Chris and Rachel Baker's Perfect Wedding & Perfect Wedding Entertainment!

We thought that the live entertainment was imperative to the overall success of the day, and helped to create the atmosphere we wanted.

Our wedding ceremony took place at St Andrew’s Church on Limpsfield Chart in Oxted, Surrey.  We chose that particular church because it is simply stunning.  Following the ceremony, our wedding reception was held in a marquee on my parent’s lawn.  My parent’s house has been the family home for almost 22 years, and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather celebrate.  Luckily, my husband Chris thought it was a wonderful idea too.Our wedding party consisted of 90 people in the day, increasing to 115 in the evening. 

I spent the morning of the wedding getting ready, and having my hair and make-up done.  My mother, maid of honour, and myself, went to Thomas Hill’s in Oxted to have our hair styled professionally, but we did our own make-up back at the house. 

My husband, Chris, spent the morning at our house enjoying a cooked breakfast with his ushers and getting dressed into their suits!  They had the second photographer all morning, taking shots of them in the house and garden, which we felt were just as important as pictures of the bride getting ready.

At the pub opposite the church, we arranged a light lunch so that guests could arrive from midday to see Chris and have a drink with him.

The church service was at 2.00 pm which lasted for an hour.  After the ceremony, guests took the coaches we provided to the reception, and the bride and groom stayed at the church with the ushers and bridesmaid for formal photographs.  

The theme for the wedding was ivory and gold, so we maximised these colours when decorating the marquee.  We wanted to create a garden party look and feel, both sophisticated and relaxed.

We had a string quartet play as guests arrived at the wedding reception for champagne and canapés on the lawn outside the marquee.  The entrance to the marquee was decorated with hops, with hand tied floral arrangements decorating the inside of the marquee.  In the garden we had large storm candles, lighting the way in the evening.

For the evenings entertainment, we booked The Citizens through Alive Network entertainment agency.  The band were awesome!  Everybody was up dancing, and having a good time. 

We thought that the live entertainment was imperative to the overall success of the day, and helped to create the atmosphere we wanted.  

We have recommended The Citizens to others, and we have had quite a few people ask us who the band were, so they can spread the word to anybody else who might be looking to book a good band for their own event.

My favourite part of the day was the church service, which was just magical.  But, the single moment I loved, was seeing my husband's face as I walked down the aisle - it was priceless!

What pearls of wisdom or words of advice would you extend to future brides who are planning their perfect wedding?

To provide your photographer with a list of the photographs you want taken, and with whom.  I have seen so many couples disappointed after seeing their photographs, and realising that loved ones are missing in the shots.  Luckily, we did provide our photographer with a list, and got everybody snapped!

We have recommended The Citizens to others, and we have had quite a few people ask us who the band were, so they can spread the word to anybody else who might be looking to book a good band for their own event