Bridesmaid Dresses - Pippa Middleton

Following the royal wedding there has been much talk of "Pippa" upstaging her sister Kate Middleton on her wedding day. I do love a bit of couture I like looking and lusting after it, but it has been many a year since I have been able to afford it.

When choosing your bridesmaids and their outfits there are 2 schools of thought there are some brides who definetely want their entourage to blend gently into the background and others who want to ensure that the whole wedding party look knockout, as a bride I was the latter and am happy to say that most brides are.

I think this was Kates ethos - so good on ya girl. 

Anyway whilst researching researching researching I came across a real gem and thought it was befitting to give it a mention here  Girl Meets Dress designer dress hire

http://www.girlmeetsdress.com/



    

A great way to keep your costs down is to hire bridesmaid dresses above are a few of my faves. 

What a brilliant idea designer dresses without the designer price tag.

A real find and you are guaranteed to have bridesmaids that compliment you wonderfully.

Wedding Planning - Earlybird Savings - Super Organised Bride

Met with a super organised bride Elaine today, she is getting married to Dean in November 2012.  By the end of our consultation I had to question what she actually needed me for, as she has pretty much got it all sorted, well in advance of the big day.  Elaine explained that she is on a very tight budget, planning all of the wedding pretty much herself doing everything well in advance allows them to get their finances  in order.

Many elements of the wedding are being supplied by friends or family in order to keep costs down and Elaine has booked venue early in order to take advantage of any earlybird offers.

Elaine was very specific with the things she wanted me to assist with sourcing and most importantly she wants me to be on hand on her wedding day for on the day coordination in order to pull everything together and to take over the final arrangements so that she is not stressed out on her big day.

I have to say that I absolutely love her approach, after being very clear about what my tasks would be should she utilise my services, she then asked did I have an earlybird offer for her?  I had to say yes.

As an early bird she certainly caught this worm.

It will be an absolute pleasure working with Elaine a woman after my own heart, knows exactly what she wants and what she doesn't want and is not afraid to say it.

I had better remember to

Wedding Accessories - Wedding Shoes - My Shoe Distraction

I am absolutely LOVING these shoes by PPQ at Office, which leads me to admit to the fact that I am easily distracted when researching on the web, but in this instance I believe that I can redeem myself and link my recent indulgence back to weddings.

So here goes:

I spent months and months scouring the Internet for yellow shoes for my wedding day, not a pastel yellow a bold yellow a true statement piece. They had to be platforms, sandals with very high heels, sexy and funky that’s me, or should I say that’s my taste in shoes? Eventually I found yellow shoes but I changed my mind for a couple of reasons in the first instance because they were not the EXACT shade of yellow I was after and also because they came with a HEFTY designer price tag which even a shoe connoisseur such as myself couldn’t justify if they were not exactly what I was after.

I opted for a change of colour a bold grey instead which was in keeping with my yellow and grey colour scheme this enabled me to get exactly what I wanted. These shoes by PPQ may have been worth changing the colour scheme for err mm NAH but they are so me and most importantly very affordable.

Anyway getting back to the link, us girls do not need to be asked twice to splurge on shoes, especially for your wedding day, but if you are on a tight budget it is comforting to know that with the likes of PPQ and other designers bringing high end to the high street without the high end price tag you can be Cinderella and you shall have a ball!!!

PPQ I salute you - Phew I think I did it!!!

                                            

      Tiziri Stiletto Sandal 

http://www.office.co.uk/search/keyword-is-tiziri+stiletto+sandal+red

The Royal Wedding - Kate Middleton with sweet William

Congratulations to the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the people of East Anglia will have a now closer alliance to the future king and queen of England.

I was pleased to find that Kate made her bouquet personal by carrying sweet William in her bouquet - how lovely.

Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, paid tribute to her new hubby by including "sweet william" in her wedding bouquet. 

The bouquet, as royal tradition dictates, also included a sprig from a myrtle bush planted by Queen Victoria on the Isle of Wight in 1845. Other flowers in the bouquet included hyacinth, lily-of-the- valley and ivy.

It was designed by Shane Connolly, also responsible for decorating the wedding venue Westminster Abbey with eight English maple trees. 

The symbolism of the flowers used at the royal wedding:

• Sweet William - Gallantry

• Lilly-of-the-valley - Return of happiness

• Hyacinth - Constancy of love

• Ivy  - Signifies fidelity, marriage, wedded love, friendship and affection. 

• Myrtle  - Emblem of marriage and love.

As a young couple embarking on married life together I wish them all of the above.

In terms of the wedding industry with many elements of the royal wedding influencing many couples choices for their big day,  I'm pretty certain that these flowers will heavily influence bridal bouquets the world over for years to come.

Florists stand by!!!!!!!!

Wedding Music: If Music Be The Food of Love.

