Sustainability is not a trend, but nearly-weds are increasingly placing a level of importance on the eco-consciousness of their wedding. The events industry is never going to be 100% sustainable - it is not possible - and this is an important factor to remember… This makes it all the more crucial that we work to make each and every event as sustainable as possible. There are always little steps to be taken toward making your wedding more eco-conscious, and some are even budget-friendly! Below, we have listed 5 tips for making your wedding more eco-conscious. 1. Venue and Catering Your choice of venue can have a massive impact on the footprint of your wedding. Is it local to you/your guests to reduce the overall distance people have to travel? Do they have policies to ensure they are doing their bit for the environment? When considering potential caterers, are you thinking about whether or not they are using local and sustainable ingredients? Do they cook seasonal dishes, or a selection of vegetarian and vegan? Do they take responsibility in reducing food wastage? Do they avoid using single-use plastics, or do they substitute in biodegradable/compostable products? Are you hiring tableware, rather than using single-use items? Don't be afraid to question the venue and caterers on their commitment to sustainability before you book them. Let them know that this is something of importance to you as a couple - and any good supplier will work with your requests. 2. Decorations and Favours When looking for decorations, try to hire as much as possible. This will reduce the amount of waste post-event. Alternatively, there are Facebook groups for second-hand items which (largely) will have just been used once or twice and can be purchased for a fraction of the price! This is not only great for the environment, but also the wallet. You can also look to be using decorative items that are made from natural or recycled materials, like florals, and favours that are sustainable and not ‘throw-away’. A great idea for favours could be something to eat (meaning there’s no waste) or something for the environment, like flower bombs or bee survival kits. 3. Flowers and Confetti When picking your florals, you want to try and opt for arrangements made with local and seasonal flowers. As previously mentioned, using a local and small business is going to be beneficial when reducing trying to minimise mileage. One thing I hate to see at weddings is unnatural confetti. Paper, card, plastic are all wasteful and harmful materials to be throwing into the environment - and they, often, look cheap. I find it hard to believe that people would rather those options than dried flower petals, or something of the sort. Whether you buy individual packages for each guest, or buy a large bag from which guests are invited to grab a handful, the effect is amazing. Adding beautiful colours to your pictures (of course, tailorable to your colour scheme) and leaving no negative trace on the environment, dried petals really are a small yet significant difference you can make. 4. Invitations and RSVPs To be brutally honest, most of your guests are not going to cherish your wedding stationary in the way that you will. Once you have come to accept this, the ‘unglamarous’ e-vite becomes more appealing (not to mention the price difference). This isn’t to say you shouldn’t print any invitations at all. It’s great to have one for you as a couple for a keep-sake, some for photographs on the day and some for your close friends and family. If you opt for this, look into using recycled paper and a conscious printer. If you have your heart set on physical invitations (there's no shame in this at all!), printing on seed paper has become increasingly popular and is widely accessible. Not only does it add some interest to the texture of your invitation, but it involves the guests from the word go. Whether you opt for an e-vite or physical invitations, utilising electronic RSVPs can make your wedmin that little bit easier: One simple online form can collect all the data you need (name, attending/not, food options, allergens etc.). 5. Wedding Attire When searching for your wedding dress and/or suits, consider buying a pre-owned wedding dress. As people often only wear these outfits once, it may just be that you need to take it to a tailor to get the perfect fit from it. Or, if you don’t want your wedding outfit to be taking up storage space, collecting dust for years to come, you could consider renting it. There are amazing bridal rental services out there, allowing you to be more conscious in your choices (and possibly even giving yourself the opportunity to explore multiple wedding outfits). If you do opt to buy your wedding outfit new, but don’t want it to sit in storage for years, why not consider selling, donating or recycling it. There are some super talented tailors around that could repurpose your outfit and turn it into something that has more wearability. For the wedding guests out there, we absolutely recommend hiring your wedding outfit… especially if you’re guilty of wearing something for one occasion and then letting it sit in the wardrobe until it doesn’t fit you anymore (it’s me, I’m sorry). There are amazing shops and apps that let you hire outfits for a period of time, saving you so much hassle and guilt. 6. Transportation Whether you’re hosting a wedding close to home or not, there are things you can do to limit the number of cars travelling on the day. Whilst some couples are happy to book group transportation from their home area to the venue (e.g. a coach), others may want to encourage guests to carpool or take public transport. It’s not uncommon, however, for venues to be off the beaten path and, as a result, not easily accessible by public transport. This may be something you want to keep in mind when choosing your venue, or considering guest logistics. Group coaches are a great idea if the majority of the guests are travelling from one area. Not only is it a simple way to reduce vehicle emissions, but it gives the guests a chance to meet, mingle and get to know each other from the get-go. It also shows them that you have thought about them whilst planning your wedding, increasing the feeling of inclusion in your big day. It is important to remember that no wedding is going to be 100% sustainable, but being conscious, taking steps and making small changes can go a long way in changing the way our industry works. Doing your best to make your wedding sustainable can be so rewarding and lets others know that the changes don’t have to be huge and life-altering, but consistent and conscious. It's important to remember that your wedding can still look how you've always imagined; it's just about being conscious of the footprint you leave behind. I encourage you all to implement these changes in your own weddings, or the weddings of which you are a part and feel free to share some more ideas of ways to make your wedding more sustainable in the comments below. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Events & Marketing Manager
