There’s no denying Covid 19 has presented us with a whole host of challenges this year not least couples who had chosen 2020 as the year to marry or become engaged to marry.

And as we approach engagement season I’m sure many of the Christmas and Valentine’s proposers will be adjusting their plans, getting creative and thinking of ways in which they can still pop the question despite the global pandemic.

In the ever changing situation we are currently in keeping things personal and close to home is the perfect way to ensure all runs smoothly. So today I’m very excited to share a whole host of inspiration and top tips to ensure your romantic and personal proposal is every bit as special as the public declaration you may have originally planned.

Candlelit dinner

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a candlelit dinner for two, so prepare your other halves favourite meal, or re-create a dish they love from a restaurant that holds special memories for you both. Just add candlelight, a romantic playlist and a bottle of bubbles to create the perfect atmosphere in which to pop the question.

Over breakfast

This simple and original idea is just perfect for a relaxed romantic proposal. Prepare a breakfast fit for royalty on a beautifully styled tray including all their favourite breakfast dishes. Add a small vase of delicate flowers, a glass of champagne and simply place the ring on the tray for them to stumble across. Or maybe write the all important question on a napkin for your partner to find once unwrapped. Which ever way you choose to actually ask the questions this is sure to be an idyllic proposal straight from a fairytale.

Involve your children or pets

If your pets play a big part in your life why not get them involved. You could attach the engagement ring or a tag engraved with your proposal message to their collar. Or if you have children what could be cuter than including them in your proposal. Maybe dress them in an item of clothing with your proposal printed on it. Or, for the extra cute factor ask them to draw a poster including a special heartfelt message in your child’s own unique way.

Treasure hunt

Keep your proposal light-hearted and fun by setting up a treasure hunt. Include thoughtful clues hidden within your house, such as leading them to a special picture of you both, or looking inside their favourite cup for further clues, with them eventually finding the engagement ring or you on one knee ready to ask for their hand in marriage.

If you’re planning to propose throughout the Christmas break consider incorporating the special season within your treasure hunt plans by hiding an engagement ring in a personalised Christmas bauble then discreetly positioning it amongst the other decorations on your tree, for them to find at the end of the hunt.

Balloons

Go for the WOW factor and fill a room full of balloons. You can choose your fiancé to be’s favourite colour scheme or a metallic scheme to match their new piece of bling.

Balloons are on trend at the minute so you will be spoilt for choice from a balloon arch or garland, ceiling coverage or balloons spelling out Marry Me. Whichever colour and style of balloons you include proposing in this way will be sure to create a visual impact and the perfect backdrop for an abundance of photos to send to family and friends.

Secret photo shoot

If you’re willing to venture outside why not incorporate a secret photo shoot into your proposal plans. Plan a romantic stroll at your favourite beauty spot, arrange a champagne picnic, or suggest a seaside stroll. Whichever you choose arrange for a photographer to be secretly snapping away capturing each precious moment for you both to treasure forever.

I hope that my ideas have provided you with a little inspiration on how to propose to your partner in a romantic and understated way and if you have taken inspiration from this blog post please do get in touch and share your proposal story, it would be amazing to hear how this blog post helped you.

Image Credits: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

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For anyone organising a summer garden party you will know that this is no small feat. From the all important guest list, deciding which catering options to offer, as well as how to keep your guests entertained. It goes without saying, planning an outdoor celebration comes with a whole host of considerations.

But, with a little forward planning you will be pleased to know that you can absolutely plan a celebration that you and your guests will thoroughly enjoy and will remember for years to come.

To help you along the way, I’m very excited to be sharing with you my tops tips and points to consider, which will help ensure all runs smoothly.

Inviting your guests

However you choose to invite your guests, whether it be via a formal invitation, email or message. As well as including the obvious information such as your address and the start time, consider including additional information such as whether or not there will be parking available for your guests. If you are able to accommodate your guests vehicles, provide clear instructions on where you would like them to park, and whether or not they can leave their vehicles overnight. If however you are unable to offer parking facilities, you could provide details on train stations which are nearby, local cab companies and details of hotels that are within easy reach.

You may also like to ask your guests to RSVP and provide any dietary requirements, so you can plan your party accordingly. It’s also worth informing your guests that they are invited to a garden party, which will allow them to dress accordingly.

Wet weather plan

Whilst I am sure you are hoping for glorious sunshine, thanks to the British weather this may not be realistic, so you should have a plan b in place incase it is required. If you are planning a small relaxed low key affair then having a number of gazebo’s on hand if rain is looking likely will act as shelter for your guests. If however you are planning a more formal sit down meal, or if you are inviting more than 50 guests you should consider hiring an open sided marquee. This style of marquee gives the option of removing some or all of the walls, which is the perfect way of allowing guests to dine under cover whilst feeling like they are outside.

Feeding & watering your guests

If you would rather not play chef, then you should consider hiring caterers to look after your guests. Depending on your parties timings you could treat your guests to afternoon tea, a relaxed and informal barbecue, luxury grazing stations, delicious street food or a formal sit down meal. Remember, if your party runs from the afternoon into the evening you may need to consider offering your guests a snack a little later on, with toasted sandwiches, hot filled rolls or fish & chip cones being a popular choice amongst guests.

