Story Book Range

If you’re getting married this year, over the next couple of months you will surely be looking for invitations to wow your guests. When the invite drops through their letterbox the excitement starts to build and everyone begins to talk about your wedding.

Your invitations are the first thing anyone see’s that portrays you and your wedding day. I can wax lyrical on how to choose and what to pick but I thought it would be much better to hand the blog over to an expert who designs and hand makes the most beautiful wedding stationery. I know! my clients have just sent me a lovely email thanking me for finding them Nikki from Knots & Kisses to work with. I asked Nikki to answer the questions everyone asks when trying to work out how to buy, choose and send wedding stationery.  Over to you Nikki.

• How do I choose the right style for me? What should I look for when I engage a stationer?

When it comes to choosing your wedding stationer I think the best thing to do is find someone who’s work you love. If you love their existing designs but none are quite right for your wedding, the chances are they will come up with a design you like when you contact them for a bespoke service.

Many couples contact me with very little idea of where they want to go with their wedding and the stationery can be a great starting point for a whole scheme. When it comes to style I usually advise one of two things. Generally the easiest option for many people is to pick a colour scheme they like and let the style of their wedding build from there … often certain colours lend themselves very well to a certain style and you will find yourself naturally going down this route. Pinks & Greens are great for garden party style weddings whereas Blues & Whites often feel more beachy or wintery.

Alternatively often the style of the venue can lead you to the right decisions to how you want your stationery and wedding to look. If a bride contacts me with little idea of what she wants but I know she’s getting married in a barn in a relaxed and casual ceremony I will naturally go down a more rustic route with her stationery … perhaps tied in string.

Provide your stationer with as much information as possible and they will generally be able to evoke the style of your wedding.

• When should I order them?  Life is so busy now and most of my brides want to send them early.

Traditionally most wedding magazines and planners have always advised sending your wedding stationery out 2 to 3 months prior to the date of the wedding. However for so many couples these days this is just not enough advance warning to give to friends and family who say have to book holidays off work at least 3-6 months in advance, have family coming from abroad, or have to arrange to have children taken care of or taken out of school etc for a special occasion.

There are generally two ways of coping with this … either

a) Send out Save The Date Cards 6 months to a year in advance and then send the actual invitations out at the traditional time within 3 months of the wedding … or

b) Send just one invitation much earlier.

At Knots & Kisses .. I personally don’t put any pressure on couples to send their stationery out at a specific time so they can fit into my schedule. What is most important to me is not when the date of the wedding is but the date that the couple want to send their stationery out on because it fits in best for them.

Russian Doll Range

• How many do I order, what should I have as a contingency?

I would always advise couples to order extra stationery. I personally think 5-10 extra of both the day and evening invitation invitations is ample. A lot  of my stationery is ordered with preprinted guest names but order extras with a blank space left for your guests names and then you have no problems if you suddenly realize you’ve forgotten to send an invite to someone or you have a secondary list of people who you will be inviting if others can’t make it. ( Sounds cruel but this happens all the time!)

Russian Doll Range Menu and Table Stationery

• How do I word them? Is the wording different for Civil Partnerships?

I’ve always been of the opinion since I set up my wedding stationery company that I would never dictate to couples how they should word their stationery. I personally think you should be able to have whatever wording you feel is appropriate to convey the message of your day, so always ask brides what they would like the invite to say rather than getting them to pick between a set number of wording styles.

However if couples are unsure of what they want their invites to say I’m more than happy to offer advice. Traditionally wording comes in one of two formats .. either Formal .. addressed from the parents of the Bride … or Informal .. addressed from the Couple themselves. Of course we now have many couples having civil ceremonies but to be honest the wording changes very little other than asking the guests to join them for a civil celebration rather than marriage.

• What essentials should I include in the invite?  The etiquette.

There are of course a few basic elements which it is essential to include in your invites. The name of the couple .. obviously! … the date of the wedding and the venue. I generally advise brides to give basic details of the venue on the actual invitation i.e just the name, and if you want to give guests much more detail of the venue including the exact address and directions on a separate information card so it doesn’t clutter the look of the invite itself. Many of my new ranges come with a information and rsvp card inside so this information can be kept separate.