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Your wedding day is a momentous occasion - a celebration of the union of two souls embarking on a lifelong journey together. You have your whole life ahead of you to make memories together… and that starts today. It is a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. Amidst the flurry of excitement and the whirlwind of emotions, there is one piece of advice that often gets overlooked but holds immense significance: Do not leave your partner’s side. It may seem like an obvious rule, but in the midst of chaotic schedules, last-minute errands, and diverse responsibilities, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the reasons why you should remain by your partner’s side on this occasion. We’ve highlighted the impact that staying together on your wedding day can have. From emotional support to the symbolism of unity, there are compelling reasons to resist the temptation to wander off, get caught up in tasks, or get dragged away (yes, we’re giving you the perfect excuse to avoid that smelly Aunt). Emotional Support Reason number one is that your wedding day is going to be emotionally draining. It’s a gathering of all the people that mean most to you as a couple, a promise to devote your life to one other, and the beginning of a new chapter. And if, God forbid, anything does go wrong, they will be at your right hand to support you as you deal with it together. There will be so many emotions you encounter on the day of your wedding and going through that alone would be quite difficult (not to mention mildly odd). This person you are promising to share your life with should now be familiar with how to acknowledge your feelings, calm any anxieties and share your joys - all things you will appreciate on this day and for many to come. To Look After Each Other Following from the emotional support, there may also be a requirement for physical support. Now, I hope there will be no illness on your wedding day but trust me when I say: As a bride/groom, it is very easy to lose track of time, get distracted, and get pulled in a million different directions all at once. This can mean that you don’t get a chance to eat, drink, wee, breathe, etc. etc. By staying together, you increase your accountability for one another and ensure you are getting to experience all the lovely things you’ve spent so long choosing and have paid a lot of money and attention to, like canapés and wines, as well as the people. Symbolism of Unity A wedding literally symbolises the unity of two people… The melding of two lives… When two became one… This one seems relatively self-explanatory, but being physically present and united reinforces the idea of unity and shows you two off. Remember, these people came to see you, to celebrate you AS A COUPLE - so give the people what they want. Share a Mutual Experience This day has likely been coming for a while and you’ve imagined it a million times over. You’ve worked so hard to pull it all together and now is your chance to enjoy it. These moments cannot be relived. Go on, read that again. When reflecting on your day, you don’t want to have lots of stories your partner can’t relate to. Instead, you want to both laugh and share moments that were experienced together. Obviously, there will be a few moments or stories to share (maybe they missed Uncle Dave busting out the worm), but as a celebration of the two of you, you don't want to have to fill your partner in on your experience of the day and hear they had a completely different experience. This mutual experience is one you will be reflecting upon for years to come. Having separate experiences or missing out on key moments can make it challenging to fully share in the memories of the day, so being together can create a stronger connection and shared history. Deal with Unexpected Challenges Together Going back to the idea of being each other’s emotional support, as I mentioned, being together on your wedding day means that there are two of you to tackle any delays, mishaps, and challenges. The wedding planning process is stressful and it all culminates in this one day - being together to deal with any stresses and overcome challenges as a team will make your wedding day much more enjoyable for you both. Increased Photo Opportunities Another painfully obvious reason, I know, but by sticking together, your photographer is able to get more photos of the two of you. This can be great for the particularly picky subject, but it also allows for more candids, family shots, and small moments you might not realise the significance of at the time. Having these moments to flick back through can be such a special surprise when you receive your wedding photos. The importance of being physically together with your partner on your wedding day cannot be overstated. There are countless reasons to resist the urge to separate. By remaining by each other’s side, you create a bond that strengthens your connection and forms the foundation of shared memories. You’ll laugh, cry, and celebrate together, knowing that every moment was shared. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Events & Marketing Manager The phrase ‘something blue’ comes from the old good luck rhyme for brides: ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. If a bride is to have all 4 of these accounted for on her wedding day, it will bring her good luck and blessings in different areas of her marriage. ‘Something blue’ is thought to promote purity, fidelity and deters the evil eye. Traditionally, the bride would wear a blue garter, but if you’ve read our blog post ‘10 Ways to Modernise the Traditional Wedding’, you know we aren’t always ones to go along with tradition. We have collated a selection of creative ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day, for both the brides and grooms - because we all need some good luck. Wedding Dress Some brides who are not keen to follow tradition to the letter may opt for a non-white dress. Whilst daring colours like black are becoming more popular, there is nothing to say the something blue can’t be a wedding dress. Groom(s) Similarly, the groom(s) could be the something blue. The Wedding Party: Bridesmaids/mates and Groomsmen/mates You’ve selected these friends and family members to support you on one of the biggest days of your life - I’m sure they would love to be the ones to bless your marriage and bring the good things that come from being your something blue. This option may be limited should the colour not match the decor and theming of your wedding, as the outfits of the bridesmates and groomsmates tend to match the overall look of your day. If there’s no blue already incorporated in your stationery, flowers, or table settings, then having a blue wedding party may look out of place - although this is completely to your taste. If you are keen to have a person as your something blue, the other options could include your flower girls, your parents, or any children involved in the ceremony. The effect of this can be something of importance to the person chosen - as they may not be already involved in the ceremony in a large way (i.e. the immediate wedding party), and so can make them feel more involved. Details For those that would like to stay more in-line with tradition and keep the wedding dress white, you could always get it personalised in some way - like you might your veil (mentioned below). This little detail would make your dress infinitely unique and would be a great little touch for the photos. Similarly, grooms could get their cuffs, collars, jackets or even socks personalised with initials, dates, or little symbols like love hearts or smileys. Caitlin Tinnion Bespoke is an independent Savile Row trained tailor, providing completely bespoke services for you to get exactly the look you want for your wedding attire. She is a great option for brides and grooms in the South West looking for a way to make their wedding attire that little bit more unique. We asked Caitlin what her favourite ‘something blue’ personalisation was: ‘If you’re going for subtle, I would say buttonholes or a little personal embroidery. It’s a hint of something that only a few people know is there, so feels super special. But if you want to make a statement, I love putting in personalised lining for people. It really gives that sense of individuality for the garment and is something people always love to show off.’ Caitlin offers complete tailoring services, alterations and details, and is open to personal requests, so get in touch with her directly to brainstorm your ‘something blue’. Shoes A bride’s wedding shoes aren’t necessarily seen for a lot of the day, which can be a shame when they are often expensive and time goes into choosing them (and they probably love them an awful lot too). They can also be the first thing to get ruined when venturing out for your wedding photos post-ceremony - especially for the outdoor wedding/unpredictable English weather combination we often seen here in the UK. I’ve not seen a lot of grooms opt for blue shoes, but if it didn’t clash with their suit, then I don’t see why they couldn’t - again, it’s personal preference at the end of the day. Wearing blue shoes can not only reduce the visible damage that is endured throughout the day, but can also add a fun pop of colour when they peep out the bottom of your dress as you walk. Garter As much as we want to give alternatives to tradition, there is always the option to keep it simple and follow suit in what has been done for years. Although not every bride opts for a garter anymore, there are some stunning ones on the market - and some blue ones at that. We would recommend checking out Etsy shops and getting something handmade or personalised, to make it all the more special if you do want to go down the traditional route. Jewellery Whether it be a necklace, bracelet or earrings, your something blue could be worn in the form of jewellery - from something small and delicate to something bold and out there; whatever matches your taste. Headwear Some brides wear veils, some wear tiaras, some wear decorative pins. Whatever the choice of headwear, why not consider a blue tone? It is becoming increasingly popular to personalise a veil (please tell me you’ve seen Kourt’s custom Dolce & Gabanna veil?!) with something small like stitching of yours and your partners initials and/or your wedding date, or something more extravagant, like a depiction of the Virgin Mary - which could, of course, be blue. Cuff Links There are so many different styles of cuff links available and personalised ones make a great gift for yourself or your groom for the morning of the wedding (and, of course, could be your something blue). Ring Boxes A very simple and small detail to your day: The ring boxes. They will be photographed numerous times and will hold one of the most important aspects of your wedding. Nail Art Yes, yes, I know the modern bride has her heart on Hailey Bieber nails, but hear me out… You could go for a French tip, subtle pastel detailing, or bold and bright accents. What’s fun is that it can be completely tailored to each person’s taste and how much blue you want to bring into your day. Nail art is not just for the brides around either, so why not consider a matching design or something that compliments your partner’s look? Something Old, New, or Borrowed For many of these options, there are numerous ways you can double up on the criteria it fills. Whether it be something bought brand new, passed down through generations or borrowed from someone close to you in the wedding party, you kill two birds with one stone. Whilst we love the idea of bringing ‘something blue’ into your wedding, we know that it isn’t something everyone desires. The rhyme is an old-time tradition and the modern couple may want to stray away from such. If this is you, why not read our blog post with ‘10 Ways To Modernise The Traditional Wedding’? Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager What an amazing weekend we had celebrating the wedding of K&L. With all three arms under the Melt Umbrella being utilised this weekend, we were able to show what we could do at our best. Melt Productions sorted the audio-visuals, Melt Bars quenched everyone’s thirsts, and Melt Weddings managed the day and transformed the ceremony tent post-ceremony into a chill-out zone for guests to shelter from the ever-changing weather. A chill-out zone can be such a thoughtful addition to the guest experience; providing somewhere to take 5 minutes and re-centre. Our goal was never to take away from the reception tent and the rest of the event, but to provide an area for guests to regroup and recharge in a cosy atmosphere away from the unpredictable weather. With a blank canvas, roughly drawn-out plans and a vision, we knew how we wanted the chill-out zone to look - but it was all going to come down to the feel. The weather in the UK has been super unpredictable as of late - switching from beautiful sunshine and a light breeze, to hammering rain and storm-like winds. We knew our little safe-haven had to feel warm and welcoming for the guests to enjoy it and make the trip from the other tent worth it. Starting with 36 strawbales from Countryside Events, a mixture of real plants and dried flowers, some Persian rugs, a boatload of candles and a sketch of what we wanted to create, we were determined to make the space feel snug and inviting. The styling was designed to match the wedding’s theme where boho meets the farm. Bringing in the Moroccan style added warming tones and a homely feel, allowing guests to find their calm. Get in touch today to explore more decor options we have available and how we can assist in bringing your vision to life. You can check out more of our content on our Instagram. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager From Melt Weddings to Melt Productions and Melt Bars, we know the impact that wines can have on any occasion. From a corporate event with significant figureheads to the long-awaited wedding of a happy couple, the drinks supplied at any event give a taste of what is to come and, hopefully, leave a lasting impression. When it comes to wedding wines, they are often something a couple will return back to year after year - so it is important to make sure it is something they both love. Our Melt Team members were lucky enough to take part in an in-depth wine tasting with a member of the Nyetimber Team, the lovely Helen. From the history of Nyetimber to the complex process of creating an award-winning English Sparkling Wine, Helen talked us through each of the wines and was attentive in every way - ensuring we took the time to enjoy each one and, of course, leaving time for a good natter in between. Classic Cuvee The signature wine of Nyetimber, the multi-vintage wine is the flagship Cuvee: blending together Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to create a fresh and balanced sparkling wine. Generally aged for more than three years, the Classic Cuvee hosts notes of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples - building an intense flavour profile, whilst holding an air of delicacy. Consistently recognised as one of the best sparkling wines in the world, the Classic Cuvee is Nyetimber’s most popular wine and a favourite among wedding couples. Blanc de Blancs, 2014 The Blanc de Blanc, Nyetimber’s vintage wine, was the first style produced back in the early 1990s. