Hen do etiquette January 16, 2016

The hen party is one of the most enjoyable elements of wedding planning – an opportunity to spend a day, evening or perhaps even a weekend with your closest friends. Follow our dos and don’ts to make sure your event goes all right on the night…
 

Hen do etiquette

Image courtesy of www.bridalmusings.com

For the bride…

DO choose your chief bridesmaid wisely. Make sure she’s well-organised and happy to plan your hen party, and also that she’ll arrange something you’re going to enjoy.

DO give your bridesmaids an idea of what you would like to do. They want you to have a great time, so a few guidelines are always useful.
 

Hen do etiquette

Image courtesy of www.bridalmusings.com

DON’T be too controlling. If you’ve given a few suggestions of what you might like (or not like) to do, leave the rest to your bridesmaids. They may have a few surprises in store, and it’s all part of the event.

DO be gracious. A lot of planning and effort will have gone in to your hen party. Be sure to thank your bridesmaids and make sure they feel appreciated.

DON’T be late! If you’re given an arrival time, make sure you’re there on the dot.

For the hens…

DO listen to the bride. This is a memorable event for her, and should be so for all the right reasons! If she says she doesn’t want to walk around wearing ‘L’ Plates, don’t make her.

DON’T get too drunk. If the bride-to-be has to escort you home at the end of the evening, you’ve gone too far. If it’s the other way around, fair enough!

DO make sure payment is clear. All hens should be aware of what they need to pay for the event, and whether or not you’re all paying for the bride too. There shouldn’t be any unexpected costs at the end of the evening.

DO look after any hens who might not know anyone else. Often a hen party involves friends from various walks of life. It’s your job to make sure everyone is introduced and included.
 

Hen do etiquette

Image courtesy of www.youmeantheworldtome.co.uk

DON’T do a disappearing act. As chief bridesmaid, you need to be there for the entirety of the event. This means you can’t disappear off with your boyfriend or go home early. You’re there for the long haul!

DO hold your tongue! This is not the night for arguments of any kind, especially with the bride-to-be.

DO consider all eventualities. An excellent hen party organiser will plan everything from the moment you all meet up to the taxi home. If you have made bookings, confirm them beforehand and take all paperwork and telephone numbers with you.
 

Hen do etiquette

Image courtesy of www.belfastcitysightseeing.com

Alternative cakes ideas January 11, 2016

As sweet as it is, wedding cake isn’t for everyone. Maybe you have bad memories of dry fruitcake in heavy royal icing, or maybe you just prefer savoury snacks. Maybe you want to mix it up with a centrepiece that’s guaranteed to get your guests talking! Whatever your reason, here are seven alternative wedding cakes that will suit you down to the ground.

Cheese cakes

The cheese wedding cake is a trend that’s really taken off at British weddings over the last few years, and we’re sure it’ll stick around for a while yet! This is a great option to have alongside a traditional sweet cake, or even to replace it – serve with a variety of crackers, chutneys and fresh fruit for a cheese course with a difference!
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Cheesecakes

Not to be confused with cheese cakes, cheesecakes are definitely more for couples with a sweet tooth. Companies like The English Cheesecake Company create incredible five-tiered cheesecakes that are ideal for weddings, with delectable flavours such as Cookie Cream Smash and Champagne Chocolate Truffle. You could even get mini cheesecakes to serve up to 100!
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Image courtesy of The English Cheesecake Company

Macaron cake

Macarons have made a massive comeback in the last year or so, and are the ideal delicate treat for weddings. Instead of simply giving your guests a delicious macaron as a wedding favour, why not have an entire wedding cake made out of them? They come in a huge variety of colours and flavours, and are much lighter than traditional cakes – bonus!
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Croquembouche

This confectionary masterpiece is stolen from our European neighbours – a croquembouche is a tower of filled choux pastries covered in spun caramel, and is often served at French and Italian weddings. They look completely beautiful on their own, but you could also decorate your croquembouche with sugar flowers or chocolate.
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Pork pie cake

Another fantastic savoury option, the pork pie cake is a relative newcomer to the world of weddings, but we’re pretty sure that UK couples are going to welcome it with open arms! This scrummy three-tier version is from good old Marks and Spencer, and would be a fantastic option either for a winter wedding feast or a summery picnic-style celebration.
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Image courtesy of Marks and Spencer

Cake pop cake

If you’re a cake fan but want something a little lighter (and more creative!), then the cake pop cake is for you. These bite-sized treats can be easily customized to fit your wedding theme – we love a stylish ombre take on the trend – and you can even make them yourself! Why not get your bridesmaids round for a night of cake-pop making and create your very own wedding cake or favours?
 

Alternative cakes ideas

Doughnut cake

If you’re a Krispy Kreme fiend or your other half comes over all Homer Simpson when he spies a doughnut, then a fun alternative to a traditional cake is the doughnut wedding cake! Krispy Kreme sell stands of up to 216 delicious doughnuts, or you can buy in bulk and create your own.
 

Alternative cakes ideas
30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas August 8, 2015

The final touches, such as your wedding table names, can often be the hardest to decide on – but they’re worth every effort. To make it a little bit easier for you, we’re sharing 30 of our favourite table name ideas with you.

1. The perfect festival

Give your day a musical feel with a selection of your favourite bands. Perfect for helping create your playlist too!

