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Roundabout Monkseaton
Wedding Agony Column
Are you having problems planning your big day?
Call us on 0191 253 7608, or e-mail
info@monkseatonvillage.co.uk
and let local Wedding Consultant Dawn Marie provide the solution!
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May
2007 |
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Dawn Marie Wedding &
Event Design brings you 12 years experience of imaginative event
management. Working throughout the North-East with the regions most
prestigious suppliers, Dawn Marie has established herself as a
leading consultant within the events industry. Her meticulous
attention to detail, patience and sense of humour make Dawn Marie
the perfect person to turn your ideas into stunning reality. Here
are a few of her tips to help you on the way to a perfect day.
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As soon as
you have announced your intention to be married, there
are certain things which need to be addressed straight
away - the type and place of ceremony, reception venue,
florist, photographer, transport, cake and
entertainment. It may seem strange to think about some
of these things so early, especially if you do not
intend to marry for 2 or 3 years, but the very best of
these services run diaries years in advance and most are
booked for prime dates up to 3 years ahead.
If you are having a civil marriage ceremony, contact the
registration office in the district where you intend to
marry. They will provide you with lists of venues in
the area that are registered to hold such ceremonies as
well as contact details for the office where you are
resident. You need to give notice of your intention to
marry to the registrars in the district in which you
live and pay a fee (usually around £30 per person). You
book your conducting registrar in the district in
which you intend to marry. Again, there will be a fee
due which varies according to the day of the week you
want to be married on. Summer Saturdays and Bank
Holiday weekend tend to be more expensive with fees
ranging from £265 - £425. Be warned: do not rush ahead
and book a venue without liaising with the registrars
over available dates and times – the perfect venue
without a registrar to marry you is useless! |
For your
reception, country houses and good hotels book up fast.
Summer Saturdays can be fully booked 3 years in advance
with Bank Holiday weekends, school holidays and
Christmas dates all proving very popular. If you want
to get married in the summer but are finding a lot of
venues ready booked at weekends don’t rule out weekday
weddings. Not only is it a little different but most
venues will reduce room hire rates Monday – Friday
(excluding Bank Holidays) and a lot will waive minimum
number restrictions. The fee payable to your conducting
registrar for a civil ceremony is also reduced during
the week. If you need further convincing, take a look
at this
old rhyme advising against a Saturday occasion:
Monday for wealth
Tuesday for health
Wednesday the best day of all
Thursday for losses
Friday for crosses
Saturday for no luck at all
If you
are superstitious, have a look at the poem below. It
would seem a Wednesday in December might be a good day
for your nuptials!
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For
florists, photographers, transport, cakes and
entertainment, as soon as you find someone you like,
book them! You don’t have to provide them with exact
details straight away, just a rough idea will do for
example flowers for Bride, attendants, three venue rooms
and around 10 table centres is enough information to
start with. The exact flowers, colours and numbers can
be confirmed much nearer the time. To source the best
local suppliers, consider using a fully independent
wedding consultant to save time and money. Remember,
prices of services vary enormously and the most
expensive providers are not always the best.
For all
arrangements, always get everything in writing, in
particular special deals or requests as verbal contracts
are easily forgotten. Start to confirm everything
around two months before your big day, including timings
with service providers and catering arrangements.
Finally, during the planning process make sure that you
step back from time to time and appreciate all the
anticipation and excitement. When the morning of your
wedding finally arrives, you will have done everything
possible to make it a fantastic occasion so relax, smile
and enjoy your big day!”
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Did You Know?...
There are
several explanations of why a Bride wears a veil. It is
believed the veil predates the wedding dress by
centuries perhaps originating in the days when a groom
threw a blanket over the head of his chosen woman as he
captured her and carted her off!!
Another traditional
explanation is the veil was used to disguise the Bride
to confuse evil spirits who were believed to attend
marriages to cause mischief.
The veil became popular in Britain in the eighteen
hundreds and is now associated with modesty and
chastity. In some Eastern ceremonies the veil is used
to hide the Brides face until after the wedding
ceremony. This is especially true for arranged
marriages as by the time the veil is lifted, the couple
are already committed to each other and it is too late
for the Groom to run off if he doesn't like the look of
her! |
When
would you choose to marry?
