With all the talk about LOOKLOOK Booths, we thought we'd take a closer look for you!

Fresh onto the market place LOOKLOOK photobooths are the new must have entertainment for Weddings, graduations, corporate events and parties.   Cosmo Bride said it was THE top trend for Weddings and Christina Aguilera and Ashlee Simpson both had one at their Wedding. Launched in June 2010 by an Edinburgh based photographer and his partner, this innovative company is the first of its kind in Scotland.

LOOKLOOK has taken the classic photobooth and brought it bang up-to-date with digital imaging and professional studio lighting to allow even the most camera shy to unleash their inner superstar.  Guests can enter the booth, up to eight at a time, and take a series of photographs of themselves; which they can view and share online or take away as an instant print. 

Co-owners for the hottest new trend in event entertainment, Edinburgh couple Darran Barton and Frances Spencer are delighted their vision has finally come to life. Frances  said: "Photobooths are really big in the states and there are a few companies that do this sort of thing in London but we are really excited to be the first to offer this service in Scotland."

Darran added: "The lighting in the booth replicates what I use on high-end fashion shoots, so it gives everyone a chance to experience a professional set-up"

LOOKLOOK is a perfect choice for Weddings as it provides hours of entertainment for guests as well as give them a unique memento from the day.  You can also opt for duplicate prints so your guests can take away their photograph and add the second photograph to a guest book where they can write a personalised message. Other add-ons include a coffee table book, message board, props box and even a personalised backdrop.

LOOKLOOK booths are available for hire for Weddings, corporate events, graduations and parties of all types. For more information visit www.looklook.co.uk 

Many thanks to Frances from LOOKLOOK for allowing us to delve into this funky new phenomenon!!

Guest Blog Spot from SuperNova Weddings, proud organisers of The West End Wedding Show, Sunday 24^th October, Oran Mor, 12pm - 5pm www.ScottishWeddingShows.com

Getting married? Then a visit to a Wedding Show is a must do! In just a few hours you'll get to evaluate the Wedding market, see what services are on offer and which of those fit with your budget, pick up decor ideas, see recent trends in bridal fashion, hair, makeup, cakes, stationary, get to touch, try and taste a huge array of Wedding products, speak to the industry experts face to face, gain advice and of course discounted rates.  So with that in mind, here are our top tips for getting the most out of a Wedding Show....

1. Plan Ahead - before you go, gain 3 quotes per category (cakes, flowers, favours etc) that way you'll know if the discounted rates being offered on the day at the Wedding Show are valuable, this also allows you to gain a true picture of what's on offer and of course if your brave enough gives you the knowledge to haggle! Try to target 3 companies producing the same levels of service and product quality, there are options to suit every budget and you want to make sure your getting a like for like quote, not necessarily just the cheapest. This way if your offered an amazing discounted rate on the day you'll be able to book without hesitation, knowing you got the best deal for you!

2. Be An Early Bird - book your tickets in advance and ensure you get the early bird ticket rates and are not paying the more expensive on the door price.  In Glasgow for example, most of the Wedding Shows run in early Spring and Autumn so get your diary out and forward plan!  Visit the smaller Shows as well as the bigger ones, this will give you the best idea of what's available plus you don't want to miss out on the independent retailers who often just do the smaller Shows, offering bespoke, imaginative services that will make your Wedding Day simply magical!

3. Take Note - Take a pen and pick up all the marketing material on offer, you may think you'll remember that lovely lady you spoke to at stand 7 but it's a busy day with lots to take in. So ensure you mark anyone you'd love to work with on their flyer with a star or a comment, that way when you get your goody bag home and work your way through all the promotional leaflets you'll be able to instantly find the people/products/services you can't wait to book for your big day.

4. Be A Chatter box - Speak to everyone, it's so important that your on the same page as the suppliers you book for your Wedding Day and there is no better way to get a feel for someone and or their company than a face to face chat.  Use their industry knowledge to your advantage, ask their expert advice, put your dilemmas to them, flick through their portfolios, don't be scared to ask for a demo cd or dvd, to taste, touch and try their products where applicable. Be honest, if you've booked your photographer already then that's fine, or you have set a budget for a specific category then advise them of this to see if they are able to work to this or what they can offer you for this.

5. Be A Girl Scout & Come Prepared - Oh how we all love a pair of killer heels but today is about doing the groundwork for your Wedding Day so flat comfy shoes it is please, you want to be focused on what's going on around you, not your sore feet! Before you go think about what you want out of the Wedding Show, is this your chance to have all your bridesmaids together to see what's on offer dress wise throughout the whole of Scotland in just a few hours?  Or do you want to get your Wedding chair covers, flowers, décor booked? Choose your favours, shoes and accessories, getting these items ticked off your to do list? Or are you simply there to pick up ideas and inspiration? Take a 'Still to Book' List and work your way through it.

6. Enjoy It and Take Your Time - You want to leave better informed, with a whole host of ideas, inspiration and advice, so whilst your sipping your complimentary bubbly, chat to suppliers, ask questions, discuss options, take pictures on your mobile of the products you love, write comments, prices etc on marketing material! Spend the day there with your mum, your fiancé, your best mates, your sister, ask their opinions, relax and enjoy, every exhibitor is there for you, to make your Wedding Day and the lead up to it perfect, to make YOU happy…. So ladies….enjoy it and we'll hopefully see you there!

Some great tips this week on Choosing your Wedding Venue - Guest Blog Spot Post from Funkeydoos

When it comes to selecting the perfect venue for a Wedding, most people think of the two main options - a church or a registry office. However, in the past decade more and more hotels and venues have been granted licenses to perform Weddings themselves. This has meant that many venues offer packages for your whole Wedding day - from accommodation, to the ceremony, to the evening 'do'. Packages such as this can help to make significant savings.

Below, the team from Funkeydoos have outlined a few tips to help you to choose the perfect venue for your Wedding;

One: Make a list of everything you want your Wedding to involve and then compare this to the packages available. Be sure to consider what you are prepared to be flexible on and what you aren't. For example, if you're prepared to be flexible on dates, some venues offer great deals on winter Weddings.  However, this wouldn't be such a good deal if you have your heart set on being a June bride!

Two: It can be a great idea to pick a venue that has some significance to you as a couple. Perhaps you stayed there on your first anniversary, or maybe one or both of you holidayed there as a child. Either way, picking a venue with some significance will really make the day extra special.

Three: Make sure you go for a tour and don't be afraid to ask questions. It can be a good idea to turn up early for your appointment and have an incognito coffee or lunch in the hotel's restaurant. This will give you a really good idea of what the service and general atmosphere of the place is like.

Three: Consider the costs for your guests. If you'd like your guests to stay over at the hotel venue after your evening ceremony, make sure you negotiate the best rate available.

Four: Choose a venue which will be appropriate for the size of Wedding that you're planning. If you're planning a small intimate Wedding, don't arrange to view a venue that can accommodate over a hundred guests.

Five: It tends to be the little touches that make a Wedding personal and special. Make sure you ask about decorations, and how much scope there is for you to bring in your own - hotels tend to have a list of preferred suppliers.

Six: Finally, make sure that you visit a good selection of Wedding Fayres. These can be a great way to have a look at a few venues and get ideas about how you can make them your own.

Here at Funkeydoos we specialise in helping you to find your perfect venue or event. We have a large selection of Wedding venues and packages, in addition to a whole host of other events and breaks. So whether you're planning a Wedding, a mini break, or a pamper weekend with the girls - do pay us a visit at Funkeydoos.com!

