Monday 21 February 2011

THE QUESTION OF FLOWERS

THE QUESTION OF  FLOWERS
                          (Bouquets and Buttonholes)   

            When planning your wedding, the question always arises ‘what flowers
     to choose?’  Maybe you have always had a particular preference for one kind of
     flower, or prefer to uphold family tradition and choose the same flower as your
     mother had on her special day.
             It depends largely on what time of year your wedding takes place, as to the
     variety available.  To keep costs down, use flowers that are in season.
             Spring flowers can include tulips, anemones, daffodils, lily of the valley,
     gardenias, freesias, peonies, hyacinths, or of course roses – available from
     florists all year round.
             Summer weddings offer more opportunities for wildflowers, and there are
      orchids to add a touch of class.  This is a fun season for flowers, especially for
      those on a budget, since wedding bouquets can be gathered from gardens.
             Autumn heralds rich reds, oranges and yellows, with late blooming
      chrysanthemums one of the most popular.
             Winter poses unique challenges. Greenery and berries are always popular,
      but there is poinsettia and fir which can make elegant bouquets in December.
             Whilst fresh flowers are the most popular, for those not in season, try silk
      flowers.  You can then enjoy them all year round!
              You may want a lavish hotel reception display, or only a small simple
       bouquet and some buttonholes.  Buttonholes should complement the theme of
       your chosen wedding flowers, with the groom’s buttonhole traditionally taken
       from the bride’s bouquet to symbolise the ‘sharing’ aspect.
             

    Your wedding display should complement your wedding dress.  The
following are classic bouquet arrangements :-
            Hand tied posy       :      Short stemmed flowers tied with ribbon.
                                                    A simple elegant look.
            Formal posy           :      A compact mass of tightly packed flowers
                                                     (often roses).
            Free style bouquet :      Long stemmed flowers, loosely tied,
                                                      designed to be carried over one arm.
           Tear-drop bouquet :      An inverted teardrop shape, the flowers drawn
             (cascade bouquet)        down towards a point or trail of foliage.

      When choosing buttonholes, one can use any medium sized flower head,
 including roses, carnations, lilies, etc.  But be careful to choose a flower that
 will last the whole day, and one which matches the bride’s bouquet in terms
 of colour and type of flower.
       Following these simple rules on the question of flowers should ensure
  that your special day is voted a great success!

                                                            ------------

Friday 18 February 2011

Ross-on-Wye's Registration Office staying put

Ross-on-Wye's Registration Office staying put



Herefordshire Council have reassured Ross-on-Wye residents that the town’s Register Office is staying at its present location.
The Info Service is to be move from Swan House to the library to create a new customer service’s hub and social workers will be re-located to the Registration Office at The Old Chapel in Cantilupe Road.
“I want to assure people that the register office is staying at The Old Chapel and will be fully available for people wanting to book weddings or civil partnerships,” said Fiona Nicholls, Herefordshire Council’s registration services manager.
Anyone who wants to register a birth, death or give notice of marriage or civil partnership should call 01432 260565.

TheStar Where will the royal couple call home?

TheStar Where will the royal couple call home?

Council warning over royal wedding parties

Council warning over royal wedding parties


RESIDENTS in Abergavenny who want to hold a street party to celebrate the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29 will need insurance.
Abergavenny Town Council wants to hear from anyone who is planning to hold an event in the town centre area as it has funding available to cover the cost of third party insurance which is needed for a street party.
Councillor Douglas Edwards also warned organisers that it could take up to six weeks for Monmouthshire County Council to approve street closure orders which is free of charge and urged people to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Cllr Edwards said he knew of plans for a street party in Victoria Street but wanted to make sure that all organisers know they must have insurance for the event.
At the council’s monthly meeting on Wednesday night councillor John Prosser asked if there was anything the Town Council could do to mark the occasion and suggested holding an event for children to mark the occasion.
Councillor James George suggested holding a children’s tea party in the Market Hall.
It was agreed to discuss the matter at a meeting of the council’s project committee.
For information about applying for funding for insurance for street parties contact the Town Clerk Peter Johns via email at clerk@abergavennytowncouncil.gov.uk

Thursday 13 January 2011

The Angel Hotel Wedding Fayre - 30-1-2011

The Angel Hotel Wedding Fayre
30th January 2011
11am-4pm  entry free


Tracey and Martin Phillips of RazzelCam Productions are holding their third wedding fayre at the Angel Hotel Abergavenny. Tracey says that the last two have been such a success that this year is going to be even bigger with an extra room and more exhibitors than ever. It seems that the word is out this is one of the best wedding fayres to attend. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a large range of services from exhibitors all over Wales offering all a Bride could wish for all under one roof.

