off nicely.

 

Boutique Marquees | Image by Christina Sarah Photography

Browning Bros. | Image by Jess Soper Photography

 

7. Running order

At most venues, the wedding coordinator and/or caterers will make sure the day runs to plan and, most importantly, runs to time. But always remember, the day is yours so if there are certain things you want to include or not include, then make sur your venue has a copy of your running order for the day.

8. Evening guests

If you are having evening guests join the party then inform the venue of how many guests are arriving and at what time. This way, the venue can ensure your guests are greeted and welcomed. This is especially important if your wedding breakfast is overrunning slightly – guests who are well fed and watered won’t mind waiting for the happy couple to make their grand entrance.

9. Guests with special requirements

Whether it’s guests with dietary requirements, elderly relatives wanting a chill-out room or disabled access needed; discuss these requests with your venue in advance so arrangements can be made. A great tip is to include this on your RSVPs when you send out your wedding invitations.

10. The morning after

You may not be the only one with a post-wedding hangover – your venue might also be in need of some TLC the morning after the night before. If you have suppliers visiting the venue the day after the wedding to assist with clear-down or to pick up supplies, then inform the venue. Most venues will have a specific time that the venue must be ‘returned’, so make sure you’ve considered this in your running order and plans.

 

WHAT MAKES A GOOD WEDDING VENUE?

The answer to what makes a good wedding venue is it really is completely personal. Some couples like a more hands-on approach, some will simply hire a blank canvas space and do it all themselves – either way, most wedding locations will work with you to make sure that your day is unique and just as you want it. Building relationships with your wedding venue and suppliers will always help things go well. Keep communication free-flowing so everyone knows your event inside-out – and your day will run as smoothly as possible!

 

Coco Wedding Venues is the first place to kickstart your wedding planning.

They are the UK’s original style-focused wedding venue directory, showcasing a carefully curated selection of the very best wedding venues in the UK and beyond.

 

Posted January 3rd, 2018 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

How to tie a cravat

 

When was the last time you wore a cravat? Have you ever worn one?

Guys rarely need to dig out their cravats – they’re usually saved for special occasions to make you stand out as a guest of honour. So unless you’ve had the pleasure of being a groomsman or even been the groom yourself, you may not have a clue on how to tie one.

But if you’ve got an occasion coming up that calls for one, you might want to brush up on your knowledge – it’s the last thing you should be worrying about on that special day.

 

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CRAVAT?

There’s a bit of confusion over what classes as a cravat. They’re basically ties with wider pieces of fabric, and there are a few ways of styling them to create different looks. When we talk about cravats at Moss Bros., we mean the ones tied in a ruffled knot, rather than the ones that are folded a bit like a scarf under an open-necked collar.

Before we go on, here’s a little trivia­ for you – the name comes from the French mispronouncing ‘croate’, meaning Croatian, after the Croatian army made cravats popular in the 1600s.

 

 

TYING THE KNOT

How on earth do you tie these things? They may look fancy, but it’s actually pretty easy. If you can do an old-school simple knot, you’ll be fine. You tie them in the same way, but keep the fabric wide so there’s enough to create a ruffle.

 

 

SO, WHY WEAR A CRAVAT?

Lots of men choose cravats to set a more formal mood for their wedding, while others prefer the more laidback feel of a tie – both are perfectly fine.

If you’ve chosen to go for lounge suits rather than tails, they’re also a great way of setting the groomsmen apart from other guests.

 

 

A COUPLE OF LAST TIPS

Waistcoats are a must if you’re wearing a cravat. The ends are wide, unlike a neat tie, so it’s better to have them out of sight.

If you’re still unsure of tying your cravat correctly, you can ask us to tie it for you. We’ll make sure it’s ready with your suit when you come to pick it up. Then, you just have to slip the loop over your head and tighten it to fit your neck.

Posted December 21st, 2017 in Hire-Weddings.