Guest Blog Spot from the fabulous V & A Creative Moments  - a very professional husband and wife Photography and Make-Up Team who will really look after you on your big Wedding Day!

As Wedding photographers, we have a very unique perspective on the day. We see things that others might overlook. Here's a little tip that you might not have thought of...

You've picked the gown of your dreams. Everything down to the very last detail has been meticulously planned and a small fortune spent. You've run through the photo list with your photographer and want to include some lovely images of your dress before you slip it on. PLEASE please please think about what you're going to hang it on!

Nothing ruins a gorgeous image of a Wedding dress hanging up like one of those standard issue white plastic contraptions (double brownie points for a black one).

Add style to your pictures by hanging your dress from something a little more worthy.

It could be as simple as purchasing a plain wooden hanger, natural or white (try John Lewis or IKEA). You could invest in a pretty embellished satin hanger (http://www.uniquecoathangers.co.uk) or even a personalised one (http://www.prettyandpersonalisedgiftboutique.co.uk).

We always give our Brides a little reminder at our final meeting. It might seem very insignificant in the great scheme of things but it's all about the details!

Two of our Brides, Nicola and Jenny, showed a good example:

This week we bring you a Guest Blog Spot from the fantastic Atlantic Soul Showband !! Check out their website to actually hear them play and see for yourself how great they sound!!

It's a great Scottish tradition to finish the evening with a rendition of the Rabbie Burns classic "Auld Lang Syne". It's a song that's known the world over, most notably in other countries sung at the stroke of midnight at new year. However, unfortunately, the wrong words can often be sung ("for the sake of" Auld Lang Syne which is incorrect). Another misnomer is everyone linking hands throughout the whole song - only in the last verse should hands be crossed and linked.

Atlantic Soul are fiercely proud Scots and as such don't just incorporate Auld Lang Syne into our repertoire, but to give the bride and groom at weddings a traditional and exciting send off into married life, play the song whilst incorporating other well known uplifting Scots songs into a fantastic medley to get you all hoochin and choochin at the end of the evening.

Here is the correct Scots wording and it's translation:-

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And surely you'll be your pint-stowp
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

Repeat Chorus

We twa hae ran about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne

Repeat Chorus

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun til dine
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne

Repeat Chorus

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie's a hand o' thine
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught
For auld lang syne!

Repeat Chorus

Meaning of unusual words:

Auld lang syne = Former days and friends
jo = dear
stowp = tankard
gowans = daisies
braid = broad
Guid-willie waught = friendly draught

This week's Guest Blog Spot is written by travel writer and editor Emma Gibbs of The Honeymoon Project

http://thehoneymoonproject.com run by travel writer and editor Emma Gibbs, is your dedicated guide to all things honeymoon - whether you're looking for a two-week beachside trip with nothing more strenuous that ordering another glass of champagne, ideas for getting off the beaten track, or help finding that perfect romantic hideaway. 

Email: emma@thehoneymoonproject.com  Twitter: http://twitter.com/thehoneymoonpro

Today we bring you Part 2 of a 2-Part Guest Blog Spot from Gillian Bell, Director of StarWeds Ltd  on Wedding Gift Etiquette for Guests.

PART 2

Here are the Wedding gift etiquette details for guests:

Scenario 1

Q. I have been invited to my colleague's Wedding but cannot attend. Should I still give them a Wedding present?

A. It would be a lovely gesture to still give the couple a present but the most important thing is to acknowledge the fact that you have been invited to share the couple's special day.  It is good manners to RSVP as quickly as possible to let them know that you cannot attend and you should still send the couple a congratulations card.

Scenario 2

Q. My friends are asking me to give them money as a Wedding gift.  I don't want to do this as I would rather buy them something nice for their home.

A. If a couple has asked for money as a Wedding gift but you do not wish to give them cash and would rather buy them a present, then this is entirely up to you, although it would be good form to include a gift receipt with any present that you do buy for them just in case they already have the item that you have purchased. 

Scenario 3

Q. I have been invited to my friend's Wedding.  How much money should I give as a gift?

A. Most couples nowadays understand that we are still recovering from the credit crunch and that people have different budgets.  The Bride and groom will be aware that you have already spent a lot of money  just to be at their big day, for example, buying a new outfit (complete with shoes, bag and accessories), a trip to the hair salon and/or beautician, travel to and from the venue, possibly accommodation, and so it goes on.   The simple rule of thumb is that you should give as little or as much as you can afford. 

Now that you've read about Wedding gift etiquette from both perspectives, I would like to invite any other questions that you may have. Whether you are a Bride, groom or a Wedding guest - I would love to hear from you.

www.starweds.co.uk - The sophisticated way to ask for money as Wedding Gift.

You've already got all the toasters and towel bales you need. So why not use StarWeds as a hassle-free way to ask your guests for money as Wedding gift?

We provide:
•  A personalised Wedding website where your guests can contribute money:
    - Choice of themes     - Personalised web address       - Online guest book
    - Your own blog          - Directions to your venue          - Countdown timer
    - And much more

• Beautiful customised invitation inserts to tell your guests about your site.

• Your guests can contribute via quick, easy and secure payment methods on your Wedding website.

Email: contact@starweds.co.uk      Twitter: www.twitter.com/starweds       Facebook: www.facebook.com/starweds

Today we bring you Part 1 of a 2-Part Guest Blog Spot from Gillian Bell, Director of StarWeds Ltd  on Wedding Gift Etiquette for Couples and for Guests

PART 1 - Wedding Gift Etiquette for Couples

Almost half (forty-five per cent) of all couples are now asking for money as a Wedding gift according to recent research conducted by Wedding Magazine.

Due to this fast-growing trend, people often contact me asking for advice on Wedding gift etiquette.  I thought it might be useful to list a few commonly asked questions stemming from different scenarios not only from the couples who are getting married but also from the Wedding guests.  

Please see below details of Wedding gift etiquette for couples:

Scenario 1

Q.  Is it okay to ask our Wedding guests for money?

A.  Yes, absolutely.  Don't forget, 45% of couples are now asking for money as a Wedding gift, so there is a good chance that your guests may have already anticipated that this will be your gift of choice.  The most crucial element of asking for money as a Wedding gift is to make sure that your guests know what you plan to spend your money on.  Most people like to know that their money is being put towards something extra special, for example, your honeymoon, some home improvements or even if you are giving a portion away to your favourite charity.

Scenario 2

Q.  Can we ask for money and have a Wedding registry at a department store?

A.  Yes, of course.  If you and your partner would like to receive money as a Wedding gift but also like the idea of registering at your favourite department store, then there is absolutely no problem in doing both.  You can include a note in your invitations asking the guests to choose which option they would prefer.  Alternatively, you could send out your requests for money to guests who are attending the full day and your gift registry cards to your evening guests or vice versa. 

Scenario 3

Q.  We have decided to ask for money as a Wedding gift, should we inform guests who are only invited to the reception?

A.  Some couples choose not to inform their reception guests about what they would like to receive as a Wedding gift.  Although, chances are if someone is coming to your Wedding reception, then they will want to give you something, therefore it would make sense to let them know that money is your preferred Wedding gift. 

