5 Important Pieces of Wedding Advice for Brides

Whilst a list on Wedding advice could end up being pretty non- exhaustive. Drawing upon all of her experience our wonderful Emily has put together for you her five golden pieces of Wedding advice.

1. Don’t lose sight of why you are getting married.

This is the very first poignant occasion in your new life together. Your Wedding should be about the two of you and the love you share. Your guests are present to view your commitment to one another and share in your happiness.

Be true to yourselves in the decisions you make, make them with love and together as a couple.

Weddings can become a circus for all involved. When things get overwhelming, take a step back and remember why you are getting married. It’s all about the love and commitment, it’s just about the two of you.

Don’t allow friends and family’s voices drown out your own; go with what you love. You will end up trying to please everyone and that is a) just not possible but will b) leave you with bad memories of your day and not the right start to married life.

2. Do you.

With the above in mind remember the following:

It’s your Wedding, one of the most poignant days of your life. If you can’t show-off, be yourself, and be completely out there on this day when can you? Don’t be scared to be original. A lot of Brides have been very cautious with their accessories, Bridesmaid dress, hair, flower choices as well as their own.

If you can’t wear a red dress to your Wedding when can you? If you want to have black Bridesmaids dresses - GO FOR IT!

You don’t have to adhere to tradition if you don’t want to.

Have the day exactly how you want it, trends will change, people will forget but your memories and photographs will last forever and you need to look back and be completely giddy that you had the day you wanted!

3. Take time out.

On your Wedding day itself, you will be spreading yourselves amongst your guests to ensure you’ve spoken to everyone and enjoyed their company. Whilst this is important, remember that 20 minutes Post Ceremony or post Wedding Breakfast would be a marvellous time to pause, reflect, be excited with, simply treasure that moment with... that 20 minutes will last forever in your hearts and memories.

Even for the least romantic person this is essential.

4. PICK THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER.

I cannot stress this enough. Your memories of your wedding will be this persons responsibility.

You must be certain that they will bring the right tone to the photographs when editing.

That they will capture all of the details, big and small throughout the day.

That they are pacey enough for guests not get bored if you’d like group shots.

That they can command a big group of people

That they have an eye for details.

That they understand implicitly , your vision, your needs and wants.

This may be my most stern piece of advice but to meet with a Bride post Wedding only to find she is utterly unhappy with her Wedding photos is heartbreaking to say the least.

I truly feel you should spend well on a photographer; do your research and ensure you get on with them.

5. Last but by no means least. Plan for “Lulls”.

Throughout the course of a day you cannot expect your guests to be completely in awe and enamoured with you and not want some other stimulation.

Over the years and hundreds of Weddings I have overseen, the biggest mistake people make it that they presume their guests will talk amongst themselves for two hours at the drinks reception, post ceremony, when photographs are being taken or guests are checking in to accommodation, canapés are circulated before the main wedding breakfast ... your guests get bored. After exchanging pleasantries with people they don’t know, they will look to entertain themselves, so unless you want your Brother in Law one big sweaty mess because he’s hammered the bar for two hours give them something to do.

• Garden Games (if you have the space at your venue)

• Magicians (they are not all cheeses Paul Daniels)

• Musicians (find someone that will take requests and interact with guests, create a talking point)

• Bouncy Castle, Bubble Machines, Pimp you Prosecco Bar, Interactive guest books, Photobooth, Sweet Trolly... these things are all designed to keep you guests entertained.

Thanks for reading my Top 5 pieces of advice. It goes without saying to both look after yourselves pre, during and post Wedding. Don’t allow stress to take over; enjoy the journey as a whole