During our wedding planning it became a lengthy process of negotiation and
elimination when deciding what format the music would take. Both lovers of music with
an eclectic mix of sometimes very different taste, this was a challenge, but we wanted to
stay true to what we love.  Top tip for all couples it's all about the two of you.

How did we want to entertain our guests? What did we want to hear? Did we want
live music (his preference not so much mine) - a band, ipod music? We got there in the
end because we compromised and isn't that what marriage is all about?

Music for walking down the aisle, well that was my domain, I had total autonomy here
(no compromising at all lol!!!), and that was a no brainer. After checking his schedule
unfortunately he found that he was otherwise engaged. If I couldn't have him singing
in person it had to be an ipod of HIS voice - the one and only:

The wedding party had strict instructions " DO Not start walking until after the 

first verse, walk SLOWLY" (a tall order for my 5 year old daughter, 3 year old

goddaughter and 18 month old daughter - not a problem the others could slow

things down).  I was not walking down that aisle until I heard Prince singing how

much he adores me, emmm I mean until the lyrics stress how much I adore my
husband to be.

ADORE YOU, ADORE YOU can I talk to you tell you whats on my mind?

I would appear in the doorway wait and then start walking. Yes there was real meaning
in the lyrics these particular words and as I am a perfectionist, it had to be just perfect.

Whatever your music and song choices for your day, ensure there is a reflection of the
love you have for each other, if your guests know you - they will love it too.

PLAY ON.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue, a silver six pence in her shoe.

Most people know the first part of the phrase not necessarily the latter.  We follow traditions sometimes inadvertantly without realising it.

I wore a lovely new bespoke wedding gown, lovely new shoes, lovely new earrings and so on and so on - yes I enjoyed and went overkill on the new as you do, it is a special day after all :-).

Maid of honour gave me a garter with a blue ribbon and I borrowed a hanky from my mum, which luckily I didn't need to use, just as well as she wanted it back post haste after the festivities were over, a practical lady my mum.

Did I realise what the significance of all of this was in terms of the true meaning behind this tradition?

Something old - Represents the link to the brides family
Something new - Good luck and success a bright future ahead
Something borrowed - Represents to bride family and friends being there wedding day and in future
Something blue - In ancient times blue was the symbol for faith purity and loyalty
A silver sixpence in her shoe - Represents wealth and security

Yes I am a wedding planner it's my job to know -  This is a typically English tradition (Victorian).

Whilst working on content for my website my mind was cast back to my day and how we incorporated our backgrounds into our day.  I am thinking about how to encourage prospective couples to infuse their day with traditions from their culture perhaps.  How wonderful to amalgamate English tradition with other traditions on your big day.

I am all about doing things a bit differently so would advocate that you take something from your cultural background and incorporate it into your day. Give people a taste of something a bit different, this can be done in a number of ways (coming up on my website soon!!)

Its all about the two of you so make it about that.

Making informed choices/decisions

Went to an event last night .  "A Celebration of hair " at www.artarc-collective.com/ it was small but beautifully formed, with some very creative and talented people.  The setting, a barge displaying beautiful artwork received a huge thumbs up from me.

Come to think of it now, I wonder whether it could be licensed to hold weddings?  Lol!!!!!.

I was accompanied by a mildly reluctant friend, I understood her initial resistance. Would she be judged for the choice that she had made with regards to her hair? I was interested in whether this very powerful forum would have the desired effect, which I think was to ignite a question within someone.

WHY they do what they do to their hair?  Is it a conscious decision/choice a subconscious decision/choice, or indeed an informed decision/choice?

Or in my own case a choice I make that reflects a little bit about my personality, my personal style perhaps.  Yes creative freedom to express myself, that's the one.

On one level I think that the brief was achieved, however it could have been slightly undermined by judgmental approaches as to what the correct stance should be.

The core issues bought me back to the vision for my wedding/event planning business which is still in its embryotic state so I am still quite protective, but the vision is to perhaps change ones perception of how your wedding day, civil partnership, renewal of vows etc needs to be.

A wedding or union of this type is such a spiritual, powerful and momentous occasion. Does the marking of that day or moment need to follow any particular format? In legal terms yes but that's about it.

So in terms of positioning my business in the market -  I guess that is where I am going off on a tangent somewhat,  something a bit different (ooh I feel a business name coming on), posing that question to prospective clients.

Discussion and debate last night highlighted that we are bombarded, barraged with images of what our hair could/should look like.  Possibly images that some of us elude to via the media, especially in magazines.

This is most definetely the case within the wedding industry. We are led to believe that you need this dress, this setting or products, when in essence all you need when you strip it all back is the person that you are committing to, embarking on the journey through life in tandem with.

What I learnt from tonight is that when you are positively trying to affect change, it is a very very slow and sensitive process.