Scenario 4

Q.  How and when should we say thank you to all our guests?

A.  Thanking your guests is a very important part of Wedding etiquette.  Some of our clients choose to write their thank you cards before their Wedding (by using StarWeds they already have a list of how much each guest has contributed), whilst others prefer to write their thank you cards after their Wedding or after they return from their honeymoon. You should thank every single person who gave you a gift regardless of whether it is something that you asked for or not.  Even if you do end up with five toasters, two deep-fat fryers and a slightly dodgy ceramic fish ornament from your Great Aunt Edna - it is always important to tell your guests how much your appreciate their gesture.  If you have opted to receive money as a Wedding gift, then it is polite to include in your thank you note what you have spent the money on or what you have put the money towards.  Ideally, your thank you cards should be handwritten and sent no more than 6 weeks after your Wedding.

www.starweds.co.uk - The sophisticated way to ask for money as Wedding Gift.

You've already got all the toasters and towel bales you need. So why not use StarWeds as a hassle-free way to ask your guests for money as Wedding gift?

We provide:
•  A personalised Wedding website where your guests can contribute money:
    - Choice of themes     - Personalised web address       - Online guest book
    - Your own blog          - Directions to your venue          - Countdown timer
    - And much more

• Beautiful customised invitation inserts to tell your guests about your site.

• Your guests can contribute via quick, easy and secure payment methods on your Wedding website.

Email: contact@starweds.co.uk      Twitter: www.twitter.com/starweds       Facebook: www.facebook.com/starweds

PRESS RELEASE - Glasgow is on the Twitter Map

The Glasgow Girls Wedding Guide has put Glasgow firmly on the Twitter Map! Love it or loathe it, Twitter is the buzz word of 2010 and is receiving 30 million unique visitors every month!

A List compiled by The Easy Wedding Search site of  the Top 100 UK Wedding suppliers, professionals and individuals who are tweeting on the social networking site Twitter, ranked @glasgowweddings, number 20 in this weekly updated List. These Wedding suppliers are ranked by influence, not just follower numbers which means they are all actively engaged in conversation across the Twitter Wedding world!

Twitter it is the new communication tool of this generation and has experienced a 1382% year on year growth, exemplifying the claim that using Social Media has even overtaken porn as the No.1 activity on the Worldwide Web!

Using Social Media is not an additional extra to what you do in business but becomes part of how you do business. M.T. O'Donnell, founder of www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com, explains, 'Using  Twitter for business is about generating exposure for the brand, it has reduced our overall marketing expenses as Suppliers and Brides alike can find and engage with us on Social Media platforms and ultimately it has increased traffic to our site and helped maintain our page one Search Engine ranking for Glasgow Weddings. Twitter though, has a very social side to it which is great for networking with others in the Wedding Industry and keeping abreast of developments and trends.'

In a survey from Socialnomics in March 2010, one out of eight couples married in the United States last year met via Social media. This number is growing in the UK and the rest of the world as people get on-line and join in the conversation!

BIO:

@glasgowweddings is the twitter name for www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com - a site dedicated to Ideas, Information and Inspiration to help plan your Glasgow Wedding with ease, with a full List of Glasgow Wedding Suppliers and Venues!

CONTACT:

E-mail: mail@theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com

Web: www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com

Guest Blog Spot from Mirrorbox Photography 

As photographers we attend a lot of Weddings. We love capturing Weddings with style and character and are always on the lookout for small details that make each Wedding unique. It is our job to capture the entire story of the day visually, so feel we have a great insight into what makes a truly imaginative and beautiful Wedding.

Here are just some of our finds from this season's Weddings.

Colour: A few of o ur Brides have opted out of the traditional white dress and gone for something a little more bold.  And we have seen some beautiful coral and nudes shades on bridesmaids.

Vintage Accessories: We have seen a big nod to all things vintage this year and have loved how some Brides have creatively managed to incorporate vintage accessories (something old).

Hollywood Glamour: Taking inspiration from Hollywood actresses of the 1940's and 50's.

Tweed: It's all about the tweed at the moment.  Whether you go for a kilt or a suit tweed is such a versatile fabric, really wearable after the Wedding and if looked after well it should las t a lifetime.

Vintage Cars: Arrive in style on your Wedding Day.  We love photographing couples in vintage cars.

For more inspiration and Wedding ideas visit our blog

There has been a 30% rise in the number of couples hiring choreographers to make sure that they wow their Wedding guests when they perform their first dance according to the BBC. You've all seen the first dance videos on YouTube with Brides and Grooms performing everything from 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Thriller' to 'Baby Got Back'!

T.V. Shows like 'Strictly Come Dancing' with huge viewing figures, have inspired many Wedding couples to learn professionally how to trip the light fantastic for their spotlight Wedding Dance!

Most requested First Dance Song according to First Dance UK is Andy Williams 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You', beating Michael Buble's 'Everything' and Barry Whyte's 'Your The First, The Last, My Everything'.

If you haven't yet thought beyond what your Fist Dance Song will be, then do, all eyes in the room will be on you both as you take centre stage for your First Dance as Husband and Wife!

We've been listed on The 100 Top Wedding Tweeters at Number 31 - how great is that - didn't know we talked so much!! http://www.easyweddingsearch.com/twitter/top100.htm

Guest Blog Spot by Gillian Bell from www.starweds.co.uk

Forty-five per cent of couples would prefer their guests to give them money as a Wedding gift according to a recent poll conducted by Wedding Magazine. 

Couples living together before marriage has become the norm rather than the exception.  Therefore, most people no longer have the need or desire to set up a gift registry with a department store in order to buy household goods.  Newlyweds are most likely to spend their money on a luxury honeymoon,  home improvement or even paying back some of the cost of their Wedding. 

Despite the recession, couples will still spend an average of £14,000 on their Wedding. As a result of the credit crunch, it has become much more acceptable for couples to ask for money as a Wedding gift.  Traditional Wedding gift etiquette suggests that guests should at least cover the cost of their meal when considering how much to spend on a gift.  Recent research shows the average amount a guest will fork out for a Wedding gift is currently £78.67.  

In other countries such as China, Poland, Japan and India giving money as a Wedding gift is traditional and it is looking increasingly likely that the UK are going to follow suit.   

My partner, Chris, and I are the creators of www.starweds.co.uk .  StarWeds provides you with your very own personalised Wedding website to which your friends and family can contribute money as a Wedding gift.  We also provide beautiful, customised invitation inserts so that you can tell your Wedding guests all about your website. Guests can choose from a variety of quick, easy and secure payment methods. It is an exciting and unique service for contemporary couples who don't need any more toasters or towel bales. 

Chris and I came up with the idea in May last year. We attended five Weddings in 2009 and gave money as a gift at each one. We found that there was no safe and/or easy way to do this, so we developed the innovative idea of StarWeds. 

Please visit www.starweds.co.uk , and if you would like to view a sample of the personalised Wedding website, then please visit www.starweds.co.uk/sample .

Guest Blog Spot by Laura Ferguson-Turner from LFT Events

Congratulations lovely Brides-to-be! You must be in your element planning and preparing for your big day. It's an exciting time but it can also be daunting.  There are so many suppliers and people to co-ordinate, no one could blame you for being nervous.

I've been organising events for over ten years, these have ranged from 500+ black tie dinners to golf days and football tournaments. And of course, there's my own Wedding.

So I've made up a list of my top tips to help your day run as smoothly as possible.

1)      Ask friends/family/colleagues for recommendations for suppliers. If someone (whose judgement you trust) has been at a Wedding and enjoyed the band, then it's worth checking out. I know we all feel like we want our Wedding day to be individual but word of mouth and recommendations really are worth their weight in gold.

