One of the most important pair of shoes any woman will buy is her wedding shoes. These can vary by heel height and fabric. They can be held onto the feet by buckles, bows, lace ups or slip ons. Finally the style can vary greatly from sandals, peep toe, boots to a court shoe. The list is endless and this can be quite confusing when walking into a shop or looking online at the many diverse styles of shoe.

When choosing the heel height of your wedding shoes, go with what you feel most comfortable in. If you are used to a low or medium height heel, then used this heel as your guide before you choose your style of shoe. Nothing could be worse than to see a bride wobbling along in high heels or platform shoes when she would normally wear something lower!

Remember that whatever style of bridal footwear you choose, it is the heel height that needs to be worn when you are getting your dress altered. Wearing heels does not just alter your posture, but the length of the dress to the floor. If the dress length has to be altered, make sure you wear your wedding shoes so the seamstress can make the correct measurements.

Once you have decided on your heel height – flat, low, medium or high, then you can decide on the style of footwear. This will mainly depend on your own personal choice, again being what your comfortable with and what dress you will be wearing on the day.

If for example you were going for a sixty’s themed wedding, then you might choose flat buckled shoes with a white mini dress. Alternately, knee length white boots would also suit a white mini dress so keeping with the theme and the overall look.

If you a choosing to wear a vintage lace dress then white Victorian lace up boots would add to the vintage feel. A more contemporary look with the same dress would be a court shoe with a detailed lace fabric on show.

Finding the time to shop when there are so many other things to do can be physically draining so ordering online is a great way to save time, especially if done in advance. Many companies such as Amazon will accept returns and they do a great deal on wedding shoes and accessories.
Have you considered buying wedding socks? These can be fun for the Groom, Best Man, Fathers of the Bride and Groom, Pageboys, Ushers and Brothers!

To add to the occasion you can buy “I Do” crystals which stick onto the bottom of your shoes so when you kneel down your wedding guests can see “I” on the left shoe and “Do” on the right shoe! These can be used for both the Bride and the Groom.

You can accessories with your footwear while you are on honeymoon! Why not buy a pair of male and female “Just Marries” flip flops? They are not expensive yet as you and your new husband/wife walk hand in hand along the beach you can imprint on the sand “Just” with the left foot and “Married” with the right foot!

Using this guide can be helpful and can help to take the stress away when buying wedding shoes.

Popular Wedding Venues
Having the reception at a hotel that is very popular for wedding receptions is a good idea because if weddings are held there are a regular basis, it is probably very good. Having said that, with high demand usually comes higher prices so it’s good to get as many quotes as possible.

The Wedding Day
Saturday has traditionally been the day to get married, but it is becoming more popular to get married on other days too. This of course has the advantage of being off-peak and likely to be less expensive. People who provide wedding services such as wedding music and musicians are also more likely to be available on less popular days of the week.

High Standards
Take a look at their bar/restaurant food first and also the friendliness of the staff. You may also wish to check the bar prices and the cost per bottle of wine etc. Sometimes a venue that sounds good value for money may put higher prices on other items such as the drink.

The Least Expensive Options
The way people who had very little money used to do the reception, was to get members of the family to supply the food and hire a local hall. Another less expensive option is to book a pub or restaurant to provide the wedding meal. If other customers are able to eat too, this may not cost anything apart from the cost of the food!

All Inclusive packages may be cheaper
In hotels where wedding receptions are frequently held, wedding packages may be available.
If you consider all the services that are available for a wedding day, a package deal may give a significant saving. This may also include discounts for overnight accomodation for family and close friends to stay.

It is great to be able to spend lots of money and have the best of everything, but remember that this is just day one!

The Church Wedding Music
Deciding on the music for a wedding in church may be quite clear-cut. However, it often depends whether you decide on traditional music or go for a more modern choice where the Bride and groom pick music that is more contemporary or means something special to them.

Perhaps the most important music is the Bride’s processional piece. The traditional music for this is the “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner also known as “Here Comes the Bride”. However, more frequently, couples are choosing pieces that reflect their own tastes in music which may include Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” or “Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring”, both of which are very well liked. “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” also makes a great entry piece.

You may find that you want more hymns included in the wedding than time will allow. These may include: Love divine all loves excelling and Lead us heavenly Father lead us. Of course if you desire a lighter style of hymn like all things bright and beautiful or morning has broken and make me a channel of your peace, are all ideal.

The next decision could be deciding on the music to have during the signing of the register. If you decide to have a soloist, he or she may have a repertoire from which to choose. However, the choir may sing a suitable piece or the organist play until the Bride and groom complete their task of signing the register.

The Bride and Groom’s exit, or recessional music is often the customary “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn but it is also quite common to have Vidor’s “Toccata” – just to test the organist! Or a “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke or Purcell.

Wedding Musicians
An organist and choir are not the only option for a wedding ceremony. Couples regularly opt for a flute and classical guitar or a flute and harpist at wedding ceremonies. This happens mainly when couples decide not to have any hymns!

