This Friday, I thought a short but thoughtful blog post would be lovely. I was contacted by a media agency about ‘quiet proposals’ – a rising trend where couples are shopping together for engagement rings, rather than keeping the ring a secret and planning a super romantic, surprise proposal. This got me thinking: taking this first step together as a couple could lead to more and more of us planning our weddings together – and that would be a wonderful thing, don’t you think?

I’m already excited for you. You must be here because you’re going to ask someone to spend the rest of their life with you – and that’s a huge deal. This blog is here to help you plan the perfect moment for your surprise proposal, with tips on including a photographer, and on keeping the moment natural, magical and authentic!

Taran & Rupi, by Lake District wedding and proposal photographer Mark Battista

Some of us don’t have a favourite poem, and that’s perfectly fine. Wedding planning forums and websites often talk about wedding readings, and a little digging will easily unearth favourite and trending wedding poems. I remember when English Wedding was born, right back in 2009, the choice of poems read at weddings suddenly went from Shakespeare to an extract from The Velveteen Rabbit – and it felt like a little revelation! Now we live in a world of celebrants and highly personalised ceremonies, and lots of couples have wedding readings that absolutely reflect who they are. Here’s how to find yours – without settling for the best love poems you can find from an internet shortlist!

I lived in Italy for 5 months as a student, and fell head over heels in love with it! I still speak enough Italian to get by, but the thought of planning a wedding, even with the little experience I have, is a bit scary. I have huge admiration for Michelle Jacobs, owner at Elegante by Michelle J and the UK’s very best Italian wedding planner. (I also love scrolling through the stunning photos of weddings in Italy on her socials – they’re always breathtaking.) I spotted a blog by Michelle where she talks really honestly about the reality of planning a wedding in Italy from the UK. It’s brilliant, super useful and I wanted to share some highlights with you on here (with Michelle’s permission of course).

There is such a thing as the ‘everywedding‘ – and it’s all about styling. The internet and wedding media can’t help but follow trends, but YOU absolutely don’t have to. Take a step back for just one moment and imagine your wedding from your guests’ perspective: it will be all about the two of you. Your favourite people are excited to see you celebrate your love, and if you find a way to do that which feels authentic, comfortable, and really personal, it will be an unforgettable day! Here’s how to sidestep the ‘everywedding‘ trap of samey styling, and create your own unique and beautiful wedding – with help from our favourite wedding experts!