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grape, the Blanc de Blancs has a greater body to it than the Classic Cuvee, and finishes with greater length. With notes of baked lemon and white peach, and aromas of citrus, honeysuckle, brioche and vanilla, the Blanc de Blancs warms you with its aged tones. Its balance of delicacy and complexity unmatched, the Blanc de Blancs is sure to tantalise the palate of yourself and your guests. Cuvee Cherie Another of Nyetimber’s multi-vintage wines, the Cuvee Cherie is the sweetest of the selection. The first Demi-Sec of its kind in England, this is the perfect non-dessert wine dessert wine (if you get my drift). The Cuvee Cherie is not a dessert wine by name, but the way that sugars on the tongue interact with sugars in the wine makes for a perfect pairing. Taking the sweetness down a notch, the wine becomes a mirror of the Classic Cuvee with its clean and pure structures. Hosting aromas of pure lemon, mineral, honey and tangerine and a palate with a sweet lemon start, the Cuvee Cherie is a wine to satisfy any sweet tooth. Rosé With a core of bright red fruits, the Multi-Vintage Rosé is the epitome of an English summer. From the stunningly warm sunset colour, to dreamy aromas of summer fruits and shortbread (a combination we dream about), and flavours of redcurrant, raspberry and cherry, Nyetimber’s Rosé is a summer afternoon in liquid form. Whilst remaining beautifully light and silky, this wine is somehow both perfectly refreshing and luxuriously creamy in its texture. Tillington Single Vineyard, 2014 With grapes from a single vineyard, this wine exhibits Pinot Noir at its finest, displaying just how refined and intricate the grape is. Where wild strawberries and florals meet rich pastries and praline, the aromas draw you in and truly set the tone of the wine. Followed by flavours of red apple, apricot, citrus and almond, the thick texture leads to a long and refined finish. 1086 Prestige Cuvee, 2010 Nyetimber’s Prestige Cuvee, 1086, is said to represent the finest of their wines - the true pinnacle of not only Nyetimber’s winemaking skill but English Sparkling Wines as a whole. The ageing process (nearly a decade) allows for a marriage between fruit, caramel and savoury flavours like no other, creating a rich texture and complex finish. 1086 Rosé Prestige Cuvee, 2010 Taking the best of both the Rosé and the Prestige Cuvee, Nyetimber’s 1086 Rosé is the perfect expression of Pinot Noir red fruit, floral and pastry flavours, and the long ageing process that makes the 1086 wines as indulgent as they are. Creating a wine of silk and elegance, Nyetimber’s 1086 Rosé calls for warm nights, cool breezes and fine summer fruits. So Which Should I Choose? Being a multi-vintage wine, the Classic Cuvee has the potential to change from one year to the next - the same way a couple would evolve as the years of their marriage build. As the Blanc de Blanc is not a multi-vintage wine, this is one couples can return to year on year and reminisce their wedding day - like saying hello to an old friend. There is an argument to be made for each wine but, at the end of the day, the answer is quite simple... You need to try the wines to determine which will work for you and your wedding party. Why Should We Book a Wine Tasting? Our overall experience with Nyetimber was one of pleasure and luxury, something the entire Melt Team wishes to enjoy again. Helen was thorough in her teaching, allowing us to leave with a greater knowledge of the wines we hope to be sharing with our couples in the coming months. Taking the time to explain the process of the lees, the delicacy of grape-picking and the story behind neck labels (to name just a few things), Helen filled us with confidence that our nearly-wed couples would be in safe hands. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or know little further than what you like (this was me going into the day, don’t worry!), taking part in a wine tasting as part of your wedding planning process is something that will serve as an experience for you as a couple, bringing you together and giving you a moment of calm and stillness to reflect upon the wonder of your engagement, the life you have lived so far and the future you are building with one another. Not to mention, you can find a wine that satisfies both of you… Get in touch with us today to organise your Nyetimber Wedding Wine Tasting and unlock a new sensory experience in your wedding planning process. Take a look over the Nyetimber website here. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager Whether you hate the idea of a traditional wedding or simply want to take certain aspects and modernise them, we have collated 10 of the best ways to revive some outdated wedding traditions, allowing you to express your personalities and make your guests feel more involved in your big day... 1. Ceremony Seating Tradition: The earliest recordings of marriages document the alliance of two families; creating economic and political relationships. Because of this, each family would sit on a dedicated side of the aisle. Nowadays, there is less of a divide between families; with couples typically living together before marriage and families melding together throughout the relationship prior. Modern take: Less couples want their guests to be divided. Some because there is an uneven split in invitees (making the ceremony would look lop-sided), some because their families have already blended, and some because they don’t want the day to feel stuffy and forced. Whatever the reason, more and more couples are saying ‘pick a seat, not a side; you’re loved by both the groom and bride’, giving greater freedom to the guests and reassuring them that the marriage is not starting with a divide. 2. The Wedding Cake Tradition: A 3-tiered fruit cake has long been the tradition - classically because it was a favourite, is sturdy, and kept well (like, really well!). A portion of the wedding day would be dedicated to the cutting of the cake: serving the bottom tier to guests, giving the middle tier for them to take away, and saving the top tier for the first anniversary of the newlyweds (I told you it keeps well!). Modern take: Cupcake towers, donut walls, cheese towers, and champagne towers are all being favoured over the traditional wedding cake as something more interactive and fun for the guests to actually enjoy. Some couples are ditching the cutting of the cake portion of the day altogether, as they would rather maintain the flow of the evening. Plus, fruit cake is not half as popular now as it was in recent history. 3. The Guest Book Tradition: Guests would sign their well-wishes in a guestbook for the newlyweds to take away with them following the ceremony. This would primarily be a sweet memento of the day, a reminder of all who came, and, often, an excuse to sit down and soak in the kind words of your guests with your spouse. Modern take: How about buying a magnum of your wedding wine and asking every guest to sign it? This will make a statement feature piece at the wedding and will be something you can showcase for years to come (and maybe open on a future anniversary?). Some companies even sell display bottles, so you wouldn’t have to worry about the health and safety of people handling a large, expensive, and heavy bottle of wine. One of our preferred suppliers, Nyetimber, an internationally-acclaimed award-winning English sparkling wine company, sells their most popular wine, the Classic Cuvee, in half, bottles, Magnums (1.5L), and Jeroboams (3L). Within their wedding packages, Nyetimber also offers for couples to personalise their wine bottles - so not only could it have your guests’ signatures and well-wishes, it could be dated and decorated for added effect. Here at Melt, we were lucky to experience a wine tasting with Nyetimber just last week and are excited to be working with them more in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for a Nyetimber Blog Post coming very soon! Other ideas include giving guests a prompt for them to write you both a message (or question, or date idea) to be stored in a bottle and opened on a forthcoming anniversary, or providing a photobooth or polaroid-style camera and a sharpie for guests to snap some pics and write a message to you. Again, these are more interactive things for your guests to do and can be more interesting for you as a couple to experience in the long run. 4. First Dance Tradition: The first dance is reserved for the newly-weds; the second for the father of the bride and the bride (the groom may also decide to dance with the mother of the bride); the third is for the groom’s parents to dance with the couple and the bride’s parents to dance together; before the dancefloor begins to open up to the rest of the party. Tradition would have the bridesmaids and groomsmen be the first the join, with each groomsman sharing a dance with the bride and the bridesmaids with the groom, and the remainder of the party to follow. Modern take: That list of dances is overwhelming to a lot of people - it felt a lot to write, so I can’t imagine having to dance it. Whilst some couples are opting to ditch the first dance completely, others are reducing the number of ‘spectator’ dances down to just one and then inviting everyone onto the dance floor before dancing with any other important members of the party. An alternative to the first dance that I personally love is a last dance. Taking the time away right at the end of your day to spend the last few minutes with your partner in your post-wedding glow. Soaking it all in and literally saving the last dance for them. 5. The Wedding Party Tradition: Historically, bridesmaids and groomsmen have been in place to protect the bride and groom from evil spirits, jealous suitors, and unwanted guests. It wasn’t uncommon for the bride to be kidnapped on her wedding day, so the primary role of the wedding party was to prevent this from occurring, whether that be through physical protection or acting as a decoy. Nowadays, wedding parties are made up of those closest to you - best friends, siblings, etc. - who are to help and support you throughout the planning process and the day itself. Modern take: This one is slightly less of a ‘modern take’ and more of a public service announcement. Your wedding is YOUR wedding and it can look however you would like it to. If you have two best friends, you can have two maids of honour/best men. There is nothing to say you can’t have a bridesman, a groomswoman, a bridesmate or a groomsmate - depending on how they identify themselves. Do not let yourself be restricted by traditional party labels - rename your wedding party if you think it doesn’t suit you (the ‘I Do Crew’ is a popular choice) or get rid of it altogether (an increasingly popular choice, believe it or not). Weddings are far less formulaic nowadays and people identify a lot more freely than they did historically. Give yourself the same flexibility to personalise your day however works best for you. 6. The Morning of the Wedding Tradition: For a long time, it has been believed that it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on the morning of the wedding. The first look would be as the bride walked down the aisle, with the groom standing at the altar. Modern take: First looks are becoming ever-popular, allowing the couple to see each other privately before the wedding and creating another opportunity for photographs. Some couples are even choosing to read private vows to one another, saying the most heartfelt of messages in private before their ceremony in front of their loved ones. 7. Legal Marriages Tradition: Religious and civil ceremonies, conducted in their relevant approved premises with an approved officiant, legally bind a couple following the signing of a marriage schedule (which is then sent to the local register office and added to the marriage register). Modern take: More and more couples are moving away from religious and civil ceremonies and are, instead, opting for officiant-led ceremonies. These are not legally binding, but are seen as more flexible in their overall approach: the drama, location, and officiant can all be tailored to the couple. This means a couple would still have to legally register their marriage before or after their wedding day - although this is not a factor that deters many. 8. Speeches Tradition: As women have spent years being seen and not heard, wedding speeches have been dominated by the men of the occasion - the Father of the Bride first, then the Groom, and finally the Best Man. There are a few factors that make this an outdated standard: Not every wedding involves men; not every wedding party looks the same; oh, and women have voices… Modern take: Brides, bridesmaids, members of the ‘I Do Crew’ and other family members are given the opportunity to deliver a speech nowadays. Some couples even open the floor for anyone to say something. Whilst your wedding planner may not love this due to the logistical nightmare when arranging timings, we think it’s a beautiful moment to give to your guests. Alternatively, you can save your guests from lengthy, drawn-out messages and leave the open mic for the rehearsal dinner. 9. Being ‘given away’ Tradition: Dating back to arranged marriages and marriages that joined together two families (as aforementioned), it was customary for the Father of the Bride to give his daughter away, presenting her to the man who was now to take her and look after her. Modern take: Again, your wedding can look however you want it to. We know family isn’t quite as cut and dry as we would like it to be - it’s a complex thing and no two families look the same. If you were raised by a single parent, a grandparent, a different legal guardian, or feel a strong connection with someone completely different there is nothing to say that they can’t give you away. Alternatively, you might think the concept of giving someone away is unnecessary and doesn’t fit with you as a couple. Why not consider walking yourself down the aisle? Or walking down the aisle together? 10. Bouquet and Garter Toss Tradition: The bouquet toss has been a way of signifying who would next be wed; lining up all the single women at the wedding and seeing who should catch it. Similarly, the garter toss lines up the bachelors of the wedding as the groom removes the garter with his teeth and throws it to them, symbolising which bachelor is next to be wed. Modern take: In a post-feminist world, many of these traditions are seen as problematic (did you read the ‘giving away’ one??), but we think all hope is not lost. Whilst many completely disregard the need for a garter toss, people are becoming more imaginative with a bouquet toss (and some of the ideas are quite sweet). One example we’ve loved is asking all married couples to take to the dance floor and the DJ asking those who are married 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc. to sit down. The last couple standing will, in theory, be those that have been married the longest and the bouquet may be presented to them - as a sign of hope, respect, and well-wishes. Have you got a wedding tradition you’d like us to modernise? Or an additional suggestion for the ones we’ve already mentioned? Let us know in the comments below! Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager It’s not just the trends that are changing this year, but potentially UK wedding laws too.Age of consent to marry is increasing from 16 to 18 In the UK, it is currently not a criminal offence for those aged 16-17 to get married or enter a civil partnership. But only for 2 more days… On 26th February 2023, the controversial law permitting the marriage of 16-17-year-olds with parental or judicial consent will become a thing of the past - with the age of consent to marry increasing to 18. Currently, the only offences when marrying a 16/17-year-old are coercion or incapacity to consent (under the Mental Capacity Act) - broadly referred to as forced marriage - even in cases that are not legally binding (e.g. in community and/or traditional settings). For years, this law has been debated; with the punch line often reading ‘You can’t even legally drink at your hen/stag do’. Whilst this may not make massive changes within the wedding industry as we know it, we can hope it will have positive moral and ethical implications. Things changed during the pandemic Throughout the pandemic, the wedding industry came to a drastic halt for very obvious reasons. However, in 2021 the Government altered UK marriage laws to allow for people to be wed outdoors, so long as the venue has an existing licence. This was great throughout and following the aftermath of the pandemic, as restrictions and protocols were easier to enforce, and people were able to feel safe whilst still celebrating. But now we’ve had a taste for this life (and we like it), the wedding industry is not convinced the law should return to its previous state - and the UK Law Commission agrees. The UK Law Commission, who review and recommend law reforms, published a report in 2022 stating further proposed changes to UK marriage law. Regulation will be of the officiant, not the location Currently, weddings can only legally take place in a licensed venue, or outdoors in a licensed permanent structure. The recommended reform suggests the law should not restrict the location of the wedding, so long as the officiant deems it ‘safe’ and ‘dignified’. This would widen the choice of venue to include the outdoors, unconnected from a building, community centres and village halls, family homes, and cruise ships (with a home port in England or Wales). By increasing the scope of possible venues, couples will be given more ‘freedom to celebrate their weddings in accordance with their own beliefs, whilst upholding the important protective elements of the law’ - for example, holding a religious ceremony outside of the Place of Worship, or marrying in a village hall to reduce venue costs. The implications of this reform could be huge for the UK wedding industry - boosting the requirement for creativity and imagination when proposing venues to couples and making weddings financially more accessible to a greater number of couples. Online wedding notice The report also suggests that couples should be able to give notice of their marriage online, nominating their registration district where they will be interviewed face to face. This will increase the convenience of wedding registration and, again, increase accessibility - as upcoming weddings will also be published online following the registration process - whilst bringing the UK wedding process into the 21st century. Part of my wants to roll my eyes at the fact that this isn't already a thing... Ceremonies that reflect the beliefs of the couples Conducting a religious ceremony outside of a Place of Worship isn't the only way couples will be able to further personalise their big day, whilst still paying respect to their beliefs. There will be greater flexibility in the necessary prescribed words of the ceremony; interfaith ministers could incorporate aspects of both person's belief system, potentially reducing the need for multiple ceremonies; and religious elements could be included in civil ceremonies, so long as the ceremony remains ‘identifiably civil’. This isn’t to say that all couples will want to combine two separate ceremonies or integrate religious aspects into a civil ceremony, but the prospect of lifting the barrier between religious and civil is monumental - potentially reducing costs, simplifying logistics and increasing overall inclusivity (e.g. allowing for couples to pay homage to their upbringing, heritage, or family member without committing to a religious sacrament). Inclusivity appears to be a huge theme with this proposed reform, as the projected law will be more of a blanket law, even extending to non-religious belief organisations (e.g. Humanists) having the same rights and responsibilities as the religious organisations. Whilst this is subject Government approval, we can hope that all communities are given the right to express their beliefs whilst holding a legally-binding ceremony. What this means for the wedding industry As touched upon, couples will expect more from their wedding planners. As we may no longer be solely relying upon licensed venues, wedding planners will have to become more imaginative with the venues they pitch to clients. By learning a couples’ personalities, likes and dislikes, wedding planners will be able to build a vision of a wedding that is truly personal to them - moreso than ever before. There will also be a greater expectation from wedding planners when proposing budget weddings. With endless possibilities for venues at much more affordable prices, wedding planners will have to utilise the aforementioned creativity and vision, to be able to see the potential of absolutely anywhere. Overall, these proposed reforms could be really exciting for the wedding industry - pushing creatives outside of the comfort zone they have been living in for so long. What are your thoughts on the proposed reforms? Let us know in the comments below. Check out the UK Law Commissions Summary Report here. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager Assumed to be sunshine, bunnies and rainbows, planning a wedding is a task underestimated by many. The wedding planning process can be stressful from start to finish and those who decide to undertake the job themselves can easily get overwhelmed and forget the occasion at hand: To celebrate them as a couple. It could be worth exploring why a Wedding Planner might be suitable for you as a couple and your upcoming celebration. Have you been wondering... ‘Why should I hire a wedding planner?’ ‘My venue has a coordinator, surely that’s the same thing?’' ‘My budget is already tight, would it not just be a waste?’' Venue coordinators are a great tool to utilise, but they only assist in areas relating to the venue and venue management. Their job doesn’t necessarily span any further than the requirements of the facilities you are hiring. Contrary to popular belief, Wedding Planners are generally a great tool for getting the most out of your budget. From inside tips and tricks, to discounts with trusted vendors, your Wedding Planner might actually be the best thing to happen to your wedding fund. To celebrate the relaunch of Melt Weddings, here are 7 reasons why you should consider hiring a Wedding Planner: 1. You don't know where to start The very simplest of reasons why you might consult a Wedding Planner is that you don’t know where to start. And once you do see the list of things to do, you may find yourself engulfed in a feeling of dread (which obviously isn’t what we want). Your Wedding Planner will not only be able to get you started but will keep you going and make the long list of things to do seem manageable. 2. To live in the engagement One of my favourite reasons why you may decide to involve a Wedding Planner is to make the most of your time as an engaged couple. The time between being nearly-weds and newly-weds flies by. Most couples who employ the services of a Wedding Planner get to pass a large chunk of the stress and worry, allowing them to really live in the moment between the engagement and saying ‘I Do’. 3. To bounce ideas off someone From the Pinterest boards, to the Instagram saves and deep-dives into Wedding-Tok, hopefully, you have started to build a mental image of your big day. A huge benefit of having a Wedding Planner is the opportunity to brainstorm and bounce ideas off someone who has, hopefully, a love of the creative process. Whilst you’ve got the inspiration, they have the knowledge and experience to execute your vision and build upon it - tailoring it to you as a couple. 4. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork Glamorous, I know... Part of being a professional in the events industry is knowing a thing or two about the boring (but all-important) paperwork that goes into an event. Budgeting and scheduling are part of our day-to-day role (and we tend to be quite good at managing them too). Whilst you could easily be aware of your overall budget, there may be things you haven’t yet considered, contingencies you haven’t planned for, and hidden fees that only someone with experience might be able to spot. Alternatively, it could be that you’ve allotted a huge portion of the budget to an area that doesn’t require as much attention. And once you finally think you’ve gotten to grips with the budget, you realise you have a timeline and function sheet to master, and upcoming deadlines for which you need to make decisions. 5. Their contacts Think of your Wedding Planner as your personal directory; the 'Yellow Pages of Weddings' for those of us that are old enough to remember… Hopefully, they will have worked on a number of events in their time and have a host of contacts to recommend. They should know who is within your budget, fits your theme, has a good reputation, and, most importantly, who to avoid. Having experience with a number of vendors and suppliers can be a massive benefit of using a Wedding Planner. Their relationships can often get you the best deals and most bespoke packages. Your Wedding Planner will also be the main point of contact for your suppliers. This way, there’s no need to worry about missing a call from the caterer whilst you’re at work or having to liaise between the caterer, the venue, and the coordinator every day in the lead up to your big day. Instead, your Wedding Planner will cut you out of the little conversations and involve you in the big decisions - meaning you can focus your time and attention on other things. 6. The fun of contracts Not only will your Wedding Planner have experience when dealing with contracts and know what to look for in the fine print, they may also be able to negotiate you better deals and additional extras of which you weren’t aware. Because of their experience, your Wedding Planner should also be able to spot potential areas of concern before they come about and resolve any issues that may arise with suppliers and vendors - ideally before they become something that should concern you too greatly. 7. To find calm through all the storms
In the weeks before your wedding and on the day itself, any number of things could go wrong. From something small like running behind schedule, to the bigger issues of a drastic turn in the weather forecast, or celebrant sickness, your Wedding Planner will be prepared to put out the fires (hopefully, not literally). Not only this, they can be your sense of clarity on the day. With so many emotional people around you, the day can quickly become overwhelming and you can forget the most basic of things. Having your Wedding Planner there (who, by now, has gotten to know you well as a couple) can remind you to ground yourself and really live in the moment. (They might also remind you to hold your bouquet low, take your time walking down the aisle and hold your kiss for longer than 2 seconds for the photographer) Your guardian angel on the big day might also be someone to lean on beforehand. Most Wedding Planners understand the stress you are under as a couple and are more than happy to listen to you moan about your Mother-in-Law-to-be who has decided to start a new fad diet the week before the wedding and wants to change her dinner choices at the very last minute. This isn’t to say that everyone needs a Wedding Planner. Some people want to take the reins (and thrive off it too!). Whatever you decide, we would absolutely recommend a coordinator to run things on the day. There would be nothing worse than the bride and groom having to take time away from their celebrations because the cake delivery got lost en-route, or they have to repair a bridesmaid's dress after she put her heel through it (as I’m sure you didn’t remember to pack your emergency sewing kit). The most important thing to remember is that your wedding day should be one to enjoy with friends and family as a couple; and the use of a Wedding Planner or Coordinator will aid this greatly. Written by Siobhan Tinnion Event & Marketing Manager It's something none of us could have predicted and has caused major upheaval across the world... The pesky COVID-19 has not only had a huge impact on our health, work and lifestyles, it has also had a major impact on peoples plans and events, including, you guessed it, getting married!
We are still yet to discover how things will pan out over the forthcoming few months, but with the current strict ban on social gatherings of any kind, it's looking more and more unlikely that things will improve for a good few months... But have no fear, as we learn to adapt and become more resilient to some of the changes we will need to bring into our daily lives, we want to provide all wedding couples with some handy (both practical and creative) tips to keep your wedding plans on track. (That can all be done from the comfort of your home, in you pyjamas!) Tip 1 - Looking For An Alternative Date: It may seem obvious, but first and foremost, if your wedding is planned for anytime in the next couple of months, we suggest you speak directly with your chosen venue and suppliers to postpone your big day. This is such a special day you are planning, you and your partner are very much in love and you want to spend it safely with friends and family. Therefore, try not to get too down about the prospect of having to delay things a little. We are confident most suppliers and venues will be very happy to support you and work with you to find a new, more suitable date. Many suppliers will also be happy to transfer any booking fees. However, please don't forget this a very sensitive and difficult time for many suppliers too. With the events industry being up there with one of the hardest hit industries for the foreseeable, please remember to stay calm and kind. We're all in this together after all. Tip 2 - Be Flexible When It Comes To Planning: Postponing your wedding, but unsure about the nitty gritty? With everything being so up in the air, it's very difficult to get planning and the last thing you want to do is to re-plan for something then have to change it again at the last minute. So instead of printing and sending out a load of new invites, why not look into creating a bespoke wedding website? These can be created and updated very easily and there are so many great free website templates online if you're not hugely tech-savvy. Then you can invite all your guests to the website via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Email to keep an eye on your new wedding plans as they evolve. Tip 3 - Taking Care Of You: Self care is super important during this unsettling time... So be sure to take the pressure off. These times are unprecedented, but ultimately out of our control. So instead of taking on the