Tips, Hints and Traditions

On this page you will find some fun facts and traditions about weddings along with some hints and tips to help your wedding day run smoothly

Wedding Garter & Bouquet
A more recent tradition which involves both the wedding garter and the bouquet is that when the groom removes the brides garter all single eligible men would surround the groom, who then tosses the garter over his head for one lucky chap to catch, At this time the bride has all her single eligible lady friends huddled round ready to catch her bouquet, This resulting in the recipients of the garter and bouquet joining the bride and groom half way through their first dance and its said that they are destined to be married.
The meaning behind these two traditions are quite interesting. Hundreds of years ago it was said owning a piece of the brides wedding dress would bring you luck, this resulting in the bride having the dress ripped from her body, so eventually the garter was made to be given out as a lucky charm to whomever caught it.
A more recent tradition which involves both the wedding garter and the bouquet is that when the groom removes the brides garter all single eligible men would surround the groom, who then tosses the garter over his head for one lucky chap to catch, At this time the bride has all her single eligible lady friends huddled round ready to catch her bouquet, This resulting in the recipients of the garter and bouquet joining the bride and groom half way through their first dance and its said that they are destined to be married.

Wedding Flowers
Did you know that the wedding bouquet and button holes weren't originally used just for completing a suit, Depending on traditions, specific flowers had different symbolic meanings, the most significant being loyalty, purity and love. In the early 15th century, Roses were typically popular in medieval Europe for their connection to love and romance, Some also stating that the presence of white Lilies in a bouquet symbolized purity, such flowers being present signified that the bride was still a virgin.

Wedding Tip 1

Write a list of things to bring back from the venue.

You spend several months if not years planning the tiny things for your wedding day, whether it is creating that unique center piece or items you brought that you thought I could use that in the house after the wedding. Make sure you write a list of all these things you would like to keep after the wedding and give it to your bridal party or parents so that they can help you gather these sentimental items after the party finishes. Don't forget to give a copy of the list to your venue co coordinator, so if anything is left they can keep for you instead of throwing it away. Also one thing to write down is the cork from the bottle of bubbles you paid for.,.

Wedding Tip 4

Make sure you eat.
Breakfast – really important, as said before you may not have had much sleep the night before, and the next time you eat may not be until the wedding meal or later, as you will start getting ready, then photos before the ceremony, the ceremony, then photos afterwards, then saying hello to everyone, getting bombarded with congratulations, by which time 5 hours have passed in a flash and you realize you have eaten anything.
Reception buffet – most couple after their wedding cannot remember their reception buffet as they just didn't have chance between dancing and mingling to try the buffet. WHAT!! you paid all that money and don't even know what it tasted like. Ask your venue to let you know when the buffet is ready (before they announce it), so you and partner can have privacy and unrushed time to eat, it will also give you and your partner some time to be together alone as this may be the first chance you have had all day.

Wedding Tip 2

Stickers.

Take the stickers off the bottom of everyone's shoes, even the clear ones.

Also If adding Stickers (like i do) add a few days before to save the stress on the day.

Also dont forget if new shoes, try wearing them round the house a few times to break them in.

Wedding Tip 5

Bridal survival kit

We all plan for the perfect day, but things can sometimes go wrong. Here is a list you could put together just in case:

Plasters (for those new shoes, whether it is for yourself or one of your bridesmaids, etc),
Small sewing kit (for those buttons that fall off, bra strap that wont stay hidden, etc.) make sure you find a neutral thread as the last thing you want is to sew something white with a bright orange thread.
Scissors, to take those labels off your newly brought dresses that you couldn't bring to take the tabs off just in case it needs to go back,
Paracetamol, you probably wont sleep much the night before with all the excitement, then once you start getting ready, bam the headache comes, just take one tablet to take the edge off to get you through the ceremony, afterwards you will be that busy you will not even remember you had a headache (plus by then they would have wore off and you can have a drink)
Chewing gum. Oops you forgot to pack your tooth brush or brush your teeth since eating your breakfast. Have a chewing gum on the ride to the venue, so you have nice fresh breath for that first kiss.
Photo of you and your partner at your happiest. Just in case those nerves start, take the picture out and remember why you are marrying them and how they make you feel. No matter what may or has gone wrong, you are marrying them, not a perfect dress, the flowers, the mother in law, just them

Wedding Tip 3

Have Fun.

Enjoy your day. Plan for the day you and your partner want not what everyone else does. You cant please everyone.

Also make sure to take time out for just you and your partner, After all it is all about the two of you.

Wedding Tip 6

Write a list of things you need on the day

Whether you are staying at a hotel the night before, or staying at home, write a list of all the things you need and where they are. Don't forget to write a new list as you pack them so you know which bag (or cupboard) they are in, so if you are busy having your make up done but need hair pins your bridesmaids can find them without bothering you. Here are a few ideas on what to include.

If staying in hotel the night before:
Bride:
PJ's, Veil, underwear, phone, Dress, charger, jewelery, perfume, Make up (if applicable), Survival kit, gifts, Toiletries

Groom :
Underwear, Suit, socks, Shoes, Aftershave, Razor, RINGS

At home: You will need all the above but only with regards to where they are situated in the house.

Staying in hotel the night of wedding
Bride
New nightwear, underwear, Phone, Clean clothes, Charger, Perfume, Make up, Toiletries, Flat shoes (reception and day after)

These are just some examples have a good think or write down as you buy things to make sure you don't forget anything.