In an ideal world, money would be no object and we could have all our most elaborate bridal visions whipped up by an accomplished professional, without putting our manicures into the line of fire. However… when it comes down to it, a lot of wedding prep can be done at a fraction of the cost, and often with more care, by a team of loving and dutiful helpers…
For example:
- Handmade invitations
- Place cards
- Corsages
- Table centre pieces
- Order of Service for the ceremony
You can even go as far as making your own candles.
These little extras often pump up wedding costs, as they creep up on you at the last minute and can come to a surprising total. Planning as far in advance as possible is key, as hand making things does take time, but it can all be worth it when your lovely savings tip the balance on that must-have dress or fantasy honeymoon treat.
Not only financially beneficial, spending time with your nearest and dearest is important at this time – they will be the ones who tolerate you if you happen to transform into Bridezilla! So it’s lovely to show them how much they really matter to you before the big day.
To kick off the preparations, some startlingly innovative hen parties are now available to get your helpers in the arty mood, while bagging you free wedding accessories at the same time. Polestars offer a Fascinator Making Class as a hen party option, where you will be provided with feathers, glitter, lace, and all things sparkly and gorgeous to create an array of bespoke fascinators. A charming art professional will instruct and guide the group throughout this hour and a half workshop ensuring you all have a beautiful wedding accessory to take home (and one less thing on the shopping list…). Hopefully, your friends will be amazed at how skilful they were without even knowing it, and be eager to try out their new found talent with the rest of the wedding preparations. Plus, your crafting will make a great story for the reception when guests ask ‘Where did you get that hat?’
Now, the only trick is how to convince your bridesmaids/family/friends/neighbour’s cat to pitch in with the rest of your crafty pursuits. Here is our advice for a contented team of happy helpers:
- Firstly, invite your creative clan not to a ‘workshop of wedding chores’, but to a ‘pre hen night pep talk and girly catch up. ‘
- When they arrive, don’t get the card/ribbon/glitter out straight away, but let them relax and get a general hum of conversation going, so that when you bring out the goods (about 20mins later) there will be a bit of distraction going already.
- When you are ready, and armed with some (not all) supplies, approach your most loyal friend/maid of honour and ask if they would mind giving you a hand making a few cards or invitations etc.
- The others will quickly become interested in what is happening and want to help, so they will come forward as opposed to being asked. People are more willing to help in this way, and do not feel bossed about.
- Everyone has a maximum time they can happily help for. I recommend up to one and a half hours, but judge it on the mood of the room. If people are happy and distracted they can go for hours!
- Be sure to tell everyone, individually; how grateful you are for their help, and how lovely their end product looks. Make sure they know how much they are helping you, and thank them.
- Importantly, the end of the crafting should definitely not be the end of the party. It’s simply an intermittent activity, not the point of the occasion. Make sure you get everyone another drink at least, and maybe play a cheeky game like ‘I have never’ or twister.
Stick to these tips and you’ll have pleased friends, a relaxed attitude and lovely wedding accessories. For extra crafty hens, why not consider a cheeky Life Drawing lesson to bring the group together before the Big Day.
