Wedding Wisdom

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways......."

2010-11-20T10:00:00.001Z

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old grief's, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 - 1861)

London Bridal Designer Sale

2010-11-19T09:00:00.001Z

This weekend, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November 2010, the London Bridal Designer Sale will be holding a designer sample sale with up to 70% off over 1000 designer wedding dresses. Designers include Amanda Wakeley, Amy Michelson, Anna Christina, Caroline Castigliano and many more.

To take advantage of the sale visit the Bridal Designer Sale website to confirm a time slot. The tickets are free.

A Royal Wedding

2010-11-16T16:00:00.001Z

Image source: Guardian.co.uk

We're all very excited to hear the wonderful news that Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement today. It makes a nice change for the news to be dominated by a something to celebrate. A statement from Clarence House reads:

The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton. The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. Prince William and Miss Middleton became engaged in October during a private holiday in Kenya. Prince William has informed The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince William has also sought the permission of Miss Middleton's father. Following the marriage, the couple will live in north Wales, where Prince William will continue to serve with the Royal Air Force.

Ahead of the planned wedding in 2010, I am sure everyone will be speculating on all aspects of the wedding especially the style and designer of the dress. I look forward to hearing more about the wedding as and when the details are announced.

Image source: cbsnews.com

Particularly touching was the fact that Prince William gave Kate his mother's engagement ring. During he interview Prince William said giving Kate his mothers engagement ring was "my way of making sure my mother didn't miss out on today and the excitement". To hear more about the ring and the proposal see the exert from their first interview below.

Jon Freeman Weddings

2010-10-19T09:30:00.001+01:00

Today I am pleased to introduce Jon Freeman from Jon Freeman Weddings. Jon has recently returned to London from Los Angeles where, for seventeen years, he worked for newspapers and magazines. From portraits of Hollywood stars to fashion and reportage he has worked in thirty countries for publications like the Sunday Times, Marie Claire, Guardian, Telegraph, You Magazine, New York Times, Paris Match and National Geographic.

Here is what Jon had to say........

What first interested you in photography?
I've never done, or wanted to do anything else. After leaving school I got a job in a news agency in the South West developing and printing black and white pictures. From there I worked my way up to photographer working for national newspapers and magazines. Then in the early 90's I moved to LA, California, and spent fifteen very happy years there. During that time I worked in thirty countries for every one from the Sunday Times to National Geographic. After meeting my partner in LA I moved home to London.

What was your inspiration for setting up your business?
After moving back to the UK with my partner (and two dogs) the kind of traveling just was not practical anymore. A few years ago I photographed a friend's wedding as a favour and found that it was great fun and very satisfying. I was very happy with the images, and more importantly so were the Bride and Groom! As a result I decided to set up a wedding photography business.

What do you consider to be your USP?
I think my background in news and magazine photography. While in LA I did a lot of celebrity studio and location shoots with people like Sylvester Stallone which was incredibly highly pressured. You learn to produce quality pictures very, very fast with minimum fuss. That translates well to weddings where, if you are not careful, the photographer can disrupt the day rather than enhance it.

How would you describe your photographic style?
A combination of photojournalism - catching great moments as they happen and beautiful portraits often using portable studio lighting. Flexibility is very important as well. Couples often have a strong idea of what they want and it is my job to give them exactly that. The whole day should be great fun and my role is to capture that.

What are the current wedding photography trends?
Elegant informality would describe it quite well. More ceremonies are taking place in interesting location like castles or private clubs with receptions that are most like great themed parties than traditional "speech and dinner" affairs. It's difficult to identify a trend except to say that the family line ups that used to dominate wedding photography look very old fashioned.

What are your top three tips to a bride and groom choosing a photographer?
First make sure that they are a competent professional. Check out the quality of pictures on the website. You do get what you pay for to a certain degree and there are some people who "do weddings" as a part time thing to make some extra money. Photographing a wedding well isn't easy and experience counts.

Do you like their style? Each photographer is different and if you like the examples on their website then that's a good start. Call and have a chat and arrange a meeting to discuss exactly what you want.

And most importantly don't trust a "keen amateur photographer" relative to do it!

Describe the best wedding you've ever worked on?
The most fun I had last year was photographing a wedding in the tiny village in North Devon where I grew up. I actually went to primary school with the groom many years ago. He is from a large local farming family and instead of limousines and Rolls Royces everyone arrived at the church in flower strewn trailers pulled by a parade of immaculately restored vintage tractors. The reception was at a local village hall and the whole thing was perfect. A great bunch of people having a fantastic time in their own very personal way. It was very "Darling Buds of May" and proved that the best weddings are what works for each couple.

I photographed elaborate weddings in stately homes and hugely expensive hotels last year but enjoyed that one the most.

Which celebrity (past or present) wedding would you love to work on and why?
I've been fortunate enough to work with Hollywood stars and my favourite was Paul Newman - ridiculously good looking, down to earth and with a wicked sense of humour - a great combination.

To find out more information visit Jon Freeman Weddings.

Corinthians 13: 1-13

2010-10-13T10:00:00.001+01:00

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Purple Reign

2010-10-09T09:30:00.001+01:00

A sophisticated and elegant colour, also said to be Cleopatra's favourite, purple brings a real feel of royalty to any wedding day. Merge deep purples with a hint of silver or go for monocromatic magic mixing different shades of purple for a stunning look.

For this mood board I have contrasted rich purple with a crisp white to create a fashionable look for a glamorous and modern winter wedding.

Photo credits:
Table setting - Confetti
Bridal party - True Bride
Cake - Martha Stewart
Bouquet - Wedding Flowers
Chair covers - Real Life Photos
Winter wonderland room - Jessica Claire
Bridesmaid dress - Vera Wang
Shoes - Elizabeth Anne Designs
Feather head dress - Renee Pawele Bride
Guest book - Pretty Wild

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo

2010-10-04T15:00:00.001+01:00

Have you ever dreamed of having a fairy tale wedding with a dress to match? If so your dream may have just started to come true. Designer Alfred Angelo has teamed up with Disney to create a line of Disney Princess wedding dresses.

