by Hanami Dream | 12, October, 2018 | testimonials
“Nicola has provided invaluable marketing support and advice this year, whilst I have been launching a new business in the wedding industry.
Her experience has helped me target marketing much more effectively, and her passion for helping businesses to grow and for the wedding industry has really spurred me on!
My business genuinely would not be where it is now without her input.
I really appreciate all the support and advice she has given me.”
Vicky, Hedgerow Circus – October 2018
by Hanami Dream | 10, October, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
For many, picking a wedding dress may be the most exciting purchase that you make and, some may say, one of the best (and hardest) decisions in the wedding planning process.
wedding dress trends
Finding the perfect wedding dress is no mean feat and wedding dresses over the years are an example of fashion trends of their day (material, styles, length & colours). Pick a dress that you love rather than one that happens to be on trend now. Take a look at wedding dresses wedding through the years.
style of wedding dress
Think about the venue, theme and mood of your wedding and fit your dress not only to you but the style of your big day too. Also think about when you’re getting married – both the time of day and time of year will affect your wedding dress buying decision. Make sure you feel not only glamourous and gorgeous in your wedding dress but comfortable too (did someone say dress pockets?!)
Here are some top tips from Heart Accomplice on picking the perfect wedding dress:
THE wedding dress
Many dream their whole life of this one special day with the man or woman they love. This one moment when you walk down the aisle, your heart is beating and all eyes are on you. You just want to look perfect for the love of your life.
To find the perfect bridal dress, you not only need time but also to understand what kind of bridal dress you want. Do you opt for a new or a preloved one? A long or a short dress? White, ivory or a colourful dress? Do you want to look around in a classic bridal dress store or do you want to order online?
budget
Before you start to search for your dream bridal dress give yourself a price range and stick to it. If you don’t or can’t spend too much money, have a look at second hand bridal dresses. You can find a beautiful bridal dress, a designer trend or the newest collection for a fraction of the price.
research
Do some research and collect pictures from bridal magazines of the styles and colours you like. Visit wedding fairs to get inspired where you can see and feel dresses. Look online for styles that suit your silhouette.
shopping
Make an appointment with a bridal dress shop as soon as possible because sometimes it takes 4 to 6 months to produce a dress, plus once it arrives you might need some time for alterations. If you don´t have much time, you can order online and a few days later your bridal dress will arrive.
support
Make wedding dress shopping an interactive and inclusive part of the wedding planning process and involve your mother, maid of honour, bridesmaids or friends with you to enjoy this important day and get their valued opinions, in a shop or at home.
alterations
When you have found THE bridal dress, a bridal dress store can order your dress in the right size and you may need some small alterations (don´t forget to plan the costs in your budget).
If you decide to buy a preloved bridal dress I recommend to buy it in 1 or 2 sizes bigger and allow for alterations to fit it perfectly to you. Too big is better than too small.
final fitting
On your last fitting wear the lingerie and take the shoes that you will be wearing on your big day. Then you can make sure that the length and fit of the bridal dress is just right.
accessories
Often less is more. Too much detail and too many wedding accessories can detract from the wedding dress. Make sure that you match your accessories to your bridal dress in colour and material and don’t forget your ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’ nor the silver sixpence in your shoe.
About Heart Accomplice
Heart Accomplice is a second hand online bridal dress shop offering new and good as new preloved bridal dresses, ready to make a bride happy for her big day. They stock a range of different sizes, brands and styles, so there should be something gorgeous for everyone.
It is also possible to sell your bridal dress (on a commission basis) to Heart Accomplice when you have finished with your bridal dress (in good condition).
@HeartAccomp
@heartaccomplice
@heartaccomplice
image credits:
Venue | Sudbury House Hotel | http://www.sudburyhouse.co.uk/
Photography | Cat Stephens Photography | https://www.catstephensphotography.com/
Hair and make-up | Kamila Roberts for The Beauty Spot Cotswolds | https://www.kamilarobertsmakeup.co.uk | https://www.facebook.com/thebeautyspotcotswolds/
Dress | Heart Accomplice | http://www.heartaccomplice.com/
Flowers | Sophie Snow Floral | http://www.sophiesnow.com/
Accessories | The Wedding Fairy and Friends | http://www.theweddingfairyandfriends.co.uk/
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 27, September, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
wedding guest list
The wedding guest list is often cited as being one of the top stresses for couples during wedding planning (whether you plan to invite children or not to your big day).
