Gryffe Weddings

Why Should I Book A Wedding Videographer?

by Gryffe Weddings, Professional Wedding Videography.

A question I often get asked when I am exhibiting at wedding fayres, is ‘Why do I need a wedding video? I’ve already booked my wedding photographer.’ There are many answers to this question.

First of all, a good wedding video isn’t just a moving version of your wedding photographs. Your photographer, and videographer; although they may seem to be using similar tools of the trade are both using very different skills and techniques to achieve their intended goal. Often, your photographer will need to get you and your guests to do a series of poses throughout the day, which is necessary, if you want them to capture all the usual poses you associate with wedding photography. So on your wedding day, you may feel quite aware of the photographer going about his work, if he is occasionally having to give guests instructions to ensure he gets their poses just right. He’s only doing his job that you’ve booked him to do.

A wedding videographer on the other hand, is usually a bit more discreet and less noticeable on the day. Usually they will be concentrating on capturing all the little moments that may be happening with guests and family enjoying themselves, and the bride and groom when they are a bit more relaxed, and aren’t striking a pose for the camera.

When I deliver the finished version of a wedding video to a newlywed couple, one of the most common bits of feedback I always get is how great it is that I’ve managed to capture so many different things throughout the day that both the bride and groom completely missed. Everyone always says that their actual wedding day flies past so quickly in a blur; that they are so grateful to be able to watch back the video of the day, and see all the things they missed first time round.

If your wedding video is filmed & edited professionally, when you watch it, it will bring back all those amazing emotions and feelings you had on your wedding day, in a way that no photo album ever could. After all, no matter how good a photograph is, it doesn’t allow you to listen to your wedding vows over again, or hear the music while watching your first dance again. A video is the only way you will be able to watch and listen to all the speeches in the evening again.

Booking a wedding video with Gryffe Weddings  also means you can get each of your guests to leave a video guestbook message later on in the evening. Which depending on the amount of champagne consumed earlier in the day, can result in anything ranging from the most touching message from a loved one, to the most ridiculous song and dance routine from a work colleague! Both of which will bring a tear to your eye, for different reasons!

So in answer to the above question those brides always ask me. You should book a wedding videographer as well as a photographer, not as a replacement. Your wedding video will be something that you can watch over and over for years to come, it will instantly transport you back to your wedding day, bringing back all the amazing feelings and emotions you had throughout your wedding, making you laugh, and cry all over again.

At Gryffe Weddings, I am always happy to hear from couples who are wanting a truly unique wedding video created for them. Once I have received a booking, I will work with the couple to ensure I find out their tastes in music, and what sort of style of video will suit them best.

If you are interested in finding out more about what wedding packages Gryffe Weddings have on offer, and would like to check availability for your wedding date, get in touch with me on steven@gryffeweddings.co.uk or check my website for other ways to get in touch:  http://www.gryffeweddings.co.uk

It's YOUR Choc

Renfrewshire Wedding Directory is delighted to showcase some beautiful favours ideas from It's Your Choc

Every bride wants to make her guests feel welcome on her big day, and adding that personal touch to the tables is a perfect way to do it. It’s Your Choc is a great way to give your guests a message they’ll want to take home. These personalised bars of quality chocolate can be designed to suit the theme of your special day. Amy Russell from It’s Your Choc says it’s about giving brides exactly what they want, whilst retaining their individuality.

“You can choose a wrapper design and font to compliment your chosen colour scheme. There’s space on the front and back to add a message. You can add in your own photo or logo as well.  Some brides have used the bars as a combined place card and favour – it’s a great way of saving money without losing that personal touch.”

Your bespoke bars won’t be printed until you are 100% happy with the final design and Amy keeps a keen eye on customer service.  With over 20 different wedding wrappers to consider, from the traditional to the contemporary and a selection of sizes, Amy doesn’t make life easy for the bride, but it’s certainly mouth watering.  Can’t see a design you like or that fits in with your theme? No problem!  “Just let us know what you are looking for and we will work with you every step of the way”.  Since launching, she’s had a lot of happy wedding day customers.

“I recently received a letter from a bride who’d ordered bespoke bars from us for her wedding. She told me she’d be recommending my chocolates to every bride she met!  I love being able to see the bride’s face when I deliver the bars to them – you can see the delight working its way through as they open the box.”