The collection is inspired by seven of the most iconic Disney princesses of all time: Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Cinderella and Tiana. Check out the designs below:

The dresses will be available in the US in Alfred Angelo Signature stores and selected Alfred Angelo wholesale Partner Bridal Boutiques in 2011.

Famous love quotes

2010-10-02T10:00:00.002+01:00

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Heather Cortez

Cake toppers

2010-09-28T09:30:00.002+01:00

From cute to quirky, sophisticated to sparkly or something to add that personal touch, cake toppers come in different styles, shapes and sizes. Here are a few of my favourites to give you some inspiration.

Photo credits:
SA - Impressions are Everything
Acrylic glass heart and photo topper - Sonjas Brides
Engagement and wedding ring - Bridal Xpress
Gold W - Wedding Vendor Guide
Circle of Love - Antonia Rose Printing
Royal Doulton traditional couple - Table & Home
Cinderella and Prince Charming - BizMan Weddings
T&R - Sincerity Weddings
Crystal hearts - Bridal Fashion Mall
M bling - Couture Crystals
Black and white anemones - Peggy Porschen

How to keep your wedding guests happy

2010-09-25T11:30:00.001+01:00

Wedding guests:

Table centrepieces are a key element to dressing your room although they can sometimes cause issues for your guests. Choose low floral arrangements or something high with a thin stem so that the main arrangement is above eye level. This will make it easier for everyone on the table to see and talk to each other, helping them feel involved in the conversation.
If you have a long break between your ceremony, photographs and wedding breakfast try to arrange some entertainment to keep your guests occupied. For a summer wedding you could look at large garden lawn games e.g. Croquet, Giant Jenga, Connect4 or a treasure hunt with the children.
In addition to entertainment, it is also important to provide some refreshments especially on a hot day and a few canapes if your budget will stretch to it.

Older guests (Nan and Granddad):

If you have a number of elderly guests at your wedding, smart seating arrangements can help to keep them happy. Once you move from the wedding breakfast to the evening reception it is important to make sure you have seats available for those less able to stand. In addition, a good idea would be to seat older guests away from the evening entertainment.
Weddings are usually made up of a variety of people both young and old with very different tastes. It is wise to chose music from all eras to cater for everyone's tastes. You may like heavy metal but will it fill your dance floor? Why not ask your guests to suggest their favourite song as part of the rsvp process and that way you know you have something that everyone will like.
Sometimes older guests will want to leave early. Maybe consider playing songs for the older guests early on in the evening and then move to other music as the night goes on.

Children:

If you're inviting children to your wedding it is important to put thought and careful planning into making the day special for them. The day can seem long and boring to little ones and this could ultimately lead to them being disruptive. Think about the different elements of the day and arrange things to keep them occupied like having games during the reception drinks and activity boxes on the table (e.g. Event Smiles) during the wedding breakfast.
To cater for them the entire day you could hire creche facilities like Artful Splodgers or smaller elements could include paper table cloths with crayons so that they can draw and colour during the dinner, edible table centres like strawberry and chocolate trees, goody bags and entertaining favours.

Ushers & Bridesmaids:

You and your groom are of course the most important people on the day but it is important to remember that it is also special for the bridesmaids and ushers who you have asked to share this very special day with you. When arranging your seating plan try not to split them up from their partners during the wedding breakfast. That way they will still be able to perform the duties that you have asked of them but they will also have that special person to share it with them.
Arrange for your ushers to be given a drink upon arrival at the reception venue especially if they have to wait outside in the heat to welcome your guests.

Parents:

Remember to thank your parents for all their hard work and support.
Give each of them a role for the day so that they feel involved. The Father of the Bride usually has the job of walking the bride down the aisle, while the Father of the Groom could be Chief Usher and both mums' could be witnesses.

Suppliers:

Fed suppliers are happy suppliers! Arrange with your venue to provide a meal and refreshments for your suppliers especially those who have been working long hours like your photographer and videographer. You do not have to spend a fortune on this and most venues are willing to offer a less substantial meal than what is being served to the guests e.g. a platter of sandwiches.

Photo credits:
Croquet: White Box Weddings
Drinks: Project Wedding
Heart: Artful Splodgers
Strawberry tablecentre: Designer Wedding Days

Ideas for your first dance #1

2010-09-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

There are some couples who have a special song whether it was the one that was playing the first time they kissed, the background music on their first dinner date or the song that was playing during the proposal. What happens if you do not have a special song? Finding a song that accurately reflects how you feel when you have your first dance can be difficult so here are a few of my favourites:

1 From This Moment On - Shania Twain
2 Unbreakable - Westlife
3 When you say nothing at all - Ronan Keating
4 I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing - Areosmith

Without a doubt, and because it was my first dance song so has a special place in my heart, my favourite song is Shania Twain 'From This Moment'.

Look out for more ideas for your first dance song soon. Why not tell us what song you've decided on for your first dance....

Coffee and Cream

2010-09-18T09:30:00.002+01:00

Photo credits:
Macaroons & Tirimisu - INMAGINE
Shoe and pearls - Melissa Dunstan Photography
Air freshener - Marks & Spencer
Cake - Choccywoccydoodah
Bridesmaid dress - You & Your Wedding
Table Plan - Cards by Sue
Candle Centre Pieces - Your Dream Wedding
Bride - Hairdressers Journal Interactive Shoe - BodaEstilo
Posy - Silk Wedding Designs
Fascinator - Beth Morgan

Where there is Love

2010-09-14T09:00:00.000+01:00

Where there is love the heart is light,
Where there is love the day is bright,
Where there is love there is a song,
To help when things are going wrong.

Where there is love there is a smile,
To make all things seem more worthwhile,
Where there is love there's quiet peace,
A tranquil place where turmoil's cease.

