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How long does it take to plan a wedding?

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How long does it take to plan a wedding? This post was prompted by an article in Brides Magazine entitled How To Plan Your Wedding In 30 days (click here to read the article). 30 days seems to be the minimum notice you need to register your wedding. My research leads me to think it’s actually 28 days (Click here) for a civil marriage, but it’s also down to availability of Registrars etc.

I was also thinking about how long does it take to plan a wedding because my couples usually seem to book between a year and 18 months ahead of their wedding. This seems to be fairly normal now. When Ce and I got married a million years ago (that’s a slight exaggeration, keep an eye on this blog for a post about our Anniversary next month) we got engaged on Boxing Day and married the follow August – eight months . As you may have read, our daughter got married back in April following their engagement the July before – just under nine months.

Planning a long time ahead is good because it gives you time to save and think – but is it too long to think? Why do couples often plan so far ahead? I think it may have been down to the fact the “best venues” get booked ages in advance – but now there are lots of great venues and also weddings on any day of the week have become acceptable when it used to just be Saturdays.

So, how long does it take to plan a wedding?  I guess the answer is between 30 days and … years! It’s really up to you how long. There are so many options and things to think about, some couples will just want to be married because they want to commit to each other and start the next chapter of their lives. Others will wait while they save to have their dream wedding – what will you do? How about this Autumn?

If you’d like free advice on the various options and a free copy of my “WOW Wedding Guide” please get in touch – email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

One final thought … weddings aren’t about stuff, they are about two people in love – often couples who plan a long engagement seem to add lots of stuff to their wedding day. Beware of adopting too many things you see on Pinterest, sometimes less is more! I’ll write a post on this soon.

Woodlands Lodge Wedding DJ

September weddings

Paul The Party DJ a.k.a The WOW Wedding Guy

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Paul The Party DJ is now also known as The WOW Wedding Guy ~ the same guy (me!) with two separate services. Some couples will want to use both, now others can now benefit too.

The Party DJ is the award winning wedding DJ and MC who now only does a maximum of twenty unique, elegant and fun weddings each year. I am now only accepting all-day wedding bookings and a few other parties. I don’t do any events where I can’t meet the organisers in advance so that I understand exactly what they want. By doing this I am able to give every event the care and attention to detail it really deserves. CLICK HERE to see My Promise ~ YOUR guarantee.

The WOW Wedding GuyThe WOW Wedding Guy is the award winning wedding expert who wants to help EVERY COUPLE create a wedding that is focused on what’s important. By hosting my “Creating Your WOW Wedding” and “WOW Bridegroom” events, along with my new “WOW Speakers Club”, I will be sharing my experience and ideas with even more couples planning their big day. To get your free access to my “Your WOW Wedding” booklet just email paul@thepartydj.co.uk.

The new logo was created by my go-to-guy for graphics and website work ~ Deon from Deon Designs (CLICK HERE to go to his website)

Paul, The WOW Wedding Guy will be hosting his next event on Thursday 6th July at Gray Manor. For more information and to reserve your places please email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

September weddings

Alone With The In-Laws

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Alone With The In-Laws, this is something I put together for this weeks “Love, Laughter & Happily Ever After” newsletter that I wanted to share here too. This weeks newsletter also includes my favourite track from the last year and advice on how to get a grip on how your wedding should feel. If you’d like to be added to the mailing list just email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

I LOVE Gogglebox – there I’ve said it! The families crack me up and it often throws up programmes that we then track down on the iPlayer or the relevant On Demand service from whatever channel it was on.  I know it’s a crazy idea that watching other people watching television should be classed as entertainment – but I love it.

This weekend they featured a show I’d seen trails for and meant to watch out for, but I never got around to putting it on the planner … it was called “Alone with the In-Laws”.

“Alone with the In-Laws” featured the Reverend Kate Botley ,who is no stranger to the TV screen as she has been a regular on Gogglebox, with couple Chris and Stacey. The basic idea is that Chris and Stacey spend time alone with their in-laws to be to see how their own marriage might function.