2)      Always get 2-3 quotes for any Wedding product. If your preferred supplier is more expensive, then it's a valuable bargaining tool to quote other (cheaper) companies. You'd be surprised what discounts you can get if you try.

3)      Go to Wedding Shows/Fayres. Visit the big ones as well as the small ones to get a balanced range of companies.

4)      Overestimate delivery time. If you know you will need your flowers for 12pm, then ask them to be delivered at 11am. Allow time for roadworks and other dramas.

5)      Always overestimate hair and make-up time. This WILL take longer than you think. It's better to be ready an hour early, this way you can have time for a drink and photos, and at least if you run late you have budgeted time for this.

6)       Create a schedule for the actual Wedding Day. Break it down by hour or event. Copy this and pass to the hotel/toastmaster/minister. This way you are all reading off of the same hymn sheet.

7)      Don't be afraid to delegate. Trust your friends and family. Their help will allow you to relax.

8)      Trust the venue staff. These people are so experienced and organise Weddings regularly. Relax and you will be able to enjoy your day better.

9)      Only you (and your Groom) know exactly how the day is supposed to be. If something doesn't go quite right, your guests will be none the wiser. So don't ruin your day by getting upset with any mishaps. And sometimes these mistakes can really add to the event and make it memorable.

10)   If you're on a tight budget, try and ensure you spend your money in the right places. There's cost-cutting and then there's just false economising. For example, it's incredibly popular now to plug in an i-pod instead of having a DJ. But an i-pod can't read the crowd, it can't be trusted not to have technical problems and generally it's just a hassle as everyone wants to change the tracks.  I've been to Weddings where an i-pod has killed the reception.

11)   Although it's vital that you and your hubbie-to-be get the day of your dreams, try and remember that you have guests to think of too. Weddings aren't cheap to organise but equally they aren't cheap to attend - they've got presents, overnight accommodation, outfit, stag/hen nights etc. So consider your guests when you're scheduling the day -ensure there's seating if you're going to have a lengthy drinks reception, don't pick music that's too specialised (I went to one Wedding where the evening reception was hard house, the older guests didn't know what to do with themselves!).

12)   But most of all, have the most amazing time! When people tell you that the day flashes by, they aren't kidding. The memories are what you'll have forever and you'll kick yourself if you've ruined even a second of it by getting annoyed or upset.

I'm organising The Fabulous Wedding Show at the Hilton Grosvenor on Sunday 22^nd August. It's free entry and there'll be loads of gorgeous suppliers, as well as The Fabulous Fashion Show, live performances and the Bollywood Bridal Zone. Come and join us, it'll be fabulous!
www.fabulousweddingshow.com

Guest Blog Spot from Mareike Murray of MM Photography

Dear soon-to-be newlywed (or newlywed!)

Hard to imagine while in the throws of planning, but there will come a day when your Wedding Day has finally arrived. It will be perfect, and you will look stunning, and it will be one of the most momentous days in your life. And it will be over in a flash. So what about your very special Wedding dress? The one you spent ages choosing, and which brought tears to everyone's eyes - your mum's, your groom's, and quite possibly the sales assistant's? Sleeping in a cupboard, never to be worn again.

So, what to do? My advice: Get it out and put it on, one final time - for a Trash the Dress photo shoot!

What is a Trash the Dress photo shoot?
Well, firstly, it's another opportunity for you to don the Dress of your dreams and be a model for the day! Secondly, it's a lot of fun! It involves heading out for another photo shoot after the wedding, to unusual locations (or just somewhere you couldn't go on your Wedding Day), and getting some photos taken without having to worry about getting the dress dirty. The result is a set of unique pictures of you (and hubby).

Talking of my new hubby... can I bring him to the shoot too?
Sure thing! It's lovely to have some unusual photos as a freshly married couple, looking fabulous! He could wear his Wedding attire, or something more casual - like, denims and a T-Shirt. Gives the pictures a bit of a rock star flavour! ;)



But I love my dress and don't want to really trash it... would it be completely ruined afterwards?!
No way! How much you want to trash it (or not trash it) is up to you. If you want to go swimming in your dress or roll about in mud, absolutely go for it! Unless you've chosen a pure silk dress, chances are your dress will be as good as new after some dry cleaning (which you will have to do anyway after your Wedding!). However, if you prefer to play it safe and keep your precious dress pristine, that's no problem at all. You will still get striking, unusual images from the shoot.


Where would I have the Trash the Dress photo shoot?
Up to you! There are loads of possibilities, and you may already have some ideas of your own. Why not go for something completely different to your wedding location - if you got married in the city, have the Trash the Dress on a beach or rural location. Or vice versa! Some ideas....

Seaside / Beach - sandy beaches you can draw your new married name on, rock pools, driftwood, waves, endless horizons...
Countryside - forests, rivers and streams, lochs, romantic ruined castle, picnics
Theme park / Fun fair - fun colourful backgrounds, and you and hubby can feed each other candy floss
City centre - urban landscapes, modern architecture, street art / graffiti, parks, harbours
Favourite places - revisit the place where you met, where you kissed for the first time, where you got engaged...

Anything else I should think about??
Accessorise, baby!! Remember all the accessories / second pair of shoes / hairdo that you couldn't spot on your wedding day? Here's your chance! Also, take along your favourite pair of pink glittery heels, converse, wellies, sunglasses, hat.... you get the picture!


Your chance to win...
Because these photo shoots are so much fun, the weather is getting nicer and the Trash the Dress season has officially kicked off, we are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a free Trash the Dress shoot with MM Photography, worth £200! All you have to do is send an email with one sentence about why you would love to win this prize to trash@theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com and you're in with a chance to win! 

And if you have any other questions about Trash the Dress - get in touch with me at murrayphoto@live.com - I would love to hear from you.

Prize draw terms! The Trash the Dress shoot includes a 2 hour photo shoot in the Central Belt of Scotland, at a location and date agreed between the lucky winner and MM Photography. The winner will also receive a CD with the digital negatives of the shoot.

Good luck! x

We asked a few of our Photographers and Models to give you a few tips on how to look stunning in your Wedding Photographs!

1. Stand Up Straight -  you know the old one about thinking you are being pulled up by a piece of string from the centre of your head? Well do that but relax your shoulders and body!

2. Pull Your Tummy In slightly but don't over-do it, and don't do it if you need to hold your breath whilst doing so! Practice this one in the house first - pull in your deep tummy muscles and then continue breathing and walking around! This is great for toning that tum too!

3. Turn Your Body slightly to the side, away from the camera so you are not square on to it, this will make you look slimmer - always a bonus!

4. To avoid the old Bingo Wings, don't stand with your arms tightly held against your body. Instead, hold them out from your body with your wrists facing forwards - again, one to practice at home first so you avoid the demented chicken look!

5. It is hard to do when you may feel tense in front of the camera but try to avoid clenching your hands into a fist. Hands should be relaxed but with fingers together. As a Bride, you have the perfect hiding place for your hands behind your bouquet!

6. Now this is a hard one but to avoid the Double Chin look, you'll need to concentrate and do a double manoeuvre! Push your tongue up into the roof of your mouth whilst elongating your neck up and out. If not done right tough, you will look demented in the photo shot?

7. Another one to avoid is the rabbit caught in the headlights look by trying too hard to make your Eyes Look Bigger! Try to just relax your eyes and let the make-up which should have opened up your eyes do all the hard work!

8. The biggest oversight of all - remember to smile, you'd be amazed at how many people forget to do this on their Wedding Day!!

