Ask
Sadie - The Bride
the bride's speech
Q. I'd like to say a few words to thank everyone who's made our big day possible, (especially my husband to be!), but I'm not sure where to start. Any ideas?
A. Good for you! A bride's speech is a relatively new wedding tradition, but I think it's a great way to make sure you thank all the people who've helped 'paved the way'.
As you are free of the worry of expectation, you can pretty much say what you like. Which is great - you'll never have a more forgiving audience!
Here are some pointers for getting started…
Say
thanks to the people who've supported you through all the planning (your
bridesmaids in particular)
A
special word about your mum, about her help with planning, but also the
support she's given you over the years
A
few words about your husband: how you met, first impressions, how your
relationship developed, your thoughts on love and marriage, a personal
message from you to him
Thank
your guests for their generous gifts
You
could finish off with a toast to the guests
There are no rules about when you speak. You might choose to start things off, or have your say after your hubby has his turn.
Last bits of advice? Make eye contact, don't speak too quickly, keep it short, and don't forget to breathe! For more information on speeches, see our guide to preparing your speech.
You might also want to take a look at our book of Wedding Speeches. There are tonnes of useful tips and lots of sample speeches for you to pinch from - and it's only £5.99!
legal name change
Q. Can you legally have two names? Can I have ID in my maiden name and the name of my husband?
A. I'm afraid you can't legally be recognised by two names in the UK. Often women adopt their husband's surname legally, but continue to keep their maiden names for professional reasons. This is commonly known as changing your name by usage. However, any legal documents including your marriage certificate, passport, driver's license etc, must bear your LEGAL name.
If you decide to change your name to your husband's surname, a marriage certificate provides all the necessary documentary evidence that you've changed your name. If you want to hyphenate your name (i.e. Kathy Yours-His) you will need to change your name by Deed Poll. Their office will be able to provide you with a detailed list of who you should notify once you've changed you name, but the big ones are your employer, your bank/building society, Department of Health and Social Security, Inland Revenue and your insurance companies.
Your passport is the only document you can have changed before a marriage. This is to allow you to travel overseas using your new name on your honeymoon. You can legally change your name online with our easy Deed Poll service.
plus size gowns
Q. I'm a size 24 and looking for the dress of my dreams. Where do I start?
A. Your curvy figure is very common and there are lots of options for you!
The best silhouettes for you will be a-line or a ball gown to balance out your proportions. A sweetheart neckline will also help to even things out. Stay away from empire waists, as they will make you look out of proportion.
A-line gowns feature vertical seams that flow from the shoulders or bust to the floor. The skirt is flared, thus the name A-line. To avoid appearing top heavy, stay away from spaghetti straps.
If you have heavy upper arms, and don't want sleeves, consider a princess neckline. If you're getting married in the cooler months, keep sleeves fitted. Anything too poofy will add bulk on top. Also stay away from jewel or bateau necklines as they will draw eyes horizontally away from your middle and make your mid-section look bigger.
In terms of fabrics, opt for something with a matte finish. Glossy or shiny fabrics will accentuate "bumps" in the photographs. Also avoid anything to clingy or too bulky, like a heavy stiff silk.
There are a number of shops that will be perfect for your dress-trying day. Your best bet when shopping initially is to call ahead. Many dress shops need to order in larger sizes for you to try and once you explain what you're looking for (and what your NOT looking for!), they can arrange to have the most appropriate dresses ready.
long gloves and the wedding ring
Q. I'd like to wear elbow-length gloves during the ceremnoy, but am not sure how to get around the ring exchange part of the ceremony. Do I take the gloves off or slip the ring over the gloves?
A. I've got a fab little trick to save you from having to take your gloves off during the ceremony. Carefully unstitch the seam on the ring finger of your left glove so there is a small opening. During the exchanging of rings, slip your finger out and once the wedding band is on, tuck it back inside your glove. Alternatively, you'll need to take your gloves off before exchanging rings. Because your gloves are quite long, practice before hand, so you're not fumbling at the alter.
the bride's speech
Q. I'd like to say a few words to thank everyone who's made our big day possible, (especially my husband to be!), but I'm not sure where to start. Any ideas?