Who to invite is personal to each couple, as every family has different circumstances and it depends who is ‘hosting’ the wedding (and often who is paying for it). There may be some tough decisions to make with your guest list. Perhaps the reality of your budget means you have to rein in a few of your plans, or other people’s involvement means compromising on who you want to invite, including whether to have children at all/some/none of your wedding.
There’s no right or wrong answer on who to invite to your wedding. Nor is there sadly a magical formula that will work it out for you. Ultimately, you should invite guests that you want to share your special day with.
who to invite
It is said that the enjoyment of most gatherings can be made or broken depending on who is there. People do really make the party! So the all important guest list can dictate what kind of a day you (and your guests) might have.
To avoid confusion from the outset, it is often better to be really specific about who you are inviting, to which parts of the day they are invited to, and whether you are inviting their children (or not) so that they are not left in any doubt.
Take a look at ‘a guide to wedding stationery and how to invite your guests‘ and the first in my Holy Trinity of Wedding Planning series ‘Part 1: who‘ for a broad overview on the importance of wedding guest lists as a whole.
children at weddings
Meanwhile, here is a checklist to consider if you are inviting children to your wedding:
- clear communication – set expectations early on about who is invited and give guests with children an idea of the running order for the day so they can plan naps, meals and their schedule accordingly around your day
- consistency – make sure you say the same thing to everyone and be clear why there may be exceptions
- contribution – get children involved with little tasks like confetti throwing, part of the speeches, ring bearer etc
- crèche – consider childcare or a chaperone in a side room for lots of children
- changing facilities – make sure there’s somewhere for little ones to ‘freshen up’
- crafts, cinema, competitions, cartoons, colouring or just somewhere to run around outside – anything to help keep them entertained (how about a silent disco for them during the meal?)
- catering – have food specifically with children in mind
- chairs – make sure they’re comfortable, suitable for their age and close to their parents
entertaining children at weddings
One of the key things to keeping your wedding guests happy (whatever their age) is to keep them fed, watered and entertained! When it comes to children at weddings they may need a little more entertainment.
With the right planning, involving children in the celebrations can be fantastic fun without compromising on a stylish and stress-free day. Here are some top tips for entertaining children at your wedding, courtesy of Hedgerow Circus, to ensure a stress free day for all generations to enjoy.
1. Think about the flow of the day
Providing toys and games for your youngest guests can make a huge difference to the flow of the reception, as having the children happily entertained has the added bonus that the parents are free to fully enjoy the celebrations too.
2. Keep a space free in your venue for children guests
Every venue is different, but almost all have an area which is suitable to dedicate to some toys and games. This may be anything from an entire room which can become a fully stocked playroom if you have lots of children attending, to a quiet corner of a marquee where a simple white tipi with toys inside could be set up. Allocating a dedicated play area, however large or small, will prevent toys from taking over.
3. Involve children guests in parts of the wedding day
Consider any times that you can involve children in the proceedings, not only as flower girls or page boys but with responsibilities such as handing out programmes, confetti or gifts. If you have any older or more confident children attending, perhaps reading a short poem or announce cutting of the cake. It’s always a good idea to provide some quiet entertainment for the times you don’t want the children to be involved, such as during speeches. A speeches survival kit of puzzles, colouring or Lego usually goes down a treat (for parents too – who can relax and listen to the speeches).
4. Bring the generations together
Enjoy the chance to bring all the generations of your friends and family together in one place, to celebrate this new chapter in your lives together. You will be giving special memories to everyone to look back on.
About Hedgerow Circus
There is no need to compromise on style when including toys and games at your wedding venue; take a look at Hedgerow Circus, a local company based in the Cotswolds who provide a great range of attractive play areas to cater for groups of all sizes, delivered and set up at your wedding or event venue.
@hedgerow_circus
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 13, September, 2018 | news
I’m delighted to have been nominated for Cotswold Blogger of the Year 2018!
Please take a couple of moments to follow this link (scroll down about 3/4 of the way to find the blogger category). I’d really appreciate your vote for Hanami Dream.
https://www.cotswoldsconcierge.co.uk/cotswolds-awards/
We live in such a stunning part of the country, it’s no wonder that every year 21,000+ of couples getting married in England choose to say ‘I do’ in a wedding venue in the Cotswolds.
My Cotswold wedding blog offers tips, tools, trends and traditions to help couples celebrate their special day. Based in Witney Oxfordshire, Hanami Dream avidly supports local wedding suppliers in the surrounding Cotswolds, as well as couples in the midst of wedding planning. Assisting stunning venues and highly talented wedding industry professionals from small, local and independent businesses, providing consultancy, venue styling, wedding fairs and styled shoots.