One of the most important elements of the information you give is the time the guests need to arrive. Many brides I’ve spoken to want to know whether they should put the exact time of the ceremony or the time of arrival. I’ve always advised time of arrival! You will always have a few guests who are traditionally ‘latecomers’ so best to err on the side of safety and put a time which is a little earlier than the actual ceremony time I feel.

Candy Stripe Pink & Sage reception stationery

• How about DIY invites for this growing market and Brides looking to add personal details and reduce costs?

Funnily enough I have no problem at all with Brides DIYing elements or all of their wedding stationery. I think many brides and grooms have a creative flair and would love to use their talents to good use in their weddings. Couples shouldn’t underestimate however how time consuming doing this may be and for many it could be difficult to fit this in around their busy lives.

I am more than happy as a happy medium, or alternative for couples, to semi-produce elements of their stationery .. i.e. a basic pocketfold design that they can then decorate themselves if they wish to add a personal touch to their wedding. I also work all the time with brides on a very tight budget and am happy to adapt designs to suit their pocket and personalise the stationery so it means something to them.

Overall my advice for couples wanting to DIY their stationery would be to do this for the Day & Evening Invitations if they would really love to do this but possibly consider handing over the reception stationery to a professional, who would be more than happy to come up with a design to match. This takes the pressure off the couple in the few weeks before the wedding when the last thing they want to be doing is madly making 150 placecards on top of everything else they have to do!

Candy Stripe Aqua & Mocha

I just love these new designs of Nikki’s, they are hot off the press and how gorgeous are they for summer? Have fun with your stationery and think a little outside the box. Choose a stationer that will help you design an invite that truly reflects you and what your day is all about.

For the next post I thought it would be fun to see various ways of making place cards and seating plans to inspire you. Please email me or send me your unique ways that you have personalised your stationery. It’s always good to pass on great ideas, don’t be shy.

Until next time, happy planning.

Good morning! It’s Friday and as we approach the weekend I can imagine many of you out there are busily surfing the internet for your  dream wedding team. I had a great conversation yesterday with a groom to be who was quite overwhelmed with the advice his friends and family had given him about the best suppliers to use. He was inundated by emails from well meaning friends and family on who he should choose to photograph his wedding and entertain at it as well as all the other areas such as flowers etc. He asked me where to start and how to know what to pay and who would do the best job.

For me this is an easy answer because of course I spend my life finding great people to work with. Yesterday was one of the days that I spent meeting new suppliers and just catching up with ones I already work with. There really are some fantastic people in the wedding industry and I came home so inspired because of their commitment and enthusiasm.

The people you choose to help you make your wedding day a reality are so important – I cannot stress this enough. You can’t do it alone and it really is all about the journey with them and how they treat you and make you feel. Imagine on the day of the wedding knowing that “your team” will do exactly what they need to do so that your wedding is perfect. Think about the wedding planning process, it can be very stressful and if you have great help from people that inform you, answer your emails on time and have a can do attitude, what a joy! These are the people you need behind you.

My advice is do your homework. Look around at who and what is on offer. Compare prices and services so you have a good idea of what you want to pay and what you actually want before you meet them. It will help you speak with authority and also to understand what they are offering if you have a little background. Make a list of at least two suppliers to see so that you can compare and contrast. If you work with a wedding planner then you can be sure who they recommend are the best. Their reputation depends on it.

Are they Professional in their approach. Did they turn up on time? Slovenly dressed and late suppliers are often a prerequisite for how they will treat you and their business.

Listen carefully and ask questions. When you meet a supplier they should be interested in you and not spout at you as soon as you sit down. They should take time to find out what YOU want and what your budget is so that they offer the right product or service. Sometimes clients can feel intimidated and a little overwhelmed. Remember suppliers are just like you and me, most of them want to help you so please do ask what you want to know and ask for clarification if there is something you don’t understand.

Negotiate. Yes do ask what is the best offer they can give you, but please don’t go there with an aggressive attitude, it does not help either of you. The wedding suppliers that I know and work with are all good quality and value. A good supplier should be worth the cost of their service and should be able to justify it to you. You may certainly get a discount, if you don’t ask you don’t get but you may not. You can of course ask for added value. It maybe that this person just cannot discount their service because it is a fair one but they might like to help out with something that adds value. Such as, a photographer may decide to add an engagement shoot to their package or offer extra images, or a venue might give you the bridal suite for free. Everyone knows the financial climate at the moment and the wedding industry is very competitive and good suppliers will be fair. Remember they do have to make a living as well.

