After a bit of a break from wedding planning to take care of family business, we are now back and raring to go.
We have lots coming up in the next year and lots of bookings for On The Day Coordination. Blog writing for the amazing Ice The Cake, showcasing some really great companies, running competitions and lots lots more.
I have to admit I was albeit pleasantly surprised by the uptake in couples option for on the day coordination services. This includes 3 to 4 meetings with the couple apart from the Initial Consultation, to get details of all their suppliers, help with timings for the day, confirming suppliers on the couples behalf and problem solving any issues that arise on the lead up to the day. On the day itself, working with all the suppliers and for them to have one point of contact throughout the day, incase of any delays etc. Making sure the day goes to plan and that the couple themselves are looked after and their guests are happy.
Many venues have their own wedding cooordinator, but their duties are tied to the venue and not the couple. The venue coordinators will make sure things are in place on site, but anything else they won't deal with. More and more couples are telling me they don't want their friends and family running around at the last minute on the day itself, but want them to enjoy it as much as they will.
We have also a new look website, easy to navigate and easy to contact us.
Watch out for updates and offers over the next couple of months, there might even be a Christmas special offer ...
Well its been a bit of a roller coaster couple of weeks with lots of recognition for the hard work and effort that goes into every single wedding that we help plan. On the 22nd April 2013 I attended the Scottish Wedding Awards and was a Finalist in the Wedding Coordinator of the Year category, even though we didn't win this, the achievement of being in the final itself was incredible.
Then days later on the 30th April 2013 we were excited to learn that we were Winners in the Wedding Industry Experts Awards 2013 in the Best Wedding Planner - Glasgow and Best Wedding Planner - Scotland categories, it was such an honour to know that my previous and current clients as well as my wonderful suppliers took the time out to show their support for the work that we do, I can't thank them enough.
We are so lucky to have been nominated for Awards over the past couple of years, we have achieved Highly Commended Awards as Finalists in the Ice The Cake Awards the past 2 years in the Best On The Day Support Category, which in itself is a great achievement.
We don't go looking for Awards to be chasing every year, these awards are purely the recognition that everyone I work with has felt I have deserved and I am so honoured and lucky to be in that position, and that is what makes these symbols of achievement even more special. Thank You <3
Can you imagine my surprise and absolute delight when I discovered that Beauty Weddings & Events are Finalists in the Scottish Wedding Awards 2013. These Awards are in their first year, so to be included is a great honour. I am looking forward to attending this event on the 22nd April 2013, when we found out if we have won. It's always fantastic to have our work recognised on a National level and drives us to make continuous improvements to the service we deliver, but it wouldn't be possible without the amazing suppliers that we work with. The awards have been produced in association with Peppermint
Aesthetic Clinics part of the Peppermint Group. The Peppermint Group is
an award winning group of practices consisting of Peppermint Aesthetic Clinics,
Peppermint Lashes Clinic and Peppermint Studios. Peppermint offers bespoke
cosmetic clinical facial, dental and body aesthetics. This collaboration promises
to result in a dazzling evening for this prestigious awards ceremony.
Dr Rita Poddar &
Miss Leanne Divers, Co-CEO’s of the Peppermint Group said, “We are delighted to
be sponsoring this years awards and look forward to supporting the elite talent
that the Scottish Wedding Industry has to offer”
With a public voting system, the Scottish
Wedding Awards is very much a celebration of local talent. Winners are a true
reflection of quality and customer service as chosen by members of the general
public. To enter the competition, dress makers, florists, photographers,
caterers, and others wedding suppliers throughout Scottish have been nominated
by devoted clients that have experienced exceptional service. Nominations have
come in from far and wide for an event which is destined to be a sparkling
evening in the Scottish event calendar.
The event which will be taking place on 22nd
March 2013 at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow promises to be a glittering affair with
guests attending to support the industry which makes our wedding days the best
they can be.
Hosting this glamorous affair will be the Clyde
1 FM Late Night Live presenter Gina McKie.
The official charity partner for this year’s event is the
Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, with donations raised on the night going
straight to the charity. Make-A-Wish FoundationUK grants magical
wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions. Since
being established in the UK in 1986, they have granted over 7,800 wishes.
I was looking through some old posts today and came across this one, and do you know that even though that this was posted in July 2011, it all still applies, so I've decided to repost this today to help all those newly engaged couples with their wedding planning! So here it is in its entirety..... Congratulations, you are now engaged to be married. It has suddenly hit you that you need to plan your wedding and you don't know where to start!! Here are my Top 10 tips for starting your planning process.