If you live in the Cotswolds (lucky you) then you’ll no doubt spot a few gems on other parts of the list you can vote for too. My particular favourites to recommend (in their respective categories) are:
Voting in the 2018 Cotswolds Awards begins on the 7th of September 2018 and ends at midnight on the 6th of November 2018.
Many thanks for your support.
by Hanami Dream | 8, September, 2018 | news
If you’re planning your wedding in the Cotswolds then make sure you get a copy of the 2018/19 edition of Cotswold Bride which is now out for the year.
http://www.bridemagazine.co.uk/articles/order-your-copy-of-cotswold-bride-2018-2019
Get your Wedmin in to action!
by Hanami Dream | 6, September, 2018 | blog, trends
The current back to school vibe always makes me feel a little sad and melancholy. It’s the end of the summer and the seasons are beginning to change. It is back to work and back to reality, after a summer of fun. The lyrics of ‘Zorbing’ by Stornoway sum up what this time of year makes me think about
Conkers shining on the ground, The air is cooler. And I feel like I just started Uni.
But the exciting news from Pantone® ahead of New York Fashion Week about the Spring 2019 colours has certainly lifted my mood.
We’ll be seeing red next spring if the latest trend predictions from Pantone® this week are anything to go by.
The colours for next Spring certainly make a huge bold statement. They are rich, vibrant and indulgent yet not over powering. They are like a ray of golden light on a colourful kaleidoscope.
Autumnal evolution
You’d be forgiven in thinking that this is the fall report and not the spring one. There seems to be quite a lot of crossover with the current Fall/Winter 2018/19 colour palette with some rich earthy tones, though by Spring 2019 we will have lost the purples (and the Colour of the Year), neons and silver grey.
It is great to see such earthy colours featuring in Spring 2019 and hardly a pastel shade in there! These are all great transitional colours to take us in and out of seasons.
Confident red
The abundance of red related colours is over whelming and runs in to the oranges, yellows and pinks too. This set of colours are empowering, confident, bold, uplifting, fun, playful, cheerful and joyful. Plus I can’t fail to see the energy, passion and excitement that these colours evoke.
My best friend always advises to wear red to an interview or an important date (even if it’s just your underwear!) so that you feel strong and confident. There will be lots around next Spring to feel like you can rule the world.
Foliage and succulents
That warm feeling is translated in the addition of the deep greens that conjure up a terrarium full of succulents and foliage. Continuing that sense of bringing nature inside.
Spring 2019 colours
The top twelve colours for Spring 2019 are:
- Fiesta PANTONE 17-1564
- Jester Red PANTONE 19-1862
- Turmeric PANTONE 15-1264
- Living Coral PANTONE 16-1546
- Pink Peacock PANTONE 18-2045
- Pepper Stem PANTONE 17-0542
- Aspen Gold PANTONE 13-0850
- Princess Blue PANTONE 19-4150
- Toffee PANTONE 18-1031
- Mango Mojito PANTONE 15-0960
- Terrarium Moss PANTONE 18-0416
- Sweet Lilac PANTONE 14-2808
Spring 2019 extra colours from LFW
Plus a couple of paler substitutes of yellow (instead of Aspen Gold) and pink (instead of Sweet Lilac) from London Fashion Week round off the colours for Spring 2019:
- Lemon Verbena PANTONE 12-0742
- Pressed Rose PANTONE 15-1619
-
Neutral basics
Pantone® have also updated the Classic Colour Palette. These are a group of neutrals that are core basics in the form of a taupe, navy blue, cream and brown.
The bonus classic neutral colours for Spring 2019 are:
- Soybean PANTONE 13-0919
- Eclipse PANTONE 19-3810
- Sweet Corn PANTONE 11-0106
- Brown Granite PANTONE 19-0805
Colour themes
It’ll be great to see how couples incorporate these colours in to their weddings later this year. I can see how the classic neutrals will play a big part in coupling up with some of the more vibrant choices.
Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Color of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
See some of my trend predictions for weddings in 2018 and look out for my report when the 2019 colour of the year is released later in the year.
So sporting my new statement red jeggings I feel not only empowered but raring to go for the new season.
Sign up to receive the latest wedding planning tips, tools, trends and traditions straight to your inbox.
by Hanami Dream | 5, September, 2018 | #UKWedLunch, news
Your help is needed to shape the future of wedding Twitter networking hours – please complete this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8C7CLK6
Last month marked two years since my wedding Twitter networking hour started.