So why not take the stress out of arranging your wedding. Join us at the magnificent Angel Hotel Ballroom, Wedgewood Room, plus other rooms with a range of wedding dress suppliers, cakes, photographers, suit hire, wedding videographer, magician, florist, stationery, fascinators and vintage cars - the list is endless.

The Angel Hotel offers civil services in its stunning ballroom, along with the use of the castle grounds for a photographic backdrop that's hard to beat. The bridal suit will be available for viewing on the day, staff will also be on hand offering venue tours and to discuss your needs further.

There is such a buzz on the day, amongst the exhibitors, everyone knows each other and are so friendly, and I am sure that any bride will be made to feel special at any stand of our wedding fayre.

This year enter draw to win a £100 voucher to use with exhibitor at the wedding fayre.


So don't miss out visit



ABERGAVENNY’s PRESTEGE WEDDING EVENT - Make your day a day to remember.

Thursday 6 January 2011

Choosing a DJ

Choosing a DJ

Most people don't book DJs that often so here's some tips on what to ask.

1. Are they available for your date?
Begin your phone call by indicating the date, time, and location of your event. If they're unavailable there’s not much point prolonging the call but you could ask them to recommend other DJs.
If they are available are they familiar with the venue? Some venues have low ceilings, narrow spaces for a DJ setup and lots of stairs. Make sure they know or are prepared to visit the venue beforehand. They may bring the best kit in the world, but if they can’t set it up, that’s no good to you.


2. How long have they been a DJ & how many events have they performed?
A professional, experienced Disc Jockey will be able to plan & smoothly guide your celebration from start to finish allowing you to relax and enjoy the party.


3. What type of music do they provide and will they play requests?It's your party! You want someone who takes an interest in what YOU want. You want a DJ who is flexible so that any request from your guests can be fulfilled, providing it meets your acceptable music criteria. A professional will concentrate on quality of the sound, not quantity and will spend time on the night ensuring that your seated guests can talk comfortably while others are dancing.



4. What is their appearance like?Will they wear a formal dinner suit (tuxedo), tidy-casual, or a T-shirt, jeans and trainers? Find out ahead of time and make your preferences known! Different events command different attire.


5. What kind of equipment do they use & what is their technical expertise?
You are paying money for a professional and they should have brand-new-looking, quality equipment and know how it operates. Make sure it's all professional equipment, not home stereo or consumer grade. There is a difference!

Some larger venues or especially marquees will require a larger sound system to maintain a crisp full bodied sound. Make sure your DJ can accommodate this rather than pushing a small system to the limit and ending in poor quality sound for your event.




6. Do they have Public Liability Insurance?
Many venues now insist that all entertainers have their own insurance. Accidents are extremely rare but for peace of mind it’s worth checking that the entertainment you book does have the necessary cover - or you could be liable if damage or injury is caused by the DJ you have hired. Many hotels now have a policy of refusing entertainment if they cannot produce evidence of suitable insurance (check the small print of your venue hire documents).


7. Do they have back-up equipment on hand in case of an emergency?Even professional equipment can fail on occasion. Usually, only the top-notch pros invest the extra money to ensure that everything works and backup systems are in place. Booking a reliable Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your event.



8. Will they personally be the DJ for your reception?
Some DJ's will book your event and then pass it on to another DJ to play your night. Some (almost always the cheap ones) don't even bother to turn up if a more lucrative booking comes along*! Make sure you get what you are paying for.
Make sure you get along with the DJ you have booked. There are many different styles of DJ, varying ages and backgrounds. So choose one that that will suit your personalities.


9. How much do they charge?Not surprisingly, most professional, reputable DJ's charge more for their services than a hobby DJ who is just looking to make a few extra pounds on the side. Question a company that is low in cost... there's a good chance you will be putting the success of your event at risk in order to save a few pounds*.

A professional will have better quality equipment, more experience and will have higher running costs due to insurances, tax and advertising. This will reflect in the quoted price.

As a guide a local DJ to the Wye Valley area will charge between £175 to £500,the norm being about £250.



10. Do they require a deposit and a written agreement?If not, why not? If a DJ is serious about his business, he will want an agreement and a deposit. The agreement should offer a guarantee that he will show up on the day and will perform for the times you have decided on. If there's no deposit and no agreement, there's nothing to bind him to your event. A professional DJ will insist on a deposit to confirm your date and a booking agreement is your protection.