It wouldn't be the first time a bride asks someone she trusts and loves to be her bridesmaid and something happens that causes the bride and her chosen bridesmaid to drift apart. This is why you need to make sure the people you're asking to be part of your bridal party are there to stay. But how could you know this for sure? What do you need to ask yourself?

First you need to make sure you know why you want these people in your bridal party. While some options are obvious, especially when involving your sister or sisters-in-law, others might seem forced. You might believe that because you've known someone for a long time, or because they chose you to be part of their bridal party, you owe it to them to include them in your own wedding preparations. At the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding day and so it is YOUR choice as to whom will get the chance to accompany you on your special day.

Moreover, when including your friends as part of the bridal party, you need to analyse their character and how able they are to handle stress and let go when an argument occurs. If you know someone is hot headed, has a tendency of bailing on you, or does not have the slightest of clues as to how to compromise, then you might want to opt out of choosing them to be part of your bridal party. On top of this, if you can tell someone won't be in your life for the long haul, then do you really want them to be in all the preparations, photos and videos of your special day? But then again, many times it is hard to predict the future.

Another thing you need to make sure of is this: do you think all the members of the bridal party can get along together? If you know two or more of the members don't agree on anything and just love to pick at each other, then it might be an option to opt out of having both of them in the group. Additionally, do take note on the groom's wishes and make sure the members of the bridal party get along with him well enough.

Finally, make sure that the people you choose will be willing to contribute to the planning and can help you out when you get stuck. If you know someone won't manage to be a helping hand, you might want to look elsewhere.

By Nicole Borg

The more we participate in wedding fairs, the more we realise how important and beneficial it is both for us as a company as well as for the bride and groom, to be present at such fairs. Here everyone’s able to meet with the people who might end up providing a service at their wedding while seeing some products and what they can add to your special day live, helping you make a more informed decision by the end of it. Moreover, you are bound to get some lovely offers and discounts which have been set specifically for the occasion.

 Moreover, wedding fairs constantly prove to be the ideal setting where all wedding service providers starting from photographers, videographers, wedding planners, and caterers just to mention a few, are given a platform through which they can show off their work. Brides and grooms have the luxury to compare different suppliers on the spot and test them out to see which ones will cater more for their specific needs. 

Wedding fairs are extremely helpful for all those freshly engaged couples who seem to have no idea where they should start with their planning. However, this is not only limited to those couples who are just starting out their wedding planning. You can visit a wedding fair at any stage in the planning process. You never know, you might come across something that could have slipped your mind or completely not thought about.

Before going to the fair, especially if newly engaged, make sure to have a check-list of things you’d like to look into and book and maybe highlight which exhibitors you’d definitely like to visit.

With a whole lot of freebies, food tasting and fantastic discounts you will most definitely leave the wedding fair with a bargain. See you lovely couples at the Say Yes Wedding Fair.

So you're getting married some time this year and you still haven't decided which theme is the best one for you? Don't worry, we're here to help. Here are our top 5 wedding themes for 2017!

1. The Garden Theme

This wedding theme is most ideal for the couple who's not so into flowers. With a world that is constantly striving to go green, a garden wedding will most definitely be one to look out for. Starting from your wedding venue decorated in evergreen leaves to the use of wooden chairs and beige bridesmaids dresses.

2. The Vintage Theme

If you're a classic couple who loves themselves a 1950s wedding then this theme is the one for you. With the mint and pastel pink taking on the main role. Imagine your wedding cake draped in sugar roses and your venue full of cream cushioned chairs. The bridesmaids all wearing mint dresses and carrying baby blue flowered bouquets. Simply beautiful!

3. The Crystals Theme

There's nothing wrong with making your special day as shiny as can be. Starting from the wedding gown, a touch of crystals will instantly make any bride feel like a princess. Keeping the colour scheme to mostly silver and white, crystals could be the most elegant touch to your special day! Who wouldn't want to serve that delicious pink champagne in a crystal glass?

4. The Tropical Theme

If you love colours and bright pink flowers, then a tropical wedding is something you might become obsessed with, especially if you're getting married in Malta. Starting from the refreshing and fruity drinks served at the bar, to the laid back wedding attire and delicious fruit cake, this flowery wedding will sure go down well with all your guests, leaving them (and yourselves) room to relax and celebrate.

5. The Classic Fairytale Theme

Nah, we can never forget about this one. Growing up watching Disney movies, this theme has basically become the epitome of all weddings. Starting from the frilly and big ball gown dresses, to the classic white cake and the horse-led carriage, this Cinderella story will leave the couple dancing in the enchanted castle way past midnight.

6. The Bohemian-Chic Theme

This theme is an exciting mix of the hippie, nomad and gypsy styles. A wedding full of flower wreaths, casual and flowing dresses, mix and match decorations, outdoor locations and a whole lot of nature. Especially for those who have a limited budget, this theme gives you leeway for an easy DIY style wedding. The wedding will be one that is a statement of the couple's personalities. This style allows you to adapt according to location as well, and in fact you can opt for a beach or vintage bohemian wedding. The list of bohemian styles is endless!