Love changes darkness into light,
And makes the heart take "wingless flight".

Helen Steiner Rice

Apples and Oranges

2010-09-04T09:30:00.001+01:00

I recently came across 'Pantone Wedding', a great tool from the Dessy Group for helping to create design boards. You can play around with different pantone colours, styles and themes to give you inspiration for your wedding day.

I used this tool to created the bright country citrus style below. I think these colours work wonderfully well together and would bring any wedding day to life.

Why not give it a try and share your design boards with us by emailing enquiries@designerweddingdays.co.uk.

Famous love quotes

2010-08-31T10:00:00.003+01:00

"There is only one happiness in life - to love and to be loved."

George Sands

Beautiful blooms on a budget

2010-08-28T09:00:00.002+01:00

Flowers can take up to 5-10% of your wedding budget so it is no surprise that they can turn an ordinary room into a striking wedding venue. Having to budget with your flowers does not mean that you cannot create the wow factor. Here are my top tips to help you get the most from your flowers.

Check with your florist which flowers are in season as these will be cheaper. Even if you have your heart set on a particular flower there will normally be an alternative which looks similar and is cheaper e.g. Lisianthus rather than Roses, Iris rather than Orchids.

Choose a few selective flowers to fit in with your specific theme and then use greenery to pad out your arrangements.

Opt for large flowers which will take up more space within your arrangements and therefore you will need less of them e.g. hydrangea or Gerbera Daisy.

If you have chosen a venue where you need tall flower arrangements on the tables this could end up taking a large chunk of your budget. Try having some small arrangements alternating on the tables with the tall ones and this will reduce your budget while still maintaining the height in your room.

Find ways to re-use your arrangements more than once during your day e.g. move your church/civil ceremony flowers to your wedding reception to double up as table arrangements or favours or use the bridesmaid bouquets to decorate your cake table.

Identify a realistic budget and be very specific when discussing this with your florist and they should be able to come up with ideas to fit within this.

As a Mother of the Bride/Bridesmaid treat, arrange to go on a flower arranging course and do some of the flowers yourself. Depending on the scale of flowers you are looking for you need to make sure you are not trying to achieve too much so be realistic e.g. make your own button holes or the bridesmaid bouquets.

Consider cheaper alternatives to flowers for your table arrangements e.g. potted plants for a summer fete themed wedding, tea pots and cup/saucers (which can be bought relatively cheaply from your local garden centre) that you can plant yourself or get a family member to help or fruit centre pieces which can double up as dessert or candles (depending on whether your venue will allow these).

Providing you have a few green fingered relatives, ask them to grow flowers for you in the run up to your wedding. Flowers grown in pots or tubs can be used to decorate the grounds of your wedding venue and single stem flowers can be used in bouquets, as decorations for your cake or as favours tucked into napkins.

If you are getting married in a church and there is more than one wedding on your day see if you can speak to the other brides to see if you can agree on the style/colour of flowers and then split the cost.

Photo credits:
Iris - Northern Shade Gardening
Orchid - Myspace
Lisianthus - Valley Flowers Inc
Rose - CJ Images

Wear your wedding dress to work

2010-08-24T10:00:00.001+01:00

For those of you brides who long for an excuse to wear your dress again, I have the perfect solution! The National Wedding Show has teamed up with Breakthrough Breast Cancer to launch a new charity 'Brides at Work' to raise money for this very worthwhile cause.

Brides at Work day takes place on Friday 17 September so dig out your dress and start getting sponsors. If you do not fancy wearing your full outfit (or are like me and probably wouldn't fit back into it if you tried) you could always put on your tiara, veil or any other accessory. Why not get everyone involved and encourage your full bridal party including your bridesmaids, mother of the bride and groom etc to get involved and wear their outfits as well.

Over 46,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK and Breakthrough Breast Cancer works to save lives and change futures through research, campaigning and education. For more information and to register for a fundraising pack visit breakthrough.org.uk.

Famous love quotes

2010-07-27T17:00:00.001+01:00

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart."

Helen Keller

Afternoon De-Light

2010-07-25T09:00:00.002+01:00

I think afternoon tea is a fab 'hen' way to celebrate your impending nuptials but if you're trying to slim down to fit into that dream dress it can sometimes feel like a treat too far. Well, the Metropolitan Hotel has come to your rescue introducing 'Afternoon De-Light' the traditional British afternoon tea with a cool twist.

Offering a tasty selection of 'no-bread' sandwiches which are little pots filled with savoury snacks, sweet and savoury cupcakes and fruit scones made with low-fat creme fraiche, organic jam and olive oil rather than butter.

Available Monday to Saturday 2pm - 4pm and at £25.00 per person this is a definite guilt free treat.

Children and Weddings

2010-07-21T07:51:00.014+01:00

Should you invite children to your wedding? It is a topic that will rumble on for ever and always sparks debate with many differing views. I do not think there is ever a right or wrong answer, it is down to the individual and what you want for your wedding day.

Some couples will consider the family element of a wedding to be the most important with children being an integral part while others will want parents to be able to let their hair down without the worry of taking care of the little ones.

In the recent edition of Stylist Magazine, Zoe Williams gives her views on why children and weddings don't mix. Please click below to read the full article.

Petite Cake Balls

2010-07-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

If you haven't already realised - I love cup cakes! So, I was excited to hear of a new company 'Petite Cake Balls' offering an alternative to the traditional cup cake. This idea started in America and has now come to the UK.

These hand made cake balls are bite size tasters of moist cake blended with rich frosting and a delicious chocolate coating. They come in a variety of flavours including chocolate, carrot, strawberry's and cream, coffee and walnut and jaffa cake (see leaflet below for a full list), decorated in any colour and can be displayed in cake cases (cake balls) or on sticks (cake pops).

These could make a great addition to any wedding adding a little quirky touch. Why not consider using them as favours or as dessert. Prices start from £1.25 depending on the design.

