Latest news with #CountryHouseWeddings
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm a wedding planner – here's the five things I'd skip on my own big day, it could save you thousands
GETTING married is one of the happiest times of your life - but planning a wedding can be as stressful and expensive. Your dream big day can cost thousands of pounds, and wedding budgets can very quickly start to spiral out of control. 3 A wedding planner has revealed the top things that aren't worth the cost Credit: Getty 3 And he says he wouldn't even do it on his big day Credit: Getty There are so many different things to consider - from the venue and the guest lists to the menus, cars, flowers, and much more. So it's no wonder that brides and grooms can quickly find it becoming overwhelming - both financially and mentally. Luckily, one expert is on hand to help engaged couples celebrate their special day in style, but without breaking the bank. Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings has urged couples not to include every trend they see on social media, no matter how tempting. READ MORE FABULOUS The wedding planner has spent years helping couples create their perfect day and has learned what elements truly matter and which ones simply aren't worth the investment (or should just be outright avoided). And he even revealed the five things he would never do for his own wedding - and why other couples should think twice before adding them to their plans. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what magazines tell you it should look like Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings Nick said: 'After organising hundreds of weddings, I've learned that the most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. "They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests, rather than trying to tick every box they'd seen on Pinterest. Most read in Fabulous 'The wedding industry is brilliant at making couples feel like they need everything to be perfect, but perfection often comes at the cost of personality and genuine enjoyment. "Some of my favourite weddings have been the ones where couples said no to half the extras and instead invested in great food, good music, and making sure their guests felt welcome. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what magazines tell you it should look like." Stunning coastal wedding venue in Scotland with spectacular views reveals major £750k revamp 1. Hiring an expensive photographer without seeing their full portfolio It's a common belief that the best suppliers are the most expensive, but this isn't always the case. Just because a photographer charges premium rates, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will deliver the best results. Wedding photography can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000, but those on the higher end of the scale could be basing their price on their marketing rather than their actual skill. Nick explains: 'I've seen couples spend £4,000 on a photographer who promised the world, only to receive bland, cookie-cutter shots that looked identical to every other wedding they'd shot that year. "Price doesn't guarantee creativity or the ability to capture your unique story." Instead, he suggests meeting potential photographers in person and reviewing complete wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. The most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings 2. Booking entertainment that doesn't match the crowd One of the biggest mistakes that Nick says couples make when planning their wedding is booking the wrong style of entertainment. The wedding planner said he often sees too many couples choosing entertainment based on what looks impressive rather than what their guests will actually enjoy. And this can actually throw off the whole vibe of the day. He suggested considering the guest list carefully before booking any kind of evening entertainment. For example, if most attendees are over 50, a classic covers band might work better than a DJ spinning the latest hits. He said: "I once saw a couple hire a string quartet for a crowd that clearly wanted to party. 'By 9pm, half the guests had left because there was nothing to keep them engaged". 3 He urges couples to carefully consider guests before booking their entertainment Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3. Splurging on designer wedding favours Wedding favours are, in theory, very sweet reminders of your big day and a lovely treat for your guests. However, most guests actually leave them behind or throw them away within weeks. And considering that couples often spend hours planning to get their perfect thing and often spend hundreds of pounds on them, Nick says they're just not worth it. He explains that he has seen couples stress over personalised candles, miniature photo frames, and custom sweets that end up sadly forgotten on tables. Instead, he suggests that couples opt for something they can enjoy on the day, like a high-quality treat like chocolate. Or even put the money they'd spend on favours towards something else, like a couple of hundred pounds on better food or drinks at the bar. Nick explains that this is something guests would probably appreciate more - and you'd get more value for money. He explains: "Couples spend an average of £3-5 per guest on favours, which adds up to £300-500 for a typical wedding. "I've never seen guests genuinely excited about taking home a miniature jam jar with the couple's names on it". 4. Choosing a venue based on Instagram photos Social media doesn't often reflect real life, and something that might look magical online might not look that great in person. As a result, Nick has warned couples against booking a venue based on their filtered photos on social media. Lighting, angles, and editing can hide serious flaws that will all become obvious on your wedding day. Instead, he suggests always visiting potential venues in person - preferably at the same time of day as your planned celebration. Nick says: 'I've seen couples fall in love with venues online, only to arrive and discover the 'spacious' room is actually cramped. 