A. Good for you! A bride's speech is a relatively new wedding tradition, but I think it's a great way to make sure you thank all the people who've helped 'paved the way'.
As you are free of the worry of expectation, you can pretty much say what you like. Which is great - you'll never have a more forgiving audience!
Here are some pointers for getting started…
Say
thanks to the people who've supported you through all the planning (your
bridesmaids in particular)A
special word about your mum, about her help with planning, but also the
support she's given you over the yearsA
few words about your husband: how you met, first impressions, how your
relationship developed, your thoughts on love and marriage, a personal
message from you to himThank
your guests for their generous giftsYou
could finish off with a toast to the guests There are no rules about when you speak. You might choose to start things off, or have your say after your hubby has his turn.
Last bits of advice? Make eye contact, don't speak too quickly, keep it short, and don't forget to breathe! For more information on speeches, see our guide to preparing your speech.
You might also want to take a look at our book of Wedding Speeches. There are tonnes of useful tips and lots of sample speeches for you to pinch from - and it's only £5.99!
legal name change
Q. Can you legally have two names? Can I have ID in my maiden name and the name of my husband?
A. I'm afraid you can't legally be recognised by two names in the UK. Often women adopt their husband's surname legally, but continue to keep their maiden names for professional reasons. This is commonly known as changing your name by usage. However, any legal documents including your marriage certificate, passport, driver's license etc, must bear your LEGAL name.
If you decide to change your name to your husband's surname, a marriage certificate provides all the necessary documentary evidence that you've changed your name. If you want to hyphenate your name (i.e. Kathy Yours-His) you will need to change your name by Deed Poll. Their office will be able to provide you with a detailed list of who you should notify once you've changed you name, but the big ones are your employer, your bank/building society, Department of Health and Social Security, Inland Revenue and your insurance companies.
Your passport is the only document you can have changed before a marriage. This is to allow you to travel overseas using your new name on your honeymoon. You can legally change your name online with our easy Deed Poll service.
plus size gowns
Q. I'm a size 24 and looking for the dress of my dreams. Where do I start?
A. Your curvy figure is very common and there are lots of options for you!
The best silhouettes for you will be a-line or a ball gown to balance out your proportions. A sweetheart neckline will also help to even things out. Stay away from empire waists, as they will make you look out of proportion.
A-line gowns feature vertical seams that flow from the shoulders or bust to the floor. The skirt is flared, thus the name A-line. To avoid appearing top heavy, stay away from spaghetti straps.
If you have heavy upper arms, and don't want sleeves, consider a princess neckline. If you're getting married in the cooler months, keep sleeves fitted. Anything too poofy will add bulk on top. Also stay away from jewel or bateau necklines as they will draw eyes horizontally away from your middle and make your mid-section look bigger.
In terms of fabrics, opt for something with a matte finish. Glossy or shiny fabrics will accentuate "bumps" in the photographs. Also avoid anything to clingy or too bulky, like a heavy stiff silk.
There are a number of shops that will be perfect for your dress-trying day. Your best bet when shopping initially is to call ahead. Many dress shops need to order in larger sizes for you to try and once you explain what you're looking for (and what your NOT looking for!), they can arrange to have the most appropriate dresses ready.
long gloves and the wedding ring
Q. I'd like to wear elbow-length gloves during the ceremnoy, but am not sure how to get around the ring exchange part of the ceremony. Do I take the gloves off or slip the ring over the gloves?
A. I've got a fab little trick to save you from having to take your gloves off during the ceremony. Carefully unstitch the seam on the ring finger of your left glove so there is a small opening. During the exchanging of rings, slip your finger out and once the wedding band is on, tuck it back inside your glove. Alternatively, you'll need to take your gloves off before exchanging rings. Because your gloves are quite long, practice before hand, so you're not fumbling at the alter.
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