Thoughts About Wedding StatisticsPosted by Kim Rix on April 6th, 2010

Dear Bride and Groom,

You may have read recently about the latest wedding stats showing that marriages in England and Wales are at their lowest point since records began in 1862. I found this quite astonishing. I’m sure, like me, you always seem to know someone who is getting married – in fact I know a number of people who plan their holidays purely around their friend’s or family weddings each year! On the other hand I suppose I do know a large number of couples who co-habit and haven’t thought about, or just don’t want to get married. Thirty years ago this would have seemed unusual, but now it is becoming commonplace.

Although there have been peaks and troughs in the number of marriages since 1862 the drastic decline since 1985 is unprecedented. What was a rather jagged spiky zigzag has turned into a straight line heading south.

The other really interesting thing is at the same time the number of divorces is at its lowest in 29 years. So less people are getting married, but they are staying together. Thinking about it in this way is quite warming. When people decide they want to commit to each other and get married they are entering into it very seriously and they are making it work.

It is hard to know what to take from these statistics. Of course, I believe that marriage is a beautiful and important commitment to your partner. The couples that I see get married are happy and loving and they see it as a way to show the other person their true feelings. I also see more couples resisting the idea of marriage and I wonder if we need to rethink how we ‘sell’ it to people now. What is it that is putting people off of the idea and what would make them change their mind?

It will be interesting to see if any more research will be done into this topic.

And if you are reading this and wondering about whether you should get married…perhaps the question is, why not?

Kind regards,

Kim Rix

Your London Wedding Planner

British Weddings Vs American WeddingsPosted by Kim Rix on March 23rd, 2010

Dear Bride and Groom,

Britain and the USA have a great relationship. Both countries are heavily influenced by each other. As Brits we love the American confidence, glamour, sunshine and positivity. Americans love the British accent, the romance, history and tradition.

Much like in the UK the USA is seeing a decline in marriage rates. The couples that do get married are also marrying much older.

In the UK the average age of the first time bride is 29 and in the US it is 26. These have been slowly rising over the past few decades. For most men in the UK they would expect to be in their early thirties before getting married and in the US they wouldn’t be too far off at 28. Only a few decades ago your mother would have been giving you worried glances if you were unmarried in your late twenties, now you will be seen as a young bride or groom!

We are both equally extravagant in the amount we spend on our weddings too. The average bill in the USA comes to around $30k (just over £19k at the current exchange) and in the UK we spend a little more at around £22k ($33k). The Brits are also eager to marry with the average engagement being 18 months to America’s 19.

There are no huge differences in the wedding ceremonies and celebrations themselves. Many of our traditions have been amalgamated and mixed in with other cultures and country’s traditions. Indeed what is legal and expected in England is different to that in Scotland and so on. As long as the legal vows are said and the certificate is signed, all is well!

One thing I did enjoy at a recent American wedding was a rather extravagant ‘Groom’s Cake’. Although I didn’t much care for them stuffing it into each other’s mouths…can’t comment if that is necessarily traditional though!

Happy planning!

Kind regards,

Kim Rix

Your London Wedding Planner

How The Wedding Planning Industry Has Changed Over The Past Five YearsPosted by Kim Rix on December 15th, 2009

Dear wedding professionals,

I thought it would be important to look at how much the wedding industry has been changing over the past number of years. Traditions and expectations change and I think it’s important to acknowledge both the good points and the bad and choose your direction.

I asked a number of fellow wedding professionals how they thought the industry had changed. A common remark was on how quickly couples were getting married after their engagement.

“It used to be that weddings were booked 2 years ahead (as the best venues were always the first to go) however now, they’re booking and getting married within the year” – Caroline Ghorbanian, SAS Party Decorations

I’ve noticed this too. I think, that mostly this is because couples have the ability to pay for the wedding quicker so they don’t need the lead-in time of previous years and generations. There are several reasons for this;

-         couples are older than in previous generations and either have savings or a greater ability to save

-         there is wider access to credit, and loans are more socially acceptable

-         couples are more savvy and vocal about finding and securing discounts and deals

-         couples and families are contributing more to the wedding in terms of their skills and contacts so there is less need for upfront cash

-         Intimate and small getaway weddings are increasing in popularity (especially for couples on their 2^nd marriage)

This points out to us that there are couples still spending a lot of money on their big day but funding it through different means than the wallet of the bride’s father but also that a lot of couples have become budget conscious and careful.

Kristie Lorette, Weddings Diva, seems to agree with this as she says:

 “I’ve watched brides create weddings of their dreams by simply inviting close family and friends… Rather than throwing an over-the-top lavish affair that costs a fortune…They’re not sacrificing the wedding of their dreams, but simply approaching it in a more realistic manner.”

Indeed with a growing number of couples paying for majority, if not all, of their wedding it seems logical that they would pay more attention to where that money is going than if it was being gifted to them.

I think that it is very important for you to have the wedding that you want, within budget. I have stressed before the importance of making a realistic budget and sticking to it. Although the trend to get married within a year is growing, I would still advocate a 2 year engagement if it means that you can have the wedding you dream of, with all the details you’d love and the time to be sure you can pay for it all without spending you first year of married life with debt over your heads.

Of course, if you receive sound financial advice, you are certain a loan will be easy for you to manage and you’d like to bring your wedding forward then I would be pleased to help you bring it all together. Remember: the best venues, florists and bands do book quickly – especially during the summer months – and if you don’t have dedicated time to chase these up then a wedding planner could be your greatest, secret (or not so secret) weapon!

Kind regards,

Kim Rix

Luxury Weddings & Events Planner

To start planning your wedding, phone 0208 989 4886 or visit www.yourlondonweddingplanner.co.uk

Wedding Entertainment for your ReceptionPosted by Kim Rix on October 20th, 2009

Dear Bride & Groom,

When planning your wedding – you’re going to want to make sure that it’s as classy and stylish as they come! It’s no secret that this takes time, effort and a lot of patience – but one particularly enjoyable aspect of your wedding planning, can be searching for your reception entertainment.

Local Bands

Don’t go with a boring old DJ – there are so many talented and brilliant bands out there! Make a point of going to see some local talent – you’ll find that despite your apprehensions – some of these guys really can put on a fantastic show! Although, do be careful – the worst possible mistake you could make with regards to reception entertainment, is booking a bad cover band.

Cover bands are fun and they’ll no doubt churn out a few classics – but they often have a tendency to be quite bad. You want everyone to be excited and celebrating for the entire evening.  Search around – attend a few local gigs and find the best band for your reception.

String Quartets

If you’d rather keep it elegant and stylish – there’s always the option of the string quartet. Now, this is something that a lot of couples getting married have to delegate carefully. You have to remember that at a wedding – everyone loves to boogie. Unfortunately, you can’t really jive to Pachelbel’s Canon and Fugue; so perhaps if you are looking to hire a string quartet – you may want to make it a hybrid gig and perhaps use a band later when people want to cut loose and dance the night away.

Comedians

Very recently, there’s been a boom in the number of Wedding Receptions hosted by comedians. This is something that may not apply to your tastes, and again – you may want to go hybrid with this one. But a comedian would certainly be a very unique choice for entertainment. Just be sure to veto him first – making sure that he’s right for your big day! With a few hefty chuckles, your guests will be warmed up and in high spirits for the evening ahead so this could be just the thing you’re looking for!

Whatever you choose – make sure that you don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Planning doesn’t have to be stressful. A well-negotiated plan will ensure that your have fun throughout the organisation process!

Kind Regards,

 Kim Rix

Your London Wedding Planner

Wedding Photography – Capturing The Special MomentsPosted by Kim Rix on October 9th, 2009

Dear Bride and Groom,

I was appalled to read of the terrible story of Marc and Sylvia Day in the Telegraph this week. They had over 400 images taken of the most important day in their lives, and only 22 of them were actually useable. Even the wedding video (which they hoped would redeem some of their loss) was disappointing and captured nothing of the spirit of the day.

Even though they have gained some compensation through the courts, nothing can possibly get them the photographs they truly desired. If you like you can read their story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6263595/Couple-sue-wedding-photographer.html.

Even with the best of cameras there is much more to taking a great photograph than meets the eye, and wedding photography is a specialism. Finding a great photographer can take quite a lot of research and time. I like to help my clients by getting them to answer a few simple questions, then shortlisting a few photographers I think they would like based on their taste and requirements. I would then give them a little time to look over portfolios and example albums, speak directly to the photographer if they wish and suggest some ideas to suit their theme or budget.

The bits I can’t decide for you, but can certainly advise or give examples of, are the overall things like style. Most photographers are well rounded when it comes to their style of wedding photography. However, there are some who are particularly good at classic shots, some who prefer reportage photography and those who take advantage of the latest photographic manipulation.

A classic shot, is usually the posed group and solo photographs at weddings. Beautifully composed portraits with a soft, static feel. It is usually a good idea to have at least a few posed group and couple portraits of close family and friends, and of course the bridal party. These are especially favoured by older or distant relatives who can’t make it on the day.

Reportage photography is ideal for your evening event! These are photographs where you and your guests are caught totally naturally. A friendly smile across the dinner table, a wicked move on the dance floor or a delicate, loving glance can add a dynamic feel to your album. (These shouldn’t be confused with ‘candid’ shots that are posed pictures designed to look natural).

Then, in ‘post production’ your photographer can manipulate colours, lines and light to emphasise or enhance a photograph to give it an edgy or artistic feel.

You will know as you look through albums and portfolios exactly what styles you are happier with. I want my clients to hold and share these memories forever that is why I take great care to make absolutely sure its right.

Kind regards,

Kim Rix

Your London Wedding Planner