Category

wedding planning

win a wedding, competition, wedding 2019, wedding 2020

Win a Wedding…MEN 2019

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, competition, News, Wedding Dresses, wedding planning

We are pleased to be the official Bridal Gown sponsor of the Manchester evening news- Win a wedding competition 2019.

Working with Manchester evening news, we will be supplying the lucky winning bride her wedding dress up to the value of £1300. We will be offering our services along with other fabulous local business. The wedding is set to take place at Best Western Smokies Park Hotel on Saturday 11th January 2020.

For the past couple of months, couples have been collecting tokens out of the MEN- wedding publication, they then submit their entries, where they will be shortlisted and invited to an event on Tuesday the 6th August, where they will announce the winner out of the remaining couples.

We are so excited to be involved and cannot wait to meet the winning couple and help find the Brides dress of her dreams!

For all of those who have entered…Good Luck and we will see you next week!

Love Always

Alice Ada Bridal xx

Follow the link for full package details;

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/win-wedding-2019-terms-conditions-16307518

Wedding Etiquette

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, News, Wedding Dresses, wedding fairs, wedding planning

Wedding Etiquette…what you should and shouldn’t do

A lovely customer of mine dropped in a book for me the other day. It was a book about wedding etiquette that she had found and thought I may like a read.

The book is full of wedding do and don’ts, from invitation writing and seating plan etiquette to who’s responsibility each purchase is down to.

It got me thinking about how not only etiquette that has changed but the ways weddings have changed drastically even just in recent years, the days of a full traditional wedding with a fruit cake, large dress and possibly low key in the place you grew up. We are seeing a definite rise in the more risky/ controversial wedding dresses (showing a bit more flesh and more sexy), cakes not even being cakes anymore but pork pie cakes or actual blocks of cheese. Venues are now converted barns, woodlands or the rise in far destination weddings.

Personally I had seemingly traditionally wedding with a few modern vibes thrown in. That being said I really love the idea of expressing individuality and who we are rather than because its tradition!

Have you got any do’s or don’ts for any future bride and groom?

Just remember however you get married, make sure it’s the way you want!

Love always

 

Alice Ada Bridal xxx

Free Little White Books magazine for our brides!

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, Uncategorised, Wedding Dresses, wedding fairs, wedding planning

The brand new Little White Books magazine has arrived and are free to our lovely brides who have an appointment with us- whilst stock lasts!

Little White Books, Wedding dress, Wedding venue

Little White Books with Alice Ada Bridal, Thornton Manor, Decks and Décor and Sarah Glynn Photography

We have done a couple of wedding fairs with Little White Books and love what they have to offer…I’m sure you will too!

These magazines are full of great inspiration, helpful tips and wonderful suppliers…here are a few of our new wedding friends;

@onlythorntonmanor (Venue page 28 in the Venues Magazine) Thornton Manor is a personal favourite of mine as it was my own wedding venue, they offer a fabulous manor house, 2 options of marquee and can also arrive by boat….Amazing!

@Sarah_glynn_photography (Photography page 148) Wonderful, bubbly lady with a great photo vision.

@decksanddecor (Entertainment page 184) If you want fun then this is the one for you, one stop supplier for everything you need for the entertainment side…host, DJ, selfie mirror, dancefloor…pretty much everything and helps that they are lovely too.

 

Book your appointment now to pick one up…before they all go.

www.aliceadabridal.co.uk

hello@aliceadabridal.co.uk

0161 764 1154

Wedding Fairs and what to know about them…

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, Wedding Dresses, wedding fairs, wedding planning

With wedding fairs coming around almost every weekend it is time to start getting clued up on them. Most people will only go to a handful of wedding fairs, depending on what packages/suppliers are included with the venue.

Full package venue

Many wedding venues offer what would be best described as a full package wedding. This includes suppliers that are recommended and sometimes the only option that they work with closely. A full package venue typically includes; DJ, Toastmaster, Venue dressing (table cloths, chair covers, centrepieces). A package like this you will only need certain things from a wedding fair, such as; Cars, Entertainment (photobooth), stationary, cakes, floristry and of course suits and wedding dress.