Guest Blog Spot from Louise at www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

Not sure what to wear in your hair for your Wedding - then checkout the current trend in headbands. Traditional tiaras are not featuring much in fashion at the moment. Instead the delicious Jenny Packham dresses wore by celebs are causing a frenzy in accessories.

Casey contacted me looking for a headband that would go with her dress and that was inspired by the Jenny Packham style above. The Casey headband was born.

Another style of headband that is being requested is the forehead band. Popular last summer when Denise Van Outen wore one at her secret Wedding. Below is our Shelley headband - as worn by our beautiful bride Shelley who we created the design for.

Floral Leaf headbands which is popular is also shown.

Louise at  www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

Guest Blog Spot by www.flawless-images.co.uk

Healthy glowing skin is the key to a beautiful you and and noticeably radiant skin.  To achieve beautiful skin you need to be prepared to invest a bit of time on a good skincare regime and skincare products. 

• Cleanse your skin morning and night ensuring that the cleanser you use cleanses, softens and cushions the skin.  If your skin is feeling tight or too oily then you are using the wrong type of cleanser (please don't use wipes or baby wipes that contain any alcohol, you wouldn't put vodka straight onto your skin now would you?).  If you find it too much of an effort before bedtime, then do your routine when you get in from work or early evening when you are not so tired!
• Use a toner/tonic that has no alcohol in it (remember the vodka!).  Your skin should feel soothed, calm and refreshed afterwards
• Use a daily serum to nourish and protect your skin from the environment and to help your skin look brighter and more radiant
• Use an under eye cream morning and night, but sparingly, and if you have particularly dark circles and suffer from puffiness, then you may need to use a night time eye treatment
• Moisturise your skin morning and night with a product that suits your skin type.  Again if you have particularly dry skin, then you might consider using a richer night time moisturiser and for oily skin a product that controls oil.  Oily skin stills needs to be hydrated too, so be careful you don't dry your skin out using the wrong product
• Remember the rest of your body needs moisturised also.  A dry oil or baby oil rubbed into the skin while it is still wet will leave your skin feeling soft and silky smooth
• Don't forget to moisturise the cuticles around your nails and your hands. Your hands and nails will be on show when you are showing off your wedding ring
• Exfoliate 1-2 times per week to help slough off dead skin cells that lie on the surface of the skin.  As we get older, it is harder for dead skin cells to come off the skin naturally, therefore, exfoliating the skin is a must, not just our faces, but our whole body.  Remember your lips!!! Try using a soft toothbrush to gently remove flaky skin
• Drink lots of water

Flawless Images can advise you on great products to get the best out of your skincare regime.  It's all part of the service we provide for you and is included in the cost of all our packages.

www.flawless-images.co.uk

The cutting of the Wedding Cake is traditionally a very photographed event and you need to give some thought to making sure your Wedding cake is fit to be photographed!

Nowadays you can have just about every conceivable style, shape and flavour of Wedding cake. Cakes can be tradionally tiered, baked as modern square layers, themed like a church or made as individual cupcakes!

Traditional tiered cakes are best made from fruit, although the upper tiers could be made from sponge. You cannot however, have a tiered cake made entirely from sponge as the weight of the tiers would cause the cake to collapse. You could get around this problem though by using a cake stand where each tier would sit separately but give the illusion of traditional tiers.

Most fruit cakes are made a few months in advance of the Wedding date and then steeped in extra alcohol for a few weeks so do make sure you don't leave your ordering to the last minute! Other flavour options could be a chocolate layer, carrot cake or even a luxurious cheesecake!

Wedding fruitcake is traditionally served in 2.5cm square pieces as it is rich and filling. It is usual to save slices of cake to give to family and friends who could not make your Wedding Day. Remember to ask your Venue or caterers to save some slices for this purpose and make enquiries with whoever is providing your favours as to whether they can provide co-ordinated little cake boxes.

Your guests will want to see and photograph your cake so make sure you position it in a prominent but safe position where it cannot be knocked over as people are passing by.

Finally, try not to rush the actual cutting of the cake as this is not only a wonderful opportunity for photographs, it can be a real fun part of the formal proceedings. The Groom's hand should cover the Bride's and you should both make the first cut together in your first official duty as husband and wife!

Choosing your gorgeous Wedding Dress should be a delight but the array of styles, shapes and materials can often lead you quickly to think of the experience as a nightmare!

Vintage as we know is still a hot trend for 2010 and Vintage style dresses are flattering and elegant! The popularity of Vintage styles has lead to a reinvention of using lace as a popular fabric. Wedding dress designers have used lace in both a decorative and elaborate way. Designs that feature lace often use lace as a layer over the top of a plainer material which means that the dress achieves a very soft, romantic look which is always flattering!

Lace is an elaborate fabric, and while it produces an elegant look, it is important to keep other accessories in keeping with this look. Vintage style haircombs, antique looking earrings or a pearl necklace would all compliment and enhance the look of lace!

What to order when - your quick guide to Wedding Stationery

Guest Blog Spot by www.cardsbysophie.com

Once you've got engaged, all the preparations can seem rather daunting in the excitement. Help is at hand for your wedding stationery. We find that the questions we're most often asked are when to order stationery, and whether it all needs to be ordered at once. Here's our handy guide:

1. First stage: Order Save the Date cards as soon as possible after you have fixed your wedding date: usually at least 9 months to a year before your wedding. These cards are a great idea if your wedding is at a popular holiday time or mid-week - make sure your most important guests aren't busy elsewhere. Don't worry too much about colours at this stage - just choose something you love. You can coordinate later!
2. Second stage: Order Invitations, RSVPs and pocketfolds. We recommend sending out invitations at least 2 months prior to the wedding. You'll also need to allow enough time for your stationer to make the items (we ask for 4-6 weeks). Once you've found a design you like, choose a colour theme. Your stationer should send out a proof showing all of your details in your chosen colours. This way you'll be sure all the details are correct before the order is completed. Consider having Pocketfolds; they contain not only the invitation but an RSVP and information card for details of hotels, directions etc. tucked inside - we love making life simple!
3. Third stage: Order on the day items. You can do this much nearer the wedding.  These items include menus; order of service; place cards; table cards; table plan - anything that will be used on the big day itself! We suggest making on the day items to match your invitations to follow your theme through. We know how long it takes sometimes to finalise things such as details with the vicar, caterer and your final guest list. We usually request wording for order of service and menus around 8 weeks before the wedding and details for table plans, place cards, table cards, etc. 4 weeks prior to the wedding.
4. Fourth stage: Order favour boxes and thank you cards. You can actually order these at the same time as any of the previous steps - many of my clients have purchased these at the same time as the invitations!  Leave the thank you card inserts blank if you want to write your own message, or we have some standard examples that you could try out. Both thank you cards and favour boxes can match the rest of your stationery too.
5. It easy to order in several stages, meaning minimal fuss and the chance to evenly spread payments before your wedding! If you prefer to order everything at once, your stationer may provide the items in stages: we prepare your order in two batches - the first batch includes the invitations and RSVPs, the second includes all of the 'on the day' items. Of course, we give you plenty of reminders as to when we need your information!

Having set out our suggested timescales, we realise that it's not always possible to stick to them. Don't worry - we can often help out if you've got a tight timescale. Just ask us for advice, we love to help! Please visit our website www.cardsbysophie.com

Guest Blog Spot by Kirsty from www.yourweddingconsultant.net 

Always a difficult decision to choose a menu which everyone will like. In the end it is best to go with what you and your partner wish for. A good idea is to ask for a menu tasting with your venue so you can try a selection of dishes, and if there is something you are unsure about, head chef will be able to create a menu just for you. Remember to always ask guests to include any special dietary requirements with their RSVP so your banqueting chef has plenty of time to prepare a meal suitable.

