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 | 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
by Hanami Dream | 20, June, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 20th June 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: insure your wedding just like your other life assets, car and property #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: protect your wedding ceremony and reception in case of cancellation due to illness, fire, flood or adverse weather conditions #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: check for policies that cover bankruptcy or liquidation of suppliers plus cover for wedding cars and transport for breakdowns or accidents #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: think about additional cover for wedding gifts, rings, flowers, wedding cake and attendants gifts #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: check with your venue if you need additional public liability to cover accidental injury or loss of all guests #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: consider bespoke cover for ceremonial sword, marquee, mobile WC, overseas etc #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group taken from ‘Why you should take out wedding insurance’ #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
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
by Hanami Dream | 13, June, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 13th June 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, there’s some #toptips as well. This week’s theme is ‘tips for a minimalist wedding’ #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: Make sure any existing elements of venue or furniture are hidden to ensure nothing will distract the eye #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: Keep decor, florals and styling to a few key pieces and remember that less is more #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: Stick to one colour for maximum impact with white making an amazing statement #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: Ask guests to wear a certain colour to create a theme and the use of minimal colours throughout #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: Create reflection – use metallic decor, silverware or mirrors to bounce natural light around the space #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: Use Perspex tables and chairs with no fussy table cloths or chair cover #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips taken from Hanami Dream blog ‘Top ten tips for a minimalist wedding with the wow factor’ #UKWedLunch
See more inspiration at https://www.pinterest.com/HanamiDream/white-minimalist
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch
by Hanami Dream | 16, May, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 16th May 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about toasts at weddings #UKWedLunch
WHY: traditionally toasts were a way of checking your drink wasn’t poisoned, or the clink was to keep evil spirits at bay. An actual bit of toast was put in drinks to soak up the dregs (with the person being honoured receiving the saturated piece of toast). #UKWedLunch
WHO: The welcome toast is by the host / father of bride = toasts the bride and groom
The groom = toasts the bridesmaid(s)
The best man = final toast to the bride and groom
#UKWedLunch
WHEN: after speeches, toasts bring the formal part of the wedding day to an end, so the informal part can begin #UKWedLunch
WHAT: traditionally toasts are with champagne, sparkling wine, prosecco, or alternatives may include shots, a signature cocktail, sparkling elderflower or have your guests choose their own drink
HOW: arm raised and outstretched with glass in hand and say either: please be upstanding, please raise your glasses, join me in toasting. Followed by a sentence for everyone else to repeat like ‘to the bride and groom’ or ‘to good health’ #UKWedLunch
HOW MUCH: allow 1 bottle for every 8 guests for the champagne toast and only pour half glasses (as most guests will just take sip and go back to their original drink) #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about toasts at weddings. Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
by Hanami Dream | 9, May, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 9th May 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about catering at weddings with top tips from Ross and Ross Food #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: consider food stations – different types of food that your guests can approach & select what they want to create a social aspect to your wedding & allows variety instead of a plated dish #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: use seasonal food – to ensure the produce is fresh and of excellent quality #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: think about a sharing board – great for your guests to connect and socialise #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: establish dietary requirements – construct a menu with your caterer to suit your guests’ needs. Confirm with guests and show them specific ingredient lists from the chef #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: communication is key – let your caterers know enough in advance about any special requirements or changes so they can plan and prepare for different meals #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: trust in your suppliers – you have chosen them for a reason, so relax and leave the work to them #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about catering at weddings with top tips from Ross and Ross Food taken from guest blog post ‘Food, food, glorious food – a guide to catering a wedding reception’ #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
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about toasts at weddings #UKWedLunch
by Hanami Dream | 18, April, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 18th April 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about wedding photographs #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: Keep a traditional photographer – nothing beats professional photographs! Think about the style of photos you want and pick a photographer who has this style in their portfolio whether that be formal, candid or reportage. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: Consider having an engagement shoot so that you can get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer before the big day. Plus it gives you a chance to recce some good photo locations at your venue. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: Share running order of the day with photographer so they don’t miss key moments. Put together a shot list for your obscure requests. Think about shots you’d like to sum up the day (formal, candid and details). And feed your photographer – it’s a long day! #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: Guests – please make sure that you don’t block the photographer on the day. Plus, the couple want to see your faces not your phones when they look back on their photographs. Chose a moment in the ceremony when guests can take their own photos. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: Think about contingency plans – what happens if the photographer can’t do your wedding at the last minute? Do they have a stand in? Check what your insurance covers and ask your venue if they have a designated space for group shots in case it rains. #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: Hold your flowers by your belly button to have a nice shape with your arms. Take group photo of all the guests from up high to see all the faces and fit everyone in. Take phones and keys out of pockets. Get plenty of full length shots of the dress. Smile:) #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about wedding photographs. Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours.
Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking
by Hanami Dream | 11, April, 2018 | #UKWedLunch, traditions
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th April 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, this week there’s a wedding traditions quiz (just for fun!) Tweet your replies (answers at the end of #UKWedLunch)
Here we go… QUESTION 1: What did brides from the east often shave off for their wedding? #UKWedLunch
QUESTION 2: What do Swedish people traditionally do any time the bride and groom leave the table? #UKWedLunch
QUESTION 3: What do German newlyweds have to do in front of their guests? #UKWedLunch
QUESTION 4: An old Scottish wedding tradition is to do what to a bride on the eve of her wedding?#UKWedLunch
QUESTION 5: In English folklore, it is good luck if a bride meets this person on the way to the wedding #UKWedLunch
QUESTION 6: What is placed on top of a wedding cake in Bermuda? #UKWedLunch
Hope you’ve had fun! Here are the answers: A1= eyebrows, A2= kiss, A3= saw a log in half, A4= wash her feet, A5= chimney sweep , A6= cedar sapling #UKWedLunch
Congratulations if you got all the questions correct. See more wedding traditions on Hanami Dream blog https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/category/traditions/ #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
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about wedding photographs #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
by Hanami Dream | 21, March, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 21st March 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about drinks at weddings #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: drink seasonally – if it’s hot you’ll need cool drinks (and possibly extra ice) and vice versa #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: If guests are self serving then they may pour more than a bar tender. However they may drink less depending on time of wedding or on a weekday #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: main alcohols to stock a basic wedding bar include: gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whisky, beer, wine, and champagne #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: roughly you can get 4 servings per bottle of wine and 18 servings per bottle of liquor #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: allow 1 bottle for every 8 guests for the champagne toast and only pour half glasses (as most guests will just take sip and go back to their original drink) #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: Here’s a quick sum to give you a rough number of drinks needed for your wedding = number of guests x 1.5 x number of hours of serving #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about drinks at weddings Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours
Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
by Hanami Dream | 14, March, 2018 | #UKWedLunch
#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 14th March 2018
As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about destination weddings with top tips from Wed in Central Park #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 1: destination weddings don’t have to be a sunny beach location – think city or countryside, at home or abroad for alternatives #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 2: check whether the country requires paperwork, or how long to be in the country before you can marry, and how you’ll deal with a different language #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 3: consider marrying close to home for the legal part and then have ceremony and celebration somewhere else #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 4: think what time of year you would be at destination and who you would bring with you (if anyone!) #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 5: tag a honeymoon on after the wedding, somewhere close to the wedding location to save money #UKWedLunch
TOP TIP 6: throw a big party on your return for wider friends and family – perhaps with the theme of your wedding location #UKWedLunch
This week’s top tips were about destination weddings with top tips from Wed in Central Park taken from guest blog post https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/elope-to-the-big-apple/ #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
As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about drinks at weddings #UKWedLunch
JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT
