Zoe C says ...

This happy smiley person is Zoe C. She's being all happy and smiley in this picture because it was taken during her wedding ceremony, and now that she's recovered from the party later that evening, she's kindly sent a few handy hints including ...

Groom's speech notes

Use standard desktop index cards for your notes rather than sheets of A4 paper. They fit in the inside pocket of your jacket, it's easier to keep your place when referring to them, and it just looks so much better when delivering your speech!

Groom's suit

Going for something other than a hire suit really does help make the groom feel that it's his special day as well, and it also gives both of you something else to remember the day by. If going for a bespoke outfit that's more flamboyant than an everyday suit, see if it can be altered afterwards to make it into something more suited (!) for normal wear.

Involving parents when they're not paying for the wedding

We found it difficult to make our parents feel involved when we were financing everything ourselves and organising most of it, but we got them to source the best (or most embarrassing) photos possible of all the guests. These were then copied and displayed at the reception where people were waiting to sign the guest book.

Bacon sandwiches

We arranged for bacon sandwiches to be served at 10.30pm, and despite our guests having eaten a sumptuous four course meal and then partaken of the evening buffet earlier on, they were very well received indeed! They probably helped to soak up a little more alcohol, and the timing worked out just right for a midnight end to the party.

Cheers Zoe!