Wedding Planning Advice

Here at Champagne Moments we have come to have a good idea about timing. In our experience, couples can underestimate how long it will take to move between activities. That’s why it’s so important that you really leave enough time to go from the ceremony to the photo location, and finally, to the venue.

Generally the further you have to travel for the reception after the service, the earlier your service will be. Especially in winter, there is no point in having a 1:30 or 2 p.m. service, then travelling for perhaps 60 minutes to the reception. This would mean arriving around 4 p.m. Light, as photographers know, will have faded, and you miss those great photo opportunities. Similarly, having a very early wedding is not needed if the ceremony and reception are in close proximity, as very little travel time has to be factored in.

If you are planning to book with us for your special day, we will be more than happy to advise you on how much travel time you will need. Furthermore, we don’t book more than one wedding a day, so we will be there for as long as you need us.

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Wedding photographers are very important on your day, and do a lot more than just take pictures. First of all, they steer the day, making sure everything goes to plan. They know when it’s time to leave the ceremony location and move on to the photos. This includes knowing travel times and how long the process will take. Then there is the travel time to the reception and the protocols that will involve. Of course we will keep an eye on the time as well and help out with making the day run on time, but don’t underestimate the importance of a good wedding photographer in keeping your day running smoothly.

Be prepared to control the day yourself if you are using a friend or family to take the photos, as chances are they may get adequate photos, but they are unlikely to be versed in the intricate protocols and timings of the whole day.

Professional photographers all take good photos. What you need to check is that you actually like the person who will be around you all day, from when you are getting ready at your house, right to cutting the cake. It’s essential both of you like the photographer and are at ease with them being in your company all day long.

Lastly, professional photographers always see things differently. I often try to get a good picture, only to see the professionals capture the image completely differently and with such grace. Below is an example of great moments they capture.

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There is a huge choice of wedding cars available throughout Northern Ireland, so how do you decide what is right for you and your special day? You probably have an idea which theme you would like, such as a vintage style, stretch limousines or modern luxury. Sometimes though your preferred theme may not be practical, taking into account things such as the distance you will have to travel, the time of year or the weather. There is no point, for example, in hiring a horse and carriage if you have to travel 50 or 60 miles, or over very steep routes. You should consider the capabilities and speed of your chosen method of transport.

Here at Champagne Moments we offer two sets of very different cars. Our XJ Jaguars and Range Rovers are very exclusive, with a premium luxury finish. You can sit back in absolute coort with climate control and heated seats, and easily cover your journey to the ceremony or reception.

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Every wedding is different and here at Champagne Moments we always like to help with advice on any aspects of your day after carefully considering how you want it to be.

When it’s time to leave for the ceremony, the last few minutes disappear quickly with little things like locking up and taking photos with well wishers or neighbours who may gather to see you. So with this in mind, we work out the best time to leave. The bridesmaids usually go first, maybe five minutes before the bride. That means we aim to have the bridesmaids there about ten to fifteen minutes before the ceremony.

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This allows the photographer time to get ready for the bride’s arrival. That is usually around five minutes before the ceremony begins, unless the person conducting it or the photographer states differently. The reason for five minutes before the ceremony is that it gives time for photographs, and get lined up to go down the aisle on time (unless you want to be a little late!). If you arrive earlier, invariably you will meet guests making their way into the venue, and most brides don’t want to be seen until making their big entrance.

So the easiest way to gauge your leaving time is work out how long it takes from the house to the church, remembering everything takes a little longer than usual on your wedding day. If, for example, it is fifteen minutes to the ceremony we recommend the bridesmaids be ready to leave around 25 minutes before and then the bride 20 minutes before that.

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Some brides leave it too late because they can’t decide what cars to go with. Not much changes in the wedding industry; it’s unlikely another option will become available between the time you research the transport and the day itself. Waiting to see if something better will come along is a risky move, as you will find that your original choices will soon book up. Evaluate your choices, talk with your partner, and make a decision. Here at Champagne Moments, we are always happy to discuss with you your options. Whether you want a modern or vintage look, we can help, or we are more than happy to point you in the direction of other reputable companies.

We are a friendly and helpful company. If you have a question about wedding transport, feel free to contact me at any time! If you have more questions, my Frequently Asked Questions page might be able to help.

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Often brides will ask, ‘How far in advance should I book my wedding transport?‘ What I always say is, ‘Book as early as possible so that the choice is yours, rather than just choosing from what is left.‘ This is especially important if your wedding is to take place during the summer months or weekends. There is nothing worse than having your heart set on a particular theme, only to find that your first choice is no longer available.

As daunting as it is to make such a commitment 1-2 years before your special day, booking early ensures that you have one less thing to worry about. We have bookings already for many dates years in the future! Wedding planners often advise that you should book your wedding cars 6-8 months before the big day. In my experience, that is leaving it much too late, as the good dates are probably already booked.

Your cars can be secured with a small deposit (usually around £100). There is no need to pay it all upfront. What I always tell brides is this: Look around, narrow down your selection, make enquiries about price and availability, then get that deposit down!

Last-minute Bookings

Some brides find themselves with some of their budget still available and decide to book their cars very late. Same advice applies: as soon as you are in a position to commit to a booking, do it. Other brides will be in the same position — so don’t delay. This advice applies to anything: cars, flowers, videographers, etc.

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Booking your wedding cars can be a minefield, what with no two companies pricing their cars exactly the same way. The most common thing companies do is give you a price that will get your attention and appear competitive.

When you go to see the wedding transport, it is very important to establish total costs. With Champagne Moments, there will be no hidden costs or add-ons. Add-ons can include mileage, photography time (BOTH at the photo location and at the reception,) groom pick-up and many more things. These ‘extras’ might not be mentioned when you first make an enquiry.

What may appear to be a good price initially can end up costing you a lot more. The last thing you want is to be asked on your wedding day to hand over more money before the drivers can spend anymore time with you, even if you have not reached your reception venue.

Here at Champagne Moments we will give you a total price that includes photography time, mileage etc., and you will benefit from a relaxed, yet professional service on the day.

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View our wedding cars