This may seem rather unusual, but not all couples who have a wedding ceremony held in a church setting, also want traditional hymns. This is even more so when it comes to civil ceremonies, where music with a religious connection is often not allowed. Other options for wedding musicians may include a pianist or string quartet.

No matter what wedding musicians or music pieces you may choose, it is the Bride and groom who should have the final approval, after all, it is their special day.

Highbury Hall
Highbury Hall is famous as being the home of the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain MP for Birmingham and is situated 3 miles from the City Centre. Set in a lovely secluded tranquil area Highbury can cater for as little as 12 guests, a first class large banquet of 96 guests or up to 150 guests for a standing buffet. Highbury can assure you a warm and friendly atmosphere on your wedding day.
4 Yew Tree Road, Moseley, Birmingham. B13 8QG
www.birmingham.gov.uk/highbury

Rowheath Pavilion
Rowheath Pavilion is set in the heart of Bournville within a picture parkland. It can cater for 130 seated guests or 200 standing. This venue is suitable for wheelchair access and has parking for 120 cars.
www.rowheath.org

Selly Manor
Selly Manor is a 12 century listed medieval building which can cater up to 40 guests. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Bournville the Tudor gardens look ideal for your wedding photographs.
Oaktree Lane, Bournville, Birmingham. B30 1UB

The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham for many years has provided five unique venues to host their weddings. These different venues can cater parties between 20 – 575 guests which makes each wedding unique. The five different venues has their own exclusive wedding packages with attractive peaceful beautiful grounds which are ideal for your wedding photography and drinks receptions making your wedding a truly memorable occasion.
The Wedding Team, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston. B15 2RA
www.wedding@bham.ac.uk

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens has three suites from which to choose to hold your wedding celebrations which overlook a wonderful array of scent and colour from their Victorian gardens which would delight any bride and groom’s dream backdrop for their wedding photography.
Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 3TR
Tel: 0121 456 2244

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC
The Crowne Plaza is situated in the grounds of the NEC with a lovely lakeside view. With professional wedding coordinators and facilities that are first class this wedding venue combines simple elegance with a unique contemporary style. This is a perfect venue for elegant or lavish weddings.
Pendigo Way, NEC, Birmingham. B40 1PS
www.birminghamnec.crowneplaza.com

The Clarendon Suites
The Clarendon Suites have three separate suites within a spacious building which is ideal for parties from 12 – 1200 guests and a large car park which can hold up to 300 cars. With friendly staff to take care of your needs on your wedding day so you can go ahead and just relax and enjoy your day.
2 Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B16 9SB
www.clarendon-suites.co.uk

Dormy Hotel and Restaurant
The Dormy Hotel is family run and has been established for thirty years. They pride themselves on giving a friendly efficient service. They can accommodate up to 80 guests and tailor the day for your needs such as a buffet or disco to make your day perfect.
304-306 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B17 8DJ
Tel: 0121 429 4455/ 0121 429 1236

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Choosing Your Style of Dress To Suit Your Shape

Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most important decisions to be made in advance of the wedding date. You want to look fantastic in your wedding dress but when you get to the shop, the assistant can show you many dresses in various fabrics, shades of colour and more importantly styles.

A Ball Gown Style
The traditional wedding dress shape is like a ball gown consisting of a fitted bodice and a full floor length skirt that may be worn with a hooped underskirt to show the fullness of the skirt. A dress like this suits brides who have slim waistlines and it is great for hiding full hips. This ball gown style wedding dress is very suitable for a Church wedding.

A Princess or A-Line Dress
This style of wedding dress has a fitted bodice with vertical seams running from the shoulders right down to the end of the dress giving it an A-line look. This style of dress is suitable for those with small waists and wanting to hide full hips and large thighs.

An Empire Line Dress
This wedding dress has a seam right underneath the bust creating a high waistline. This type of dress is excellent for those who have a small bust and also for petite brides as it makes them look taller.

A Sheath Dress
A sheath wedding dress is simple in design, unstructured and figure hugging. Most of these dresses are made out of crepe or georgette. This style of wedding dress definitely suites a tall slim bride.

A Mermaid Dress or Fishtail Dress
This wedding dress is narrow fitted along most of the body with a flared hem from the lower leg to the floor. This type of dress is ideal for pronouncing your curves and is ideal for slim tall brides. It also has the effect of letting petite brides look taller.

Keep an Open Mind
When you visit a bridal shop it can be quite daunting to see all the styles together so it is best to bring a close friend with you whose advice you can trust. Also be practical about your own body shape and what style would suit you to make you look fabulous on your wedding day.

Comfort is Important Too!
When you have found the style of wedding dress that really suits you, try sitting down as well as standing up and move around in it while you are in the bridal shop. Remember you might be in your wedding dress for most of the day so you need to be comfortable too. Be aware of any alterations that will need to be done on your dress before the wedding such as straps, length and taking it in. Most brides through nerves will lose a bit of weight unless it is your intention to do so. Be open minded, practical and if you stick to your budget, you are sure to look fantastic on your wedding day.