How to plan a wedding on a budget (and when to blow it)

Everyone wants the perfect wedding, but your budget can often leave you feeling underwhelmed with your options. However, there are plenty of thrifty choices which can help to keep costs down, without sacrificing the overall style and ambience of your big day…

 

Written by Keelie Briggs, The Clued-Up Bride

 

UNDERSTAND WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

Talk through which elements of the day are important to you both and focus your budget there. Bear in mind, that whilst details are nice for setting the theme or style of the wedding, not all are necessary. Scrap the save-the-dates and send invitations a little earlier than planned, combine your wedding favours and place names by choosing something that acts as both and if you’ve chosen a naturally beautiful wedding venue, don’t feel the need to fork out thousands on dressings or decor, just to cover it up.

 

 

DON’T BE AFRAID OF A LITTLE DIY

Brides and grooms are having a go at everything, from invitations and favours to centrepieces and bouquets. By prioritising your DIY projects and having them ready early, you will have plenty of time to have another go if it doesn’t quite go to plan first time. Guests will love hearing how the bride and groom lovingly created elements of the day themselves (even more so if there are tales of tantrums and tears in there too).

 

SHOP LOCALLY AND BY SEASON

If you’re opting for real flower bouquets, choosing in-season flowers could save you a pretty penny. Similarly, by choosing local businesses and suppliers, you save costs on travel and postage fees (not to mention the environmental benefits).

 

However, whilst painful budget-reducing decisions are sometimes unavoidable, there are three areas that should not be compromised:

 

 

THE WEDDING DRESS

>For the bride, this will likely be something that she has dreamt about since she was a little girl. Enjoying the full bride-to-be experience is a must. Drink the free champers and embrace the happy tears from your loved ones as she leaves the changing room wearing ‘the one’.

 

THE SUITS

The bride will look like a princess, so the groom can’t look like he just rolled up to get married in his dad’s old suit. He needs to be able to express himself in a statement outfit; whether that’s with a contemporary 3-piece and bow tie, playful checks, or full top and tails. One thing that has to be right regardless of the style is the fit – but don’t worry, with tailoring experts in every store, Moss has made that bit easy for you!

 

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

One of the biggest regrets for brides and grooms is not properly researching their photographer; or calling in a favour from a friend with a ‘good camera’. Save yourself the heartache. Hire a professional who’s work you love. Then, you can re-live all those precious moments and emotions that were lovingly captured on camera.

 

Keelie is passionate about helping brides and grooms have fun with their wedding planning and make great decisions with their budgets.  For more big day advice, money saving tips and DIY ideas visit TheCluedUpBride.co.uk or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Posted December 14th, 2017 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

The modern way to style your wedding party

 

Out with the old, in with the mixing and matching – it’s the fashionable way to style your wedding party. Here’s how to do it.

“Dress for the occasion, not the place” – that’s what Matthew, our hire expert from our Chester store, says about styling a wedding party. Whether you’ve booked a stately home fit for a king, or you’re going all relaxed and rustic with a barn, it’s your wedding day. We say don’t be afraid to get dressed up – it’s the biggest day of your life! And if you want to make your wedding party look the part and fashionable at the same time, make like a kid in a sweet shop and pick and mix.

 

 

ONE AND ONLY

As soon as you start throwing a few different looks into the mix, your wedding party will instantly look different to hundreds of others across the country. If you’re the groom and want to stand out from the rest of the wedding party, choosing a slightly different look from your entourage will do the trick.

We asked Matthew to show us a few options that tick both boxes: wedding party dress code and style. Get your notepad ready…

 

 

HEADS OR TAILS?

“Tails say ‘I’m getting married’ – they’re the traditional wedding outfit. You don’t have to put all your groomsmen in tails though, save them for the groom to mix things up a bit and give him all the attention (well, half of it).”