Obviously it’s been made for TV so there are moments designed to hook you in but I really enjoyed it and it was fascinating to watch how the couple bonded with their in-laws to be.

CLICK HERE to view the programme (if this link does’t work then it’s probably because it’s expired)

If you’re about to make that big commitment with your partner the BBC would love to hear from you CLICK HERE to find out more!. Maybe you’ll be feature in a future episode of “Alone With The In-Laws”!

September weddings

Just to say … I’m back and these two great events are happening!

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Just to say … I’m back and these two great events are happening!

I’m just about to rush off for a meeting but I just wanted to post a quick update to get a couple of things on your radar.

When I say I’m back that’s because we’ve just had a fabulous break away in Fuerteventura (I don’t want to make you too jealous so I won’t post a picture … no, I’m a horrible person, so here’s one!)

So it’s back to work now and I’m preparing for two excellent events in the next few days

First, on Sunday …
Brockenhurst Village Hall wedding fair. It’s FREE entry and there will be plenty of great wedding experts on hand to chat to. I understand there will also be a welcome drink and a goodie bag. Brockenhurst Village Hall is in Highwood Road and the postcode is SO42 7RY.

Then on Wednesday evening I’m hosting another of my “Your The Man” Bridegroom’s workshops, which isn’t really a workshop at all. It’s just an evening for the gentleman when I run through their responsibilities and help them with great ideas so that everybody thinks they are a “top bloke”. I could tell you more but then I’d have to kill you – so, if you know anyone who might be interested (even if they aren’t my client and don’t need a DJ) tell them to email me paul@thepartydj.co.uk and I’ll tell them more.

I actually haver lots to tell you but I’ll get to the other stuff later I just wanted to let you know about these two great events before I went to my meeting ~ Cheers! x

Next Tuesday ~ Reserve Your Places NOW!

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Tuesday night is my “Creating Your WOW Wedding” event at Ampfield Golf Club so reserve your places now  It’s these events which earned me my “Contribution toe the Wedding Industry” award last year.  Basically I run through a typical wedding time-line explaining how to use the ideas from the WOW guide. If you have never seen my “Your WOW Wedding” email me now for a link ~ paul@thepartydj.co.uk

Heres what Hannah, one of my previous Brides, had to say to say about the “Creating Your WOW Wedding” evening at Ampfield …

“Paul invited us to his ‘WOW’ wedding event at Ampfield Golf course, which was amazing! We took our parents along too and we were all blown away. ”

“I think what really struck us was Paul was so passionate about how people felt, having that great feeling, not just us as the bride and groom, but family and friends, which was so important to us.”

To find out more about Hannah and Dan’s wedding CLICK HERE

Reserve your places now ~ email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30 start and we’ll be done by 9:30, even with a break in the middle.

What have you got to lose? It’s a no-brainer! Tickets are just £10 per couple (including any guests you want to bring) and all that £10 will go to the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity, even if you claim a refund using my full money back guarantee! All the details are elsewhere on the blog (just scroll down) and in this video.

Remember, this isn’t a sales pitch for me, this is just about helping you to understand how you’ll feel on your wedding day, how to make the most of every moment, and the evening comes with a full-money-back guarantee!

Email me and reserve your places now.

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Tuesday 21st February ~ Creating Your WOW Wedding

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Save the date ~ Tuesday 21st February

It’s less than two weeks to my next ‘Creating Your WOW Wedding’ evening when I run through the typical wedding day timeline to explain how to incorporate the principles in the ‘Your WOW Wedding’ booklet into your big day. The evening is being held at Ampfield Golf Club (SO51 9BQ), the doors will open at 7pm for a 7:30 start. Holding these events was a major factor in my receiving of the “Contribution to the Wedding Industry” award recent, these events are open to all couples whether they want me to DJ their wedding or not.

Watch this short video for more …

I’ll share tips on how your wedding can easily become a ‘WOW Wedding’
Things like …
* How to set the tone for your wedding day before you even enter the ceremony
* Sharing your Love Story
* How to make sure the dance floor is packed

What have you got to lose? It’s a no-brainer! Tickets are just £10 per couple (including any guests you want to bring) and all that £10 will go to the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity, even if you claim a refund using my full money back guarantee! 

If you have any questions please let me know. 

Oh, and if you haven’t read the original ‘Your WOW Wedding’ booklet email me now paul@thepartydj.co.uk

I really hope to see you for a great night on Tuesday 21st February at Ampfield Golf Club ~ reserve your places now, please email paul@thepartydj.co.uk

Le Chanteclerc Wedding Fayre

Rhinefield House Wedding Fayre This Sunday

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It’s Rhinefield House Wedding Fayre this Sunday and Ce and I will be there. It is one of the most popular venues in the area and I’ve done lots of weddings there with more booked for this year. CLICK HERE for more about Rhinefield House Weddings.

The Rhinefield House Wedding Fayre is always a great event with lots of couples looking for great suppliers and many of my friends will be exhibiting including Carole from The Flower Stables and Kim and Krysia from Kim Collins Photography.

As always, I recommend that whenever you visit an event like this you should try and speak to EVERY exhibitor – they are experts and will usually be happy to help with advice even if they can’t do your date.

I haven’t managed to attend as many wedding fairs as usual this year so I’m really looking forward to Sunday, PLUS I now have a new WOW Wedding events scheduled to tell people about.

This Sunday’s Rhinefield House Wedding Fayre starts at 10:30am and ends around 3pm, there is a £2 entry fee which includes a bridal bag and show guide. It’s organised by the excellent Stylish Events. The Fayre is actually held in The Hurst Castle Suite which is away from the part of the hotel where weddings normally held but there will be plenty of signage to direct you. I look forward to seeing you there.

real weddings

Today is THE DAY

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The countdown is done, the wait is over, today is THE DAY!

today-is-the-day

It’s finally time for my “Creating Your WOW Wedding” evening. I’ll be explaining how to put my WOW Wedding ideas into your wedding timeline with plenty of great examples.

The event is at Ampfield Golf Club, Winchester Road, Ampfield SO51 9BQ CLICK HERE which is between Romsey and Hursley on the way to Winchester. The doors open from 7pm and we’ll be starting about 7:30pm. The evening is in two halves of about 45 minutes with a break in the middle, so we should be done just after 9:30pm.

wow_014The entrance fee is £10 per couple with all of that going to the Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity CLICK HERE. PLUS, the evening comes with a full money-back guarantee – if you stay to the end and feel the evening wasn’t good value for money, I’ll refund you from my own pocket – so the Hospice Charity still gets your £10. If you wish to bring other guests – maybe your parents or a friend there is no extra fee. Please bring cash if possible – thanks.

wow-wedding-guy

Here’s what Hannah had to say about a previous WOW event …

“Paul invited us to his ‘WOW’ wedding event at Ampfield Golf course, which was amazing! We took our parents a long too and we were all blown away. I think what really struck us was Paul was so passionate about how people felt, having that great feeling, not just us as the bride and groom, but family and friends, which was so important to us.”

I can confirm there will be lots of my colleagues from the Hampshire Wedding Group CLICK HERE in attendance too, so make sure you take the opportunity to quiz them as well.

You can still come along even if you haven’t already registered – if you get a chance to let me know you’re coming it would be a great help (email paul@thepartydj.co.uk or text 07973 617153).

So, today is THE DAY, don’t miss out – be there or … er … be somewhere else.

Today is THE DAY

September weddings

“Creating Your WOW Wedding” Eve ~ Recap

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It’s Creating Your WOW Wedding eve … not a day that’s written into modern legend yet – but you never know!

As promised yesterday, here to mark Creating Your WOW Wedding Eve is a run-down of the countdown and what I’ve covered …

30 ~ Weave CLICK HERE
Weave what you may ask!