Prices start at £1.60 and there’s no minimum order. So It’s Your Choc is perfect whether you’re inviting the whole village, or a handful of your closest friends, Amy and her team can find a sweet solution to suit your special day.

www.itsyourchoc.co.uk

0113 264 9542



Planning your Wedding.

All weddings start out with the same principle and message: 2 people joining lives together and inviting friends and family to celebrate the occasion.


So why then do budgets often spiral out of control and cause stress and anxiety?


Here are my top 7 rules of how to manage and maintain a budget.


1.  BUDGET: Set your budget on day one of planning and factor in a 10% contingency plan.  A simple spreadsheet can be constructed to help keep track of things.  The main elements of your budget will be taken up by the following:

• Wedding Venue
• Dresses and Kilt Hire
• Car Hire
• Stationery and Favours
• Florist
• Wedding Band and Photographer
• Cake

2.  COMPROMISE: Could you tell the difference between an expensive wedding or a well presented illusion?  My guess is NO.  Once you have decided on you budget and set up your tracker, I would suggest adding in all of your ideals it will then be crystal clear how much under or over you are.  At this point, you will more likely be over and there will need to be some tough decisions made:

• WEDDING VENUE: Downsize the full day guests or negotiate with your venue on menus, price and drinks.  Look at using subtle decorations to lift and transform a plain hall.  Check out Divine Party Knights for decorations an Gabriels Paisley for an alternative venue that won't break the bank
• DRESS and KILT HIRE: Is there a cheaper dress out there, or could you get someone to make something similar at a cheaper price?
  Do your Groom / Best Man / Ushers have their own kilts? You could have all different tartans and link them through the shirts etc. 
• CAR HIRE: Do you really need a car especially if you are having your ceremony and reception in the same venue.  Yes it's nice and traditional but question your value for money.
• STATIONERY and FAVOURS: These can easily be tailored to your budget.  Set your colour scheme and ask for quotes with varying papers.  Any good stationery should be able to 'think out the box' and provide you with solutions varying in price.  The same applies to Favours. Check out  i-craft & Angelfins both of which can provide you with 'best fit' advice.
• FLORIST: Be honest with your Florist about your budget, like the stationers they may be able to suggest a cheaper flower that will create the same effect.  Also, consider artificial flower arrangements for the tables that can be gifted to some of your guests, you could even add a little tag saying 'For Aunt Nancy, for making my bridesmaids dresses x' 
• WEDDING BANDS and PHOTOGRAPHY: shop about as most band or photographer do have various packages and deals that can be tailored. Check out Karl Double Photography, Gryffe Weddings & Mix'n'Mac Events.
• CAKE:  Again the same applies for the cake supplier.  Some smaller companies will keep their price lower in order to gain the reputation and portfolio.  Check out i-craft

3.  TIMINGS:  Two elements to consider here. Before the day and on the day.  Before the day ensure you give yourself time to shop around, however, don't get bogged down and spend
weeks on insignificant details.  Use the same principles as in business, set yourself a deadline and stick to it!  On the day, entrust someone with the job of ensuring your wedding runs to schedule, this may be a member of the bridal party or you may choose to use the services of a wedding planner.  This person should ensure the photographer doesn't take to long, the meal is served on time and the first dance and buffet are served at the right time. Plans and Presents


4. CO-ORDINATION: Having a theme and colour scheme is free of charge, use it to your advantage as a well thought out wedding can look stunning. This can be incorporated through the dresses, flowers, stationery, cake, groom's outfit, napkins on the table, and favours.


5.  COMMUNICATION:  Often frustration occurs when people start 'assuming' what is happening.    Most people are excited for the happy couple and just want to help in what ever way possible so when asking for advice remember that many people take this as a green light for continuing to advise.  Be assertive and include both sides of the family where possible but don't let people push you about. 


6.  SEATING PLAN:  Take your time to decide on who sits where.  Before I started designing stationery I worked as a Master of Ceremony within a hotel and the best weddings were always the ones where the tables got on well with each other.  It can be a difficult thing to achieve as family's all have the loud one, or the slightly embarrassing one, but in general you can set members of the opposite families at the same table to allow them to 'network' and get to know
one another.  This lets people break the ice during the meal and get down to some serious partying once the music starts.

