Planning ideas
chelseaweddingphotography.com
Multitasking M WEDDING BUYS
All-in-one invitations You’ve sent out your save the dates, but when it comes to invitations there’s a simple way of making them do more! Adding venue details such as directions and guest accommodation for friends from afar, as well as your reception menu will save both time and money. Knowing if people have specific dietary requirements in advance will make the reception better for everyone! agatomaszek.com
mirrorimaging.co.uk
Something new, something blue Every bride knows the timeless tradition of having something old, new, borrowed and blue on their wedding day so double up on these buys! Your something new could also be blue – think garter or bejewelled hair clip. Or, spend no money at all and borrow a piece of jewellery from a relative, which could also be your something old. 182 | weddingideasmag.com | August 2015
Jewellery as favours If you’re buying jewellery for your bridesmaids, then make them their favours too! Make it extra special and create a piece of jewellery for your best girls by incorporating their favourite colour or engraving it with their initials – they’ll appreciate the thought and you won’t have to worry about buying them an extra gift! Ceremony and reception Many wedding venues allow you to spend the entire day there. Opt to have both your ceremony and reception in one place and you’ll reap the benefits. Doubling up here will save you money on transport, a second venue and gives you more time with your friends and family.
Wedding cake for dessert Cut down costs big time by making your wedding cake the dessert! It doesn’t matter if you’ve chosen buffet-style food or a sit-down meal, odds are your guests will welcome a belly break as you and your new hubby cut the cake. Make sure to keep your cake simple though – you might like extra strong coffee cake, but remember some flavours aren’t to everyone’s tastes. A classic Victoria sponge will go down a storm!
chrisbarberphotography.co.uk
Take your flowers to the reception You’ve spent all that time and money selecting the perfect blooms for your ceremony, so why not make them last a little bit longer and use them at the reception? They can jazz up your table centrepieces, make your cake table really stand out or be crafted into a decorative chairback.
Centrepieces as gifts If you’ve spent a lot of time creating stunning centrepieces for your reception tables, then why not hand them out to guests as gifts when it comes to the end of the night? Whether you’ve used vintage teacups and teapots filled with flowers or pretty birdcages adorned with ivy, your guests will love taking a piece of your big day home with them. Photobooth with guest book When looking for your evening entertainment, a photobooth is always a huge hit with wedding guests. If this is the route you’re heading down, make sure you ask if the company can include a guest book into the hire as well – it’s not only a fun twoin-one but it’s also easier and quicker for everyone to write a special note to you and your h2b while having some fun!
emmacasephotography.com
Dual-purpose wedding buys are great if you’re short on time or trying to save some extra pennies – here are some ways to make your details go further! Words: Samantha Merritt
dominiquebader.com
Planning ideas
Wine bottles as table numbers A bottle of wine is something most reception tables will already have. Double it up by adding a simple coloured tag or label that matches your theme. Add the table number and voilà! You have a drink and table number rolled into one! Band for both If you’re having a band or singer at the ceremony then it’s always a good idea to ask if they would be able to play at the reception too. It may cost a bit more to hire them for that extra time, but not as much as a second band or DJ would. August 2015 | weddingideasmag.com | 183