7. The Modern and Industrial Vibe Theme

In a world that's always becoming more and more into modernity the combination of metallics and white colour palettes are one of the biggest go-to's this year. Such a theme will go down very well with many of the up and coming venues like Giardini Lambrosa and the Salini Bay Hotel. Brides and grooms alike are embracing metallics such as copper, rose gold and pewter especially because they are a highly versatile group of colours.

By Nicole Borg

So after showcasing to your bridal party the barricade of dresses you have tried on from every bridal shop in Malta, you are finally down to two dress. Whilst in the beginning you were terrified that you wouldn’t be able to find ‘the one’ dress which was made for you, you actually ended up finding two! Wow! So how do you choose which one to take? After giving your bridal party as well as mum (do yourself a favour and allow your mum to voice her opinion) it is now up to you to choose.

As much as you should value the opinion of your loved ones, don’t forget that at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to wear the dress. Whilst you still should give everyone’s opinion a listen, do not allow yourself to submit to peer pressure. Go to the bridal boutique(s) and try both dresses on by yourself, one last time. Following, give yourself the chance to make your own decision.

If it’s still proving to be difficult take a few photos of yourself in both dresses and put them next to each other. In which dress do you see the biggest smile on your face? Also try not to forget your style. Avoid choosing a dress because it looks good on someone else, but make sure it’s going to show everyone the lovely person you truly are.

Whilst it is your choice of a dream dress, don’t forget your significant other. Thinking about which one he’s love to see you wearing on your wedding day could help you make a choice more easily. If you believe that it will make his jaw drop or his eyes well up with happy tears, then that is the one. Besides, by now you know his preferences inside out!

Finally make sure to give some thought to the full image of your wedding. With your set theme, and decorations as well as choice of food, which style fits best? A ballgown would most certainly not be a great match for a beach wedding! Moreover imaging what accessories you always wanted, do they go with the dresses? Will it match with the bridal party’s dresses?

Best of luck - may you choose the dress of your dreams!

By Nicole Borg

Every wedding requires months on end of planning which might leave the bride and groom failing to enjoy their special day. In order to make sure the couple has a stress-free ride towards their happily every after, a wedding planner is an integral part to consider for your wedding preparations.

When hiring a professional company that provides wedding planning services, the couple can get some peace of mind that they’re not only getting a professional service but had any emergencies to arise, the planner has a company backing them up. The company has a database full of excellent hospitality companies covering catering and events as well as inbound and outbound travel. Any professional wedding planner will know how emotional such an event is for the couple and can ensure that the couple is kept emotionally grounded all throughout the planning process leading up to their wedding day.

First thing the couple needs to let their wedding planner know is their budget. This will allow the planner to fit in the best options that are within budget as well as according to the taste of the couple. After studying the tastes of the couple, the planner presents a proposal with a few options that the bride and groom can mix and match from. Following this, the planner goes on to seal the bookings whilst the couple goes on with their life as normal. By hiring a wedding planner and working with them in such an efficient manner, a wedding could be planned in as short a time as 3 months.

The planner has to learn all about the couple during the few months of work leading to the wedding. In this way, they become almost like family or very close friends all the while maintaining a professional approach during the planning process. Chemistry between the couple and the planner is crucial.

It is important to note that the planner is not there to make the decisions. While they cannot badmouth a supplier, they are simply there to provide options for the couple and then carry out the necessary logistics according to their preferences.

By Nicole Borg

Something many girls dream about is the day they come to start going around shops for their wedding dress. Being swamped with hundreds of styles and makes of dresses, a bride needs to make sure to weigh out all options as well as conditions that the timing and place of the wedding will put on the wedding dress choices.  If you are going to have a beach wedding, then ballgowns are a no go. Whilst if you are getting married in a church,  you might want to lay low on shorter or more revealing dresses.

In order to help you get started, here are a few pointers that you might want to read before your dream dress hunt starts.

The first thing you should do is set yourself a budget, which will also be the first thing you tell the salesperson before they start bringing out their most expensive dresses. In this way you will not fall head over heals for a  dress that you simply do not afford.

Moreover do not forget to set aside some money for accessories, under  garments, alterations, and shipping (if you’re buying from abroad).

Needless to say, don’t stay lingering till the last moment to get a dress. Whilst tailoring a dress takes months, finding the perfect dress from bridal wear shops might take just as long, if not longer. And to save yourself some valuable time, see which shops actually cater for your likings and which ones are approximately in your budget. Make some calls before visiting and make sure that if a shop requires a booking you make one as early as possible.

Do keep an open mind. Whilst some dresses might appear bland on a hanger, they could look dazzling the second you put it on. If you don’t trust the judgement of the sales person, make sure to take your bridesmaids, mother or mother-in-law with you. As long as it’s not the groom - keep that element of surprise there! Don’t worry, the second you’re wearing the right dress you’ll see it on everyone’s faces and the very possible tears of joy.

By Nicole Borg