As well as feeding your guests you should also give consideration as to how you will keep your guests glasses topped up. Of course, you could offer a DIY bar, but beware this isn’t as easy as it sounds and you should consider who will keep the bar stocked, collect and replenish glasses as well as ensuring there is a constant supply of ice & garnishes available. If this sounds like hard work and you have called upon the services of caterers to feed your guests, then most will be able to supply additional staff to run your bar for you. If however this is not an option then maybe look into hiring bar staff from a bar company or hiring in a mobile bar.

Furniture

Unless you are planning a very small garden party it’s highly likely that you will either need to borrow suitable furniture from family and friends to compliment your own collection, or hire addition items from a furniture hire company or your marquee company, (if you are hiring a marquee).  When selecting the furniture you need, remember your guests will require seating whilst dining and also relaxing.

Styling

From elegant florals, fun balloon installations right through to atmospheric creative lighting. The styling options for your garden party are endless. If you would like to keep things simple, consider positioning small bud vases filled with fragrant blooms on surfaces around your garden, and surprise your guests with elegant candlelight and twinkling fairy lights delicately wrapped around tree trunks, both of which look beautiful as the evening sets in.

If however you would prefer to leave styling your garden to the professionals, then welcoming your guests into your garden with a statement floral or balloon arch never fails to make a great first impression. And as mentioned above, creative lighting is a fabulous way to create an evening ambience. Styling trees with additional fairy lights hanging from branches, as well as around the trunks creates an amazing focal point for your guests to enjoy as the sun sets. You could also consider hanging festoon lighting around your garden as well as illuminating the outside of your house and flowerbeds using uplighters.

Music

If you haven’t booked live music, then downloading a number of playlists to play throughout the party will allow you to relax and enjoy mingling with your guests.  Remember to create a number of playlists from easy listening through to party classics which will allow you to change the style of music as your party progresses.

Of course, there may be many more points for you to consider when planning your garden party, but I do hope this blog post has pointed you in the right direction.  If however you are planning a garden party and feel you would benefit from working with a party planner, please do get in touch to discuss how I can assist you.

Image Credits: Terri & Lori Fine Art Photography & Film

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Buying local isn’t just for Christmas.
It comes as no surprise that people are more conscious than ever when it comes to their food. Asking ‘is it eco-friendly, locally sourced, fairly produced’ are now common questions we have all asked at one time or another. And the same can be said for drinks. Customers are wanting more and more locally created wines, beers, ciders and spirits, and who can blame them. Small breweries produce fabulous products that not only are delicious but can be rather unique (banana beer anyone?) Why not give your guest something different that perhaps they wouldn’t have tried before whether that be just one drink or a whole locally sourced menu. And if for not that reason do it because its nice to support small businesses.

Let’s get it started.
The bar is set up and ready to go, so why make your guests wait? Light alcohol cocktails, spritzers and mocktails make fantastic drinks to ease your guests into the day and something that not many couples are offering in the UK. Pre-ceremony drinks are gaining popularity across the pond and its here for 2019. Pre-ceremony drinks do not have to be alcoholic and keeping it alcohol free or low alcohol at best is the sensible way for your guests to enjoy a beverage without becoming a liability during your vows. However, if you decide to serve any alcohol before your ceremony make sure to check with your registrar as well as your venue that this is something their licensing allows.

Edible Décoration.
Edible flowers look blooming lovely (ah see what we did there?!) and add a touch of elegancy to anything they are added to. Cocktails are no different. Edible flowers will be around a lot this year especially during summer months when flowers are naturally in bloom. You could even reflect your colour scheme in your edible garnishes. It’s a great way to offer affordable glamour to simple drinks while adding delicate aroma and flavour. Win win we think.

Bigger is always better.
2019 couples are recognising that a basic bar offering the usual spirits and mixers is not going to cut it. Having a bigger bar that allows more choice for guests including high end pours, bitters and exotic, fresh fruit juices means a good time all round as well as showing guests you really know how to cater for a party.

Experience is everything.
While the running of day and early evening festivities is important make sure you don’t overlook the later part of the evening with some customisable beverage stations. An interactive D.I.Y hot chocolate bar or coffee station is a great way to get your guests enjoying your big day. You can offer a variety of syrups, garnishes and edibles to accompany your drinks and everyone will love making their own. Plus, it will help give those folks that enjoy themselves too much a break from all those martinis!

Waste not want not.
Plastic. Its one of the biggest issues we face as a planet. And while its not going anywhere soon that doesn’t mean we have to contribute. 2019 couples are more conscious than ever of their ecological footprint and hiring glassware is one of the top ways to reduce your plastic use on the day. Why not take it all the way to the top and offer guests name tags they can attach to their glass so that they use less glasses throughout the wedding and save on the washing up!

Your signature is changing but signature cocktails are going nowhere.
Signature cocktails were popular last year and they are back again for 2019. Whether you want to hire a mixologist to create a one of a kind tipple or reinvent one of the classics it’s a great way to put your stamp on your menu and offer a bespoke drink.

So there you have it, everything you need to know to ensure that your guests are treated to the most amazing array of beverages on your wedding day.

If you are considering hiring a mobile bar for your special day head over to The White Mule Company’s website to learn more about the wonderful menu’s and packages they offer.

And, if you need assistance with any other aspect of planning your wedding take a look at my website to learn about the planning assistance services I offer.