A different twist to your menu could be a "his and hers" themed, where every female and male have something different but they can swap between themselves if they are unsure - a great idea to "break the ice" between guests that are unfamiliar on the table.  This will also suit your venue very well as they will have exact numbers to cater for.

Another idea is to have a pre-order which some venues already have in place. On your big day, your guests chosen menu will be at their place setting, meaning they have already picked their favourite meal from your choices - no complaints! More traditional is for a set menu and each guest has exactly the same 3 or 4 courses for your wedding meal.

If you have decided to choose a set menu - perhaps think about what dishes everyone likes - don't go for something which is only for "required" tastes. Dishes such as chicken, beef, lamb are always safe options. When it comes to cooking the lamb/beef - medium is the favoured option - just a tad over for people who like theirs rare, and slightly under for those who like well done!

Remember after dessert has finished, tea coffee and biscuits will be available to guests, so it is a good idea to have your wedding cake served with your buffet, meaning this won't go to waste, and also gives your guests something else to look forward to!

Kirsty

www.yourweddingconsultant.net

If you are looking for some gorgeous Spring Flowers to compliment a Spring Wedding then think about:

• Hyacinth in shades of violet, blue or white with its spikes of tubular flowers
• Sweet Pea is a pretty, frilled flower on along display stem in pinks, creams or soft mauve
• Muscari in shades of blue, violet and white can add a burst of colour on tiny, tubular flowers on spikes
• Lilac in a gentle mauve or white which shows a tiny, star-shaped flower on a long stem

These could all be used in your Ceremony or Reception arrangements. Be sure to discuss seasonal flowers in advance with your florist to ensure the freshest blooms on your Wedding Day!

Guest Blog Spot by SuperNova Events & Weddings

Congratulations your special day is on its way!  So much to do and plan and perhaps you don't know where to begin.  These days Wedding planning can be as small scale or as full on as you'd like and the cost of hiring a professional Wedding planner to guide you through may not be as costly as you'd expect.

The initial planning stages can take some thought.  Your budget, venue, catering, guest list and décor ideas are all such important parts to the day, but where do you begin?

A Wedding planner can help with all of these aspects, with a trusted supplier list and extensive experience of local or unique and amazing venues making it easy for you to source reliability and quality when it comes to flowers, décor and catering for your reception.  A Wedding planner knows exactly where to find that grand castle or country house, or that special location perfect for smaller parties.

Using a Wedding planner with an in-house décor kit such as SuperNova, means you get all your flowers, chair covers, linen & table décor from one place, saving you time and money researching and always at cheaper rates.

A Wedding planner will undertake as much or as little as you'd like from the very first planning stages right through to your honeymoon, or can simply source you a Wedding venue, caterers, florists, décor, photographers, entertainment, stationary, cars, transport and accommodation for your guests, it's entirely up to you.  Understanding how important this special day is for you and your family and how it must reflect your personalities as you embark on this exciting adventure together, a Wedding planner will help you create your perfect day. 

Hiring a qualified planner will in turn save you time, stress and money, utilising an extensive contact list of recommended Wedding suppliers, bringing you the best quality services at an affordable price.

SuperNova Events & Weddings have set décor packages to suit your budget to bring you all your Wedding requirements and constantly run special offers.  There are some tremendous deals to be had.

Good luck with the planning; we wish you a happy Wedding day with fond memories that will last a lifetime.

SuperNova Events & Weddings

http://www.supernovaevents.co.uk

Guest Blog Spot from Gemma Scott at www.scotweb.co.uk

Being a kilts and tartan shop, we receive lots of calls from Brides- and Grooms-to-be with a myriad of different Wedding-related questions.  From the easy: "Can you get me tartan ribbon?" to the more complex: "Which tartan is for me?" the questions are wide-ranging.

However, one of the most common questions we get asked is the difference between each kilt outfit.  And it's no wonder: if you don't know your 5-yard casual from your 8-yard traditional, your Prince Charlie from your Argyll, or your Dress Sporran from your Day Sporran, the kilt-buying (and wearing) process can seem more than a little bit daunting.  With this in mind, we've put together a short guide to help you decipher each outfit.

The Kilt
The focal point of the outfit, it's best to start with sorting out the kilt.  No matter if you're looking for tartan, tweed, denim, leather or any of the other types available, you'll find that kilts fit into two main camps - 5-yard, or 8-yard.

8-Yard, or traditional, kilts are what you'd expect to see at a Wedding.  Made with (as the name suggests) 8 yards of material, this type of kilt is the traditional choice and is the type of kilt that should be worn for formal occasions.  The amount of material used mean the pleats will be deep and will have an impressive swing, exactly the kind of look you'll want to achieve for your Wedding.  They might also be accessorised by a fly plaid (material worn pinned to one shoulder), which will look even more impressive.

5-yard kilts, on the other hand are the more casual choice as less material means shallower pleats and a less fancy swing.  These kilts are best worn for casual occasions such as sporting events, so unless you're heading straight to Hampden after the ceremony, your Groom will probably want to opt for the 8-yard version.

The  Jacket
Here we come into yet more difficulties, as working out the difference between each of the jackets can be an issue in itself.   Whilst kilt wearing is as much about personal style as it is about convention, and the rise of kilt-hire has somewhat blurred the boundaries, there are nevertheless certain conventions that are more or less adhered to.

Prince Charlie jackets are the most formal, and are really the Scottish equivalent of a tuxedo or morning suit.  A Prince Charlie jacket will normally be made of Barathea (usually at least 13oz) and will be worn together with a matching vest.  It looks best with a wing collar white shirt and a black bow tie.  The Groom would normally wear this type of jacket, as would the Father of the Bride and other members of the Wedding party. Although never, ever with a fly plaid - they can't upstage the Groom!

Your guests may also choose wear Prince Charlie jackets but equally they might opt for one of the less formal evening outfits, such as an Argyll or Braemar outfit.  These feature much the same type of jacket but each has a different style of cuff.

For day events, a casual daywear outfit would normally be chosen - often a Tweed Argyll jacket or a Crail jacket.  However, this sort of 'country gentleman' look can also be worn for more formal occasions if desired, for example Prince Charles is a great fan of this look. No wonder it can get confusing.


The Sporran
And finally we have to consider the sporran, which also comes in three styles - dress, semi-dress and day.

The dress sporran is the most formal and should only be worn with a Prince Charlie Outfit.  These have a metal cantle (available in any number of different designs) and a fur front - sealskin is the most traditional (although a recent ban on sealskin means that production will soon cease) but are also available in everything from bovine or equine hide, to fox, rabbit or beaver.

Semi-dress sporrans are more suitable for casual events, perhaps worn with an Argyll or Braemar Jacket.  These have a leather pouch and flap with a fur front, and you'll find lots of designs available too.

Finally, casual kilt outfits should be accessorised with a plainer day sporran.  These are made entirely from leather.  Again, there are lots of different styles available.

But no matter which type of kilt, jacket, or sporran you choose, remember that it has to be comfortable and something that your Groom will enjoy wearing.

And, if you have any more kilt-related questions that you need answered before your big day, we'd be delighted to help!

