Month: November 2015

Wedding Gifts for Parents

For most couples, your parents are a wonderful support to have during the wedding and the planning stages. But of course your parents are a source of support, love and kindness not just throughout the wedding, but indeed for your entire lives. They’ve been there for all the tears, the laughter, the testing times and the happy times. In short they have been your rock for a large part of your lives and when it comes to finally walking down the aisle, it can be an emotional time for everyone. That’s why it’s a nice idea to get your parents a small token to say thanks. Not just for their support on your wedding day, but for your whole life! Of course that doesn’t mean you have to splash out on something hugely expensive, indeed smaller, more thoughtful gifts often turn out to be the best. Try and take a quiet moment on the morning of the wedding and give your parents these gifts… and have a few tissues at the ready, as it’s likely to be emotional!

As an award winning wedding planner, I’ve helped lots of couples to have the day of their dreams and watched as they celebrated with their parents and loved ones. If you’d like to chat about how I can help plan your big day, then please get in touch. In the meantime, here are some super sweet ideas for wedding gifts for parents.

 

Handkerchiefs
No matter how ‘together’ you think you are, it’s very likely there will be some happy tears at some point during your wedding day and taking a moment to tell your parents how much they mean to you, can be one of those moments for all of you. So a personalised handkerchief with a heartfelt message on it, is an ideal gift that will also serve a purpose!

 

Jewellery
Jewellery is always a good call and it doesn’t have to be some super expensive piece either. Instead, why not think about personalised cufflinks or a money clip for your dad with a sweet message on it, or a bracelet or necklace for your mum with the date engraved on it and presented in a personalised box. It’s something that when they wear it, it will remind them of the big day.

 

Plates
A presentation plate is a super idea for a special present to both your parents. Again you can get these hand painted with a special message and it can be hung on the wall or displayed in your parents’ house.

 

Personalised coasters
This is a really sweet idea. Why not get some coasters made up for the reception with some words that are a tribute to both of your parents? You could even add in some funny quotes from them too.

 

Post Wedding Gift
As well as a small heartfelt gift on the wedding day, consider getting some special photos done on the day and present them to your parents after the wedding. For example, you could have a photo where you both hold up a picture of your parents on their wedding day or even recreate your favourite photo from your parents wedding day and present it to them in a frame.

Reasons to Love a November Wedding

For many couples the months of July, August and September are the most popular times to get married. However, it can be difficult to secure your preferred dates and venues during those months due to the popularity. Getting married in the so-called off peak winter seasons, such as in November bring with it lots of positives you may not have even thought about. Rates will be significantly reduced and the availability of everything from bands to venues should be much easier to secure. It’s also a time of year when people won’t be away on holidays and so you don’t have to worry about your close friends being away when you say ‘I do.’ The winter landscape can also look truly stunning in your photos and who doesn’t love the crackle and roar of a cosy fire as you toast to your new life together with family and friends.

As an award-winning wedding planner, I’ve helped to put together dozens of beautiful November weddings. If you’d like to discuss any aspect of your big day, then please get in touch.

 

Reduced Rates & Availability
This is a key factor for choosing an off-peak wedding, such as in November, especially if you’re a little short on planning time or are keeping to a particular budget as you’re likely to make big savings on everything. You’re also likely to get your first choice of venue, church, band, photographer and much more.

 

Winter Décor
Don’t worry, winter decor doesn’t automatically have to mean Christmas decorations. In fact, there are so many amazingly beautiful ideas for winter décor that don’t have anything to do with Christmas! Banish thoughts of red and gold and instead think of chic palettes of greys and purples, offset with winter pinks for a really modern look. Plus candles can really come into their own for a truly stunning effect, as well as things such as hanging tealights and chic fairly light backdrops etc. And let’s not forget the cosy appeal of a roaring fire which will look amazing in your pictures too.

 

The Weather… Yes Really!
When it comes to planning a wedding in Ireland, you just cannot tell what the weather is going to do. Let’s be honest, you are as likely to have monsoon style weather in June, as you are to have a crisp sunny day in November. That said, you must still bear in mind that November is winter time and it is possible it could be snowing too! But for many couples the idea of a winter wonderland also has its own appeal. Finally, if you’re a bit of a sweaty Betty at the best of times, then consider that shimmying through the day in a big gown etc, on a warm summer’s day could be a disaster.

 

The photos
The natural beauty of the winter landscape is not for everyone, but if you and your partner are happy to take advantage of that, then you are guaranteed to get some stunning shots you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get in summertime. Talk to your photographer in advance about the time of year and how it will affect your pictures and if he or she has shot at your venue in the winter, then check out their previous work for some great ideas.