I’m a wedding expert and here’s the bridesmaid colour we all hate – it rarely looks good, we’re sick of it
AFTER getting engaged, planning your wedding and choosing your bridal party can seem daunting.
And even once you have all your bridesmaids picked, you still have the troubling task of picking your colours.
Not only will you want the colours to match the theme and decor of your chosen venue, but you’ll also want it to suit everyone in the wedding party.
Because, let’s face it, apart from the bride’s wedding dress, it’s going to be one of the top things that guests notice and look at all evening along with the groomsmen’s kilts or suits.
Luckily, one expert is on hand to share their top tips for anyone who is struggling to pick the right colour.
Samantha Gilchrist, CEO of the UK’s largest collection of wedding venues, The Gilchrist Collection, revealed the colour that every bride should avoid picking for their bridesmaids.
She insists that everyone has now gotten “sick of” Cadbury purple, adding that it “doesn’t often work”.
Samantha said: “This is more of a personal one, but… Anyone who was in the wedding industry in 2008 -2010 went through a period of every wedding being ‘Cadbury’ purple.
“It was such a strong colour we all got sick of it!
“It’s a really hard colour for bridesmaids to wear and often doesn’t work in reception settings.
“That being said, ultimately it’s your day and we’ll do whatever makes you happy!”
Sticking with wedding outfits, she also explained that it is a good idea to make sure your wedding crew is smartly dressed before the big day.
Letting suppliers, like your photographer, know what your colour scheme is and what they plan to wear before your wedding day in advance can save you a lot of grief on the day.
Samantha added: “Picture the scene: you’re at your fabulous black tie wedding and sticking out like a sore thumb is your photographer or videographer in casual wear.
“Or worse – jeans. Unless your wedding is a laid back affair, ensure you tell your team to match your dress code.
“They need to blend into your day and look professional but you also don’t want them to look like a bridesmaid or groomsman so don’t forget to clue them into the colour theme too!”
She also helped brides with one of the biggest wedding conundrums – having kids at your ceremony.
While many couples decide not to have children during this key part of their wedding, others don’t want to leave them out or make it awkward for their guests.
For this, Samantha has a simple solution. She said: “Screaming children during your vows – this is often why couples opt for no children on their big day.
“Children are unpredictable and often choose the worst times, like during the vows, to be loud.
Top tips for your wedding menu
MAKING sure you have a weddin menu that suits all your guests can be hard work. Luckily, Samantha has shared her top tips to make it easier.
She said: “Leave red wine off the menu. Red wine…white dress. It’s a recipe for disaster! Don’t risk accidental spills by sticking to white wine or clear spirits, and keep red wine off the top table during your meal.”
Adding mocktails to your drinking menu is also a good idea. Samantha explains: “Alcohol-free weddings are in fashion as 24 per cent of guests admitted to having ditched the booze at weddings.
“Instead of leaving your sober guests sipping un-festive soft drinks and water, you could provide a selection of trendy non-alcoholic beverages at the bar.
“Opting for a sober wedding can also positively impact your budget and avoid potential fallout from intoxicated guests spelling disaster!”
Samantha also says that making sure to add canapes can stop guests from being hungry.
She said: “Couples often do this to save money, but the cost of canapés is a drop in the ocean of your overall wedding budget and can make all the difference to your day, especially if your ceremony is at 12.30-2pm.
“You, your wedding parties, and your guests might have skipped lunch, or eaten lightly to get to the ceremony. By the time your wedding breakfast comes around, typically between 4pm to 5pm, you are all very hungry!
“Providing canapés not only keeps hunger at bay, but also elevates your guests’ experience while you’re having your posed photos taken.”
“If you truly want to be in the moment and have young children at your wedding, please ask parents to leave with them if they start fussing.”
The wedding expert has shared her top tips after over 53 per cent of married couples across the country admitted to having wedding day regrets.
She said: “You’ve planned everything down to the tiniest detail and finally get to enjoy your day, why risk something spoiling it?
“While some of these things are a little outside your control, it’s important to let your wedding planner and venue know what your boundaries are, and the things you would find unacceptable, were they to happen on your big day.
“They’ll be able to support you in handling issues both ahead of time and on the day itself.”
Top tips for your wedding guest list
AS any couple planning a wedding will know, your guest list can be a little problematic. And Samantha has shared her tips on how it make it go as efficiently and easily as possible.
She said: “From not RSVPing and unexpectedly showing up, to bringing uninvited plus ones, your guests can cause a whole lot of issues on your big day!
“Be firm when crafting your guest list – no RSVP means there’s no meal or table setting, no wedding favour, and you haven’t factored them into any evening catering arrangements.
“The same goes for uninvited children, and plus ones, especially if it’s a new partner or unfamiliar acquaintances. After all, who wants a stranger in their wedding photos?
“Brides and grooms are encouraged to be mindful when selecting guests, only welcoming those who will wholeheartedly respect their wishes from the start.”
Samantha also urged guests not to turn up empty handed to a wedding after a couple has spent a small fortune to have them there.
She added: “Unless a couple has explicitly said ‘no gifts’ in the lead-up to the wedding, you bring a gift.
“Money for them to start their new life or go towards their honeymoon, an item for their home, something personal and handmade – it doesn’t matter but you never show up empty-handed.”