29 ~ Others CLICK HERE
Who are they and how can they help?

28 ~ The Why CLICK HERE
The second W in WOW stands for WHY

27 ~ Back To Basics CLICK HERE
Why is your wedding like a movie.

26 ~ Help CLICK HERE
Choosing your team ~ 2 videos to watch

25 ~ Never Too Much CLICK HERE
When is you day full and what’s too much.

24 ~ Your Perfect Venue CLICK HERE
How do you find your perfect venue?

23 ~ More Venue Thoughts CLICK HERE
Does exactly what it says on the tin.

22 ~ Real Weddings CLICK HERE
Real Weddings are a great place for inspiration.

21 ~ Rainy Days CLICK HERE
What if it rains on your wedding day?

20 ~ Numbers CLICK HERE
The budget

19 ~ The After Party CLICK HERE
… and there’s more

18 ~ The Centrepiece CLICK HERE
There’s plenty more joy to be had

17 ~ Charity CLICK HERE
Could you help others through your wedding

16 ~ The Kiss CLICK HERE
Practise, practise, practise

15 ~ How Much CLICK HERE
Why do things seem to cost more for a wedding?

14 ~ Wedding Insurance CLICK HERE
It might sound boring but you need to think about it.

13 ~ Bouquets and Buttonholes CLICK HERE
Great advice from Carole at The Flower Stables

12 ~ Bring Back The Receiving Line CLICK HERE
What is it and why should you have one

11 ~ Read The Small Print CLICK HERE
A couple of fab tips from Jane at Winslowe House ~ Read the small print and look for flexibility.

10 ~ Ushers CLICK HERE
Use them!

9 ~ Ceremony Music CLICK HERE
Setting the tone for everything that follows.

8 ~ How’s It Going To Sound CLICK HERE
Music plays such an important part.

7 ~ Wedding Quiz CLICK HERE
Connect everyone with a great ice-breaker.

6 ~ Photographs CLICK HERE
Sharing your photos will help engage your guests.

5 ~ Friends Requests CLICK HERE
Get everyone involved in creating a great party.

4 ~ Baked With Love CLICK HERE
Bake some treats to use as favours.

3 ~ Evening Photos CLICK HERE
Don’t forget to capture the evening fun.

2 ~ The Red Arrows and Rainbows CLICK HERE
I took a look at other vents and moments to keep an eye on.

1 ~ Grand Finale CLICK HERE
Bringing your perfect day to a planned end

As I look back on Creating Your WOW Wedding Eve, I’m amazed out how much I’ve shared – it’s like I’m some kind of wedding expert. 😉

Once tomorrow is done I promise I’ll calm down – so please forgive me wittering on, but I’m so excited …
… after all it is flipping’ Creating Your WOW Wedding Eve! If you haven’t reserved your places email me NOW paul@thepartydj.co.uk

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The Red Arrows and Rainbows ~ WOW Countdown … 2

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Arrange a fly-past by the Red Arrows …

red-arrows-2

OK, maybe that’s a step too far, but at one wedding a couple of years ago we knew they were appearing at a nearby event, so the photographer and I kept an eye out and made sure we got the wedding party back out to see it so they could get some photos.

red-arrows-wedding

A similar moment was captured when Jane from Winslowe House kept a look out for a rainbow on a sunshine and showers wedding day – she let us know and the photographer took the couple out from their meal to capture the moment.

Likewise there may be something happening that has a potential negative effect on your big day – a big event may cause unusual traffic congestion or a major sporting event might have your guests checking their phones every two minutes – think about how you can get the best outcome in these situations.

You can’t always plan for this stuff but you can keep it in mind, just in case.

So, we’re almost there ~ just a few more hours until the “Creating Your WOW Wedding” evening at Ampfield. If you haven’t already reserved your places email me now paul@thepartydj.co.uk or CLICK HERE Remember, your entry fee will go direct to The Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity.

baked with love