7.  BEWARE OF DIY:  If you have a crafty or artistic side then I would definitely encourage you to venture down the DIY route which will ultimately save you money, however, don't under estimate the time it takes to source and make your own items.  One of the other pitfalls is assuming that something is really easy and although I am a big fan of e-bay and web sourced items, if you have specific ideas it is often better to obtain samples first as they can sometimes not live up to your expectation.  You could also spend an awful lot of time and money discovering that it is really hard to make your own soap, candles, tablet etc and once its packaged it looks like something a 6 year old would be ashamed of! 


But most of all throughout the planning process, remember to take a step back once in a while and enjoy it and if it all gets too much, then ask the experts at Plans and Presents, using their services cost less than you think and will save you money in the long run.

There is a full list of fabulous suppliers at http://www.renfrewshirewedding.co.uk

Valentine Gift

Valentine's Gift 
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and each year we are faced with the dilema of what do we get the one we love.....

This year Divine Party Knights has come up with a fabulous and affordable solution that is guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

This pretty gift box includes:

• an 18" foil Valentine's Balloon
• Valentine's treats (Red foil Praline Hearts and Mini Love Hearts)
• Personalised Message card
• Free Delivery*

 

*contact Divine Party Knights to see delivery locations

Chris Kelly Films

Chris Kelly Films

Chris Kelly Films is a wedding videography service based in Glasgow. We can offer a professionally produced wedding DVD for you and the family to enjoy again and again, and relive those moments you might of missed on your big day. Please check out our range of wedding packages to suit your needs, packages start from £250.

Feel free to have a look at some of our previous work....

Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Website

email

Wedding and Baby Product Launch

Stunning New Designes by Wedding and Baby 

Wedding and Baby launched in Jan 2009 and is now gaining recognition from wedding industry experts for providing a range of vintage inspired headbands, combs, tiaras and jewellery. Wedding and Baby was also shortlisted in The Bridal Magazine Awards for Best Accessory supplier of the year 2010.

   

In the beginning, Louise Graham decided to build her business by working with extremely talented designers to establish her business. This decision was purely due to her time commitments being limited as she cared for her young son. However as a Product designer to trade (having graduated from Napier University Edinburgh with a BSc Hons in Industrial Design) it wasn’t long before Louise’s creativity was bursting to get hands on again – so she launched her own range of tiaras, headbands and jewellery in Sept 2009. Around this time she also gained recognition for X – Factor contestants which resulted in her designs being worn to the premiere of Shrek 3D in June 2010.

Louise’s designs have been worn by X-Factor contestants & to the Premier of Shrek 3D

Within a year and a half in business Wedding and Baby have launched a wholesale option, allowing the designs to be available to try on in bridal boutiques throughout the country. Already within a month of setting this up Louise has stockists eager to stock her designs.

 

Louise focuses on vintage inspired pieces with a twist. Her work is renowned for being more than just a wear once accessory. In fact many of her designs can be converted into a brooch and worn again. As well as the website, Louise offers appointments in Scotland as well as phone consultations for bespoke orders.

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is causing a stir with the media. As always Vintage is the essence of the collection, although this season sees more fabric and feathers. You can be sure to see Louise’s designs gracing Bridal magazines and Wedding T.V programmes throughout 2011.

What makes Wedding and Baby so unique is that Louise becomes part of the style team. She instinctively uses her design qualifications to create a headpiece that will suit the bride, the dress and the ceremony. Cuddles are a regular occurrence from brides who are blown away by their breath taking bridal accessories.

What’s more Louise keeps in touch with most brides long after the big day and is always delighted to see the baby photo’s that follow!

  

Visit the Website

Contact Louise 

Isle of Eriska Hotel - Honeymoon Package

 Honeymoon Package

Relax and celebrate your forthcoming honeymoon in complete luxury on a private island – the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Golf.  Located only 10 minutes from Oban and 2 hours drive from Glasgow International Airport, the Isle of Eriska is the perfect island experience.

Spend the first few days of married life in a luxurious 5 star accommodation where all our rooms are individually styled, experience fine dining in our 3AA Rosette Restaurant complimented by our AA notable wine selection, and enjoy the luxury leisure facilities we have to offer.