1. Decide on your budget!! This is the most crucial part of your planning process. There is no point having that bespoke venue and inviting 200 guests if you aren't able to afford it. You will be surprised just how fast the costs mount up. The easiest way to break down each element is to allocate a percentage of your budget for each part. Here is an approximate breakdown of what this should be. 40% for your Wedding Breakfast & Reception. (included decor, favours etc) 10% for entertainment/music 15% for all your flowers 15% for your bridal wear 10% for photography/videography 5% for your stationery 5% for your ceremony & transport Setting and sticking to your budget can make the planning much easier.
2. Visit Venues within your budget and get detail costs for each before making your final decision, check which dates are available. Sometimes going out of season can save you alot of money, so it's always worth considering. This will also determine how many guests you can realistically have to share your special day with you.
3. Book the registrar and set the date, send out Save the Date cards or Fridge Magnets to your guests.
4. Book your photographer, the really good photographers are booked up well in advance so it's important that you start this process early in your planning. So many photographers say that they have couples coming to them a few weeks before the wedding, you need to be able to build and have a good relationship with the professional who is going to capture your day, it makes a huge difference to the images that you get afterwards, as you are more relaxed and comfortable with them. 5. Decide on your theme, there are so many ideas out there it's good to do a bit of research, visit wedding websites, photographers websites, look in magazines and make yourself a mood board and play around with ideas and colours to get that perfect look. Shop around to get yourself the best deals.
6. Bridal Wear is also so important to start looking early. Many bridal stores need at least 6 months notice to have your dress ready for the day, this includes having it made, you will need several fittings as most brides believe it or not drop a dress size on the lead up to their wedding. Give yourself plenty of time to shop around, visit wedding shows to get inspiration, watch out for sales you might even bag yourself a designer gown at knock down prices.
7. Flowers again are something that many couples leave until the last minute, thinking about this early and deciding what you really want is so important, the flowers can complete the look of your outfits on the day, you want them to compliment your dress/outfits as well as tying in with your colour scheme. Consider the time of year you are getting married and what blooms are in season at the time.
8. Family arguments!! This is a very common theme for many weddings and the way to avoid confrontations and resentment is to lay the ground rules down early on. This is your wedding and you want it done your way, it's so crucial that you never lose sight of that. Involve your bridal party and family in the planning, assign tasks and roles to everyone, listen to their ideas and implement the ones your like. If you don't like an idea be tactful and say something like "I like that idea, but would like to think about a few others before making a final decision"
9. Think about hiring a Wedding Planner/Consultant. Seriously, it can make such a huge difference. Forget the Hollywood portrayal of wedding planners in real life it's not like that at all. Wedding Planners don't take over your wedding and don't cost a fortune, they can actually save you money, by recommending suppliers, being able to source decor items. Most importantly they give you the support you really need especially on the run up to your big day (the last 6 weeks are the most stressful). Not only will you be de-stressed you will have the confidence and assurance that your day will go without a hitch and be as perfect as you dreamed it would be.
10. The most important thing of all.... have fun! Enjoy your engagement, have fun in the planning and look forward to one of the biggest and happiest days of your life.
Wishing Tree
For more information on wedding planning services, visit my website or drop me an email
I am excited and delighted to be able to introduce to you Matrix Nails.
Gillian Hay who owns and runs Matrix Nails is not only great fun, but a fantastic Nail Technician. I have personally had my nails done by Gillian a couple of times now and they have been fantastic.
My own experience is that I had acrylics done with a neutral Gellux polish, after 2 weeks (no breaks or chips! ) I went back, instead of infills, Gillian spent quite a while filing them down and applying the most gorgeous purple Gellux. I had that set of nails on for a total of 4 weeks and 2 different colours of Gellux, which didn't chip or lift the whole time. Now to put that into context, I am the worlds worst for not using the oils, never use rubber gloves for dishes or housework and generally quite heavy handed, those nails managed to withstand 4 weeks of ME!
I have so many photo's of Matrix Nails work that there seems to be way to many to show on here, visit their website for lots more, but in the meantime here is a taster.
Gellux gel polish which is a high gloss,fast drying and hard wearing alternative to nail polish. You do not have to worry about accidentally chipping or smudging your manicure. Gellux lasts approximately two weeks,protecting your natural nails from damage allowing them to grow. Perfect for fingers and toes.
Matrix Nails can design bridal nails to compliment your bridal gown,theme or colours and offer a similar for service for bridesmaids with a huge range of colours in gel polish. Let's not forget the Mothers of the Bride and Groom, and last but not least our little flower girls with their little polish.
