Merriment And Magic: Crafting A Joyful Wedding Day

Merriment refers to fun activities or a feeling of happiness. It can be described as a lively celebration or party, characterised by high-spirited fun and enjoyment. At a wedding, merriment can be created through enjoyable activities, laughter, and a general sense of joyous gaiety and mirth. Whether it's the exchange of vows, the toasts, or the dance floor, merriment is an essential part of any wedding celebration, bringing lighthearted fun and a feeling of joyous festivity to the occasion.

Wedding entertainment

• Music and Dancing: Hire a live band or DJ to get your guests moving and grooving on the dance floor. From the first dance to the last, a good mix of music will create a festive and lively atmosphere.
• Games and Activities: Organize interactive games and activities to engage your guests and encourage mingling. This could include lawn games like giant Jenga or croquet, photo booths with fun props, or even a friendly game of trivia or charades.
• Surprise Performances: Delight your guests with unexpected performances throughout the celebration. This could include a flash mob, a comedy sketch performed by your bridal party, a fire dancer, or even a surprise musical performance by you and your partner!
• Sparklers and Fireworks: Add a touch of sparkle and magic to your wedding with sparklers during your first dance or a fireworks display to cap off the night. This will literally light up your celebration and create lasting memories.
• Caricaturists and Magicians: Hire roaming entertainers like caricaturists or magicians to interact with your guests. This adds a touch of whimsy and gives your guests unique mementos to take home.
• Themed Entertainment: If your wedding has a theme, take it up a notch with themed entertainment. For example, if you're having a vintage carnival wedding, set up old-school carnival games and hire stilt walkers or fire breathers to wow your guests.

Remember, the key to creating merriment at your wedding is to offer a variety of entertainment options that will appeal to a range of ages and interests. By incorporating these elements, you'll ensure your wedding is a joyous and memorable celebration for all!

Wedding decor

Merriment refers to fun activities and a feeling of happiness. Wedding decor plays a huge role in creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Here are some ideas for wedding decor to create merriment at your wedding:

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are a popular choice for wedding decor and can be used in a variety of ways. You can create your own bouquet or centrepieces by foraging flowers, using local greenery, or buying loose stems from a florist or a farmer's market. Floral hoops, floral canopies, and floral table runners are also beautiful options. If you want something more affordable and long-lasting, consider using silk flowers or potted plants as decor.

Lighting

Lighting can completely transform a space and create a magical atmosphere. Fairy lights, bistro lights, and string lights are all great options for wedding decor. Hang them vertically or cluster them together to create a light curtain. For a glamorous touch, add fairy light trees or chandeliers.

Backdrops and Arches

Backdrops and arches are perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere and serving as a focal point for photos. You can design your own backdrop or arch using flowers, branches, greenery, candles, saplings, or lanterns. For a unique shape, consider a wedding circle instead of a traditional arch.

Personalised Touches

Adding personalised touches to your wedding decor is a great way to make the space feel special and intimate. You can include monogrammed napkins, custom cake toppers, or neon signs with your names. Displaying childhood photos or including a tribute to a family member in your bouquet are also heartfelt ways to decorate.

DIY Projects

DIY projects can add a unique and crafty touch to your wedding decor while also saving money. You can paint or decorate wine bottles, create your own stationery, or make your own centrepieces using mason jars, beads, glitter, spray paint, twine, or ribbon. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own candles or arranging your own flowers.

Wedding food and drink

Choosing your wedding menu

The food you choose for your wedding is a great way to express yourself as a couple and plan a day that's truly unique to you. Whether you're a laid-back pair who love simple culinary pleasures, or you're keen travellers who adore a certain cuisine from around the world, your wedding menu can be a reflection of you.

When it comes to choosing your wedding menu, it's important to consider the season. Spring and summer weddings call for lighter dishes, such as salads, cold soups, and grilled meats and vegetables. Autumn and winter weddings are perfect for warmer, heartier meals, like stews, roasts, and pies.

It's also essential to cater to any dietary requirements your guests may have. Offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options is a must. Many classic dishes can be made meatless or gluten-free by using substitutes or opting for hearty vegetables.

Food and drink ideas

Spring and summer

• Grilled asparagus with lemon aioli
• Herb-roasted chicken with spring vegetables and a white wine sauce
• Fish or grilled chicken accompanied by salad or vegetables
• Hog roast, BBQ, or open-fire grill
• Lighter dessert options like mousse, berry tarts, or an outdoor ice cream van
• Sliders or canapes
• Salads, such as watermelon and feta
• Cold soups, like gazpacho shooters
• Spring rolls with a garlic and chilli dipping sauce

Autumn and winter

• Warm, vibrant dishes with autumn spices and ingredients, like pumpkin and sage arancini, or maple-glazed salmon with roasted root vegetables
• Traditional British dishes like Sunday roasts, beef wellington, or pies
• Classic French cuisine, such as boeuf bourguignon, chicken supreme, and tarte tatin
• Cheeseboard with local cheeses and chutneys
• Warm pear tart with honey and almond frangipane
• Pumpkin and mushroom roast

Drinks

The drinks you offer will depend on your personal preference and budget. You could offer a full bar, a few signature cocktails, or just beer and wine. If you're having a summer wedding, consider serving refreshing cocktails like spritzes or gin-based drinks. For winter weddings, red wine and stout are perfect for washing down richer foods.