Party Planning - It's child's play

Just home from my beautiful goddaughters fabulous 4th birthday party and some wonderful news.

(Ooops -  I digress).

It's made me reflect on how easily pleased I was as a child (70's baby).  If you were born in the 70's or prior, you possibly can relate.

In an age when many parents spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds on themed parties wherein the whole class are invited and premium party bags are the expectation rather than an extra special treat.

It was a warm comforting feeling being transported back to the good old days, where the treat was actually being INVITED to a party.

I sat and observed - after the obligatory helping out of course.

Thought to myself, there is nothing like some wholesome home cooked food, good old jelly and ice cream and the inevitable passing of the parcel where everyone of course is a winner.

(Shielding them from the realities of the real world a little while longer!!!!)

With all of these beautiful well mannered children, (and yes I am slightly biased as a couple of them were my own) being totally appreciative of all the fine fodder and uncle/aunty generated entertainment being laid on.

They were at their happiest and most excited when it was decided by the birthday girl that they should wrap up warm, go outside and play in the garden ........................ with small plastic balls!!!!

At this point you now understand why I was observing, you will also appreciate that I was observing whilst firmly deposited on the sofa BRRRRRR !!!!!!

Top tips when planning any party :

• You set the tone/vibe/ambience

• You know what your guest of honour/guests like

• Give them what they like 

• Keep it simple

PS - Thanks to Soulla for yet another crowd pleaser from Cakes by Soulla tinkerbell was an absolute hit.

Tips for a cheap wedding

You have already decided that you can save money by doing elements of the wedding yourself. I would say that if you do not plan on using a wedding planner throughout the wedding planning process at least use them for the wedding day itself.

Do you really want to have to organise your reception alongside your relatives and or friends when you all should be relaxing and enjoying the build up rather than getting stressed out?

Top tip to 'cut costs well ahead' of the big day:

You will have an idea of who you wish to attend once you have chosen the date and location is booked. The number of guests attending as a huge impact upon your wedding budget.  Send out save the date texts, or emails advising of the planned date. You may actually reduce guest list as there may be people who will be able to advise from early on that they are unable to attend.  Of course you can do DIY save the date cards reflecting your own personalitiese and perhaps colours or theme if you are super organised already. 

These are my favourite  'Cheap Save the date' suggestions:

Electronic Announcements

Send electronic save the date reminders for free using Evite's online invitation service Evite. You can choose from a list of invitations that are pre-made or create your own from scratch using your own photo and choice of designs. Each card is customizable to your event's details. Evite can import contacts directly from your email server, such as Yahoo.

Romantic Slideshow

Create a romantic or fun slideshow that showcases the two of you as a couple. Insert a slide that announces details on saving the date. One True Media is a free website where you can upload your own photos and add in your own text and music to create a creative slideshow. It will generate a code that you can use to display on YouTube. Send your guests the link to view for themselves. Guests who are YouTube members can even comment on your video.

Is The Cheap Wedding Planner Cheap?

Am I cheap?

Who me personally? No not at all, but I like so many appreciate the value in getting or doing IT cheaper cutting costs not corners.  I however through no fault of my own have very expensive taste.

Case in point:  I'm the bride and not what one would call a typically girly girl at all. No dreams of prince charming when I was a wee girl or the considerable time since for that matter, more of a GI Jane than a Cinderella.

So in terms of operation getwed an exercise that would be run with military precision, the part of the exercise I was actually looking forward to least was "The Dress". 

I knew that I would never want the typical wedding dress but there was an added challenge to this mission set by H2B who insisted "don't you dare walk down the aisle in some funky leather outfit or any futuristic type ensemble, just wear a white dress".

Problem solved make the dress - Oops couture expensive, think cheaper. O.k. but I will still need to check that the style I have in mind is going to suit, I figure go and at least try on a couple. 

Off to the west end, first boutique, I don't like any of these my trusting MOH and friend from childhood agrees "Nadz they don't do anything for you". Second and final boutique, no luck here either. Oh but wait these 2 look promising.

Behind the curtain, assistant assisting.  "What do you think" she says, I think it is a bit too much - I step from behind the curtain MOH emm its o.k, it's nice.  Second dress behind the curtain as the assistant cinches in my waist with a belt to within one inch of my life I smile excitedly nodding with two thumbs up. What will your friend think" you'll see" I whisper.

The curtain opens I step out  "OMG Nadz THAT IS SO YOU"!!!!

I twirl around admiring my reflection. Wow finding a dress that matches my quirky style, imagining the tweaks here and there the additional armour I mean accessories - mission accomplished.

"How much is it?" MOH says. Assistant says"actually you've gone for one from the luxury range, that one is £10,500".

MOH laughs out loud "Nadz that is so you choosing one of the most expensive dresses in the store. "

"ABORT ABORT - lets get out of here". I am definitely not cheap but I am also not insane.