Gemma Scott
http://www.scotweb.co.uk

Guest Blog Spot by Alison Tinlin of Plans and Presents Wedding Planning

Inspired a little by Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Ball and the black Wedding dress trend and the possible black and white theme at a certain Mr Cowell's nuptuals, I bring a few suggestions for a black and white ball theme. This theme can be brought together quite easily and this classic choice can make a striking and sophisticated statement.

Invitations in your signature colour with perhaps a monogram or a simple design would give your guests an elegant preview of your day. And for on the day, these designs could be brought through in the Order of Service, menus, table plans and placecards.

Dressing your reception venue will be simple using classic white tablecloths with black napkins,black tablerunners or the use of black dishes. This could be done with a black base and white accessories too. If using chair covers, a white base with a black sash would be lovely, as it would in the reverse order. For a bit of sparkle and bling, you could use table confetti or table diamonds.

For centrepieces, striking white blooms such as white roses, tulips or orchids in black vases would look beautiful or a martini glass filled with black and white marbles or beads would look really special. As would a simple hurricane case with a large white church candle with marbles or beads. You could also have a fish bowl arrangement with black and white floating candles or flowers.

For favours, you could have monogrammed boxes in either black or white with mints or chocolates. Or you could have little black organza bags with the classic bombonniere. The colour combination is so simple that you could choose practically anything that you wish for gifting to your guests.

For wedding attire, the groom will look very dapper in a black tuxedo or suit or even , the extremely fashionable Black Kilt. Bridesmaids will look gorgeous in stunning black gowns, or if the Bride is looking for something a little bit different , she could wear the black wedding dress, and the bridesmaids would look equally stunning in white.

You can have a lot of fun with your cake too, this colours scheme gives you lots of scope. Cupcakes are kind of cool and retro and look amazing in a black/white configuration, but similarly a white cake , surrounded in black ribbon, or a damask patterned cake will look very stylish.

Sometimes a small injection of colour will give this Wedding theme an interesting lift, but it is just as elegant on its own!

Renfrewshire Wedding Fayre
Renfrewshire's Wedding Fayre will take place in The Glynhill Hotel, Paisley on this Sunday, 7th March 2010 from 11am to 5pm.

With FREE entry to all Brides and Grooms, this promises to be a fantastic showcase of the best Wedding Suppliers, demonstrations, expert talks and special offers in and around the Glasgow area!

There will be a FREE Wedding Clinic with talks every half hour on everything from choosing the right Wedding Dress for your shape to Kilts for the boys! We'll be giving a talk on Wedding Budgeting at 11.30am so do stop by early and get some FREE advice! We'll be on hand all day to discuss any aspect of your Wedding for which you are looking for Inspiration, Information or Ideas!!

For more information, click on to www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/fairs where you wil also find a range of exquisite headbands, fascinators and tiaras for your big Wedding Day!!

For a leading bridal magazine, I am working on a feature about copycat brides and looking for anecdotes (anonymity can be guaranteed!) from brides/grooms who have had to deal with things like another friend announcing she's marrying the same week as you, or in the same venue with the same band and decor, or buying the same dress, or having the exact same readings or first dance or ring, or copying your invites etc - so not just friendly borrowing of a nice idea but getting a bit OTT with the copycat behaviour!

Especially if you had similar guest lists or she ended up having her wedding first and then you fear looking like you copied her!

Or maybe you borrowed from a friend's wedding but stole in style and added your own twists to keep things unique?

I'd be hugely grateful if you could email me at Olivia@oliviagordon.com asap before Monday 1 March if you can comment on any of the above!

Please quote The Glasgow Girls Wedding Guide when responding to this request!

Just to let you know girls, over the coming weeks we will be exibiting at:

The West End Wedding Show in Oran Mor on 28th February

The Renfrewshire Wedding Fair in The Glynhill Hotel on 7th March

The Holiday Inn in East Kilbride on 21st March

and The Merchant City Wedding Show on 28th March

Please stop by and say hello if you are attending any one of these Fayres and don't foget to keep a check on our Wedding Fayres page to keep you up to date with all the best Wedding Fayres in and around Glasgow!!

Smokey eyes are back again!! Always sexy and sophisticated they are the ultimate Wedding accessory!!

 Courtesy of Dan Stubbs @ www.iamstaggered.com (05/01/'10)

Renrewshire's First Wedding Fayre in The Glynhill Hotel will take place on Sunday 7th March 2010 with free entry for all Brides and Grooms. There will be exhibitors, demonstrations and talks from Industry experts as well as a Photography competition and giveaways!! Get the date in your Diary!!!!!

So just why is Glasgow a Pure, Dead, Brilliant place in which to get married? Read our Full Article at: http://www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com/page48.htm

You may think that using a Wedding Planner to do all the sourcing, booking and confirming of arrangements is just a luxury you cannot afford within a tight Wedding Budget! Think again - a good Wedding Planner will actually save you money in the long run as they work with a dedicated team of Suppliers who offer them discounts! Your Wedding Planner will also keep you within budget which a stress you then do not have to worry about!

Your Wedding Planner is also best placed to turn the vision you have in your head of your Dream Wedding into reality as they are professionals who know how to source every aspect of that Dream for you - and put it all together!!

Do a little research into Wedding Planners and you may be surprised at how affordable they actually are! Choose carefully though as you will be entrusting the planning of your Wedding Day into their hands, so make sure you use someone with whom you both click and with whom you feel comfortable. You need to trust you Wedding Planner's judgement and be able to be honest with them!

Happy Wedding Planning!!!

The Glasgow Girls Wedding Guide has just written an editorial feature for 'My G76' on 'Wedding Budgeting'. If you live in that Glasgow postcode area, a copy should pop through your door; if not, you can check out the article in our 'Wedding Advice' section.

Only one day to go until The West End Wedding Show in Oran Mor!! It promises to be a really exciting Show as the Venue itself is wonderful and the list of Exibitors is fabulous! Entry is £6 and you can pay on the door. If you're going along, do stop by and say hello as The Glasgow Girls Wedding Guide will be there to help you with ideas, information and inspiration!

For Wedding guests or Mothers of the Brides, colour blocking has been hot in all fashion areas in 2009 - bright colours like Hot Pink and Orange, or Teal and Purple all clashing together. Invest in purple now and it will last to winter 2010.

For 2010 the colours are predicted to be cooler, with Autumn/Winter 2010/11 key colours being Purple, Lime and Sea Green. Colour combinations will be Mauve, Lime and Black with the introduction of Brown and Forrest Green.

It is obviously essential to plan for and to manage your Wedding budget. Why not consider starting a Wedding account right from the get go! Both of you can pay in a monthly sum straight from your wages by direct debit and you can then use this account to pay for your Wedding bookings as you make them. This way you can keep track easily of all outgoings but more importantly, you will both be contributing a monthly sum to an account which will save towards your Wedding even on the months where there are no outgoings!

Be very selective when choosing your photographer as you need to choose someone with whom you both click! Your photographer will be capturing some of the most intimate moments of your Wedding Day and you need to feel comfortable with him or her around.

Many photographers offer an option to meet you both before the Wedding Day to capture a few informal shots. This gives you all a chance to work together and develop a bit of rapport.

Your actual Wedding Day will pass by so quickly that you need to be able to rely on the professional services of your photographer to capture and preserve those special memories for you to look at time and time again. Make sure you have a thorough look at a photographer's portfolio of Wedding work before deciding to book them. Browsing through some Photographers' websites  will give you an idea of their best and often, most creative shots!

