You may think when you come back from your honeymoon that it's all over. However there are a few things left to be done...
Saying "Thank-You"
It's a small thing, but saying "Thank -You" goes a long way. The first people to thank are the bride's parents. Etiquette dictates that they will probably have done most of the work as well as paid for the majority of the festivities. A week after your return from honeymoon you should start to think of ways to show your appreciation. There are lots of ways to do this. If they like dining out, arrange a night out for them at their favourite restaurant. A nice touch may be to have the bridal bouquet preserved, and present it to them as a permanent reminder of the wedding.
The groom's parents should also be thanked, especially with today's "hands-on" weddings, where everybody helps. As with the bride's parents, a gift would be courteous and, no doubt, appreciated.
The best man and attendants will have already received gifts, but a short note or "thank-you" card on your return will round things off nicely. Don't forget that you can leave a "Thank-You" message with The Hitching Post for all concerned to see. Small gifts can also be considered for anybody else who has helped or provided a service.
You may think that guests who have bought gifts deserve a hand-written "thank you" note. All gifts should be acknowledged as soon as possible.
Selecting your Photographs & Editing your Video
The photographer and videographer should have your photos/video ready by the time you arrive back from honeymoon. You will be able to choose from a variety of photographs taken on the day and include your favourites in an album. It is not obligatory to buy your album from the photographer. One purchased from a photographic retailer may suit your taste and pocket better. Let everyone see your photos and share in your big day by uploading them to The Hitching Post!
Bouquet preservation best practice
Preserving your wedding flowers is a lovely way to remember your most important day; here Hilary Jones, Managing Director of Flowers Forever, gives some advice on how to achieve the best outcome for you. With a national network of outlets and the long established market leader Flowers Forever has vast experience in preserving wedding bouquets.
* Although all types of flowers and foliage can be preserved successfully we recommend that brides discuss their wedding bouquet with a floral designer in advance of choosing. Ask to see examples of other brides bouquets that have been preserved.
* Roses, cala lilies, lisianthus and aspidistra leaves are very popular in wedding bouquets and come out of preservation well. There may be slight colour change however with professional colour enhancement techniques this should not be a problem.
* Preserved flowers should be framed using uv glass which will help protect them from sunlight damage.
* Check the quality of the flowers your florist intends to use. Wedding bouquets should always be made up using first quality flowers but less reputable florists may be keen to keep their costs down and use inferior flowers, this is hard to tell on the morning but by the evening poor quality flowers will be half dead whereas first quality flowers will be fine for a few days.
* Make sure your flowers are delivered as soon as possible to the preservation specialist as the better condition the flowers are in when they are preserved the better they will look when they are hanging on your wall as a lasting romantic memento of your special day.
* Choosing a hand-tied style of bouquet means that the flower stems can be put into a vase of water and therefore stay in better condition.
* Never spray flowers with water, keep them in a cool dark place until they are handed to the preservation specialist.
* Never put the flowers in a freezer, you will kill them.
* Prices should start from under £100 for a small bouquet or corsage preservation, it depends on how many flowers you are having preserved. A whole wedding bouquet preserved in a large frame will cost around £300 - £400. Prices could be higher than this for special work. Make sure you get a written quote in advance before handing over your flowers.
* Check how long it will be until you get your preserved wedding flowers returned to you; you should plan on around 3-4 months. Ask your flower preservation company to give you an estimated
delivery date and to phone you on progress. |