Before You Sign on the dotted line. Read the contract through carefully, be sure to ask what the cancellations charges are. What will happen if they are ill, who will turn up at your wedding if they can’t? When do you need to pay and how much. Is VAT added to the cost? Be sure that if you book very early ask if the price will change with inflation. All of this should be in the small print. READ IT!

Go with your gut! If you feel this person is just not for you or in any way you are not happy with them or comfortable in their company. WALK AWAY! There really are hundreds of people that can help you.

I hope this helps you engage with great wedding experts. If you have anything you want to share about your experiences please let us know. It is always good to have good and bad feedback.

Until next time, happy planning.

Yvette by Sabina Motasem Bride

One of my weddings that I have been working on this week is in the style of Art Deco. The theme was inspired by the hotel where my lovely couple became engaged. Burgh Island Hotel is without doubt one of the most luxurious retreats to stay.

It has been completely restored in 2006 to its glorious sophisticated and elegant form. Dinner here is black tie! Decadent, glamourous and super stylish. Just how you should feel when you wear your wedding dress.

I could not believe it when Sabina Ali, the head designer from Sabina Motasem Bride in London sent me her super new collection to look at which fits perfectly with this era.

There are six brand new vintage inspired, elegant wedding dresses alongside two bestsellers – perfect for the style conscious bride and the photo shoot was shot at the gorgeous Eltham Palace.

Sabina found inspiration for the new collection from the style and glamour of iconic performers at the Folies Bergeres in 1900s - 1930s Paris.  The slinky, understated dresses complement the opulent and decadent style that you associate with perfectly and styles brides tend to wear at Eltham Palace for their weddings.

Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, society millionaires who used influential designers of the period to create Eltham Palace as a high status home consisting of a series of elegant rooms, reminiscent of Hollywood-style glamour. The use of geometry and simplicity combined with simple shapes in an understated luxurious fashion, mirrors the style of Sabina Motasem Bride dresses, making Eltham Palace the perfect backdrop for the new collection and a sensational venue to plan a wedding.

Sabina Motasem wedding dresses are understated, great value, simple and elegant. Brides can select alternative details like different necklines, sleeves, colours and accessories.

The Yvette dress, a strapless knee length number with full knee length skirt and can be worn with a 50’s style petticoat, transforming its silhouette from an understated 40’s shape to a dramatic 50’s dress. This dress can be accessorised with matching shrug, beaded belt and French corded lace bodice.

Colette

Colette – a strapless wedding dress in beautiful stretch duchess satin, fishtail skirt and puddle train. The Colette dress can be accessorised with a matching shrug, beaded belt and French corded lace bodice, taking the bride all day through several easily changeable looks.

Cabaret

The hem and train of the Cabaret dress is made entirely of asymmetrical shaped box pleats, each mounted on top of the one below giving a subtle geometrical relief shape.

Josephine

The Josephine dress, a backless cowl draped dress with a puddle train in luxurious crepe silk available in Ivory, Vintage Cream and Soft Pink, oozes old Hollywood-style red carpet glamour and is a demure way to show off a toned back.

Loie

The Loie dress, a stunning geometrical and architecturally pleated empire line bodice in a rich oyster coloured satin crepe with contrasting satin front panels and pleated back detail, is a dress to turn heads. The Loie dress is available in Ivory, Vintage Cream and Soft Pink.

A sample collection is available to view during appointments at the Islington studio, London and is priced between £900 – £1750. Dresses can be altered to fit, made exclusively in the UK and delivered within two months throughout the UK and internationally. Shorter timescales are possible from one week. To book an appointment email mail@motasem.co.uk or go to www.motasem.co.uk for more information.

I just love this collection and it’s very well priced. Makes me want to get married all over again. Who knows? renewing vows is very popular.

Until next time, happy planning.

In my quest to help everyone who is getting married this year as well as all the newly engaged couples I am running a couple of New Year offers to help out.