Married
when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true.
When February birds do mate, You wed nor dread your
fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both
you'll know.
Marry in April when you can, Joy for Maiden and for Man.
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the
day.
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go.
Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily
bred.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich
and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches
tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come,
remember.
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will
last. |
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Ranging from a complete planning service to a gentle
point in the right direction, Dawn Marie Wedding & Event
Design offers professional, friendly, creative guidance
to make your event a truly unique occasion. Contact
Dawn Marie direct on 07717 220 556 or visit
www.DawnMarieWED.co.uk for more information. |
Did You Know?....
A lot of wedding suppliers will offer a special rate or
discount if you are placing a good order with them eg
hire 4 mens outfits and get the Grooms for free. Sheila
at
Country....
is offering 2 complimentary 'Thank You' bouquets with
any orders placed in July and August. Why not pop in
for a free consultation to see what they have to offer? |
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Roundabout Monkseaton
January 2006
The Launch of the Wedding Agony Column
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Tip – Top Table
Seating on the Top Table can cause problems. Traditionally a top
table would be (from left to right looking at the table): Chief
Bridesmaid, Groom’s Father, Bride’s Mother, Groom, Bride, Bride’s
Father, Groom’s Mother, Best Man. If parents are divorced or have new
partners, consider seating them on tables near to the top but with
friends or family they feel comfortable with. An alternative top
table could include the Bride and Groom, any brothers and sisters,
the Best Man and partner and the Bridesmaids and partners.
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April 2006 |
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My wedding is in 6 months time. I have
been waiting to buy a dress until I lost weight but I've hardly lost
any and now I'm starting to worry I won't get a dress in time.
Help!
Most Brides think they can slim down and magically be a size 10 or
12 on their wedding day. In 90% of cases this just isn't going to
happen! There is still time to find a dress so don't panic. You
have two options. One is to find a shop selling dresses off-the-peg
in larger sizes. Not all shops cater for 16+ sizes - try 'Truly,
Madly Deeply', they offer 1½ hour appointments so you can try a good
selection of dresses without feeling rushed.
The second option is to have a dress designed and made
for you. This is a more expensive option and a longer process
but a lot of local companies I contacted said they
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could easily
design and make a dress within your 6 month deadline, but don't
leave it too much longer. As a last hint, find someone whose opinion
you really trust to do along with you and remember, with the right
dress, you will look fantastic on your big day. Stop worrying
about the pounds you didn't lose and enjoy getting married!
Did You Know?.....
In
the past Brides wore their best dresses when getting married,
whatever the colour. Some did choose white as a symbol of purity
and virginity and to ward off evil spirits, but it was not until
Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding in 1940 (not silver as
previous royal brides) that white became popular. Today pure white
is less popular with ivory, creams, gold and deep reds being
preferred. |
Did You Know?.....
Confetti
derives from pagan wedding rituals in which newlyweds were showered
with rice or grain as a symbol of fertility. Rose petals were also
scattered before the bride to ward off evil spirits. Today, dried
flower petals, rice paper confetti and bubbles are all used and can
look great on photographs. For a good selection of confetti, try
'Made To Treasure' in Whitley Bay.
I would love my 3
year old niece to be my flower girl but she says she doesn't want to
carry flowers! Any suggestions?
What about a basket of petals for her to throw? This
is more fun than a posy of flowers and a responsible job to make her
feel extra important. Alternatively, try making a favourite teddy
bear a matching bridesmaids outfit - very cute! |
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August 2006 |
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I really
liked your suggestions last time for the flower girl who wouldn’t
carry flowers! Do you have any alternative suggestions for
favours?
Yes – loads! Although 5 sugared almonds are the
traditional favours (representing health, wealth, happiness, long
life, and fertility) so many people don’t like almonds and I must
have seen literally hundreds left on dining tables in my 11 years as
a consultant. Here is a list of alternatives which guests are sure
to take home!