'Photos rarely show practical issues like poor acoustics or limited parking.' Expert's seven tips to keep wedding costs down IN a bid to help couples save some cash, one expert has revealed their seven tips to keep costs down for the big day. Claudia Postigo, founder and Head Wedding Planner at The Planner Co, reveals how couples can save significant money on wedding aspects that many go overboard on. Choose off-season dates - "By choosing to have your wedding during the off-season, such as winter or early spring , when demand is lower, you can save a considerable amount of money on venues, caterers, and other services.' Leverage DIY décor - "DIY projects help to add a personal touch to your wedding, while having the added bonus of saving you a lot of money. " Book non-traditional venues - "Non-traditional venues tend to be more affordable and provide a unique and memorable wedding experience." Reduce the guest list - "This both cuts down on catering costs and creates a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere for your special day.' Go digital - "In an era where most things are digital, it makes sense to go paperless for your wedding invitations and save-the-date cards." Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - "When it comes to wedding décor, why not try recycling and reusing items from previous weddings or events?" Consider a smaller wedding cake - "To save some money, opt for a smaller wedding cake for the ceremonial cutting and a larger sheet cake for guests to enjoy.2 5. Going overboard with unnecessary extras that add no real value It's so easy to get carried away when planning a wedding and want to do everything and buy everything. But Nick says that there are so many unnecessary extras that couples often spend a fortune on but don't add any real value. Wedding vendors excel at selling add-ons that sound amazing but provide little actual benefit. Things like chair covers, upgraded linens, and premium flower arrangements can quickly double your costs. However, they don't significantly improve your guests' experience. Nick has urged couples to think carefully about little extras and if they're really needed. This might help keep costs down and give you fewer things to stress about on the big day. He said: 'I've seen people spend £800 on chair covers when the venue's chairs were perfectly fine. "Focus your budget on elements that directly impact your guests' comfort: good food, decent drinks, and reliable sound systems.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a wedding planner – here's the five things I'd skip on my own big day, it could save you thousands
GETTING married is one of the happiest times of your life - but planning a wedding can be as stressful and expensive. Your dream big day can cost thousands of pounds, and wedding budgets can very quickly start to spiral out of control. 3 3 There are so many different things to consider - from the venue and the guest lists to the menus, cars, flowers, and much more. So it's no wonder that brides and grooms can quickly find it becoming overwhelming - both financially and mentally. Luckily, one expert is on hand to help engaged couples celebrate their special day in style, but without breaking the bank. Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings has urged couples not to include every trend they see on social media, no matter how tempting. The wedding planner has spent years helping couples create their perfect day and has learned what elements truly matter and which ones simply aren't worth the investment (or should just be outright avoided). And he even revealed the five things he would never do for his own wedding - and why other couples should think twice before adding them to their plans. Nick said: 'After organising hundreds of weddings, I've learned that the most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. "They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests, rather than trying to tick every box they'd seen on Pinterest. 'The wedding industry is brilliant at making couples feel like they need everything to be perfect, but perfection often comes at the cost of personality and genuine enjoyment. "Some of my favourite weddings have been the ones where couples said no to half the extras and instead invested in great food, good music, and making sure their guests felt welcome. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what magazines tell you it should look like." Stunning coastal wedding venue in Scotland with spectacular views reveals major £750k revamp 1. Hiring an expensive photographer without seeing their full portfolio It's a common belief that the best suppliers are the most expensive, but this isn't always the case. Just because a photographer charges premium rates, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will deliver the best results. Wedding photography can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000, but those on the higher end of the scale could be basing their price on their marketing rather than their actual skill. Nick explains: 'I've seen couples spend £4,000 on a photographer who promised the world, only to receive bland, cookie-cutter shots that looked identical to every other wedding they'd shot that year. "Price doesn't guarantee creativity or the ability to capture your unique story." Instead, he suggests meeting potential photographers in person and reviewing complete wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. The most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests Nick Bramerfrom Country House Weddings 2. Booking entertainment that doesn't match the crowd One of the biggest mistakes that Nick says couples make when planning their wedding is booking the wrong style of entertainment. The wedding planner said he often sees too many couples choosing entertainment based on what looks impressive rather than what their guests will actually enjoy. And this can actually throw off the whole vibe of the day. He suggested considering the guest list carefully before booking any kind of evening entertainment. For example, if most attendees are over 50, a classic covers band might work better than a DJ spinning the latest hits. He said: "I once saw a couple hire a string quartet for a crowd that clearly wanted to party. 'By 9pm, half the guests had left because there was nothing to keep them engaged". 