<![CDATA[Lo & Behold Events - Blog - Musings from our Magazine]]>

<![CDATA[Lo & Behold Events - Blog - Musings from our Magazine]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:24:44 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[EIGHT WEDDING MORNING MUST-DOS FOR A PICTURE PERFECT MORNING]]>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:33:23 GMThttps://www.loandbeholdevents.com/blog/eight-wedding-morning-must-dos-for-a-picture-perfect-morningBY KIRSTY MAKENZIE

Planning for your big day? Here are eight wedding morning must-dos that'll ensure you get amazing photographs:

1 CREATE A ‘CRAP CORNER’
Yup, you read that right! Designate a spot in your getting-ready area for all the clutter – bags, makeup, hair tools, McDonalds wrappers – you name it. Keeping this area organised will prevent any unsightly distractions in your precious pre-wedding photos.

2 EARLY HAIR & MAKEUP APPOINTMENTS
Trust me, there's nothing worse than feeling rushed on your wedding day. Schedule those hair and makeup appointments earlier than you think you need to. This buffer time will allow for any unexpected delays and ensure you're looking flawless without the stress.

3 DON’T BE LAST IN LINE
If there's one thing to remember, it's this – don't be the last one in the chair for hair and makeup. Being last often means getting rushed through your glam session. Instead, aim to be somewhere in the middle to give yourself ample time to primp and pamper.

4 NON-PLASTIC HANGER FOR YOUR OUTFIT
Your wedding outfit deserves the best, right? Don't settle for a flimsy plastic hanger for your outfit shot. Bring along a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing hanger so your photos look top notch.

5 NATURAL LIGHT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
When it comes to getting ready photos, natural light is a game-changer. Position yourself near a window to bask in that gorgeous, flattering glow. Your photographer will thank you, and your photos will shine!

6 PRE-DRESS SNACK ATTACK
It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of excitement and nerves on your wedding morning, but don't forget to fuel up! Have a light, energy-boosting snack before getting dressed to keep those butterflies at bay.

7 COMMUNICATE YOUR VISION
Make sure your photographer and other suppliers are in the loop about any special moments or details you want captured before the ceremony. Whether it's a heartfelt first look or a cherished family heirloom, planning ahead ensures these moments are preserved for eternity.

8 PREP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Lastly, steam outfits, remove labels and arrange all your details ready for your photographer the night before. This means on the morning of your wedding day you can focus on enjoying your time, rather than searching for details or getting your shoe label off with a blunt table knife (true-story btw).

So, there you have it – eight must-dos to get amazing photographs and have a stress-free morning. Happy planning!

All photos by Kirsty Makenzie, head to her website to find out more about Kirsty and her amazing photography work.

]]><![CDATA[HOW TO CHOOSE A DRESS YOU LOVE]]>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:45:32 GMThttps://www.loandbeholdevents.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-dress-you-loveBY NICOLA WILLSHIRE, VELVET QUEEN

At Velvet Queen, we see hundreds of brides each year, and we know that everyone's journey to finding the perfect dress is unique. Here are a few things we've learned to help you find “The One”.

EMBRACE YOUR EMOTIONS

Starting your journey to find the perfect dress can evoke a mix of emotions. You might be super excited or you might feel nervous, overwhelmed or even indifferent. All these feelings are normal and okay.

Your dress is important - it frames how you feel on your big day - but finding it should take as much effort as you want it to. However you feel at the start, when you find the right dress you'll love it because it’s what you’ll wear to say "you are mine forever" to your person.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

One size doesn’t fit all. How in-depth you go with research depends on you as a bride. If you're a planner, start with Pinterest and social media, looking for silhouettes and styles that speak to you. It’s okay to love dresses that are different; this initial research is purely for inspiration.
Research shops with styles you love. Check their ethos, see if they carry dresses in your size range, and read reviews. If unsure, give them a call or send a message—no question is too small or silly.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEAM

Bringing the right people to your bridal appointment can make the difference between an okay experience and a great one. The phrase "less is more" couldn’t be truer. Everyone has different styles and opinions but remember an opinion is not a fact, and ultimately, only your opinion matters. Choose people who will be honest but will also respect how you feel about each dress. It’s okay to choose a dress your team doesn’t pick. If it makes you feel comfortable and beautiful, that’s enough. Your team will love it because you love it.

YOU DON'T NEED TO TRY ON EVERY DRESS

Finding a dress is not like finding a soulmate. There isn’t just one magical dress for you and your mission isn’t to try on as many dresses as possible before saying yes. Trying on too many dresses can be confusing. Take it shop by shop, dress by dress. You're looking for a dress that makes you feel a certain way — like the most beautiful person in the world or simply comfortable and ready to say "I do." Trust your instincts. You’ll hear the phrase, "When you know, you know," and in our experience this is true. How many dresses are enough? Everyone’s journey is individual and there isn’t a magic number. Don’t be scared to say yes if a dress makes you feel a certain way, even if it’s the first dress you try on. Celebrate it being love at first sight.

MAKE IT UNIQUE

Sometimes, finding the perfect dress means adding your own unique spin. Not all bridal shops offer this, so check what the shop can or can’t do. At Velvet Queen, we love customisations and enjoy creating a whole new dress by merging your favourite gowns. A custom gown can transform a dress from great to "the one," so don’t hesitate to play with sleeves, straps, colours, fabrics, necklines, etc.

CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET

What you spend on your dress isn’t as important as knowing you’re worth spending money on. Your wedding dress is a key aspect of your wedding that you’ll look back on and remember. It’ll be in every wedding photo and memory. Don’t compromise and choose a dress that you don’t love. However, we understand that money matters, so consider your budget and decide what works for you. Look out for sample sales or purchasing off the rack to save money.

THERE ARE NO RULES

Pick and choose what works for you. If you’re reading this, your journey is likely just beginning, and that’s super exciting. Your journey is yours alone. This guide is intended to help you find the perfect dress but there are no strict rules. The process should always make you feel comfortable and be enjoyable, with nothing you ‘must do’ or ‘have to do’ except to celebrate your love story.

To learn more about Velvet Queen or book an an appointment visit: velvetqueen.co.uk

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