The Proposal

What do you need for the perfect proposal?

A plan

Every great proposal has the element of surprise and romance.   Firstly, you need to be sure it's the right thing to do.  You then need to decide on the location and the ring.  Simple right!  Don't be fulled that it's as simple as we see on the movies, it takes some planning and organisation to ensure it goes smoothly.

Set the Location

Location is often over thought, our advice would be to choose a quite intimate spot where you can have some privacy (unless you are oozing with confidence).  Here are some suggestions in Renfrewshire.....

Dinner at Mar Hall



Lunch at Finlaystone Park



Hire a boat at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park



Choose the Ring

An engagement ring is a symbol of commitment and the promise of marriage.  Normally only worn by women, however, many men (including mine) also choose to wear the symbol. 

Choosing the perfect ring is a very personal thing and there is no right or wrong way of doing it.  Some choose to have it purchased before the proposal, whilst some enjoy choosing it together.  My advice to the proposer is ensure you know your future spouses taste well as they will have to wear the ring for a very long time!

Here's some stunning examples to suit every budget.



McKay Jewellers



  



 

















  

Argos



H Samuel



Make sure it's the right choice

The golden rule is not to feel pressured!  You have to feel you and your partner are comfortable and ready to take the next step.  Marriage should be for life so it is not a decision to be taken hastily.

Keep Calm (the proposer!)

Special thanks to

McKay Jewellers, Moss Street, Paisley

Fruit Cake or Sponge Cake?

by i-craft

So many brides these day's are opting for cake creations sculpted from sponge and decorated in all sorts of shapes and sizes from chocolate towers to cupcakes and even cheeseboards.

Putting the more adventurous creations aside, the happy couple are often left with the basic choice of what the tiers of cake should consist of Sponge (various flavours) or Fruit.  The initial choice and reaction by most couples is full sponge stating "I really don't like sponge", however, you are not eating the whole cake by yourself so my suggestion would be to carefully consider the type of guest you are inviting.

I attended two weddings last month both with a similar mix of guest from early 20's to elderly relatives.  1 wedding opted for a 1 tier fruit and 2 tiers sponge (Wedding A) and the other 3 tiers sponge (Wedding B).  At both the wedding the cakes were delicious, however, I did spot 1 glaring difference.  There was loads of sponge left at the end of Wedding B, but hardly any cake left at Wedding A!

Being the sad individual I am (and the fact I was the sober driver!!) I asked a several of people did they enjoy the cake?  and the general consensus from the elder generation of Wedding B was they would like to have seen a fruit cake as they don't get it very often nowadays and it's a real treat so maybe that's could have been why they had to put so much in the bin.

Also it is worth bearing in mind that Fruit Cake keeps much longer than sponge so you could potentially get the bridal party to dish out the left overs for some special guests to take home.

I appreciate that this is only a small section of market research but I worry we are forgetting what's important at our weddings is not only to organise an event to be proud of but to treat those who are nearest and dearest to us.

For more information on cakes or to discuss alternatives please look at i-craft's website or send an e-mail

Follow i-craft on

Facebook orTwitter

Winter Weddings

Taking some inspiration from the elements outside we have put together a mood board for inspiration if you are planning a winter wedding in 2011.

Remember, to get in touch and let us know your thoughts...

Wedding Favours

The tradition of Wedding favours has been around for centuries. The Italians are said to have started with giving the gift of sugared almonds. They were given to guests as a symbol of good luck and appreciation for their attendance. Traditionally each guest was gifted 5 Almonds and they are said to represent Health, Wealth, Happiness, Fertility and Longevity. In addition the number Five was used as it's an odd number and cannot be split, hopefully, like the married couple.

Nowaday's bridal couples often get worried of confused about what they should give and to whom. 

Tradition of old was to give favours to a selected few special female guests, it was considered an honour if you received one, however, nowaday's we have gravitated away and it is now acceptable to give to male and female guests.  The question of day only or evening guests too often arises in many of the bridal forums but really it is the choice of the happy couple on what they would like to do. 

As it's St. Andrew's day we thought we would give a few Scottish suggestions to set you on your way to choosing what is right for you.



