There are many wedding blogs out there that are inspirational, but some of the best are written by brides to be themselves! When you start to think about planning your wedding it’s a huge task and who knows where to start? It’s not like all your friends are getting married at the same time, so sometime’s there is no one to talk to or bounce ideas off or ask for advice. What better way than to make a diary of your wedding journey and share it with like minded brides. Suddenly you are not alone and its a chance to share your creativity and unique ideas to help other brides in your position.
I found Purple and Pearls quite a while ago, it’s written by the very creative and talented Laura Francis and I was hooked. Not only is it a pretty site to surf around but its funny, inspiring and written from the heart. It gives a fabulous insight into wedding planning and shows how you can make your mark on your dream day without breaking the bank.
There are lovely ideas and images to help inspire you, I love looking around myself, I particularly like all the posts relating to the Candy Tables. I am often intrigued why brides to be start a blog and what they get from it, I asked Laura a few searching questions and she did not disappoint.
What Made You Start Purple and Pearls Blog?
Purple and Pearls started out as a way for me to document my time as a bride to be. I’ve always kept diaries and essentially that is what Purple and Pearls is. It’s my online diary, I want to be able to look back in years to come and remember every detail about planning our wedding that I know I could easily forget.
What do you think you give to other brides who are planning their weddings?
I’m a DIY bride. Anything I make myself, like my chalkboard heart place cards, invitations, candy table signs and wine charm favours, I write about and explain exactly how I did it. I’ve had quite a few comments from other brides-to-be about how easy the projects I take on look and have been inspired to have a go themselves.
I’m also very honest, it’s not always rosy in the run up to the wedding and things do get stressful. I share my concerns, worries and mistakes (such as the spelling error on my invitations I noticed just days before they were due to go out!)
I don’t get paid for writing Purple and Pearls either, I have no sponsors which means any recommendations I make for suppliers are based purely on my own opinions and experiences.
Laura’s gorgeous chalk board place cards
Wine Charms to match Laura’s theme
How has it helped you?
I enjoy writing Purple and Pearls so much. It keeps my thoughts in order; I write a monthly countdown post with jobs that I need to do in the up coming weeks, which helps me keep track of what I’m suppose to be doing. It’s also put me in touch with other brides who write their own blogs and lots of different wedding industry professionals. I feel like I’m part of a little community and if I need advice, suggestions, support or even just a chat there is always someone around either to comment on the blog or on Twitter to talk to.
Do you think your wedding will be different because of it and have you learned loads about the wedding industry?
Writing Purple and Pearls has made me more aware of other blogs written by suppliers, other brides and industry professionals. I have 100’s of different blogs in my Google Reader and they have definitely opened my eyes. Starting out I didn’t know that I could break away from the more traditional side of the wedding industry, I didn’t know that I didn’t have to have sugared almonds as favours and I’ve learnt that it’s ok to make our wedding day reflect our personalities. I’ve been inspired to create details myself, which means certain aspects of our wedding will be unique to us and hopefully our guests will appreciate that too.
I wouldn’t say that I’ve learnt loads about the wedding industry, but I have met (online and in real life) some fabulous wedding professionals who have all helped me out in some way.
Laura is using the shots from their engagement shoot for their guest book.
If you have what are the good things and what are the bad?
Getting to know the wedding industry has made me realize how much choice there is, there are so many different ways you can personalize your wedding day to suit you.
I’ve also learnt to shop around; unfortunately a few suppliers find it acceptable to up their prices just because it’s a wedding. Throughout my planning I’ve learnt to compare prices and do a lot more research before committing to a service. For example I saved over £200 on our wedding flowers because I didn’t settle for the first quote I received.
Having said that all of the suppliers involved in our wedding day are wonderful – it was one of our requirements during the planning process for us to get on with our suppliers. There is nothing better than your florist or cake maker to be just as excited about your wedding as you are!
Its good to hear that. Suppliers should be interested in your wedding just as much as you are. It’s one of the traits that we like to know a supplier has before they go onto our Wedding Genie recommended list. Quality and good service are a given if you use any of The Wedding Genie suppliers. Many of our brides are just like Laura. They want us to help their day go exactly as they planned. Leaving them to enjoy every minute knowing someone they trust is looking out for all their little details.
Well I for one can’t wait to see the gorgeous wedding that Laura paints such a beautiful picture of on her blog. I will post it on my blog if Laura doesn’t mind, we can’t possibly not follow up this lovely story.
In the meantime if you want to know how to start to plan and find inspiration, why not book one of our new Bridal Workshops. They are fun, informative and I promise you will go home armed with all the hints tips and advice you could possibly need. You can enter our competition too for a pair of tickets to one of our classes in October or November.
Until next time, happy planning.
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