Do also remember that most professional, experienced photographers can be a whizz with a camera and the right software and can provide you with a mix of traditional portrait and candid reportage shots.

For those of you keen to reduce your carbon footprint, think about spending your Honeymoon in Scotland! Scotland has an abundance of fine places from which to choose: from cottages to castles, from harbours to hotels, from spas to seasides!

Our major cities offer lots of entertainment in theatres, clubs, restaurants and museums; our remote countryside offers walking, climbing, sailing and exploring. For the adventerous, there is everything from quad-biking to canoeing, from gorge walking to snow-boarding!

So don't forget about our beautiful country when you are considering how you spend a well-earned break together after all the hustle and bustle of your Wedding planning!

Don't forget to get your tickets for The West End Wedding Show on Sunday 25th October in Oran Mor. See our Homepage for more details of what this fabulous Show will involve! There will be the best of Exibitors in the Wedding market, delectable prizes on offer, music from a variety of talented and experienced Wedding musicians and of course, www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguidecom will be on hand to offer you all the guidance you may need!

Nothing sums up a Wedding like a   traditional Wedding three-tiered, fruit cake, unless you have the individuality to think outside the traditional Cake Tin! Nowadays, as you can imagine, anything goes!

The hot trend of the year is square cakes - a very, modern twist on the three-tiered approach! Or you could dispense with the solid tiers altogether and have an array of stacked cupcakes looking temptingly at your guests! Why not try square cupcakes to really stay ahead of the trend!

Alternatively,   you could go for a Cake which will truly be enjoyed, like a mouth-watering cheesecake! This has the added benefit of doubling up as a desert so saving money on catering. Cheesecakes can also be created in an abundance of flavours like lemon drizzle, strawberry surprise, chocolate heaven...so you could really tickle the taste buds of your Wedding guests! Check out www.realcheesecakes.co.uk for some inspirational ideas and flavours!

Many couples now go for a non-traditional Wedding Gift List and one ideas is to register with a company for your Honeymoon! This means that your guests can then contribute towards the cost of your Honeymoon by paying for a meal, a helicopter ride, a show or something similar! Your guests get to feel like you've really enjoyed your Wedding present and you both get to have a great Honeymoon!!

A nice thank you would then be to take a picture of you both on Honeymoon engaged in a paid-for activity and send it out with your Thank-You cards!

Most couples choose to give the tables for their guests names instead of table numbers - this is mainly to do with guests feeling equally important: they don't wonder why they are on table 19 and not number 3! Table names are also a great ice-breaker as guests try to figure out why you have named the table as you have, and it gives them a sense of a collective identity, especially important if guests don't all know each other!

The possibilities for naming your tables are endless but they should mean something to you as a couple, say something about you, or give your guests a laugh:

• places you've visited
• famous sports stars, comedians, movie stars, pop stars or groups
• names of songs, maybe from your favourite singer or group
• yoga possitions if you're into yoga
• models of cars or planes if you are a racing or flying enthusiast
• names of animals: different names of dogs if you are dog lovers
• names of your favourite cocktails
• dish names of your favourite type of food e.g. korma, carbonara, chicken fried rice
• names of pubs and clubs you have frequented over the years
• names of deceased but much loved, family members
• colours
• city or country names
• years and what happened in this year e.g. 1974 - Brian was born
• names of childhod books e.g. The Secret seven, The Famous Five, Lassie
• names of children's programmes
• names of superheroes
• names of characters from T.V soaps or programmes e.g. The Peggy Mitchell table, The Ken Barlow table
  

Remember this should be a fun part of the Wedding Planning, so let your imaginations run away with you and inject some of your personalities into namimg the tables for your guests!

With the general tightening of budgets in the current climate, why not save some money and make your own unique and personal Wedding Invitations? If you have access to a PC and a printer, you're good to go with any design you choose:

• use clip art from your Word or Microsoft Application, there's also lots of free clip art available on-line
• most Office packages will give you an option for designing invitations
• draw something yourself and scan it in for a really personal touch
• to be really simple, just use your initials, try combining them using a drawing package for a truly romantic touch
• use a photo of the two of you, perhaps one from your Engagement or a really romantic or fun one - experiment with making the image black and white
• use a quotation you both love, written in a scrolling font for the front of the card
• buy some good quality card to print out on
• add some ribbons to the invitation in your themed colours if you want, or use some glue-on diamontes
• who says invitations have to be folded over - go for a scroll or big style business card to be a little different

If all else fails, go and use the photo machine at Boots or Klick, where you can upload a photo, choose from existing design templates and enter your Wedding details.

Ask guests to RSVP by e-mail thus saving on putting in RSVP cards and envelopes!

For a fun, finishing touch - although it is a little more expensive than ordinary postage - get stamps made with your pictures on them, otherwise known as 'smilers'! Log onto www.royalmail.com and choose the banner 'personalise your stamps', all you have to do is upload a photo of you, choose a stamp design - they can be rectangular or circular for something a bit different - and order! It costs around £7.42 for 10 stamps, £13.50 for 20 first class!

Why not follow a few tips to reduce your carbon footprint at your special Wedding Celebration and go green...

• minimise the car miles needed by your Wedding suppliers and source local Wedding services
• send out your Wedding Invitations on recycled paper
• ask your guests to RSVP by e-mail or text, saving extra paper, envelopes and postage
• use a Gift Service which will hold all your gifts and deliver them in one go
• consider using a venue for your Ceremony and then Reception which are within walking distance e.g. a Church and Church Hall, a Registry Office and Civic Hall

As well as adding feathers to a Winter Wedding ensemble, think of other rich textures too, like soft velvet or a hint of fur to add elegance to your seasonal Wedding.

Colors play a very important role in a Winter Wedding too: steer clear of bright or pastel colors that are 'summery. Opt instead for warm tones like winter wine, deep purple, earthy terracotta, forest green, rich ruby, and deep navy! Winter Weddings provide the perfect opportunity to have an 'elegant' wedding with such rich colors tones.

Tying in accessories is just as important as texture and color if you've selected 'Winter' as your Wedding theme. Centerpieces can come in the form of frosted glass bowls filled with cinnamon scented pine-cones sprayed to your chosen colour tone; glittery snow-flakes can be hung from the ceiling to complement or reflect your rich colour palette; holly-branches with coloured berries can also add a lavish touch to your decorations if your Wedding is to around Christmas time and tinsel will brighten any centrepiece if used tastefully. Instead of 'summery' plants, think deep red tones of poinsettias, roses, lilies with colour matching ribbons to adorn Wedding Ceremonies, Reception Venues or as part of Bridal bouquets.

Carry the Winter theme through to your Wedding favors for guests too and think scented candles, spiced teas, Christmas ornaments with the Wedding date imprinted upon them, personalized snow globes with a photograph inside, luxury Christmas crackers or favours individually wrapped like tiny Christmas presents. If you choose to donate a gift to a Charity on behalf of your guests, instead of giving a traditional favour as becoming increasingly common, then theme it to the season also, perhaps by donating to Radio Clyde's 'Cash for Kids' which has its annual appeal around December, in time to give to children in the West of Scotland for Christmas!

Top Tip for a Winter Wedding: add feathers!! Whether it's in your headdress, your floral bouquet, in the floral arrangements at the ceremony or the reception, nothing says Winter elegance like some well chosen and well used feathers! You could even use a feather or two on your invitations to whet the appetite of your guests. But don't overdo it - like all things tasteful, less is more!