3 3. Splurging on designer wedding favours Wedding favours are, in theory, very sweet reminders of your big day and a lovely treat for your guests. However, most guests actually leave them behind or throw them away within weeks. And considering that couples often spend hours planning to get their perfect thing and often spend hundreds of pounds on them, Nick says they're just not worth it. He explains that he has seen couples stress over personalised candles, miniature photo frames, and custom sweets that end up sadly forgotten on tables. Instead, he suggests that couples opt for something they can enjoy on the day, like a high-quality treat like chocolate. Or even put the money they'd spend on favours towards something else, like a couple of hundred pounds on better food or drinks at the bar. Nick explains that this is something guests would probably appreciate more - and you'd get more value for money. He explains: "Couples spend an average of £3-5 per guest on favours, which adds up to £300-500 for a typical wedding. "I've never seen guests genuinely excited about taking home a miniature jam jar with the couple's names on it". 4. Choosing a venue based on Instagram photos Social media doesn't often reflect real life, and something that might look magical online might not look that great in person. As a result, Nick has warned couples against booking a venue based on their filtered photos on social media. Lighting, angles, and editing can hide serious flaws that will all become obvious on your wedding day. Instead, he suggests always visiting potential venues in person - preferably at the same time of day as your planned celebration. Nick says: 'I've seen couples fall in love with venues online, only to arrive and discover the 'spacious' room is actually cramped. 'Photos rarely show practical issues like poor acoustics or limited parking.' Expert's seven tips to keep wedding costs down IN a bid to help couples save some cash, one expert has revealed their seven tips to keep costs down for the big day. Claudia Postigo, founder and Head Wedding Planner at The Planner Co, reveals how couples can save significant money on wedding aspects that many go overboard on. Choose off-season dates - "By choosing to have your wedding during the off-season, such as winter or early spring, when demand is lower, you can save a considerable amount of money on venues, caterers, and other services.' Leverage DIY décor - "DIY projects help to add a personal touch to your wedding, while having the added bonus of saving you a lot of money." Book non-traditional venues - "Non-traditional venues tend to be more affordable and provide a unique and memorable wedding experience." Reduce the guest list - "This both cuts down on catering costs and creates a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere for your special day.' Go digital - "In an era where most things are digital, it makes sense to go paperless for your wedding invitations and save-the-date cards." Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - "When it comes to wedding décor, why not try recycling and reusing items from previous weddings or events?" Consider a smaller wedding cake - "To save some money, opt for a smaller wedding cake for the ceremonial cutting and a larger sheet cake for guests to enjoy.2 5. Going overboard with unnecessary extras that add no real value It's so easy to get carried away when planning a wedding and want to do everything and buy everything. But Nick says that there are so many unnecessary extras that couples often spend a fortune on but don't add any real value. Wedding vendors excel at selling add-ons that sound amazing but provide little actual benefit. Things like chair covers, upgraded linens, and premium flower arrangements can quickly double your costs. However, they don't significantly improve your guests' experience. Nick has urged couples to think carefully about little extras and if they're really needed. This might help keep costs down and give you fewer things to stress about on the big day. He said: 'I've seen people spend £800 on chair covers when the venue's chairs were perfectly fine. "Focus your budget on elements that directly impact your guests' comfort: good food, decent drinks, and reliable sound systems.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm a wedding planner – here's the five things I'd skip on my own big day, it could save you thousands
Plus seven other tips on how to keep wedding costs down BRIDE IDEA I'm a wedding planner – here's the five things I'd skip on my own big day, it could save you thousands Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GETTING married is one of the happiest times of your life - but planning a wedding can be as stressful and expensive. Your dream big day can cost thousands of pounds, and wedding budgets can very quickly start to spiral out of control. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A wedding planner has revealed the top things that aren't worth the cost Credit: Getty 3 And he says he wouldn't even do it on his big day Credit: Getty There are so many different things to consider - from the venue and the guest lists to the menus, cars, flowers, and much more. So it's no wonder that brides and grooms can quickly find it becoming overwhelming - both financially and mentally. Luckily, one expert is on hand to help engaged couples celebrate their special day in style, but without breaking the bank. Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings has urged couples not to include every trend they see on social media, no matter how tempting. The wedding planner has spent years helping couples create their perfect day and has learned what elements truly matter and which ones simply aren't worth the investment (or should just be outright avoided). And he even revealed the five things he would never do for his own wedding - and why other couples should think twice before adding them to their plans. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what magazines tell you it should look like Nick Bramer Nick said: 'After organising hundreds of weddings, I've learned that the most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. "They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests, rather than trying to tick every box they'd seen on Pinterest. 'The wedding industry is brilliant at making couples feel like they need everything to be perfect, but perfection often comes at the cost of personality and genuine enjoyment. "Some of my favourite weddings have been the ones where couples said no to half the extras and instead invested in great food, good music, and making sure their guests felt welcome. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what magazines tell you it should look like." Stunning coastal wedding venue in Scotland with spectacular views reveals major £750k revamp 1. Hiring an expensive photographer without seeing their full portfolio It's a common belief that the best suppliers are the most expensive, but this isn't always the case. Just because a photographer charges premium rates, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will deliver the best results. Wedding photography can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000, but those on the higher end of the scale could be basing their price on their marketing rather than their actual skill. Nick explains: 'I've seen couples spend £4,000 on a photographer who promised the world, only to receive bland, cookie-cutter shots that looked identical to every other wedding they'd shot that year. "Price doesn't guarantee creativity or the ability to capture your unique story." Instead, he suggests meeting potential photographers in person and reviewing complete wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. The most memorable celebrations aren't necessarily the most expensive ones. They're the weddings where couples focused on what truly mattered to them and their guests Nick Bramer 2. Booking entertainment that doesn't match the crowd One of the biggest mistakes that Nick says couples make when planning their wedding is booking the wrong style of entertainment. The wedding planner said he often sees too many couples choosing entertainment based on what looks impressive rather than what their guests will actually enjoy. And this can actually throw off the whole vibe of the day. He suggested considering the guest list carefully before booking any kind of evening entertainment. For example, if most attendees are over 50, a classic covers band might work better than a DJ spinning the latest hits. He said: "I once saw a couple hire a string quartet for a crowd that clearly wanted to party. 'By 9pm, half the guests had left because there was nothing to keep them engaged". 3 He urges couples to carefully consider guests before booking their entertainment Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3. Splurging on designer wedding favours Wedding favours are, in theory, very sweet reminders of your big day and a lovely treat for your guests. However, most guests actually leave them behind or throw them away within weeks. And considering that couples often spend hours planning to get their perfect thing and often spend hundreds of pounds on them, Nick says they're just not worth it. He explains that he has seen couples stress over personalised candles, miniature photo frames, and custom sweets that end up sadly forgotten on tables. Instead, he suggests that couples opt for something they can enjoy on the day, like a high-quality treat like chocolate. Or even put the money they'd spend on favours towards something else, like a couple of hundred pounds on better food or drinks at the bar. Nick explains that this is something guests would probably appreciate more - and you'd get more value for money. He explains: "Couples spend an average of £3-5 per guest on favours, which adds up to £300-500 for a typical wedding. "I've never seen guests genuinely excited about taking home a miniature jam jar with the couple's names on it". 4. Choosing a venue based on Instagram photos Social media doesn't often reflect real life, and something that might look magical online might not look that great in person. As a result, Nick has warned couples against booking a venue based on their filtered photos on social media. Lighting, angles, and editing can hide serious flaws that will all become obvious on your wedding day. Instead, he suggests always visiting potential venues in person - preferably at the same time of day as your planned celebration. Nick says: 'I've seen couples fall in love with venues online, only to arrive and discover the 'spacious' room is actually cramped. 'Photos rarely show practical issues like poor acoustics or limited parking.' Expert's seven tips to keep wedding costs down IN a bid to help couples save some cash, one expert has revealed their seven tips to keep costs down for the big day. Claudia Postigo, founder and Head Wedding Planner at The Planner Co, reveals how couples can save significant money on wedding aspects that many go overboard on. Choose off-season dates - "By choosing to have your wedding during the off-season, such as winter or early spring , when demand is lower, you can save a considerable amount of money on venues, caterers, and other services.' Leverage DIY décor - "DIY projects help to add a personal touch to your wedding, while having the added bonus of saving you a lot of money. " Book non-traditional venues - "Non-traditional venues tend to be more affordable and provide a unique and memorable wedding experience." Reduce the guest list - "This both cuts down on catering costs and creates a more intimate and meaningful atmosphere for your special day.' Go digital - "In an era where most things are digital, it makes sense to go paperless for your wedding invitations and save-the-date cards." Recycle, Reduce, Reuse - "When it comes to wedding décor, why not try recycling and reusing items from previous weddings or events?" Consider a smaller wedding cake - "To save some money, opt for a smaller wedding cake for the ceremonial cutting and a larger sheet cake for guests to enjoy.2 5. Going overboard with unnecessary extras that add no real value It's so easy to get carried away when planning a wedding and want to do everything and buy everything. But Nick says that there are so many unnecessary extras that couples often spend a fortune on but don't add any real value. Wedding vendors excel at selling add-ons that sound amazing but provide little actual benefit. Things like chair covers, upgraded linens, and premium flower arrangements can quickly double your costs. However, they don't significantly improve your guests' experience. Nick has urged couples to think carefully about little extras and if they're really needed. This might help keep costs down and give you fewer things to stress about on the big day. He said: 'I've seen people spend £800 on chair covers when the venue's chairs were perfectly fine. "Focus your budget on elements that directly impact your guests' comfort: good food, decent drinks, and reliable sound systems.'