Our honeymoon package includes:

·         Luxurious accommodation and full Scottish breakfast each morning of your stay

·         One bottle of chilled champagne on arrival for the newly married couple

·         Fine dining each evening in our 3AA Rosette Restaurant

·         The option to have a candlelit dinner in your room or suite on one evening

·         Each person is entitled to a full body massage (or equivalent treatment – may incur a surcharge)

·         Full use of our luxury leisure facilities: 17m heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, croquet lawn, golf course and driving range, and multi-purpose sports hall offering a host of activities

·         Complimentary room upgrade at the time of booking (subject to availability)

N.B. The honeymoon couple must have been married within 2 weeks of the stay at the hotel to be eligible for this honeymoon package.

Visit our website www.eriska-hotel.co.uk to book into one of these packages today!  If you cannot fine availability on your requested dates, please phone our office 01631 720371 or email office@eriska-hotel.co.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Benderloch, Oban, Argyll PA37 1SD

Tel:  0044 (0) 1631 720371      Fax:  0044 (0) 1631 720531

Email:  office@eriska-hotel.co.uk      Web:  www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Company No. 201095

 

 

 

Husband Week

HUSBAND WEEK:

If you have a husband who is your best friend, who works hard for you, who has been with you through thick and thin, who loves you even when you're at your worst, and whom you are PROUD to be married to, make sure you take the time to tell him tonight and leave your wedding date on the comments......

Advice from 'With Bells On'

Today's blog comes courtesy of Tracey of WithBellsOn a fabulous UK National Wedding Directory

This Blogs Lesson : Always 'save as draft' or you will lose an hour's worth of blog work in a blink of an eye!!

 I have been actively marketing 

 WithBellsOn for a couple of months now and am really surprised at how welcomed I have been made in the social networking world, in what I thought was a well established network where everyone would close ranks.  I have made some genuinely nice contacts with people who have been willing to give advice and recommend  
WithBellsOn, asking for nothing in return. I was more surprised how other wedding directories are keen to swap tips and offer advice.  I have made great connections with Kirsteen from Your Wedding at Lochlomond and Irene from Renfrewshire Wedding

WithBellsOn is a UK National Wedding Information Directory which specialises in giving expert advice and wedding information, it holds a directory giving a host of supplier details and also gives small businesses another platform for selling their wedding products.

Since Christmas the wedding directory has expanded not only in the volume of suppliers but in the ways to find the suppliers.  We now have the options of Recently Listed, By Service, By County, Services Search (as below) and the Wedding Services Map

 How do you get on it?Simple! Please follow this link for details and the sign up form

Are those on the directory personally recommended by me?No they are not.  Personal recommendations will be found on this and future blogs.  Personal recommendations come from my heart, either because I have been given exceptional service or I have been left to feel on top of the world.  After all, we hardly ever remember what was said or done, but always remember how we were made to feel!

This Blogs Recommendations :Emma from SIW Chocolate signed up early on to the WithBellsOn Directory and has become a firm social network friend.  She has made many suggestions and given worthwhile advice which has helped me to grow.  I have not had the pleasure of sampling her chocolate yet, but if they are anything like her customer service I am sure they are superb! If you need any wedding favours or promotional chocolates I would recommend you contact Emma.

Scott from Global Prospect needs to be mentioned here.  I know I am biased because he is Mr B.  But without his design and development skills and willingness to give some of his spare time to update WithBellsOn I would not have what I have today.

Amanda from Ardley Weddings has also signed with WithBellsOn Directory and has also become a firm social network friend.  Amanda is a well respected social networker and is often recommending and swapping tips.  I would like to become an events planner in the future and believe she and I will continue to help each other and swap ideas. I would highly recommend you befriend Amanda.  Maybe she could help you or someone you know with their event planning?

This Blogs - Did you Know..."You may kiss the bride" showed acceptance of the marriage contract in ancient times. This was before hand shakes and written contracts; a kiss (usually on the check) was a sign of bonding and acceptance of a contract

Visit  WithBellsOn

Winter Weddings at the Isle of Eriska

 Winter Weddings at the Isle of Eriska

 

Host your Winter Wedding at the Isle of Eriska House, Spa and Golf in December 2011 or January 2012 and take advantage of our Special Rate!

We are offering you the opportunity to host you Winter Wedding on you own private island on certain weekends in December 2011 or January 2012.

For £15,750, enjoy 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast for up to 50 guests on your own island.