Decorated Favour Box



Tablet





Shortbread Hearts




Whisky Minatures

www.justaglass.co.uk



Scottish Pin Badge



Embroidered Pouch



Remember to get in touch or sign up to the mailing list for exclusive tips and offers.
www.renfrewshirewedding.co.uk

Paisley Wedding Fayre

Here's a date for your diary....    Sunday 6th March 2011

The Paisley and Renfrewshire Wedding Show in Paisley Town Hall

Sunday 6th March 12 noon - 4 pm

With 30 local wedding suppliers, a live fashion show and live wedding entertainment we

can help you to organise your dream day!

To get in free email the event name, your name and how many tickets you need to

tickets@scotteventmanagement.co.uk

You can also arrive on the day!

www.scottisheventmanagement.co.uk

Divine Party Knights

Renfrewshire Wedding Directory is delighted to showcase Lyndsay McKnight of Divine Party Knights

Divine Party Knights
Balloon Specialists based in Linwood

"I started my own business doing balloon decorations after working for a card company that does them.  I wanted to provide my customer's with something more than what they offered.  I wanted to make that persons day easier by providing delivery of their decorations and setting them up on-site.

I love seeing a room transformed when our balloon decorations are finished, they really make a difference and just add that extra special touch to a party.  It's great hearing positive feedback from my customer's when they see them.

We do a variety of different balloon decorations but our favourites are balloon arches, single cloud nines and three linked cloud nines.  These decorations look fantastic at wedding venues.  Arches look great over entrances or cake tables and linked cloud nines look beautiful behind top tables."

 

Contact Divine Party Knights for more information on how they can make your 'knight' extra special.

http://www.divinepartyknights.com/

Karl Double Photography

Renfrewshire Wedding Directory is delighted to give our first interview Karl Double Photography.

 How long have you been photographing weddings for and how did you get into it?

I have been capture weddings for the last nearly 4years .. I always had a passion for photography but the main step once when I first moved up to Scotland with my new wife Claire (who was coming back) I managed to get in with Norma Ann Photography who taught me the grass roots and gave me the confidence to open my own business; I’ve not looked back and love every moment of it .. (Really don’t miss the 9-5 behind a desk)

Tell us about the packages you offer.

I have a range of packages that I think suits all; however I’m also open to creating a package to meet people’s expectations.

What is your style?

My style has changed since I started my own business, I loved to capture moments I believe in a modern photography with a natural approach.. yet dramatic storytelling at it's best, capturing every detail and emotion as it unfolds. Style and beauty and strive for in my photography, producing modern, creative imagery and luxury bespoke albums.

What do you particularly like about photographing weddings?

I loved getting involved helping create peoples biggest day; everyone is up for a party what a good job... ;O)

What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer?

Don’t be afraid to ask to see recent work; do some research and compare; ask if the photographer has insurance for that peace of mind; meet –up with the photographer that you like; I believe its important to make a bond so that you know on the day how the photographer will present themselves on you big day.

What particular themes or special touches have you seen at weddings you liked?

Rather than having or as well as having wedding favours I offer a port-trait set-up so when the family and friends come out of the meal they are able to get some fun shots..

Oh and I saw at one wedding Irn bru fudge.. wow ;O)

What’s the nicest Renfrewshire Location you have taken pictures at (and why)?

Lynnhurst Hotel, Johnstone

For me I would say The Lynnyhurst Hotel in Johnstone is currently my favourite, since the revamp its superb.. I've shot a number of weddings there now are the staff are couldn't do enough.. a tight run ship as they say.. but flexible with it. The new decor gives me as a wedding photographer plenty of creative ideas the grounds of the hotel are well laid out and the rooms are fantastic..

Do you have any funny stories to share?

I had a great wedding at Luss Loch Lomond where when I arrived at the cottage before the wedding to capture the getting ready stage..  I was welcomed by the bride who was in the midst of doing the bridesmaids hair; the bride was one of 14 children .. Ruth had 5 sisters and her best friend as bridesmaids… her brothers were also there as ushers.. Superb wedding at Luss church then the whole wedding party walked to the end of the pier after the ceremony and went out on a cruise for  an hour whilst we took some pictures on the jetty and pictures beside the Loch.. I then took them to balloch where they met the family and friends of one boat and greeted them onto the paddle steamer the maid of the loch where they had there reception due to the numbers (150 sit-down) they were a number in a different room where they could watch the main dining room via video camera and watch it on screen.. then Ruth & Stuart then walked around the boat cutting cake.. by  having a small cake on each table a really nice touch… Superb day and loved every minute of it.. 