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Choosing Your Wedding Dress To Suit Your Body Shape
Choosing your wedding dress is usually one of the most important outfits a woman will ever buy in her lifetime, so it is important to get the decision right.

Losing Weight Before Your Wedding
Losing weight before your wedding can either be intentionally done to fit into your wedding dress, or unintentionally losing weight through nerves. However you lose weight, you cannot change the shape of your bone structure, or inherited features. These may include:

• A large bust
• A small bust
• Broad hips
• Protruding stomach
• Large thighs
• Batwing arms
• Thick waistlines
• Curvy shapes
• Slim shapes with no curves

Love Your Shape and Work with it
If you can love and accept your shape then you can start to work with it to get the best wedding dress style to suit you. Instead of looking at the unflattering features, think about what you like about yourself. Remember a wedding dress is usually a long outfit that can hide many body faults, yet can also enhance your better features.

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• Gallery: wedding dresses (bridalwave.tv)

• Smoothies instead of fizzy drinks
• More fruit for desert rather than cakes or biscuits
• More vegetables or salads instead of pizzas and hamburgers

Exercise Take up some gentle exercise like more vacuuming, walking or cycling . Your partner could be involved too to help them stay in trim so you can support each other along the way towards your target weight. If you have a dog, go and enjoy a long walk with it or even a play in the park catching a Frisbee, you will all enjoy the health benefits it has to offer as well as having a lot of fun. New clothes and a New You As you buy your wedding dress you will notice it will flatter your figure as you would have achieved your goal. A Bright Future Together If you keep eating a healthy diet and doing gentle exercise, you will feel much more confident. Not only will you and your husband stay trim, you will benefit so much more… new clothes, new friends and a happy life together.

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Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Decorating the wedding reception yourself makes the venue for your reception more personalised. This in turn allows your guests to feel included more into your special day.

Balloons
Balloons of many colours, filled with confetti can be placed around the room either on stands or hung up. This adds to the party atmosphere and creates an excellent background for photographs. Balloons can be added as centre pieces on the tables to tie in with your colour scheme or theme.  Balloons in the shape of animals could also be placed around which is fun for the young children to play with. Folding balloons held by a net above the dance floor could be released at the end of the night which builds up the excitement.

Photograph Display
Create a collage with pictures of you as a small child growing up. Include photographs of your family, you at work with your colleagues or any photos of you doing a hobby like skiing, cycling, climbing etc. It is a wonderful way to show your guests your family, close friends and colleagues.

Ice Sculptures
Ice sculptures are carved from crystal clear ice and can be arranged as a centre piece or to serve drinks from an ice fountain.

Disposable Cameras
These cameras are ideal when placed on each table for your guests to take photographs. The cameras can be collected at the end of the day so they can be processed for the Bride and Groom. These photographs let your guests contribute more to your wedding day and photo album by taking photos that might otherwise have been missed.

Named Tables
Named tables are a lot more fun than numbered tables and can go hand in hand with your wedding theme. Suggested themes include places you have visited, comedians, singers or bands you may like, movie stars, sports cars or even planets!

Bridal Favours
If you would like to give a token of appreciation to all your guests then leaving a bridal favour is ideal. Suggested favours include five almonds wrapped in lace, net or tulle, bonbonniere.

Other Suggestions
Miniature bottles of spirit with the bride and groom’s name and wedding date or boxed chocolates. An activity pack for the young children for them to draw the best picture of the bride and groom for a competition.

Image by Art Pets Photography via Flickr

If you are having a large wedding with lots of guest, check to see if there will be a microphone available at your wedding venue when the time comes for your speeches.

Traditional Speeches

Bride’s Father

The Bride’s Father will start by welcoming his new son-in-law to the family before giving his expert and humorous advise to the newly-weds.

Finally he will make a toast to the happiness and health of the Bride and Groom.

Groom

The Groom will usually responed on behalf of his wife and himself to the first speech by giving thanks to everyone for coming, for all their good wishes, cards and gifts. He’ll thank both sets of parents, Bridesmaids and the Best Man and finally anyone who helped towards organising the wedding day.

The Groom then makes a toast to the Bridesmaids, Best Man and any further attendants. The Groom will present the thank you gifts to the families and attendants.

Best Man

The Best Man speaks on behalf of the Bridesmaids and reads the cards and good luck messages. For those who cannot attend on the day, they could record a good luck message if there is a TV DVD or video player available (check with the wedding venue).   

Others

The Bride can speak at anytime if she would like to.

The Bride and Groom may want to give a speech together.

If anyone else would like to give a speech, it would be best that this is arranged first with the Bride and Groom.

General Tips

Try and make the speeches sound witty, if not, keep them brief.

Speeches should not last more than ten minutes.

Write the speeches out and practise in front of a friend to get an honest opinion.

Those giving speeches should limit their drinking until after the speeches!

Consider letting the small children play in another room so the speeches can be heard (check with the wedding venue beforehand).

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