For more information visit Petite Cake Ball on Facebook.

Budget bridesmaid dresses

2010-07-15T20:00:00.001+01:00

The summer sales are well and truly upon us so why not make the most of them and search for a bridesmaid dress bargain. No matter what your colour theme or the style you are after I am sure there is something for everyone. As with most sale items they fly off the shelves so make sure you get in quickly to guarantee your sizes especially if you have a few bridesmaids.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Photo credits:
1 One shoulder Origami Dress (£75 reduced to £45) - Oasis
2 Savannah Duchess Satin Maxi Dress (£195 reduced to £125) - Coast
3 Ivy Dress (£175 reduced to £99) - Coast
4 Boudoir Satin Dress (£180 reduced to £89.95) - Karen Millen
5 Modern Artwork Dress (£165 reduced to £110) - Karen Millen
6 Symphony Maxi Dress (£160 reduced to £125) - Coast

Preston Bailey colour pallet picker

2010-07-11T18:00:00.000+01:00

One of the first steps when planning your wedding, and sometimes the most difficult, is deciding on your theme or colour scheme. I recently came across a wonderful tool which I wanted to share with you. The Preston Bailey colour pallet picker is a fun way to come up with a knockout colour scheme in four easy steps to bring the wow factor to your special day.

Step 1 asks you to decide on your main colour, step 2 requests further information about the wedding in terms of how many guests, indoor or outside, the light source and the tone of the event.

Then, before showing you your final colour pallet your asked to choose a Preston Factor. Here is one that I came up with using Magenta as my main colour....

I'm not saying this tool will 100% provide you will all the answers but it will definitely give you the inspiration to help get your creative juices flowing. Why not give it a go.

UK Alliance of Wedding Planners - Member Focus

2010-07-05T21:20:00.011+01:00

The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) was founded for one purpose: to promote professionalism in wedding planning. A wedding is the most personal and important event in a couple's life and those involved have a duty to act with integrity and honesty.

Having undertaken training with the UKAWP I am an associate member. This means that I have met strict entrance requirements and adhere to a strict code of ethics giving you the reassurance you are using a wedding planner you can rely on.

I was recently asked to answer a few questions for a members focus on their blog. To find out what I had to say please visit the UKAWP.

Strawberry and lime

2010-06-07T10:00:00.002+01:00

Call me an old romantic but I do not think pink will ever go out of fashion where weddings are concerned. Rather than subtle pastels, this colour board shows vivid splashes of hot pinks with a twist, mixing it with a quirky citrus green. This board shouts fun fun fun and I would love to be a guest at this wedding.

Photo credits:
Bride and bridesmaids: The Brides Cafe
Gerbera flower on chair: ivillage
Butterfly cake: Nicky Grant
Bride with bouquet: My Toronto Florist
Ring cushion, Pink dress with green shoes & Green bridesmaid with bouquet: Brides.com
Table setting: Tickled Pink Brides
Cookies: A Dozen Eggs
Button hole: Sarah's Flowers
Pink shoe: Christian Louboutin

Velvet Weddings

2010-06-03T20:00:00.001+01:00

I have some very exciting news about Velvet, a family run business in Brighton & Hove. Velvet has two lifestyle stores offering a beautifully unique range of furniture, lighting, clothing and accessories. More importantly, they also stock a range of items for brides but with such a large range of fab items to offer there was no space to fit everything in. So, great news for all you brides, they have recently launch an online website 'Velvet Weddings' totally dedicated to weddings.

Velvet Weddings stock everything from cake stands, bird cages, favours, table decorations, frames and photo holders as well as fairy lights, chalk boards, wooden letters, photo albums and much much more. Here are a few of my favorites.

The website is also great for searching for items of a particular colour or more importantly a particular theme. Here are some of the themes that you can choose to search with.

For more information visit either Velvet or Velvet Weddings or why not pop into one of the Brighton & Hove stores to have a look round for yourself.

Peach chic

2010-05-29T18:00:00.001+01:00

I am just loving the colour peach. While peach can come in many shades and some look a little on the garish side I think this pale shade of peach looks fab. Why not use the design board below as inspiration and go for a vintage peach style for your bridesmaids.

Photo credits:
Jin Ja Brocade Bustier Dress - Oli
Shoe - Kurt Geiger
Earrings, bangles, aliceband and hair clips - Miss Selfridge
Parasol - ModCloth
Wallpaper - Graham & Brown
Lip gloss & eye shadow - Jane Iredale
Paris Hilton - Starpulse

Happy Anniversay to us!

2010-05-24T09:00:00.002+01:00

Today I celebrate my second wedding anniversary and cannot believe how quickly these past two years have gone. We're off to celebrate with a day of shopping, a romantic night at the Hilton followed by afternoon tea.

I loved my wedding day so much that I would like to do it all over again (with the same person of course)!!!! Here's a picture of me and my hubby on our honeymoon in Miami.

Paperchain Wedding Sationery

2010-05-22T20:15:00.009+01:00

Some stationery samples have just dropped through my letterbox and were so lovely that I just had to share them with you. Paperchain is a family run business set up with aim of bringing an extra bit of glamour and sophistication to your wedding day. Offering a range of personalised wedding stationery to fit with your theme or colour scheme, you can choose a design from one of their collections or go for something bespoke.

I asked them a few questions and here is what they had to say.....

What do you consider to be your USP?
Paperchain has recently formed after a long professional career in graphic design and marketing, therefore we understand how to introduce products to the market place that are differentiated making the most of the latest design, concepts and trends. Our strategy is based upon exceptional service and placing the bride at the centre of the service offering. We provide innovative designs and allow the stationery to be personalised in many ways - this includes colour matching, full personalisation of text and design text, printing of guest names and addresses on envelopes/relevant items. The stock that we use is from traditional paper mills and only available to the design industry, therefore we are really leveraging our expertise and relationships with suppliers to ensure a superb outcome.