Firstly my Bridal Workshops

Sunday, February 12th at 11am till 1.30pm
Sunday, March 25th at 11am till 1.30pm

If you attend these classes I will be giving away my Wedding Genie Wizard Planning Tools worth £15. On top of all the top advice and planning inspiration you will also leave my class with everything you need to plan, budget and stay organised. Being organised is the key to wedding planning utopia. Don’t want you to get lost under mounds of paper work, just pop it all into The Wedding Genie Wizard. Write up all your notes, add your suppliers in too. Everything you need at the click of a button. Book the class here.

You will also go home with my free 12 month wedding planning countdown. Print it out, pop it on the wall and tick off everything you have done month by month. It’s a great visual aid and makes you feel fab when you see the amount of ticks!!

The Second New Year Offer

I am selling The Wedding Genie Wizard Planning Tools for just £10 until the end of January. Being organised as I have mentioned is key to a stress free wedding planning journey. Keeping an eye on your budget is most important. Does not matter if you are spending £5,000 or £25,000 you still need to write it down and track it. check out the offer here.

News

I have some great weddings this year, including our first civil wedding. Very excited about that, a lavish Art Deco affair. A Tipi wedding which promises plenty of DIY heaven and if that is not enough then a Caribbean Indian fusion wedding. I am in planning heaven. On top of that I am writing some of the hot topics for Your West Midlands Wedding Magazine.

Throughout the year I am also adding more services to my website and giving the website itself a face lift. 2012 is going to be the best yet I hope. If you are newly engaged and need a helping hand why not call me for a free consultation to see what I can help you with. If you are half way through our planning and need a little oomph then I can help you too.

Blog Inspiration

Over the next few weeks I have plenty of advice and inspiration on the blog. A stationery feature, answering all the questions you may have on how to choose the right style for you, when to send them, etiquette and top tips and hints from the best people in the wedding industry. I have a great designer from London to show case and on friday the blog gives you the heads up on the best places to choose for your honeymoon.

I must apologise if this is blog is a little indulgent today but I am really excited about The Wedding Genie. A little holiday has truly inspired me and recharged my batteries. I hope the festive period gave you time for reflection. If you are getting married this year, now is the time to book your suppliers before they get snapped up. Our Wedding Genie Dream Team are a great place to start. Check out a few from the list below to get you started. I have added some of the main suppliers you need to book, Photographer, Stationer, Cake maker and some gorgeous Accessories.  You know they are tried and tested and they all go the extra mile. I can guarantee their value and quality.

Photographers

Ashford Daly

Sara Moseley

Fashionable Weddings

Jo Hastings

Geoff Ascough

Lesley Meredith

Stationers

Knots & Kisses

Elle is for Love

Wedding Paraphernalia

Lucy Ledger

Videographers

Jeff Wood

Shutterbox Films

Accessories

DC Bouquets

Emmy shoes

Rachael Simpson

Cakes

Ben The Cake Man

Nouskie Noo’s

In the next blog I have some great destinations if you are booking your honeymoon. So pop back on Friday. I am a little out of synch this week but the blog will resume on wednesday and fridays from next week.

Until next time, happy planning.

Good morning! Christmas is nearly here and if you are getting  married next year it will be soon be this year!! To help I want to be sure you are armed with all the information you need for heavenly wedding planning.

I am going to run a series of blogs on all things stationery in January and February. If you are  just starting to plan your wedding or have not got round to your invites, this feature will be ideal for you.

Learn the etiquette of when to send an invite, what to write in them and how to choose them. Everything you want to know about perfect stationery for your big day. The lovely Ivy Ellen will be joining our Genie Dream Team and giving us their expert knowledge. We will also have a special offer running too.

I must admit I am totally addicted to beautiful stationery, it really does make a wedding stand out. Think I went a little over the top sending swatches of my bridesmaids dresses to my stationer but she did match them perfectly to the hearts on our invites.

To be sure we answer exactly what you want it would be great if you can send me anything you want to know about wedding stationery. It does not matter how small the question is we will be really happy to help. I look forward to hearing from you.  You can mail me or comment on this blog.

Until next time, happy planning.

Many weddings are black tie at this time of year and that is another area where sometimes it’s tricky to know what to wear. Is it short black dresses? Do our men need to wear a DJ? Well according to the internet research I did for ladies at least. Black tie etiquette is a little blurred.

