4 Weeks Until You're Married...

There really isn't long to go now, is there? By now all the major stresses should be behind you, but there's still some smaller stuff to get done. The next few weeks are going to fly by, so don't be tempted to leave anything to the last minute. The last minute will be here sooner than you think!

• Your hen or stag night can obviously happen whenever it is convenient to you or your partner. Leaving it too close to the ceremony however, may cause more stress than it's worth. Particularly, if you're on a tight budget, too. A month before the date gives you ample time to recover from any shenanigans yet is still close enough to the wedding for it to be one of your final flings before marriage.
  
  
• Arrange the final alterations for any dresses and suits and make sure that you can maintain the same weight in the final month. Small later alterations are fine (don't leave it too late though), but you don't want to be adding or subtracting too much from the waistline (or anywhere else for that matter).
  
  
• Have a good chat with the photographer or videographer around this point and make sure that they're aware of what you expect from them on the day. Give them a list of photographs that you want taken and then give them the scope to be creative. 

• Confirm any special dietary requirements with the caterers and venue.
  
  
  

• You'll probably need to chase up some of those late RSPVs, too. People are notorious for not replying or mislaying invites. You didn't sign up to be a shepherd, but that's precisely what you'll be in rounding guests up who haven't made up their mind.
  
  

How to Make Small Talk at a Wedding

We've all been there, haven't we? 

You're at a wedding and there's either no plus-one, or you don't have anyone to take.

So, you turn up and smile.

Perhaps you already know a few people and can have a conversation and a joke with them. 

It isn't so bad, is it? 

There you all are, laughing away as you read the place settings only to find out that they're all together and you? You're...

Aw, hell. 

You don't know a single person on this table. 

Oh, but THANK THE STARS because there's wine!

Alcohol can be an amazing conversation facilitator, but I'm not proposing that we all develop a drinking problem.

 I'm just saying that it can help but that doesn't mean that it's the answer.  At some weddings alcohol is the only answer.  

So, in the pursuit of finding a better way to communicate during awkward social functions we're presenting 8 tips to see you through the reception. 

1. Above absolutely all else, make sure that you introduce yourself. If you're sitting down last, then make eye contact with at least two people and sweep the table with a glance as you take your seat. Say hello to everyone and tell them your name. If you're not introduced, and just take your seat quietly, it will be so much harder to break into a conversation. People will find it easier to ignore you because they don't know you.
   
   
2. Discuss any shared experiences you've all had during the day. Even if it's just an off-the-cuff comment to the guest beside you. Something along the lines of "Didn't the bride look lovely" or "What a lovely ceremony" are perfectly acceptable. The important thing is signalling to everyone around the table that you're there and open to conversation.
   
   
3. When people reply to your questions, it's important to listen to the reply and draw them out further. This is how you keep a conversation going. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and if you lead them, they will fill in any awkward silences. When someone asks you a question, you can also return it to them: if they asked how you know the bride, then, when you've replied, ask them the same thing. It isn't about stringing out meaningless conversation all day, but about establishing an early rapport that will come in handy later.
   
   
4. If you're short on topics, then talk about the weather. We're blessed in the UK by this conversational centerpiece. Okay, it's not groundbreaking, but it'll do in an emergency prolonged silence.
   
   
5. Don't be tempted to use your phone during dead moments. We're probably all guilty of this, but it's a real barrier to getting back into a conversation. Keep your head up, smile and try to find an opening in the conversation.
   
   
6. There's the possibility that nobody will be speaking at all. That's fine, there's no need to force small-talk out through gritted teeth. As long as you've been polite and introduced yourself, you're conscience is clean. Receptions are, fortunately, bloated out with speeches, announcements and food. Use these moments to break up the boredom and then make a dash to the more social circles once the evening starts.
   
   
7. Don't panic if you've forgotten someone's name as they'll probably have forgotten yours, too. If you can't remember, then ask them. If you forget after that, ask another member of the party.
   
   
8. Steer clear of political or religious conversations. Particularly, where alcohol is involved. If someone on your table is becoming a problem then try ''mislaying'' the table wine. If they continue being loud, drunk or unsociable, then don't go to the bride or groom but to another member of the bridal party. Try approaching the best man or one of the bridesmaids for help. The key thing is not to get drawn into their potential scene.

The expectation of walking into the unfamiliar will be worse than the reality. That isn't just true of wedding receptions, that's life. Once you've said hello and taken your seat, you'll probably find you'll react perfectly naturally to the situation anyway. Just remember: don't get drunk, don't be rude, don't ignore people, stay off the phone and listen when others speak to you. Avoid awkward topics and above all else: make sure you've been introduced.

If you have any wedding reception horror stories, we'd love to hear them. 

A Wedding Costs How Much!?

By Daisy Technology
Ltd. Bulgaria (http://daisy.bg/index.php?id=135)
 [CC-BY-3.0
 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)],
via Wikimedia Commons

They say that there's no such thing as a free lunch. Unless of course, you turn up to a wedding without a present and start digging into the buffet...

In the age of the consumer - for better or for worse - we pay for everything and weddings are no exception. The average price of a wedding in the UK is now an eye watering £17,853. 

Somewhere along the line we swapped simple ceremonies, small sit-down meals and our Sunday bests for photo booths, vodka fountains and garters stitched with diamonds wept from virgin mermaid eyeballs. You'll more than likely find that last one somewhere on Etsy. 

Picking a budget isn't about prescribing how much you should spend. It's about working out what you can spend. Whether that's £500,000 or £500, by being smart with your spending you can make your money go further. 

Whatever you're thinking of spending on your big day, here are out top 10 tips to help you save the pennies.

1. When you're phoning around wedding services and providers, don't tell them that you're looking to book them for a wedding. Explain your requirements and ask them for a quote. Many companies will raise their prices for weddings because they know you're more likely to pay it. If you can pin them down to a price first, then they'll be less likely to increase those prices later
   
   
2. Why get married on a Saturday? It's the most expensive day of the week, and they book up faster, too. Sunday and Fridays are quickly becoming a popular alternative, but their still cheaper. If you want the advantage however, when haggling prices, ask for a Tuesday wedding. Currently the least popular day to be married on, it's likely to be the cheapest.
   
   
3. Keep the guest list small. This means less mouths to feed, less transport to arrange, less invitations and a less spacious venue - in fact, it means less everything. You might think inviting Keith and Tammy from accounts is a nice thing to do, but don't feel like you're responsible for everyone's social life. More people does not make the wedding better. In fact, it can often have the opposite effect.
   
   
4. Source favours from family and friends. Is Aunt May an amazing cook? Uncle Pete drives a brand new BMW? Is your sister amazing with hair and beauty? Do you have some crafty friends? Home-made chic is bang on trend at the moment, and it's a great way to get people involved. Don't be exploitative however. Always ask politely and don't be pushy. Most people should be happy to help out. Just make sure that you pick reliable people
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5. Don't be afraid of second hand. Call it vintage chic if it makes you feel better. Oxfam have a number of bridal shops that stock wide ranges of unwanted and pre-loved dresses. Why should you be sniffy about a £70 dress that retails at £900? Nobody will know if you don't tell them.
   
   
6. The political repercussions in your group could be phenomenal, but don't feel like you have to have bridesmaids. The dresses, hair, make-up and accessories will all add up to a tidy sum. If they're real friends then they will understand. If you can't do without them, give your girls input into the dress choices and ask for them to contribute to the price or pay for the dress themselves. As long as you're not looking at custom made Versache gowns, they'll agree.
   
   
7. This might sound like an odd one, but take out wedding insurance. Then if something goes wrong, you're covered. Weddings are planned so far in advance that you run the risk of losing everything if a serious problem arises. Shop around for the best deal for you and make sure you're covered for the big items and deposits.
   
   
8.  Have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place. Packages are invariably cheaper, and they're easier to plan for. They usually come with a wedding coordinator too, who'll look after any problems that arise during the day. You're always within staggering distance of a bed, too. Which is handy for any wedding.
   
   
9. Ditch the DJ for an Ipod. The added bonus is that you control the playlist and nobody has to sit through hi-ho silver lining and the macarana. Unless you want to, of course.
   
   
10. Finally, don't let tradition force you into spending money that you don't have. Weddings are crying out to be custom made. The important thing is that you're marrying your partner. Send your invites by Facebook; ditch the wedding favours, reuse the church flowers in your venue. It doesn't matter. The time of superstition and tradition is being eroded by common sense decisions. Make sure everything in your wedding is there because you want it to be - you'll feel better for it.
    
    

How did you budget for your wedding? How are you budgeting for it? Stop by our Twitter page and let us know.