Speak to you venue and see if they have got a wedding fair on. This is great to see the venue dressed and get a better idea of how your wedding day will look.

The approved supplier 

A great deal of wedding venue’s only allow certain suppliers for their venue. I know when I got married at Thornton Manor, they have certain DJ’s, Caterers and pop up bar suppliers. You have to use one of these suppliers, this is mainly to keep the image of the venue, also as they know how each other work, and the standards that are to be upheld. If this is the type of venue you have then it’s great to speak to you venue, as they will traditionally have them all their at the wedding fair so it gives you a better chance to speak to them.

The open book

Some venues offer a blank canvas, this means you don’t get any extras included, it also means you can have whoever you want for whatever part (within reason I’m sure). They typically will have some recommended suppliers, but you don’t have to use one of them. With this in mind, it will be very beneficial to do your research on your favourite suppliers and where they are exhibiting.

Get a great deal

Exhibitors at wedding fairs typically offer deals and discounts. This is a great chance and one that is often missed by just booking. You get to meet your supplier and also get a great deal. This being said, be prepared to pay a deposit on the day. Generally you get the offer is you book on the day, but you will normally have to secure with a deposit.

Don’t be afraid to speak to a supplier

Suppliers aren’t there to bombard you and push you into a sale (not the decent one’s anyway). So don’t be afraid to go speak to them, ask about a discount and if it’s not right for you then there is no obligation. Suppliers are there gathering their own information also, such as what people are looking for and the budget. This helps suppliers going forward to tailor their own packages. So you help them, help you and future brides and grooms.

Book in advance

For wedding fairs it’s a great idea to book ahead. If it is a paying event, then you generally can get cheaper ticket prices. If it is a free event then it’s not as important however, it helps the organisers so they can ensure they have enough material/ gift bags ready.

Our wedding fairs

We will be exhibiting at the following fairs;

17th February- Bolton School with Little White books https://www.weddingfairs.com/fairs/wedding-fair-at-bolton-school-wedding-events-bolton-17th-february-2019

3rd March- Rochdale wedding show http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/events-and-activities/events/Pages/rochdale-wedding-show.aspx

9th-10th March- The National Wedding Show at Event City  https://nationalweddingshow.co.uk/#

Have Fun and come say hi if you see us!

Love always

Alice Ada Bridal

 

 

 

 

JUST ENGAGED?…….NOW WHERE TO START WEDDING PLANNING?

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, Wedding Dresses, wedding planning

Just Engaged? Congratulations, but now you’ve asked and she said yes is all done where do you start wedding planning? There are no hard or fast rules but here are a few essentials.

1. Budget

The most important part for most brides and grooms is to set a budget. Now just like any budget it can be chopped and changed along the way but try to stay firm, if not your perfect day won’t be so perfect if you are in debt. A perfect essential would be a little planner…a must for any bride and groom. Will help keep track of how much you have allocated for everything and how much you’ve already spent, used wisely a planner is a ultimate wedding tool. Also handy if it’s small and handy as will be great to carry along to all your wedding shopping experiences.

2. Bridal party

One of the most fun parts of just getting engaged and planning is to tell your lucky bridal party they’ve got the job! Choose your Maid of Honour, bridesmaids, best man and ushers. Great to delegate them little tasks to help ease your  load.

3. Venue

The choice that is most likely going to set the scene! When looking keep in mind style and theme and what really suits your personalities. Don’t pick a venue to large or grand if on a small budget as it’s not just the price of the venue, it will cost more to fill with beautiful things! If planning abroad try to use a company in that country, they will know all the little rules/regulations (it can be very different from the UK and differs country to country). Do your research, venue packages can be very varied. Make sure you know what’s included before saying yes! Date, if you have a set date in mind then ask in advance to avoid disappointment or a wasted journey. Venue can be booked up years in advance on popular dates!

4. Photographer/ Videographer

Just as important as venue and just as booked! If you have someone in mind book them early, just like venues they book up well in advance so if you have your heart set on one get them quick! Photographer/ videographers should not be underestimated, the pictures/videos will be the thing most likely looked back on so make sure they are what you want! It can be a tough choice when the dream venue and ideal photographers dates can’t be matched.  Look at all their work and meet with them in advance, if they offer a pre shoot take it…these images will give you a great preview of how you match and their style of what will happen on the day!

5. The dress

Obviously my favourite part! Look online and do your research but make sure you are open to change as what you see online vs. what you love in the shop can be completely different. Get a feel for fabrics and different styles, try as many as you like but don’t over do it! One thing many brides say is they get overwhelmed with all the choice and don’t know what to pick, Bridebrainfuzz! Don’t be afraid to ask the store before hand there price range. Nothing worse then falling for a dress that’s well out of budget! Take your most trusted bridal party members, you will need them! Look at our previous post about dress searching. https://www.aliceadabridal.co.uk/news/where-do-you-start/

 

That’s for starters…there will be lots of little bits along the way!

As always, make sure you have fun and enjoy the experience, trust me you will miss the planning when it’s done!

Love Always

Alice Ada Bridal

xxx

 

Winter Wedding….Great ideas to keep warm and festive!

By | Alice Ada Bridal, bridal, News, Wedding Dresses, wedding fairs, wedding planning

Winter Weddings are fast becoming more sought after then a summer wedding. With the British weather there is no guarantee of sun, if your wedding is in the summer. However being British there is more chance of a winter wonderland!

Winter Wedding Warmers!

Let’s start with the bride…I’m sure every bride will not want to be her something blue on her wedding day. Some top tips on how to stay warm and radiant in that winter glow. A traditional fur stole/shawl is a proven stylish way to keep warm, not only does it say a cosy winter wedding, it is also a gorgeous accessory to have. Not spoiling the view of your dress stick with something short just to keep any exposed areas cosy. If a fur stole isn’t for you, why not have a modern cape. This are fast becoming the must have and a replacement for the veil in many weddings, it won’t keep you as warm but will still keep of the edge and looks beautiful too.

Winter wedding drink station!

Many brides and grooms when putting on a drink after the ceremony opt for champagne, coffee or orange juice. Why not get into the winter festive mood and go for something a little different, a wonderful idea is mulled wine or cider, a festive champagne cocktail (champagne and cranberry is a festive, delicious hit). For the coffee station perhaps try a hot chocolate station instead? Great idea for any little ones attending as you could introduce cream and marshmallows too…..Just stay away from your dress!

Winter Wedding Warmer!

Now for one of the most important parts. Often what the bride and groom debate over for so long, keeping your guests full and happy! If you are going for the traditional meal stick with a classic roast dinner, a meal everyone loves and sure to keep people happy. Many weddings are more relaxed of recent years, giving the option of a sharer meal…a warm winter pie or a lamb hotpot for each table to tuck into and serve themselves. Follow up with a stunning traditional pudding, such as apple and cinnamon pie with warm custard. For your evening meal many venues offer a hog roast, a lovely way to finish the night! Which ever option I’m sure people would be more than satisfied.

Winter wedding palette! 

Many brides worry that they can’t have a vary of colours in winter wedding. Wrong….winter is a glamourous time to get married, the stunning jewel tones are right on trend for 2018/2019. Many brides opting for muted burgundy and bottle green with rose gold tones. These are beautiful ways to incorporate the festive colour with a modern edge. These colours are very complementary to most skin and hair tones also, so winner all round.

Winter wedding favours! 

For the adults a lovely idea is a chocolate liquor…lovely to keep them warm and fuzzy but also great for keeping costs down. For the children how about a gingerbread man and wife? Ginger is a lovely festive treat. You could even go as far as giving your guests a little keepsake tree decoration, this will be lovely for them to hang on their tree each year to remember what a lovely day they had.

Hope whatever you do on your wedding day is the most amazing start to a happy married life!

Love Always Alice Ada Bridal xxx