It is acceptable to wear short black cocktail dresses. It seems long dresses are largely now left for “White Tie” events? Yes I know very uber glam! I must say I have never been to one, but that is all out glamour. Long gloves, long dresses and men in tails with satin stripes down their trousers!! Wow!

If you choose to have a wedding that denotes “Black Tie”  there should be a little addition to the invite that states “Black Tie Attire”. Then your guests will turn up in the right apparell. The wedding ceremony and reception is generally an evening affair, after 6pm is the definition for black tie.

I must say I do love the idea of dressing up in a lavish dress for a black tie wedding. The thought of this teamed with bright red and black put together beautifully makes my heart race. Think holly berries, mulled wine in lovely glassware, tables cloths or chair covers in black with table runners in gorgeous deep reds.

I love this mood board I found on Black Tie Invitations. The reds are so luxurious and superbly elegant.

What about this idea for chairs too?

Not sure about you but a man in a fabulous suit, cut to perfection makes me swoon! I asked our Genie Dream Team Supplier Adrian from The Bespoke Tailor to give me some advice on how to dress our guys for Black Tie events and weddings.

Adrian says ” With the “Black Tie” season only just round the corner, are you concerned as to what the right etiquette is? Well worry no more, read on!

Suit

When “black tie” appears on an invitation it is an indication that the guest is expected to wear formal evening dress. This consists of a dinner jacket, with matching trousers, most often in black. The dinner jacket will have satin lapels and trimmings to make it distinct from a lounge  jacket, which is for daytime use. The trousers should have a satin braid down the length of the outer leg seam.

Shirt

The dinner suit should be work with a white dress shirt. The choice of collar style, either wing or standard collar, is optional and down to personal choice.

Bow Tie

A black bow tie should be worn. These can be either pre-tied or self-tied. It’s worth practicing to tie a bow tie for that extra special feel. You can accessorise this by wearing a matching cummerbund too.

Waistcoat

An alternative to cummerbund is a waistcoat. With a double-breasted jacket, neither is necessary.

Cufflinks

Evening shirts will always come with a double cuff, so don’t forget to pack your cufflinks!

Pocket Square

Although not necessary this is a nice finishing touch. If you choose to wear one avoid colour stick to white cotton or linen. There are many ways to fold the pocket square but the “three point fold” is our favourite for 2011.

Shoes

Dress shoes are a very important part of the outfit. Ideally, plain black patent or fine leather shoes should be worn.

Socks

Always wear black fine-gauge knee-length socks – there is nothing more tacky than a flash of flesh when all dressed up.

Hey what do you think of my example of a black tie suit? OMG could not resist showing you this.

Adrian really does know what he is talking about. His suits are to die for, designed and handmade by him for you! If you are planning a wedding next year and you want to kit your husband to be out in something fabulous don’t think about going anywhere else. If you are having a black tie wedding this christmas I would love to see it featured on my blog. Call or mail me if you want to send me your photographs after the wedding. I love to show real brides to inspire my brides and me!!

Until next time, happy planning.

I am so excited to introduce you to one of our fabulous wedding stationery suppliers. I have been working on three weddings for next year and Nikki from Knots and Kisses has designed a fabulous Art Deco style of Invite for one of my lovely couples. I can’t show it yet because of course the guests have to be the first to see them!

After all they are the introduction to your wedding. Invitations or save the dates are a taster of what your wedding day holds and should really delight your guests and give them some insight into your personality.

For me stationery is very important, whether it’s designed by a company or made by yourselves. It is the one thing that pulls a wedding scheme together. I am also a self confessed stationery addict!!!

Nikki has just released her brilliant new website with such inspired designs, you will be drooling! Check out some of the newest designs here. I love the story book style. It is a great idea to tell the story of a couples journey.  Along with the website is a great blog too. It has all kinds of advice so make sure you check that out. I am also very pleased to add Nikki to my Wedding Genie Dream Team. These are suppliers I know and trust who I can recommend without a moments hesitation.

One of the great new designs,Story Book.

I asked Nikki to share with us some of her advice for choosing and ordering your wedding stationery.

Hello! My name is Nikki, I run Knots & Kisses Wedding Stationery.

Julie asked me to write a few words of advice for you about wedding stationery etiquette… so here goes!