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - The perfect festival | CHWV

Image courtesy of Holly Collins Photography

2. Sun, sea and sand

If your happy place is soaking up the sun on the beach, then theme your table names around your favourite spots.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Sun, sea and sand | CHWV

Image courtesy of No Ordinary Emporium

3. Hoppily ever after

Any ale lover will feel right at home with this idea. And you can have plenty of fun sampling a few cold ones to find your favourites!

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Hoppily ever after | CHWV

Image courtesy of Liberty Pearl Photography

4. Back to nature

Birds and wildlife make a great theme for wedding table names, especially when they look as beautiful as this.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Back to nature | CHWV

Image courtesy of Sarah Maria Photography

5. Say cheese!

We’re just going to say it, it’s hard to beat a good cheese! Use your favourites as your table names and include a block for your guests to get stuck into.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Say cheese! | CHWV

Image courtesy of Leah Lombardi Photography

6. Raise a glass

Who doesn’t love a good cocktail? You could always combine this theme with your drinks reception choices too.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Raise a glass | CHWV

Image courtesy of Silk and Ink Designs

7. Enter the comic universe

Embrace your love of comic books with your favourite superheroes on each table.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Enter the comic universe | CHWV

Image courtesy of Robin Shotola Photography

8. You’re a star

Star-crossed lovers deserve the perfect wedding table names and these constellation-themed cards look amazing too.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - You're a star | CHWV

Image courtesy of Rachel Emma Studio

9. All about Disney

Channel your inner Disney princess with a nod to your favourite movies.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - All about Disney | CHWV

Image courtesy of Laura Debourde Photography

10. Keep it romantic

Sometimes, nothing is more effective than a meaningful few lines.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Keep it romantic | CHWV

Image courtesy of Becky Ryan Photography

11. Special places

We’re not just talking nice holiday destinations, what about those special places you’ve visited in books and films?

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Special places | CHWV

Image courtesy of Isaiah and Taylor Photography

12. Music lovers

If your bests days have been spent in fields listening to your favourite bands, then festival themed table names are for you!

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Music lovers | CHWV

Image courtesy of Lisa Love Designs

13. Fantastic florals

Weddings and flowers go hand in hand, so it makes sense to give your table names are floral feel.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Fantastic florals | CHWV

Image courtesy of Sophia Victoria Joy

14. The one with the wedding

Celebrate your love of all things Friends with this amazing and totally DIYable table name idea.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - The one with the wedding | CHWV

Image courtesy of HMH Designs

15. Winter is coming

If you were serious about the Starks or crazy about King’s Landing, then why not use a Game of Thrones theme? Just don’t mention the red wedding!

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Winter is coming | CHWV

Image courtesy of Anya Ames Photography

16. A whole lotta herbs

Think how amazing your venue will smell if all the tables feature a different herb in the centre!

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - A whole lotta herbs | CHWV

Image courtesy of Sharon Cooper Photography

17. A day at the races

Glamourous, sophisticated, celebratory – maybe a horse racing theme is the perfect partner for your day.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - A day at the races | CHWV

Image courtesy of Project Pretty

18. London’s calling

From London landmarks to popular tube stops – this table name idea is perfect for any city lover.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - London's calling | CHWV

Image courtesy of Rock Paper Sazzle

19. Retro comics

With Marvel and DC getting more and more popular, give your day a little throwback to the good old days with some vintage comic strips.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Retro comics | CHWV

20. Rom-coms all round!

Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? Classic film titles will make a great wedding table name theme for your love-filled day.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Rom-coms all round | CHWV

Image courtesy of Clouds and Currents

21. Create a masterpiece

This is a must for any art lover. Whether you use the names of your favourite artists or even a selection of amazing paintings, they’ll represent your passion perfectly.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Create a masterpiece | CHWV

Image courtesy of Inkon Table Design

22. Crazy about chemistry

Unleash your inner scientist with periodic table-themed names.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Crazy about science | CHWV

Image courtesy of Lisa Boggs Photography

23. Spell it out

Any scrabble fan will be all over this table name idea! There are plenty of options out there for other board games too.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Spell it out | CHWV

Image courtesy of Navy Blur

24. Sleighbells ring!

Christmas makes an incredible theme, so make sure your wedding table names follow suit.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Sleighbells ring! | CHWV

Image courtesy of Lisa Loves Design

25. Classic tracks

Nothing says ‘you’ like tables named after your favourite songs. Maybe choose ones that have special meaning from your time together?

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Classic tracks | CHWV

26. Down to a tea!

You can’t beat a nice cuppa, so give your tables a tea theme! You could even serve each table a different tea after your wedding breakfast.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Down to a tea | CHWV

Image courtesy of Helen King Photography

27. Jet-setting

Travel-themed table names are a popular choice, but they don’t always look as cool as this! Think about style as well as your locations.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Jet-setting | CHWV

Image courtesy of Rodo Creative

28. Let love grow Trees

All things sustainable and environmentally friendly are very much on trend, so how about a tree theme for your wedding table names?

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Let love grow on trees | CHWV

Image courtesy of ECreative16

29. Wine not?

Any budding sommelier or wine connoisseur will love this idea! You could match your table drinks to your names too.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Wine not? | CHWV

Image courtesy of LesserthanThree

30. Vintage nature

These old school illustrations always look great and will work wonderfully with a vintage or woodland theme.

30 Amazing Wedding Table Name Ideas - Vintage nature | CHWV

Image courtesy of Summer Lane Studio

Head this way for more inspiration and Table Plan ideas

Want to make sure your big day is a relaxed as possible? Well follow our top tips and read How To Have A Stress-Free Wedding.