The Isle of Eriska is located only 10 minutes from Oban and 2 hours from Glasgow International Airport, connected to the mainland by a small bridge.  Arrive in style via helicopter or our lawn or seaplane at our pier.

We can provide you with local contacts to ensure everything is perfect for your occasion.

With 4 types of rooms, we have something to suit all your guests:

• Standard Double
• Deluxe Double
• Spa Suite – with own private garden and hot tub
• Cottage Suite – with own private garden and hot tub

You will have full use of our leisure facilities:

17m heated indoor swimming pool
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Gym
Croquet Lawn
Tennis Court (soon to be replaced with a multi-purpose hall, due for completion February 2011)
Golf Course and Driving Range
Access to our ESPA Spa (treatments additional charge)
Clay Pigeon Shooting (additional charge)

Further information can be found on our website www.eriska-hotel.co.uk or contact our office@eriska-hotel.co.uk or phone 01631 720371.

Benderloch, Oban, Argyll PA37 1SD

Tel:  0044 (0) 1631 720371      Fax:  0044 (0) 1631 720531

Email:  office@eriska-hotel.co.uk      Web:  www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Company No. 201095

 

 

 

Choosing your Wedding Stationery

Choosing your stationery

Embrace

It is important to remember that the Stationery you choose is the first glimpse your guests will have of your wedding day.  That said your decision should always be based on your own ability to craft and the budget you have to play with.

Here are my top 4 tips on ensuring you have the right stationery for you.

1. BUDGET:  Good stationery companies should be able to offer cheaper alternatives so don’t be afraid to ask.  This said, you need to be realistic as hand crafted intricate work on high quality specialist card will naturally cost more than a printed image on thinner card.
2. COLOUR SCHEME:  Tying in and co-ordinating the colours of your wedding is an easy and FREE way of creating a more expensive appearance.
3. SAMPLES:  Internet browsing is fine if you are not too fussy; however, if you are particular about the feel or the specific tones then make sure you get a sample.
4. BE DECISIVE:  Sometimes in life when you have more choice then the harder it is to make a decision.  This is fine if you have all the time in the world but if you are sending Save the Dates, these really need to be going out 1 year before the wedding so unless you have an exceptionally long engagement and planning process decisions need to be made.



Bute

5. TIMESCALES:  What you should send out when is often a point of stress; however, don’t forget you do have to allow for additional time on top to allow the stationer to make them!  As a rough guide:

         Save the Date – 12      Months Prior
         Invitaitons – 12-8 weeks prior.

Vintage

If you have any questions regarding your stationery, please don’t hesitate to contact me….

Irene McNamee

www.i-craft.co.uk

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Isle of Eriska Hotel

Engagement Package

Looking for the perfect engagement setting?  Why not ask that all important question on our private island on the west of Scotland – The Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Golf.  Located only 10 minutes from Oban and 2 hours drive from Glasgow International Airport, the Isle of Eriska provides the perfect, romantic experience.

Celebrate your engagement in the midst of luxurious 5 star accommodation with all our rooms individually styled, experience fine dining in our 3AA Rosette Restaurant complimented by our AA notable wine selection, and enjoy the luxury leisure facilities we have to offer. 

Our engagement package includes:

• Luxurious accommodation and full Scottish breakfast each morning of your stay
• Enjoy a candlelit dinner for 2 in our 3AA Rosette fine dining restaurant with a complimentary bottle of champagne
• A bouquet of roses will be presented when she says “yes”
•  Enjoy chocolates and strawberries in the comfort of your own room
• Wake up to breakfast in bed on the first morning of your stay
• Dining on the 2^nd night of your stay, you have the option of a romantic dinner for two in your suite or in our fine dining restaurant
• Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast served in our restaurant on the 2^nd morning of your stay
• Full use of our luxury leisure facilities: 17m heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, croquet lawn, golf course and driving range, and multi-purpose sports hall offering a host of activities

Visit our website www.eriska-hotel.co.uk to book into one of these packages today!  If you cannot fine availability on your requested dates, please phone our office 01631 720371 or email office@eriska-hotel.co.uk and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Benderloch, Oban, Argyll PA37 1SD

Tel:  0044 (0) 1631 720371
Fax:  0044 (0) 1631 720531

Email:  office@eriska-hotel.co.uk
Web:  www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Company No. 201095