Our bespoke service involves an upfront consultation with the bride and groom to establish their requirements, they can also choose from our vast collections of available paper stock.

How would you describe your style?
Friendly and professional, we believe in delivering what we promise. Our designs are inspired by our teams classical training, experience and passion for print and leading contemporary artwork. We are aiming for the higher end sector with a bespoke feel and look that portrays the individuality of our clients.

What are the current wedding stationery trends?
Given that brides are currently purchasing for the Summer Season we have designed a fresh new Love Birds Range, however the Flourish in the Olive colour is proving to be extremely popular.

What are your top three tips to the wedding couple when choosing stationery?
We don't actually offer tips as such, we tailor our approach to the needs of the client to ensure they get exactly what they want. We have a guidance section on our website for the process type issues however, we feel it is important to listen to the couple so that we can offer our advice based upon years of experience and the best way of dealing with protocol/formatting issues. Whilst we have a range of collections the options are unlimited. There is also the option of designing bespoke stationery.

To find out more visit their website or contact them direct.

Monochrome Magic

2010-05-09T12:00:00.001+01:00

A black and white wedding theme is a timeless look which can make a striking statement at any wedding. Whilst in stark contrast, these colour combinations ooze chic sophistication and memories of the forties Hollywood glamour. This is a fairly simple colour theme to bring to life and you can add a twist by bringing in polka dots and different textures for a truly modern look.

Photo credits:
Table linen and napkins: Nuage Designs
Wedding cake: Peggy Porchen
Wedding dresses: Legends by Romona Keveza
Hand tied bouquet & cheesecake: Martha Stewart
Stationery: Designer Wedding Days
Teapot and black and white zen lounge area: Props for Today
Damask mint tins: Wedding Things
Shoe: Jimmy Choo
Candelabra: Miss Audrey
Table setting: Bridal Guide

Cupcake Bouquet

2010-05-05T21:24:00.015+01:00

I don't mind admitting that I have a sweet tooth so you won't be surprised to know that I was very excited to hear about Cupcake Bouquet! This fab business - which does exactly what it says on the tin - produces bouquets made from cupcakes. You get six small and seven large cupcakes (either roses or daises) in a bouquet for a reasonably priced £35.

The rose cupcakes can only be delivered to a limited number of post codes in London while the daisy ones can be delivered to any address in mainland UK (full delivery instructions).

They almost look too good to eat......

Essential honeymoon accessories

2010-05-02T20:30:00.004+01:00

So your wedding is set, all your plans are in place and now you turn your attention to your honeymoon. This is your holiday of a lifetime and a chance to spend some romantic time with your new hubby. Why not let the world know you are on your honeymoon with some fab and funky luggage tags. You can go for bride & groom, Mr & Mrs or if that's not your cup of tea there are a whole host of tags available to spruce up your luggage.

Alternatively, why not use luggage tags as favours and name cards all in one. Here are a few of my favourites.

1 Swirl tag (Paul Smith at House of Fraser) £65.00, 2 Tiffany blue patent tag (Tiffany &Co) £45.00, 3 Flip flop (Bombay Duck) £7.25, 4 Retro flower (Vendula) £5.53, 5 logo print canvas and leather tag and passport holder (Juicy Couture) $68.00, 6 Cup cake (Fluff at Spoiled Brat) £5.99, 7 Printed metallic tag (Monsoon Accessorize) £6.00, 8 Red heart (dotcomgiftshop) £2.95, 9 Wedding Bells bride and groom set (Bombay Duck) £14.95, 10 Mr & Mrs (Occasions Direct) £14.99.

Love Colour event

2010-04-26T20:00:00.009+01:00

Looking for some inspiration for your bridal make up? Why not check out the Love Colour event at Space NK. This fab event is taking place on 30 April at all UK stores. Beauty experts will be on hand to show you how to wear the latest spring colours, top tips for perfect lips, the prettiest way to wear blush and chic ways of applying coloured shadow.

To take advantage of this expert advice you will need to book a 1-2-1 session. There is a £10 booking fee but it is redeemable against any purchase on the day so not a bad offer! As an extra bonus, they are giving away a Space NK Lash Curler with any purchase of £50 or over.

Why not drag your bridesmaids and/or your mum along and turn it into a mini hen do with a lovely champagne lunch!!!!

Beach Calligraphy

2010-04-22T09:30:00.000+01:00

Continuing with the sunshine theme, I recently came across a unique photo opportunity which could be incorporated into your wedding especially if you are getting married abroad or having a beach or summer holiday theme.

Andrew van der Merwe is a professional calligrapher who has freelanced in Cape Town for the last 15 years. Having started out using sticks to create an impression in the sand he then started fiddling with different tools and methods to create beautiful beach calligraphy. The artwork, taken on a Nikon D700 camera, can then be supplied for a variety of uses including invitations, thank you cards, or the production of a large canvas print as a gift for the bride and groom or to be displayed on an easel at the wedding and kept as a momento.

Andrew likes to understand a little about the couple in order to personalise the image and ideally needs a weeks notice to take the photo (depending on the weather). Prices start from £100 with two or three image choices per name. If you were looking for a number of images, for example bride and grooms name, a monogram and thank you, the unit price would reduce if they could be shot as a set.

Why not read some testimonials to see what past clients thought of Andrew's work. For more information please contact Andrew direct.

Summer breeze

2010-04-20T09:51:00.010+01:00

If you're like me, when you look out of the window in the morning and see a beautiful blue sky and the sun shining it really does make me smile. How much easier is it to get out of bed knowing you can go out and feel the sun on your face? I'm not sure how long it is going to last but let's make the most of it.

So, inspired by this lovely sunny spell, I have put together this mood board made up of baby pinks mixed with a bright yellow. I picture these colours working really well for an outdoor country wedding providing a great backdrop for a fab and fun wedding day. I think this would work well for a more relaxed setting with guests dressed in floaty summer dresses and open neck shirts without ties drinking a few snazzy cocktails on the lawn.

Of course, you can use this pallet for any style of wedding as I'm sure you'll agree the colours make a perfect match!

Photo credits:
Candy Floss: Martha Stewart Weddings
Invitations: Martha Stewart Weddings
Table setting: Wedding Style Guide
Gerberas: Australian Cycling Forums
Cocktail: Open Salon
Polka dot favour boxes: Brides Magazine
Dresses: I am blessed
Paper flowers: Martha Stewart

Alesia Barry - luxury wedding candles

2010-04-14T12:30:00.000+01:00

I recently came across a beautiful range of natural handmade wedding candles which I wanted to share with you. Alesia Barry have launched a fab range of candles which can be used as table centres, favours and gifts for mother-of-the bride/groom, bridesmaids or anyone who has played a special part in your wedding day.

Specialising in two main products - scented container candles and pillar candles - and finished with ribbon tailored to match your wedding theme or colour. The candles are available in a variety of fragrances and ribbon colours. They would make the perfect addition to any wedding providing a beautiful setting and a fabulous scent.

Made from Soy wax, these candle are idea for those of you who are looking to replace traditional products with a greener option. All packaging is either made from recycled card or is recyclable.

Reasonably priced, soy wax burns 50% longer than paraffin wax. Burn times (below) are approximate depending on where they are placed (drafts can make a big difference) but they should last throughout your ceremony or wedding reception.

Travel tin: 5-8 hours
Glass votive: 10 - 15 hours
Table candle: 20 - 30 hours

Pillars are dependent on size but the largest will burn for around 100+ hours. The pillar candles are also designed to burn through the centre leaving the decorated outer in tact, so that they can be kept as a momento.

For more information visit the Alesia Barry website.

Little Venice Cake Company

2010-04-12T14:40:00.011+01:00

Having attended the Wedding Planners Conference in February, I had the pleasure of hearing an inspirational talk from Mich Turner, Founder and Director of the Little Venice Cake Company (LVCC). Mich, referred to by Gordon Ramsey as the 'Bentley of cake makers', has been awarded harpers Bazaar & Chanel Entrepreneur of the Year and has written three books. Her first book - Spectacular Cakes - was voted Best Dessert Book in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

The LVCC, founded in 1999 and based in London, is renowned for designing couture wedding, birthday and celebration cakes. These exquisite and mouth watering cakes have attracted a number of celebrity clients including David Beckham, Pierce Brosnan, Paul McCartney, Cheryl Cole and Madonna. The company has quickly established itself at the leading edge of couture cakes.

Mich kindly agreed to answer a few questions for us, so here is what she had to say......

What first interested you in cakes?

When my A level lecturer asked me to decorate her wedding cake.

What was the inspiration behind setting up your business?

I thought it would be something I could run from home whilst raising a family.

What did you do prior to this?

I was a buyer at Harvey Nichols in bakery and patisserie - having a BSc Degree in Food Science and Nutrition.

What do you consider to be your USP?

Urivaled prestige, innovative: clean, classical and contemporary design; flawless intricate craftsmanship; luxury, premium and totally indulgent cakes.

How would you describe your style?

Clean, classical and contemporary. Flawless attention to detail.

What do you do to relax in your spare time?

Not much - clean, run and quilt.

What are the current wedding cake trends?
Smaller overall sizes of wedding cakes with 1-2 tonal colours, all about the intricate craftsmanship and detail.

What are the top three tips to a bride and groom when choosing a wedding cake?
Choose one that reflects your personality, is the correct size for your wedding and save the top tier for a future christening.

Describe the best wedding cake you have ever worked on?
My own! 4 tiers of hand embroidered lace in royal icing, pale gold, ivory and caramel with sumptuous fresh flowers.

Have you ever had a disaster on a job? What did you do to fix it?
Never - I am the ultimate obsessive planner! Did have one time when the van was clamped in London and we had to get the cake to the bride at Highclere Castle. I had to bribe the transport clampers on the phone with cake to come and release us immediately!

Have you worked with wedding planners and if so how do you consider they change a wedding?
Plenty of occasions - they really do ensure the day runs smoothly as they are experienced in knowing what should be done when. They are the single point of accountability and really can make rational decisions.

Visit the LVCC website to find out more. Alternatively, go along to the Spirit of Summer Fair at Olympia taking place 13 - 16 May where Mich will be hosting masterclass demonstrations.

Oscar de la Renta

2010-04-03T16:30:00.000+01:00

Having been such a fan of the Oscar de la Renta dress worn by Cameron Diaz at the Oscars I thought I would take a closer look at the designers bridal range.

Born Oscar Aristides Renta Fiallo on July 22 1932, Oscar studied painting in Madrid where he began to take more of an interest in sketching and quickly attracted the attention from top fashion houses. This earned him an apprenticeship with Cristobal Balenciaga who is famous for couture pieces. He then moved to Paris as an apprentice for Lanvin before working for Elizabeth Arden in New York.

After Elizabeth Arden, he went to work for Jane Derby Ltd, where the clothes lables read "Oscar de la Renta for Jane Derby". In 1969, after Derby's death, he took over the company and renamed it Oscar de la Renta.

While all of the dresses from the Spring 2010 bridal collection are totally beautiful, here are a few of my favorites. Check out the rest of the collection at Oscar de la Renta Bridal.

Antique gold bride

2010-03-31T21:00:00.000+01:00

Having come across a fab website (Polyvore.com) which lets you have fun with a variety of design looks I thought I would have a play and create some funky wedding looks. Here is my first attempt showcasing a antique gold themed bride. I think this looks fab with a stylish, glamourous and romantic feel.

If you have any designs that would like to share with us please get in touch.