Catering

Some venues allow you to bring in outside caterers, while others require you to use their in-house team. It's important to establish this when choosing your venue and planning your menu.

Budgeting

Opting for a buffet instead of a sit-down meal can be a great way to save money on your wedding food. It's also more inclusive of different tastes and dietary requirements. Using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and offering more vegetables than meat will also help keep costs down.

Allergies and dietary requirements

Be sure to ask your guests to inform you of any allergies or dietary requirements when they RSVP, and pass this information on to your caterer. It's important to take these seriously and ensure that your guests are safe and catered for.

Planning and preparation

Your caterer will be able to advise you on how much food you need and when you need to provide final guest numbers. It's a good idea to have at least one tasting before the big day to ensure you're happy with the menu and to give feedback.

Unique touches

To make your wedding truly memorable, consider adding some unique touches to your food and drink offerings. This could include food trucks, a coffee bar, or a grazing table with charcuterie, brunch items, or dessert options.

With so many options available, planning your wedding food and drink can be a fun and creative process. By considering the season, your personal tastes, and your guests' dietary requirements, you can create a menu that will delight your guests and make your wedding a day to remember.

Wedding music

Music is an integral part of a wedding, from the processional to the recessional, and everything in between. The songs chosen for a wedding can set the tone, not only for the ceremony but for the entire day.

Processional Songs

The processional is when the groom, wedding party, and parents or grandparents enter the ceremony. The bride is traditionally the last to enter, often accompanied by a family member. The music for the processional can be a traditional hymn or a modern pop tune that everyone knows. Here are some popular choices:

• "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
• "All You Need is Love" by The Beatles
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "Bridal Chorus" by Richard Wagner
• "Glasgow Love Theme" from "Love Actually"
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Recessional Songs

The recessional is when the newlyweds exit the altar, followed by the wedding party and guests. This is an opportunity to play an upbeat song to celebrate the occasion and prepare guests for the reception. Some popular choices include:

• "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
• "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" by George Frideric Handel
• "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder
• "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
• "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

First Dance Songs

The first dance can be a romantic and sentimental moment for the newlyweds. There are no rules when it comes to choosing the first dance song, but it is essential to pick a song that is personal and meaningful to the couple. Here are some popular choices:

• "The Power of Love" by Céline Dion
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Sea of Love" by Cat Power

Father-Daughter Dance Songs

The father-daughter dance is one of the most touching moments of the reception. The song chosen for this dance should reflect the relationship between the father and daughter. Some popular choices include:

• "My Girl" by The Temptations
• "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys
• "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Mother-Son Dance Songs

The mother-son dance is another emotional moment during the reception. These songs should be respectful and appropriate while also showcasing the bond between the mother and son. Some popular choices include:

• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts
• "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
• "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
• "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King

Reception Songs

To keep your wedding guests on the dance floor, a mix of classic and modern hits is essential. Here are some popular choices to get everyone dancing:

• "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
• "Get the Party Started" by Pink
• "This Is How We Do" by Katy Perry
• "We Are Young" by Fun. and Janelle Monáe
• "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Wedding guest list

Merriment is a word used to describe the fun and happiness of a wedding celebration. Creating a wedding guest list can be a daunting task, but it is an important part of planning your big day. Here are some tips to help you create your wedding guest list:

Start with a Total Guest Count

Decide on the total number of guests you would like to invite. This will depend on factors such as venue capacity and budget. You can then divide this number among the people you want to invite, such as close friends and family, and the friends and family of your parents and in-laws. Lizzie Post, president of the Emily Post Institute, suggests two ways to split the guest list: give equal thirds to you, your parents, and your in-laws, or keep 50% for the couple and assign 25% to each set of parents.

Account for Package Deals

Remember that you will also need to invite the officiant's spouse, the parents of children in your wedding party, and the spouse or live-in partner of each invited guest.

Be Consistent with Plus-Ones

To avoid any drama, be clear and consistent with your rules for plus-ones. For example, you could set a minimum relationship duration, such as six months, and only invite partners if they meet this criterion.

Set an Age Cutoff for Children

If you are inviting children, consider setting an age limit. Lizzie Post recommends inviting only children over 14. Be sure to communicate any exceptions to this rule to the relevant parties before the wedding.

Reciprocate Recent Invites

If you attended a friend's wedding within the last year, it is a nice gesture to invite them to your wedding, especially if you are inviting mutual friends. If you are having a more intimate affair, explain your situation; they should understand.

People to Consider Cutting from Your Guest List

• Distant relatives and friends you haven't spoken to in years.
• Distant neighbours, unless you are super-friendly with them.
• Coworkers, unless you are close friends with them outside of work.
• People you invited to your wedding years ago but are no longer good friends with.
• Friends with a track record of unruly behaviour at weddings or bars/clubs.
• Kids of family and friends (consider making your wedding adults-only).
• Plus-ones you've never met (you don't need to give plus-ones to guests who aren't in a relationship).
• Friends of your parents or in-laws that you've never met.

Use a Guest List Management Tool

To make the process easier, consider using a wedding guest list management tool, such as the one offered by WeddingWire or Planning.wedding. These tools can help you keep track of RSVPs, dietary restrictions, seating arrangements, and more.

Frequently asked questions