IOL News
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- IOL News
Essential tips to prevent common wedding day regrets
There's so much to take into consideration when planning a wedding. Image: Freepik Planning a wedding is often described as one of the most exciting times in a couple's life, but let's be honest, it's also one of the most stressful. From the moment the engagement ring is slipped on and the wedding date is set, couples immediately get stuck into planning their big day. From finding the ideal wedding venue to finalising menus, couples strive for perfection. And yet, after the confetti settles and the last slice of cake is eaten, many newlyweds find themselves looking back with a few 'if onlys.' Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings in England has seen his fair share of dream days. Over the years, he's worked with hundreds of couples, and with that experience comes valuable insight into what people often wish they'd done differently. 'After working with hundreds of couples over the years, you start to notice patterns in what people regret most,' explains Bramer. 'The good news is that most of these issues are completely preventable with a bit of forward planning.' So, before you tie the knot, take a look at these five common regrets Bramer hears time and again and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Not hiring a videographer This one comes up more than you might expect. Many couples skip the videographer to save on costs, only to regret it later on. While having an album full of photographs is great, video captures other aspects of the day differently. You can't be everywhere at the same time on your day, but your videographer can capture moments for you that you'll be able to watch later. 'I can't tell you how many couples come back to me months later wishing they'd booked a videographer,' says Bramer. 'Photos are beautiful, but there's something magical about hearing your vows again or watching your dad's speech. You can't put a price on those memories.' A videographer can capture moments you miss. Image: Donovan Kelly / Pexels Overspending on flowers We all love a beautiful floral display, but Bramer warns against blowing a massive portion of your budget on arrangements that guests may barely remember. While flowers add elegance, they're gone the next day, and that money could often be spent on more meaningful aspects of your celebration. 'Flowers are lovely, but they're gone the next day,' Bramer notes. 'I've seen couples spend thousands on centrepieces when simpler arrangements would have looked just as stunning. That money could go towards better photography or an extra course at dinner.' Don't spend too much money on flower arrangements. Image: Matheus Bertelli / Pexels Rushing the timeline Wedding days tend to go by in a blur. Trying to pack too much into the schedule can turn what should be a joyful, flowing experience into a frenzied marathon. Bramer stresses the importance of allowing time to breathe and be present. 'The biggest mistake is trying to fit everything in,' says Bramer. 'Your wedding day should flow naturally. If you're constantly watching the clock, you're not present for your own celebration.' Poor communication with vendors As you get closer to the big day and stress levels rise, the last thing you need is a caterer showing up with the wrong menu or the DJ getting the playlist completely wrong. Regular check-ins with suppliers can eliminate many of these headaches. 'Communication breakdowns cause more wedding day stress than anything else,' warns Bramer. 'A quick check-in with your vendors a week before makes sure everyone's on the same page.' Overlooking guest comfort While it's natural to want your wedding to look beautiful, don't forget that it also needs to feel good, especially for your guests. From accessible bathrooms and shaded seating to entertainment for little ones, small details can make a big difference. 'Your guests' comfort should be a priority,' Bramer advises. 'If grandma can't hear the ceremony or kids are getting restless, it affects the whole atmosphere. Simple touches like providing blankets for outdoor events or having a quiet space for families make all the difference.' Make sure that all your guests will be comfortable. Image: Jonathan Borba / Pexels