Items in this design:
Shoes and bag - Gina
Perfume - Carol's Daughter Pearls Eau De Toilette
Dress - findmypromdress.com
Necklace - Tom Binns for Disney Coture
Rose earrings - net-a-porter.com
Butterfly ring - juicycouture.com
Rose bouquet - Roses2go

Keith Appleby Photography

2010-03-27T09:30:00.009Z

Today I am pleased to introduce Keith Appleby, principal photographer at Keith Appleby Photography, and Wedding Photographer of the Year 2008.

Keith has been photographing timeless moments since he first picked up a camera at 13. His instinct for capturing people off-guard makes a unique and unforgettable documentation of your day. Keith works to capture the personalities of everyone present so intuitively that you will barely notice his presence, yet the pictures will show that somehow he was everywhere, not missing a single moment.

Here's what Keith had to say.......

What first interested you in photography?
My father was a Dentist and I used to develop his X-rays in the darkroom as a boy - this led to taking & developing my own photographs.

What was your inspiration for setting up your business?
I have always been interested in candid & street photography and when wedding photography became more naturalistic I realised that this could be the perfect marriage (excuse the pun) for my observational skills.

What did you do prior to this?
I was a partner and photographic director of a catalogue production company employing 150 staff. We had the largest photographic studio space in Europe, except IKEA! We designed, photographed and printed catalogues and marketing material for Argos, Littlewoods, B&Q, Harrods, Sony etc.

What do you consider to be your USP?
I aim to fit in as a 'guest with a camera' rather than an outsider, which in turn allows guests to feel completely at ease in front of the camera. My images portray the soul of the wedding whilst capturing the personalities of everyone present.

How would you describe your photographic style?
I am a documentary wedding photographer who specialises in discreetly capturing the magical, passionate moments from the wedding day with emphasis on beauty, style and the glamour of the day.

What do you do to relax in your spare time?
Walking, Golf, and believe or not.... Photography!

What are the current wedding photography trends?
The big trend is for 'reportage' photography. This sounds a bit like going into a war zone (actually weddings are a bit like a friendly war zone). In fact reportage photography is about 'reporting' or 'documenting' what's in front of the camera. This is often done with wide angle lenses which gives a very graphic feel to the images. I would advise couples to be diligent when choosing their reportage photographer and make sure that they can also shoot beautiful shots of the couple together, their guests, and any family group shots that might be required.

What are your top three tips to a bride and groom when choosing a photographer?
Do you feel real emotion when you look at the photographer's work? Do the pictures move you? Are you nearly shedding a tear when you look at his (or her) images? If so then you're on the right track. It's all about emotion. You also need to ensure that you are happy with your photographer's personality and that his manner and appearance will fit in with your guests, as this is so important.

There are literally hundreds of run-of-the-mill wedding photographers and you could look at all of their websites and not me moved by a single image. Their photographs might be technically proficient but what's missing is the emotion and passion. There's no second chance with wedding photography.

Describe the best wedding you've ever worked on?
There is no 'single wedding' that I could call the 'best' because each wedding can have many wonderful & moving moments. I have covered a wedding which had Enrique Iglesias as the 'entertainer' in Cairo, with 3,500 guests, which of course was special, and many others with some wonderful touches. My ideal wedding is when the bride & groom (and guests) are not self-conscious and are having such a great time that they hardly know I'm there. This gives me the opportunity to take photographs of people uninhibitedly enjoying themselves and makes for some great images.

Have you ever had a disaster on a job? What did you do to fix it?
I've never has a disaster and take great care to ensure that this will never happen. As a professional wedding photographer I always carry spare equipment as a back up. The most stress is caused by actually getting to the venue. If I get caught in a motorway traffic jam for 3 or 4 hours then I could be scuppered. So I always leave plenty of time to get to my venue - as it would really be a disaster if I never arrived!

Have you worked with wedding planners and if so how do you consider they change a wedding?
Yes, many times. It's not so much that they 'change' a wedding rather they ensure that the bride and groom have a totally stress free day because everything is taken care of by the wedding planner.

To find out more information visit the Keith Appleby Photography website.

Sophisticated Sapphire

2010-03-24T10:00:00.000Z

Blue has always been a traditional wedding colour, and as we all know you are supposed to walk down the aisle with "something old, something new, something borrowed - and something blue".

The sapphire symbolises loyalty, but at the same time it gives expression to people's love and longing.

Photo credits:

Flowers: Unique Floral Online

Blue dress: Chic Accessories

Cake: Tasty Layers

White dress with blue sash: Bridal Wave

Table setting with blue glasses, Champagne glasses and button hole: The Knot

Ribbon: Inviting Smiles

Shoe: Shoe Wawa

Car: Cobra County

Table with hydrangeas: HyStudio - Life Behind the Lens

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

2010-03-21T20:15:00.007Z

Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your root was so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two.

'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' by Louis de Bernieres

Happy Mother's Day

2010-03-14T08:30:00.003Z

Today's post is dedicated to all the mum's, especially my own and I'd like to say have a really happy Mother's Day. I am very lucky to have such a special mum (pictured above on my wedding day). What better way to honour today that to highlight some beautiful Mother of the Bride outfits.

Department stores like Debenhams, John Lewis and House of Fraser are also great places to look for that special outfit.

Photo credits:
1 & 2: Condici
3: John Charles
4: Frank Usher
5: Ispirato

82nd Oscar Glamour

2010-03-08T10:00:00.003Z

I just love Oscar night and the anticipation of all those glamorous celebrities in their fabulous dresses walking the red carpet. Now with me being a bit of a magpie when it comes to sparkles it is no surprise that the dress designed by Osca de la Renta and worn by Cameron Diaz was my favourite.

Armani Prive was my favourite designer overall of the night. Both Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Seyfried looked beautiful in their Swarovski crystal encrusted creations. Bling it on.....

As well as Osca de la Renta and Armani Prive, here are a few of my other favourites of the night.

