a touch of class with strings

The Music that you choose for your wedding day is an important part of the occasion. Not only will it reflect the mood and set the tone of your wedding but it will also need to suit a range of wedding music styles and tastes. 

String music for your ceremony

Usually a softer, more romantic style to set the tone and ease guests into the mood. The most popular format for weddings is

• 15 minutes of music played as guests arrive
• a special piece as the bride walks down the aisle
• 1 or 2 pieces as the register is signed
• a piece for the recessional, when the couple leave as husband and wife.

String music for your reception

The wedding music played during your reception often includes a wider selection of music to reflect your taste and those of your guests, however String music is perfect:

• as drinks and canapés are served
• before the reception dinner
• while photos are being taken to entertain guests

Generally, couples organise a DJ for the reception but some couples prefer strings for the entire night or at least until the end of dinner when the DJ can take over. As a guide, around 10% of the total wedding costs should be set aside for music and entertainment. Bands or DJs are usually the main choices.

All About Bomboniere

Wedding Bomboniere

Wedding favours are also known as wedding bomboniere, and you are only limited by your imagination when it comes to selecting the right gifts. Remember that the amount you spent on the gift is not as important as the meaning and thought behind it. Here are some tips we've compiled to help you save when it comes to shopping for wedding bomboniere.

    Sometimes, gifts that are already wrapped up can cost extra. Why not wrap up your gifts yourself. Use ribbon and tulle for a touch of elegance.
    Prices will vary from place to place, so make sure you ask around. You will be surprised how much you can save by just shopping around.
    If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider giving one gift for each couple. This could even enable you to select a gift that is a little more expensive, while still making a saving.
    Bomboniere doesn't have to be impersonal. You can personalise each gift by writing a message, poem or phrase to your guests.
    An elegant, yet simple gift is to simply have a small piece of chocolate or something similar on each guest's plate. You can co-ordinate these to match the theme and colours of your wedding.
    For a different sort of wedding bomboniere gift, consider the bulb of a flower such as tulip. Flowers represent hope, fertility and potential. Jazz them up by wrapping them in some ribbon and your guests will have a reminder of your wedding for years to come.
    Provide your guests with favours that can be used at the reception. Gifts such as sparklers or bubble bottles are ideal.

Bomboniere Checklist

    You should aim to have all your bomboniere ready at least one week before the wedding. This ensures that should any problems arise, you will have plenty of time to rectify the situation.
    Always order a couple extra bomboniere gifts. You never know who might RSVP at the last minute, or there might be a few spoilt or damaged gifts on the day. Be prepared.
    Don't forget to keep a bomboniere gift for yourself! You will have a token and memento of your special day to look at and remember.

Other Bomboniere suggestions

As far as traditional gifts go, sugared almonds have always been a popular gift. Tradition states that the almonds are presented in either lots of 3 or lots of 5. Three almonds represent the bride, the groom, and their future baby. Five almonds represent happiness, health, wealth, fertility and longevity.

    Decorate small sachets or bags of potpourri in your wedding colours
    Give scented candles that match your wedding theme.
    Small boxes for trinkets in the shape of hearts will add a lovely touch to the reception tables
    Why not view your wedding through the eyes of your guests by giving them disposable cameras?
    A nice personal gift could be a short poem written by yourself and/or your partner
    Scented bath beads will soothe your guests with aromatherapy
    Make your own cookies and store them in a decorative box. Tie up the boxes with ribbon for a professional finishing touch
    Small picture frames will allow your guests to not only have a token from your wedding day, but a place to store a nice wedding photo of the two of you