 

 

WINNING WAISTCOATS

“Just switch out your waistcoat for one in another colour or pattern, and you’ll have a mix-matched look. You could choose one in a different colour to the rest of your suit, keeping the groomsmen in the matching one. Ted Baker’s new collection is set up for mixing and matching with its combination of checked and plain suits. If you want something even more unique, you could get your waistcoat made bespoke to your wedding theme through Tailor Me – then you’ll have it to keep as a memento.”

 

 

THE HERITAGE OPTION

“This one’s very on-trend, especially for country weddings, but it works just as well for a city-centre bash. Tweed. It’s back and it’s here to stay. Make the groom stand out by picking different tweeds for him and the groomsmen, or go a step further and have the groom wear the full tweed suit, with the groomsmen wear plain suits with a just a tweed waistcoat.”

 

 

TIE IT ALL TOGETHER

“With all these looks, you can still wear a tie or cravat and pocket square that matches the bridesmaids’ dresses. Bring a swatch of the dresses to your fitting and we’ll match it to the closest possible colour. If they don’t match, you can take out the tie and layer your near-matching pocket square under a neutral-toned one to soften the impact but still pull everything together. Wearing two pocket squares differentiates the wedding party from other guests too.”

 

INSPIRED? START STYLING YOUR WEDDING PARTY

Posted December 12th, 2017 in Hire-Weddings.

How to enjoy planning your wedding

Wedding planning should be such an exciting time, however, the idea of planning your perfect day can quickly turn into a nightmare when those quotes start coming in, family offer their own ‘helpful’ suggestions or simply because you didn’t realise just how much goes into planning a wedding.

 

Written by Keelie Briggs, The Clued-Up Bride.

I’ve put together my top five tips for enjoying the whole wedding planning process, so take a few minutes, grab a cup of tea and read on…

GET ORGANISED

Whether it’s a notepad, a spreadsheet or a fancy wedding binder, you need somewhere to organise all of your plans. This includes knowing your budget and where it’s coming from, so that you don’t run into any nasty surprises later on. Keep all quotes, invoices and receipts together, then if you need to check any details it’s a two-minute job, rather than a mad blame-filled rush around the house.

TAKE NIGHTS OFF FROM WEDDING PLANNING

As exciting as planning a wedding is, it can also become an unwelcome intrusion into every conversation between you and your partner (us women are particularly guilty of this). To keep things balanced, you may find that it’s best to choose just one day or a couple of evenings to fully commit to your planning. Wedding-free time is important, so make time to enjoy a nice meal or go and see a film together; do something that you enjoyed before the big question was popped – but no one mentions the ‘w’ word!

ENJOY THE FREEBIES

Suddenly, you’re getting married and everyone is offering you free stuff! Canapés at the venue, a glass of champagne at a wedding fair, a free engagement shoot from your photographer… Even distant friends might offer you lunch so that they can hear all the juicy details. You’re spending enough on the big day; embrace the freebies!

DELEGATE

How often do you get an entourage of people at your beck and call? The bridesmaids aren’t just there to look pretty in their dresses, likewise the groomsmen can do much more than seat your guests. Write a list of all the irritating tasks and start dishing out those duties! You’ll likely find that they’re thrilled to be trusted with one of your ‘important’ wedding jobs.

KEEP IT REAL

Step away from Pinterest! Social media is great for wedding inspiration but unless you have the budget of an A-list celebrity or happen to be a relative of the royal family, the reality check of those first quotes can hit you hard.

Just take a moment to realise, as breathtakingly beautiful as these weddings may seem, they are missing one very important detail; your husband/wife at the end of the aisle.

Let your fondest memory of the day be the love and emotion that you felt. You’re in this together, decide who you want there, what is important to each of you and don’t sweat the small stuff!

 

Keelie is passionate about helping brides and grooms have fun with their wedding planning and make great decisions with their budgets. For more big day advice, money saving tips and DIY ideas visit TheCluedUpBride.co.uk or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Posted December 5th, 2017 in Hire-Weddings, Wedding.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »