Not many realize that a UK wedding can be so drastically different from a wedding in the US. But the reality is both countries can have different customs and expectations. On average, UK weddings cost around £12,000 while Americans are happy to shell out an average of $35,000 on their special day. There are, of course, other differences as well. If you’re planning a wedding in the UK, here are some tips to keep in mind so that you don’t make any missteps.
1. Take the weather into consideration.
Most citizens of the United Kingdom are aware that you only get two weeks of good summer weather a year. This usually takes place at the end of June with the temperatures reaching the high 80s Fahrenheit. In recent years the warm summers have been getting hotter and lasting longer. As a bride, you should prepare for anything. Never ignore the forecast, especially since it can change at the last minute. Just a little bit of planning can avoid your guests being stuck in a downpour. A cute idea if you are having a winter or autumn wedding is to provide blankets or umbrellas. If it happens to be raining have an usher wait for the guests to be seated and then quickly mop the walkway so that your dress doesn’t get covered in mud. Remember, rain is supposed to be good luck on your special day!
2. Keep within your budget.
Staying within your budget is very important. While you want to have your dream day, it’s important to remember that you will have many more days ahead to enjoy as a couple, so make sure to save a few quid for those as well. That being said, it’s customary at UK weddings to have a car for the bride and her father. Make sure to research which company is best for you and your ideas. Searching online for “wedding cars south wales” can have you riding in style in a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Range Rover or a Mercedes. Or, if you’d prefer your car rental can be something more classic like a vintage wedding car. There are plenty of options for a wedding car that will make an entrance on your special day, so look into a car rental that will make you feel extra special.
3. Beauty on Point
When it comes to your bridal gown you will want to start your search by trying on a couple of dresses. It usually takes between six and nine months for a bridal dress to be made, so you will want to leave plenty of time. It is a good idea to try on multiple dresses to see which fabric feels nice and what looks best on your body. All brides want to look the absolute best on their day, so it’s important to find a professional to do your make up. Most make up artists will be able to apply faux mink lashes and whatever other special looks you may want. Don’t be afraid to go all out with eyelash extensions, silk lashes or any other lash look you’ve always wanted to rock—after all, you only get married once! Also, make sure to try on your wedding shoes to break them in before walking in them on the day.
4. Don’t go crazy with your dieting.
If you are one of the blushing brides who decide they need to drop a few pounds or stones before the big day try your best not to let it take over your life. It is important to keep your goals realistic and sensible. You don’t want to starve yourself, since it will not only make you irritable but unhealthy. You also don’t want to spend all your time working out at the gym since you will only come home exhausted and unwilling to party when the big day comes. It is crucial to remember that your fiancé loves you just the way you are and you shouldn’t drastically change yourself to fit others’ expectations.
5. Consider your gift registry.
You will want to make the perfect gift list so your guests will know exactly what to buy you. Most couples already live together so they have their house all decked out. Many would like to ask for money, but tradition still states that it can be rude to do so. As the couple, you can always include a cute poem that asks guests to chip in towards your honeymoon. You can also go to any major department store like Debenhams or House of Frasier to ask for some inspiration.