#UKWedLunch was born to cater for couples planning a wedding in their lunch break. It was designed to connect brides and grooms looking for recommendations with UK based wedding professionals networking in their lunch break.
It has around 1700 followers and counting; a different discussion topic (currently on the second and third week of the month); lively interaction; and lots of connections and new contacts have been formed as a result of #UKWedLunch.
Changing focus of wedding Twitter networking hours
However in the quieter networking times (which typically seem to coincide with school holidays and half terms), I question whether twitter networking hours have run their course in today’s busy and ever changing social media platforms.
The purpose of twitter networking hours (topics or conversation typically grouped together by a common hashtag at a regular time/day) has commonly been to find new contacts, discuss topics, gain more followers, share other people’s content, increase sales and primarily have a conversation with others (this is ‘social’ media after all!)
For me, twitter networking hours should be about contributing and participating in a conversation. The old saying ‘you get out what you put in’ is often true in any form of networking and more so when you’re online. After all, if you just tweet and run then how do you know if what you are saying is on message with the week’s current topic?
All networking is a huge time commitment. Nowadays, it seems that the twitter forum is saturated with networking hours and new ones pop up all the time. Within each networking hour, there are also an increasing number of sales tweets rather than quality advice or conversation. Rather than spreading a marketing message wide, it is often better to be selective with the networking you choose so you can be more focused and have a personal approach.
Additionally, the users of these hours is changing to become more about supplier relationships rather than couples searching for answers.
Evolution of wedding Twitter networking hours
So I’m left wondering whether twitter networking hours have had their day, who participates in them and what is the purpose of them now.
I feel that #UKWedLunch is at a crossroads and I’d like it to evolve to the next stage. It was one of the first wedding twitter hours to focus on a separate topic each week with top tips and advice. Now is the time for a new format in twitter networking.
You can help shape the future of wedding twitter networking hours by completing this short survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8C7CLK6
I’m looking forward to how things develop and the next year of networking. Please spread the word so others can join us on Wednesdays 1-2pm on Twitter.
by Hanami Dream | 1, September, 2018 | venues
Merriscourt wedding venue review
Merriscourt is one of my favourite barn wedding venues in the heart of the Cotswolds. A vast expanse of space and possibilities; complete with modern facilities, accommodation and in house catering options.
It is a ‘one stop shop’ of a wedding venue which offers freedom, creativity, transparent pricing, and above all lots of space.
home from home wedding barn venue
There’s a real sense of calm and peacefulness about the surroundings and it feels very homely. You have full reign of the whole place during the event and can also stay over in one of it’s many accommodation options.
ample grounds
The venue is actually 3 interlinking converted barns around a beautiful central courtyard with a picturesque tree, giving a wonderful focal point from each of the surrounding barns.
Facilities
This wedding venue is blessed with high beamed ceilings, Cotswold stone walls adorned with subtle tapestries, and oodles of light.
Much more than just a blank canvas, this converted barn looks like a home from home. It’s your own house party for the weekend.
With space for a ceremony, drinks reception, sit down meal and dance floor without having to turn each space around; it rightly boasts lots of space. Plus there’s no need to relocate for any element of your special day with accommodation on site too.
Service
I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad comment about Merriscourt. Couples have all said how great it is and that everything is clear so there’s no second guessing when wedding planning.
It would seem that Merriscourt can’t do enough for couples and go out of their way to ensure the day couples desire.
Plus from a wedding guest point of view, the staff seamlessly usher you through each aspect of the day from room to room.
Summary
This wedding venue is a real home from home that can be adapted just how you want it with an abundance of space and options. See an inspirational French foodie’s fête wedding at Merriscourt.
WEDDING VENUE FACTS
Type of venue: barn
Find out more: http://merriscourt.com/
Location: Merriscourt, Sarsden, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 6QX
Wedding season: year round
Guests: 150
Marquee option: n/a
Ceremony: Licensed Stone Barn
Venue hire: from £3480
Nearest church: All Saints Church, Church Road, Churchill, Chipping Norton OX7 6NU
Wedding breakfast: packages for canapes, sharing boards and bbqs. Three course meals from £36pp.
Accommodation: luxury accommodation in grounds sleeps total of 26
Wedding fairs: Wedding Fair around March/April time
Other things worth a mention: beautiful Bentley for hire as well
by Hanami Dream | 22, July, 2018 | blog, inspiration
A small wedding for a big day in February 2018 saw this intimate (and impromptu) castle wedding of Sally and Gavin at Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire.