pressure and stress of having to re-organise your big day, take it in your stride... Enjoy having the extra planning time, get creative with decor and favour making... You could even start planning speech amends and table planning if you haven't tackled that yet. However, if it all feels a bit much at the moment, just stop. Stop planning, stop thinking, just be. Things can often feel overwhelming during times of stress. So, why not take a bath? Lie in the sunshine? Read a book? Write? Draw? Mediate? Or again, just be. Tip 4 - Grow Your Own Flowers: Wedding flowers can cost hundreds of pounds, so now that you have a bit more time on your hands, why not look at growing your own? Whether you're Alan Titchmarsh or Alan Sugar, you can still grow filler flowers and foliage very easily and with a bit more time and skill, even big statement blooms. Depending on what season you plan to get married in, here are some of the easiest flowers to grow yourself: Spring – Wallflowers, Sweet William, Narcissi, Tulips, Anemones, Ranunculus. Summer – Sweet Peas, Roses, Ammi, Cornflowers, Nigella, Dahlias, Gladioli Autumn – Dahlias (will continue into autumn) Zinnias, Asters, Penstemon, Japanese Anemone, Phlox Winter – Hellebores, Snowdrops, Paperwhites, Heather, Pansies, Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe Some of these you will need to sow the previous autumn (Wallflowers, Sweet William, cornflowers, bulbs etc) for the best results. All seed packets will come with instructions. As you can never quite predict the English weather, it is best to succession sow. For instance, start sowing your sweet peas in March and then sew in batches every few weeks to give you sweet peas over a longer period. Once you have seen that tiny seedling push through and your plants are big enough, you can plant them outside. You may also have some that you have direct sewn (plants like Zinnias prefer to be sewn directly in the ground) that are growing along nicely. You won’t need to do much to keep them going: feed, support and stop the weeds growing. Regularly chop off the dead flower heads. When you pick the flowers ready for the wedding, ensure you put them into scrupulously clean buckets and give them a long drink in a cool room. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Remove all the foliage from the bottom part of the stem, so it isn’t in the bucket. The best time to pick the flowers is in the morning when the flowers have little dew on them, but the sun still isn’t too hot. There are plenty more tips online and books you can purchase about growing your own flowers. Good luck and enjoy! Tip 5 - Get Creative With Brewing And Infusing: Ever wanted to start brewing your own beer? Infusing gin? Or even experiencing with such things as cider and Elderflower Champagne? Well, now is surely your time to shine? For our tried and tested version of Elderflower Gin, see below for our recipe:
Method:
Tip 6 - Enjoy Your ‘Wedding Day’ (Regardless To Whether It’s Your “Actual” Wedding Day… ): So, you might have to wait a little before you can officially say those vows and exchange rings, but there's no harm in celebrating your original wedding date. Why not consider it a pre-wedding warm up? You could cook your partner a a delicious breakfast with some Bucks Fizz on the side? Get dressed up all fancy for a party in the lounge? Practise your first dance? Or even, enjoy a glittery Zoom party with friends and family? But ultimately, have a day where you can enjoying spending time together and experiencing how much you love each other! Tip 7 - Bake Yourself A Wedding Cake: Now we're not suggesting you bake your wedding cake for your wedding that might be happening in 2021... More suggesting using this time as a chance to get creative in the kitchen. You could bake a simple sponge, but go to town on the decorating. Just have fun with it! Why not incorporate your wedding theme and colours into your bake? You could even have a go at making yourself and your partner out of icing sugar... And if it all goes wrong, nobody has to see it anyway, just eat it! Tip 8 - Design Your Wedding Rings: An idea for those of you who haven't purchased your wedding rings yet, why not design and make them yourself? Myself and my husband did this for our wedding rings and it was so much fun. The entire process felt really special and has meant our wedding rings are totally unique. Many independent jewellers will offer this service, you just need to ask. And don't worry, you don't need to have made jewellery before, you should get closely guided throughout the process. Check on sites such as Pinterest for lots of great inspiration. We made ours with the fabulous David Ayling Goldsmith in Corsham, Wiltshire. Tip 9 - Write Your Vows: Now this might flow really easily or take some time to create - Hopefully this period of downtime will allow you to think and get creative with what you really want to say. Will you keep it traditional? Or will you do something totally out of the box? Tip 10 - Create A Photo Book Of All Your Special Memories: You've got so much to look forward too, your wedding will be the most special time when you get the chance to have all your friends and family in one room (or marquee!) Why not start creating a special memories book of how you and your partner met and the journey you have taken up until your wedding day? It could feature photos, gig tickets, funny stories and so on... I'm sure there's lots of things even your closest friends and families don't know about you as a couple. It's a nice little addition for guests to take a look at on your special day. And there you have it, that concludes our top 10 tips that will hopefully keep you busy and entertained throughout lockdown 2020. Remember, if there's anything we can help plan your perfect wedding, please do get in touch. We are always happy to give free advice as well as no obligation quotes for any of our services. Stay safe and enjoy getting creative! Written by Thea Wise Wedding Coordinator & Event Producer |
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March 2024
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'Thank you so much for all of your hard work and support to ensure that our wedding day went so smoothly.
Hiring a coordinator was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding day and we most certainly couldn't have planned such a memorable day without you! A & J, August 2023
'The team were attentive, friendly and busy ensuring the event went smoothly with no hassle for me, and I could ask for nothing more. In my opinion, exceptionally good value for money... They certainly have my whole-hearted recommendation.' A & N, April 2023
'Your support and input from start to finish was truly invaluable and this was reflected in the end result. The entire event ran without a hitch and I cannot recommend your team highly enough...' D
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'You were absolutely amazing. You guys did everything and it all just went so smoothly and I couldn't be happier.
We had the best day!' K & L, April 2023
'We couldn't recommend Melt enough. They did the set-up for the sound and lighting at our wedding and the end result couldn't have been more stunning. They were so easy to work with and couldn't have been more helpful and attentive during the lead up to the big day. Massive thumbs up from us.' C & D, March 2023
'Thank you for making our wedding party as special and spectacular as it was. We will be sure to recommend you and will of course be in touch for any future parties and events. THANK YOU!' C & L
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