Are there any other photographers out there who's work inspires you?

I do like David Ho’s style

Thank you

http://www.karldoublephotography.com/  for more details.. 

Renfrewshire Wedding Venues

Renfrewshire boasts a wide and varied selection of wedding venues from the more traditional to the more unique.

This is our top suggestions…

Mar Hall – Bishopton

Mar Hall, one of Scotland's most sought after luxury wedding venues opened it's doors in 2004. Sine then it has been host to many amazing weddings and strongly prides itself in the high level of service and attention to detail that the special day requires. Mar Hall offers your very own personalised wedding planner to guide you through the steps in making your dream day a reality. Our wedding planners have a wealth of experience and are knowledgably in every aspect of what Mar Hall has to offer. They can organise everything from cars to flowers, makeup to a phenomenal fireworks display to wow both you and your guests. On your wedding night, the Honeymoon Suite awaits with our compliments. With its breath-taking views, four-poster bed & roll top bath, complete with AVEDA goodies, you can relax and enjoy your first 'official' night as a couple.

Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone

Having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, The Lynnhurst Hotel combines traditional grace with modern efficiency making it Renfrewshire's new aspirational venue.

Situated in a prestigious residential area the hotel enjoys a peaceful setting in beautiful landscaped gardens.  The Lynnhurst Hotel offers relaxed, contemporary accommodation and an extraordinary wedding venue. The hotel has taken great care to retain many of the beautiful original features including spectacular stain glass windows and fireplaces.

Ashtree House Hotel – Paisley

If you are looking for a stylish setting for a family reception, party or a romantic location for a wedding (for up to 40 people); then Ashtree House Hotel is the perfect choice.

The walled garden is a wonderful location for wedding photo shoots or a glass of champagne on our increasing number of dry days!

Paisley Town Hall - Paisley

Dominating the heart of Paisley's town centre, Paisley Town Hall is an outstanding example of the very best in Victorian architecture. This combined with excellent facilities and dedicated friendly staff, makes Paisley Town Hall the perfect venue for your event. We have experience you can depend on to host your wedding, conference, dinner, demonstration or meeting.

Civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can be organised with or without a reception. Find out more about civil marriages and civil partnerships by contacting Renfrewshire Council's registration service.

Paisley Town Hall is one of the few venues that can offer elegance on such a grand scale. With six flexible spaces available for hire we can meet the needs of a huge range of corporate and private customers.

Top 10 tips for planning your wedding

1. Start planning as early as possible - The earlier the better to avoid dissapointment and increase choice.
2. Know your service providers - Use those with good recommendations or meet them to get a feel for their customer care.
3. Put everything in writing - Ensure any 'special arrangements' are put in writing to protect yourself from staff changes or forgetfullness from your supplier.
4. Be organised - Make an action plan of tasks counting down to the day itself.  This way you can keep on top of what needs done.
5. Pursue proper etiquette - This avoids embarassing situations and keeps the important people involved.
6. Invite people to your wedding because you care, not that you are pressured! - Only involve those who genuinely share in your happiness and love.
7. Watch your budget - It is very easy to get carried away with the romance.  Stick to your budget to avoid starting your new life together in debt.
8. Compromise - Knowing how to compromise will save a lot of stress.  The bride and groom should ultimately do what makes them happy but should be open to suggestions and sensitive of the feelings of their nearest and dearest.
9. Confirm & follow-up - Make sure you follow up all your service providers about 2 months before your big day to confirm all arrangements.
10. Relax & enjoy! - It's supposed to be the best day of your life.  Take the time to step back and enjoy the process especially on the big day itself.

Welcome

Welcome to Renfrewshire's newest Wedding Directory blog site, where you can access all you need for planning your perfect wedding.  

Giving bride's and groom's access to local suppliers in Paisley, Renfrew, Erskine, Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Inchinnan, Lochwinnoch and allowing them to make use of our list of Photographers, Wedding Stationery, Wedding Accessories, Wedding Planners, Wedding Cakes, Pipers, Children's entertainers and discounts that they can use to their advantage.