Price List:
French £18 Coloured and nail art from £25 Gellux polish £15 (with sparkle £18) File and polish for flowergirls £5
Also available are pearls, swarovski crystals, diamonds and bows are also available as fabulous accessories.
Matrix Nails are based in Bishopbriggs in Glasgow and provide mobile services or you can visit her at her home Salon if this is more suitable.
I am so impressed with Gillian at Matrix Nails I have included some of her testimonials here are a couple:
"I have been getting my nails done by Gillian at matrix nails for months now, and I know I wouldn't go to another salon or technician now, based on the quality of the nails and the variety of what I can have done with the help of Gillian."
Geraldine Dolan, Glasgow
Gillian @ Matrix nails, is by far the best nail technician I have ever come across. I have never had a set of acrylics that stayed on and I was happy with before I found Matrix nails. From the first visit, I remember asking, what is this step, what is that step, I've never had that done before, etc. The result, my nails were gorgeous and not only that they lasted and I was able to have in fills done, when it came time to have them off, they were all still in place. I have continued to have my acrylics and they are always the same, perfect! Gillian is very person centred and will design to suit the occasion, personality or mood, so I always have something different each time I go, her portfolio is extensive and as I say, she is happy to personalise. I was particularly impressed with her attention to hygiene and also detail, very impressive! I have also more recently had the Gellux polish which was a fantastic alternative on my own nails, the gellux, its gorgeous, shiny, and lasts for ages. I have no hesitation in recommending Gillian, I can guarantee any new client will be 110% satisfied, and will become a returning customer. Thanks Gillian, you are stuck with me and my nails Katey Jamieson, Bishopbriggs
There are several ways that you can contact Gillian at Matrix Nails.
If you have a question regarding treatments, enhancements or whether you wish to book an appointment.
Please feel free to give her a call on:- 07522480146
or drop her a text, if she is busy and she will call you back as soon as possible.
You can also contact her via email @ gill_hay@btinternet.com
Or alternatively you may also catch up with her on facebook !
Our guest blogger today is Claire, who plans weddings in Las Vegas (www.lasvegasbridesmaid.com). She often hears from couples who know they
want the glamour and glitz of a Vegas wedding, not to mention the guaranteed
sunshine, but they find that they are overwhelmed with the choices of wedding
location in the city.
Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the USA, if not the
world. The state of Nevada issues an
average of 120,000 marriage licenses each year, so it is not surprising that
there are so many wedding options to choose from!
Almost every hotel and casino on the Strip in Las Vegas has a
wedding chapel inside it, quite a lot of them have pretty pagoda-style areas in
their gardens for weddings, too. If you
have guests accompanying you for your wedding, often the hotels will offer a
wedding package that includes all the rooms that you need, often with a suite
for the bride and groom. Having everyone
stay in the same hotel will be handy if the groom needs to sleep in a different
room from the bride the night before the wedding.
Many people come to Las Vegas with the idea of a classic
old-school Downtown wedding chapel in mind.
There are lots to choose from, and some are nicer than others. These chapels are where couples can explore
the true diversity of Las Vegas weddings.
You can have as much romance, as much glitz and as much fun as you like,
and many of these smaller chapels can give you a completely personalised
ceremony if you are creative enough.
Everyone knows about the possibility of having as Elvis impersonator
perform the ceremony, but there are lots of other impersonators in Las Vegas,
and many of them are licensed to perform wedding ceremonies, and they can
serenade you with your favourite singer's songs during the ceremony. The smaller chapels can be set up to your
taste and in some cases, decorated just as you wish, although it is likely that
there will be a charge for this. Of
course, if you are in a rush, there is always the option of the drive-through wedding!
Las Vegas is in the heart of the Nevada desert, and less than
an hour's drive away is some of the most breathtaking scenery you will see this
close to such a metropolis. Weddings can
be performed in Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire, two outstanding areas
of beauty near to Las Vegas. If you like
the idea of getting married outdoors in the desert, choose the time of year
carefully. July and August will be
uncomfortably hot in the middle of the day, but almost any other time of year a
wedding in these areas would be spectacular.
There are some lovely parks and preserve areas in and around
Las Vegas where couples can get married.
There are some parks close to natural springs and lakes, so are the sort
of green and lush areas that you would never expect to see in the middle of the
desert! Many of these places were
ranches many years ago, so are set up to take groups of people – ideal for a
wedding. Afterwards, couples can return
from making their union with nature as a beautiful backdrop, to party in the
fabulous city of Las Vegas.
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