Photo credits:
Cameron Diaz - Oscar.com
1, 2, 3 - GMTV
4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 - Oscar.com

Anna Lou of London

2010-03-07T12:03:00.001Z

Looking around for some inspiration for Mother's Day I came across these fab bangles and cuffs from Anna Lou of London. As a treat for Mother's Day they are offering a free gift if you spend over £25.

As you can see they come in a variety of styles and colours but this is just a snippet of the Anna Lou range. Worn by a host of celebrities, these accessories could also make lovely bridesmaids pressies which could be worn on the wedding day. It's well worth checking out their site......

Table name ideas - Las Vegas

2010-02-28T09:30:00.003Z

Adding personal touches to your wedding day makes it that little bit more special. A simple way to do this is through naming your tables. This is our first post to help provide some inspiration for those table names.

The key is to find something unique to both of you as a couple. One idea for this could be memorable hotel names from a favourite holidays destination. How about Las Vegas? You could use any of the following:

Bellagio
The Venetian
MGM Grand
Mirage
Caesar's Palace
Paris
Luxor
Excalibur
Wynn
New York New York

Photo credits:
Pink and white stationery - Designer Wedding Days
Black and white stationery - Bitley Batley

Louise Goldin Shoes

2010-02-25T20:42:00.001Z

I am just so excited about these shoes! Looking for something a little special for your wedding day shoes? Why not add a fab and sexy twist to your wedding dress with these killer heals from Lousie Goldin. The cream and rose shoes (as shown above) would be perfect for any fashionista bride and you can even treat your bridesmaids (or yourself) with a beautiful black pair.

Available in store at Top Shop Oxford Circus and Selfridges and online at www.topshop.com.

LOLA's

2010-02-21T12:40:00.007Z

Having recently celebrated my sister's birthday, I had the yummy task of tasting a slice of her birthday cake. Knowing my sister's love of cup cakes my mum bought her a Show Girl giant cup cake from LOLA's. I can honestly say it was one of the scrummiest cakes I have ever eaten!

LOLA'S provide a range of wedding cupcakes which can be customised to match your wedding theme or colour scheme. Either choose them as your favours or as an alternative to a traditional wedding cake. They come in a range of flavours so I'm sure there is something for everyone.

Check out LOLA'S cupcake bar at Selfridges & Co or the Patisserie Counter at Harrods.

The Brits

2010-02-16T09:00:00.001Z

I first started thinking of this inspiration board after reading an article 'Best of the Brits' in Fabulous. This year the Brits Awards is celebrating 30 years and will be screened live on ITV tonight. Based on the most memorable dress worn by Gerri Halliwell, which later sold for a record £41,320 at a charity auction, this board shouts Cool Britannia. Whilst this board is OTT with everything union jack you can take elements of this to introduce accents to your day if you don't want to go all the way.

Photo credits:
Invitations: Not on the High Street
Shoe with heart and cherry necklace: Vivienne Westwood
White bouquet: Wedding Flowers and reception ideas
Red, white and blue dessert: Craft Gossip.com
Heart cushion: Heart & Parcel
Wedding dress: Hello Magazine
Cuff links: Amazon
Poster: One Poster
Union Jack buntin: Verouge
Mini cakes: Little Venice Cake Company
Clutch bag: Alexander McQueen
Sofa and cushions: Daily Mail
Union Jack chair: Cavania Cards
Geri Halliwell: Fabulous

Wedding Planners Annual Conference 2010

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000Z

Today I attended the Annual Wedding Planners Conference in associated with Square Meal Venues and Events and Triggerfish Communications held at The Grove Hotel. I'd like to say thanks to everyone for organising such a great day. I found it a really useful day full of inspiring ideas.

It was a great opportunity to get together with other professional planners in the industry and discuss all things relating to weddings. It also gave us the opportunity to hear lots of tips and trends from a number of suppliers including:

Jo Bryant from Debretts
Michael Namock from Nomad Food & Design
Mich Turner from The Little Venice Cake Company
Keith Appleby from Keith Appleby Photography
Nikki Tibbles from Wild at Heart
Caroline Burstein from Browns Bride
Sarah Jagger make up artist
Paul Edmonds London hair and beauty emporium

Be my Valentine....

2010-02-14T09:00:00.002Z

Valentines is a great excuse for romance but, if your like me, I don't think we should need an excuse to be romantic and tell that special person how much we love them. Red is often a colour associated with passion, desire and love so it's an idea choice for a wedding theme. The colours and deep red tones of this board scream warmth and love with a sexy sassy style. So, whether you're out for a romantic dinner or snuggling up in front of the tv with a nice bottle of wine, this one is for all you romantics.

Photo credits:
Red wedding dress: 'Amara Royale' by Maggie Sottero
Red table crystals: The Favour Box Shop
Heart cake: Wedding Theme Ideas
Wedding cake: 'Red Velvet Lace' by Maisie Fantaisie
Love with hearts: Park Country Library
Button hole: Love Wedding Flowers
Hanging dresses: Stacy Reeves Photographer
Rose bouquet: Savana Flowers
Red shoes: Creative Crystal
Ribbon: Folksy

Welcome to 'Wedding Wisdom'

2010-01-31T20:14:00.034Z

Hi and welcome to our new wedding blog. We at Designer Wedding Days are here to help all you prospective brides across London, Essex and Hertfordshire with the design and planning of your special day.

Each wedding is unique and we pride ourselves on building a relationship with each of our couples so that we can bring their dream to life. We combine exceptional organisation skills along with creative flair to ensure each wedding runs without a hitch. While we are dedicated to assisting you to create the day of your dreams and making your day as stress free as possible we never forget that it is your day.

We hope that you will find this blog full of wonderful ideas, inspiring colour boards, helpful tips, supplier profiles and any other inspirations that catch our eye. If there is a particular topic you would like us to feature or you would like us to showcase your special day please email us at info@designerweddingdays.co.uk.

Subscribe now to make sure you have all out latest updates as soon as we post them. We hope you enjoy reading and look forward to you coming back to visit us soon. Happy planning.........