Tuesday, 31 May 2011

MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas

BRITISH SPLENDOUR

Dear Mr N,

I am getting married in early October and want to have a very traditional British wedding. What sort of classic venue’s would you recommend, and how can I put a little twist into my British theme?

Sophia, Ipswich.

Traditional British weddings are going to make a big comeback this year, and with that you will want yours to stand out. We are spoilt for choice in the UK for stunning venues in idyllic locations. The Four Seasons in Hampshire is a favourite of mine.

To keep with the British theme but to give it a particular twist and approach it differently to others, why not pick a period in British history to model your theme upon. Pick an opulent period such as the Victorian period, or even more extravagant something Jacobean inspired. Think royal red and blue, teamed with gold. The Jacobean period was all about luxury, exotic goods and rich colours. Smythson stationery will capture your British theme. Choose a classic British jeweller and go for coloured stones such as sapphires. Make your venue and wedding breakfast banquet-esque, however that doesn’t mean having a throne, throne’s = tacky.

Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas

CENTRE OF ATTENTION

Dear Mr N,

I’m getting married in a years time, and although I am looking forward to it there is a part of me that is slightly dreading it. I am naturally shy and really hate being the centre of attention, what can you suggest to deflect attention away from me on the day?

Rosie, Milton Keynes.

On your wedding day you do get a lot of attention, especially as the bride. However I wouldn’t be scared, as you can alter the arrangement of the day to suit how you feel. Don’t make yourself feel uncomfortable when its your day.


The first thing that will make it less intimidating is creating a semi-closed off area for the ceremony. You could ask your production team to build a small pavilion which you could have completely covered in ivy and flowers, this way you feel like its just you and your fiancé, but your guests can also watch and feel a part of the ceremony.


For the reception have the tables arranged so that its not far for you to walk to your table as you’re welcomed into the dinner space. Avoid the first dance and cutting the cake, these are formalities that can easily be left aside. The most important thing to remember is that its your day, and don’t let anyone spoil it for you!

Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas

THE WEDDING WEEKEND

Dear Mr N,

My wedding is in late August and I am getting married in a countryside hotel with beautiful surroundings. Aside from the wedding I want to entertain all of my guests the day after the wedding as everyone is staying at the hotel. What would you suggest?

Becky, Bristol.

It is best to keep the day after the wedding less formal than the wedding itself. That doesn’t however mean that it has to be low-key. Depending on how far your budget stretches there are quite a large number of options. It is never a great idea to push anything in particular on your guests, give them an option for a pre-lunch activity such as shooting, or using the spa, or something like a cricket match.


Late august would be an ideal time for a barbeque or lunch party the next day with possibly different food stations. It’s a good opportunity to get the most out of your flowers, have them rearranged for the tables outside and at the food stations.


Having a lunch the next day gives you a chance to catch up with all your guests, and it’s a nice way to end what I’m sure will be a fabulous weekend.

Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com

Monday, 16 May 2011

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas

CLEVER COST CUTTING

Dear Mr N,

I have quite a flexible and workable budget for my wedding. However, efficiency driven, I am adamant not to spend money stupidly, so would love to know where I can avoid spending money where I don’t need to?

Aimee, London.

Smart cost-cutting is something that everyone should aim for. Even with the largest budget there is no good reason to waste money. Being cost-efficient does not mean you are scrimping on style. The best way to be on top of your budget is factoring all the small costs in when you visit your suppliers, do your research and try to develop an understanding of general prices so you know whether you’re getting a good price or not.


A good example of clever budgeting: the price of your dress does not include the alterations that you will need for the dress to be fitted to your body. Knowing this spend the money on alterations and save the money on relocating your flowers for example. There is usually a cost to move your flowers, ask some close friends or bridesmaids to organise them being moved from the ceremony to the reception.


Certain cost-cutting strategy’s such as bringing in your own champagne and wine don’t necessarily save you any money, corkage fee’s could add up to more than the venue’s champagne prices.


Simple cost-cutting plan’s such as avoiding anything bespoke will save you money, consider the area’s you may have forgotten about such as thank you presents and shoe’s for your bridesmaids.

Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com

Monday, 9 May 2011

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

MR N: Solving your wedding day dilemmas

ETIQUETTE


Dear Mr N
We are having a small ceremony and wedding breakfast with our closest friends and family, followed by a big party in the evening. What is the etiquette around save the dates and invitations and also, how can we make our evening guests feel special on the day?

Louise, London.

Save the dates are usually sent 6-12 months prior to the wedding, but varies of course if you are having a destination wedding which you then should leave more time to send them out and be sure to write “Invitation and full details to follow”. Ideally the wedding invites should be sent out 2-3 months before the big day and allow at least 3 weeks to set the RSVP date. Traditionally however, invitations go out just 6 weeks before the wedding. The most important part of having guests arrive at intervals throughout the day is their arrival, welcome them with a glass of champagne so they feel instantly a part of the party.

Send your wedding problems to Mr N: mr.n@niemierko.com

Monday, 2 May 2011