I’m going to say now… I’m not a fan of the word etiquette when it comes to weddings! I firmly believe you should be able to have the wedding you want regardless of tradition.However, ordering Wedding Stationery can be a bit of a minefield, and it’s useful to know a few hints & tips to make ordering your Wedding Stationery that little bit easier ….

1. When To Send Your Stationery

Generally the advice is to send your wedding invitations to your guests approximately 3 months before the date of your wedding.

This can however depend on your wedding … you may be having a wedding abroad and in this case you will need to send out your invitations much further in advance as your guests may need to book flights etc.

If you’d like your guests to know the date of you wedding much further in advance I’d advise sending out Save The Date cards. This can give your guests advance warning so they don’t book holidays that clash with your wedding and can book time off work if needed.

2. When To Order Your Stationery

This can depend on your stationer, but I generally advise my clients to start the booking process at least 2 months prior to the date you need to receive your invitations. This is especially necessary if you are ordering handmade stationery, as it allows time for proofs to be sent and changes to be made. You also need to take into account many stationers will only be able to take on so many orders a month so it may be worth putting a deposit down much earlier to secure the services of the stationer you really want.

Also allow extra time if you require a bespoke service as you need to allow a little bit longer for the design process.

3. R.S.V.P’s

I often have to advise couples on their RSVP dates, as sometimes they will put a date which is far too close to the wedding.

You need to allow time to chase up stragglers! No matter how well you think you know your guests there will always be a few who will reply to you weeks after your RSVP date… or not at all!

Also take into account the date your caterers and venue will need to know final numbers by, and if you are ordering reception stationery allow a month for this to be made.

4. Children

You may love to have children at your wedding, but there are many couples out there who could think of nothing worse! There are ways of wording this on your stationery so you don’t end up offending any of your guests who are parents!

Generally I advise not having a short sharp line stating “Children Not Allowed” … the text I usually use is something like … “We would love you to enjoy a day off and so respectfully ask that there are no children at your wedding”.

5. Extra Information

I’d always advise a separate information card to be included with your stationery. These days there is often so much extra information you would like to let your guests know about your day.

This can include directions, maps, guest information, food requests or even asking your guests to bring something with them to your wedding.

A lot of my stationery ranges include an information card and RSVP card as a pack price, which can save you some money.

6. Wording

When it comes to wording, I personally don’t think the rules are as strict as they used to be, but generally invitation wording will be either Formal or Informal.

Formal invitations are generally for weddings being hosted by the parents of the couple and will be addressed as such … “Mr. & Mrs. G Robinson request the pleasure of the company of Mr.  & Mrs. Joe Bloggs at the marriage of their daughter Jessica Anne to Mr. James Smith ….”.

Many couples, however, now host their own weddings and so an informal wording is more appropriate … “Jessica & James would love the pleasure of the company of Jane & Joe Bloggs at their wedding …”.

I personally feel these days anything goes! Be as informal or as humorous as you want depending on the style of your wedding!

7. Final advice … Have fun with your wedding stationery and remember to order a few extra just in case!

I hope you found this useful. I agree with Nikki that all there are some rules for stationery be yourself and personalise them as much as you want. I know when I get a wedding invitation I just love it to be that little bit different and feel it is talking me to me! Over the next few weeks I am going to post about how to use stationery in your wedding in ways that are that bit different and unusual. Watch this space because for the new year I have lots of ideas and there will be little changes to my website and blog to keep you coming back for more!

Until next time, happy planning.

Our friend Claire at Princess Brides in Stafford is holding a designer weekend on 12th and 13th November featuring a very talented british designer, Donna Lee. Her designs are designed to bring out the dreamer and diva in every bride.

There are three collections, The Diva Collection, The Fairytale Collection and the The Heritage Collection. The dresses are made from silk chiffons, organza’s and taffeta’s with gorgeous lace and beading. There is a style to suit all figures and the prices are super reasonable too.

Last year Donna won best new bridal design label.  Pop along and meet Donna on  Saturday, she will be there from 10am till 4pm. The dress to the right is  the Regency  from the Heritage collection

For more information pop over to Claire. Here are a few of the designs to give you a taster.

Grace – Diva Collection

Lana – Diva Style Collection

Norma Jean – Diva Collection

Queen of Hearts – Fairy Tale  Collection

Have fun trying everything on. Claire sells plenty of goodies to go with your dress too. Have a lovely time.