Alcoholic miniatures, lottery tickets, flower bulbs or seeds,
chocolates, personalised key rings / pens / candles / bottle
stoppers / golf balls / shot glasses or CD’s of the Bride and Grooms
favourite songs (watch out for copyright issues), hanging crystals,
semi precious stones (such as rose quartz to represent love),
miniature picture frames / lanterns / vases, chocolate name tags (to
double as place cards), engraved champagne flutes or pocket angels!
For
children try miniature teddy bears, activity packs (crayons, paper,
puzzles etc to keep them occupied during the speeches),
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jigsaws,
jellybeans, beach balls (outside use only!) bubbles (good for the
photographs) or a book!
For a full range of alternative favours, try ‘Made To
Treasure’ in Whitley Bay who can either sell you everything you need
to make your own or who will actually make them up for you!
Did You Know?.....
During a marriage ceremony, the Bride always
stands on the left. I have heard 2 explanations of this, the first
of which seems far more reasonable!! Many years ago a groom would
have to capture his Bride by kidnapping her. If the groom then had
to fight off other men interested in his Bride or fight for her
honour, he could hold his lady with his left hand keeping his right
hand free to use his sword. The second explanation (which has to be
thought up by a man!) is that your Bride goes on the side you walk
your dog on!!! Now, who prefers the first option.....? |
Tip – What to do with those Wedding Outfits
For those of
you who have spent a small fortune on your wedding outfits, be it
the Brides dress, bridesmaids outfits, mother-of-the-bride outfits,
hats, veils, shoes and bags, have you ever wondered what to do with
them now the Big Day is over? Try taking a visit to Emily Jane.
This is a new shop which offers you the chance to recoup some of the
costs of that fantastic outfit. Simply take your cleaned items to
the shop and Emily Jane will include them in her ‘once worn’ range.
For any items sold, you receive a percentage of the purchase price
which could be anything up to 70%. An excellent chance to pass on
your beautiful items and make some money!
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October 2006 |
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I have been
discussing my wedding flowers with my Mum who is not happy that I
have chosen lilies as she says they are associated with death!!
I thought you just chose flowers you liked but Mum says there is
more to it than that. Can you help?
Oh dear! Lilies have, in the past been known as death
flowers but I am sure it is because of their strong scent more than
anything (used to cover up unpleasant odours!). A lot of flowers
carry ‘traditional’ meanings, originating mainly from Victorian
times, although younger generations (such as myself) are not as
aware of this and would have to look up the meanings to be sure.
In ancient times, strong smelling herbs and spices were
carried on wedding days to ward off evil spirits, bad luck and ill
health. Flowers were
introduced more commonly in Victorian times when lovers would send
messages to each other using different flowers, for example
carnations would be sent to show fascination and love and violets |
to symbolise
faithfulness. Here is a list of the more common wedding
flowers:
Lily – purity and chastity
Tulip – love
Gardenia - joy
Carnation – fascination and love
Daffodil – regard, chivalry and a sunny marriage
Ivy – good luck, eternal fidelity, happiness, friendship
Daisy – innocence
Ferns – fascination and sincerity
Honeysuckle – generosity
Sweet Pea – delicate pleasures
Violet - faithfulness
Roses (generally) – romance, love, happiness and beauty
Red rose– love
Yellow rose – friendship
Dark pink rose – thankfulness
Pale pink rose – grace
White rose– innocence
Peach rose- modesty
I have seen many Brides over the years
choose lilies – they are also one of my favourite flowers.
Don’t be put off by your Mum. Let her
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the
traditional meaning is ‘purity’ and ‘chastity’ and she may not be so
concerned. However, do remember lily dust is lethal and a good
florist will always remove the stamen to prevent accidents!
Good Luck!
Did You Know?.....
The second ‘Wedding Fair
Season’ of the year is now upon us. These fairs are a great
opportunity to look at what services are on offer without the
pressure of having to make an appointment. I have been arranging
Wedding Fairs for over 11 years and, even if I say so myself, have a
good reputation for covering a wide range of bridal services, not
just the obvious dresses, photographers and florists. Check out my
website for further details www.DawnMarieWED.co.uk ,click on
‘Forthcoming Events’.
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Check for more hints and tips from future issues |
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