Intimate wedding trend
On average, wedding guest numbers are decreasing and micro weddings are on the rise; with couples wishing to keep things small, personal and more meaningful. Not quite on the extremes of eloping, as the nuptials are far from secret, but a step away from traditions and expectations. Making the day a real lavish experience for everyone and good value for money. It’s like having a dinner party in a private room for your close friends and family.
Colour scheme
This intimate castle wedding (of less than 30 guests) was a luxurious affair with a rich, dark colour scheme of navy blue and emerald green. With lush tactile elements of velvet bridesmaid dresses, satin ribbons and faux fur wraps.
Venue
The couple chose Thornbury Castle for their wedding as the bride loves history and castles, whilst the groom loves fine food and wine. It was also a special venue where they had stayed together before.
Attire
The bride and bridesmaids got ready in the Henry VIII suite with it’s spectacular full length windows. She wore a stunning dress from Pronovias with a huge statement bow and accessorised with a custom-made ivory faux-fur wrap to bare the wintry elements of the day.
Décor
To set the scene, the couple sent out navy invitations with a green satin ribbon (to match the bride’s bouquet) and a crest from the county of the bride’s place of birth. The heraldry was a lovely nod to the décor that guests would see inside the venue. The traditional invites had handwritten names, a personal note and a copy of the menu.
Place settings were individually quilled, glued and sprayed to look like chess pieces, with names written on cards by the bride.
Minimal décor was required in the Tudor Hall and they choose not to add anything to the Lounge or Boyling House as they let the impressive venue do all the talking.
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony took place in the lounge at Thornbury Castle where guests sat on comfortable settees and arm chairs. Photographs then followed around the castle and in the gorgeous grounds.
Their drinks reception took place in the Boyling House where they enjoyed canapés, fizz and a caricaturist and close-up magician for entertainment.
The wedding breakfast took place in the Tudor Hall where all 27 guests sat around one table with an open fire and enjoyed a 5 course dinner service with a break in the middle for a magical parlour show.
Cake
The lavish five tier cake was decorated a sumptuous navy blue colour and adorned with edible pearls. It stood decadently, mirroring its surroundings and the hidden grandeur inside. Each tier revealing different delicious flavours of chocolate with chocolate and cherry ganache, lemon with white chocolate ganache, and a traditional fruit cake.
Despite there being a small number of attending guests, this was a cake to feed many more. The couple had little cake boxes at the ready with coordinating ribbons and napkins for the mother of the bride to give to local friends and family who didn’t attend.
Accommodation
Guests stayed over at the hotel in the exquisite bedrooms and in the morning they enjoyed breakfast together in the Baron’s Sitting Room. Meanwhile the Bride and Groom stayed in the Tower Suite (one room at the top of the tower with around 70 steps to reach it) in the golden four-poster bed.
Venue | Thornbury Castle | www.thornburycastle.co.uk
Photography | Alice Morgan Photography | www.alicemorganphotography.com
Hair and make-up | Katherine Jennings | www.bridalhairstylingandmakeup.co.uk
Cake | Dee’s Cakes | www.dees-cakes.co.uk
Candelabras | supplied by venue
Dress | Miss – Bridal Gowns of Hungerford | www.missbridalgownsofhungerford.com
Flowers | T&J Owen Florist | www.tandjowenflorist.co.uk
Place settings | handmade by bride’s sister
Personalised matchboxes | Etsy
by Hanami Dream | 11, July, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th July 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about keeping calm whilst wedding planning with top tips from Stephanie Varda Bridal Coach #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: Do it together. Discuss things as a couple – talk to your partner about what you both want from your wedding. You don’t have to take responsibility for all the decision making involved in planning your wedding. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: Get help. If friends and family offer help, then accept it. Either delegate some smaller tasks or accept advice where you need it. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: Take breaks. Don’t live and breathe your wedding for the entire time you are planning. Take time out to do something else for a little while. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: Adapt. Things might not go exactly to plan, and plans may change. Don’t get upset about things that you can’t do anything about, and stay flexible and open to change. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: Prioritise. Decide which parts of the day are most important to you and which bits you don’t care so much about. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Think about the whole day and the bigger picture of what you want from your wedding. Don’t get caught up in worrying about the details. #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about keeping calm whilst wedding planning with top tips from Stephanie Varda Bridal Coach taken from ‘Keep calm and carry on wedding planning’ #UKWedLunch
Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