Until next time, happy planning.

I do feel that wedding fairs need to be completely overhauled and offer something new and fresh. Watch this space for our sister company next year offering a fabulous new event in March.

In the meantime I am pleased as punch to introduce Susie and her sister Cathy, who have put together a great list of quality wedding suppliers to produce a Vintage Chic Wedding Fair. They wanted to give something that little bit different to brides and have created a vintage inspired event for Brides looking for something a little less mainstream.

I asked Susie to tell me a little more about the event. What kind of suppliers would be attending and what to expect.

Vintage with a modern twist is how we like to describe our fairs. Our exhibitors are not only passionate  about what they do but inspirational and extremely creative.  Our fairs are also bought to life with music from Simon Partridge a Midlands based Jazz Swing singer and a pop up vintage tea parlour for Brides and guests to relax with a cup of tea and homemade cake. Expect plenty of bunting, authentic vintage bridal gowns, cute cupcakes, award winning photographers along with planners and stylists ready to take away the stress of managing your wedding. Vintage heaven!

A list of all confirmed exhibitors is available online at www.vintagechicweddingfair.co.uk along with a directory of other super vintage inspired wedding suppliers. Here a few images from the last event to wet your appetite.

All the brilliant photographs are from Theresa Furey, go check out her site I was mesmerised with the style and quality.

We have 2 events coming up in this Autumn. 30^th October at The Custard Factory Birmingham and 13^th November at Stancliffe Hall. A luxury wedding venue near Matlock Derbyshire.  Pre registered Brides are free of charge to enter and all other guests just £2.50 payable at the door.

For any questions or queries, please contact info@vintagechicweddingfair.co.uk

It certainly is a great line up, I urge you to go check out Susie and Cathy’s website, their list of suppliers is super impressive. I might even go myself if I get chance. I was completely enthralled just looking at the the websites of all the suppliers.

Until next time, happy planning.

One of the best things ever after the wedding is sitting down and popping all your mementos and little details from your wedding into your memory box. Every now and then I take the lid off and relive one of the best days of my life. Lol that might be dramatic but it really was. If you use one of these bouquets and choose one that fits with your style and decor at home you can see it everyday.

Place them in a position where you will see them all the time. They will last a lifetime, my poor gorgeous flowers ended up in the bin very soon after the wedding the next day.

How about this gorgeous button hole to match too.

For the groom and parents, these are just divine. A great memento.

Here are some of Debbies other great creations. You can choose from the range on the website or Debbie will do something bespoke just for you. Remember though if you want to use this idea then you have to be sure to order in plenty of time. You can imagine the detail that goes into making one of these pretties. I defy you to really enjoy working with Debbie my bride just loved her.

I love that you can have bright colours if you like, or muted tones and how lovely does it look displayed in your finest crystal.

How about a different design made with different materials?  I have a couple who are having a caribean wedding theme next year, how about these gorgeous shell bouquets to really bring out the idea and help them feel like they might very well be on a sunny beach.

I absolutely love these from Kimberly Aurora at Romantic Flowers on Etsy. They ship to the UK.

If you like the idea of shells but want a more formal look what could be better than this?

For  the DIY brides amongst us why not have a bash about at making your own bouquet. Butterflie themes at weddings are popular and here is the perfect DIY project from a complete idol of mine Martha Stewart. You can buy the butterflies on line and then they are wired together. Check out the instructions here.

Another lovely idea is to have a bouquet made out of buttons. Button Moon really excel in this area and make the most fabulous designs using fantastic bright colours if that is your thing.

I am sorry for this one only for the fact that is from Australia. I don’t normally post things on my blog you can’t get in the Uk or get shipped easily. You can get this one shipped but the waiting time is 40 weeks! If you love this get your order in now. It is super inspirational. One of the most gorgeous things I have ever found. If you are like my brides and really love to have a wedding that is totally you and your theme is quirky or personal to you. How about this bouquet it is for a wonderland tea party them. I heart it!!

Just look at the detail in this work!

This just proves that if you can think it you can have it if some talented supplier can make it for you. I hope this gives you some inspiration. If you made or bought an unusual bouquet please let us know and I will post them on the blog to give other brides inspiration.

Until next time, happy planning.