bling bling

I'm not sure when I suddenly got into big gems for earrings, but I seem to be a magpie of late, with a collection of sparkly dangly delights stashed in my jewellery box ready for that umm, rather unlikely glamorous occasion to be worn.   However as a bride you are fully entitled to ooze bling and By Elise has lots on offer.  The Floral Drop earrings are so totally girly (I can see these teamed with a Charlotte Balbier number) and the Tear Drop earrings are the perfect something blue.  Oooh the Christmas party is coming up, now which pair of mine will get their time?

ps i love you

Say it with words. If your venue allows - this easily removable PS I Love You wall sticker from Etsy would look great as a backdrop to photos. You can choose a colour to co-ordinate with your colour theme or just go for big and bold red.

{boutique vs budget} gem detail headband

Depending on your budget, either of these adorable gem detail headbands would make a gorgeous accessory for any bride.

{boutique; Marc by Marc Jacobs via Net-A-Porter budget; Accessorize from Monsoon}

allin has it all

 

I visited the Designer Wedding Show about a month ago, and pretty much the main reason for going was the catwalk. However, it wasn't the greatest of ideas seeing as I was with a bride to be who'd already chosen their dress (the doubt therefore sets in) and though I should have been busy reassuring  her, I couldn't help but get swept away with all the beauty before me. British designer Stephanie Allin showcased some her of 2010 collection gowns, and let's just say that I was green with envy for the lucky girls swathed in her dresses.  As if I didn't need another reason to loathe a 6" size 8 shiny haired, immaculate skinned model...

{Symphony, Gabriella, Bardot, Camilla}

all a flutter

Short on budget? Well, if you've managed to persuade your good friend and neighbour Betty, to bake you cupcakes for your wedding then nice work on your part.  However, to stop them looking a bit plain,  and well, like Betty next door just knocked them up, decorate with simple vanilla icing and add these delectable edible butterflies (see etsy or ebay) to each cupcake and you'll instantly have cakes that will have your guests in a flutter.

love luella

 

If you haven't already heard about the delight that is Luella's Boudoir (where HAVE you been!?) then listen up.  Based in Wimbledon, Luella's Boudoir is like stepping into the most to die for dressing room, and believe me, as soon as he's popped the question this should be the first place you go - from shoes to shrugs, dresses to diamonds and bras to bridesmaid outfits you'll find everything you need (and more to the point, want!).

Amongst the covetable accessories that are in abundance (it's like one big jewllery box) Luella's has their very own fabulous wedding dress collection 'Peony' by designer Shane Ryding and for those needing a helping hand for their big day, Tiffany of Grant-Riley Weddings is their in-house planner who specialises in vintage weddings. Now I know they say diamonds are a girls best friend, but if you are a bride-to-be, Luella's could very well be yours.

Pssst - Luella’s is offering a 10% discount off all bridesmaids and wedding dress orders placed before the 18th December 2009. See more details here. 

written in the sand

 

You know I love to coo at a good proposal, so lookie at this adorable one that just landed in my colleague's inbox.  Not entirely sure if it was built the with the H2B's fair hands, but with an imagination like that, and on a beach like this who cares! Built at Boracay in the Philippines, It looks like a palace fit for a princess, and the prince's bride to be is Katherine, so congrats! Sigh......

to a tea

Have you been given the impossible task of organising a friends hen do? Oh lucky you.  Having been there a few times myself, willy straws and pink cowboy hats aren't to everyone's taste (surprisingly) so if you are looking for something a little more, well, demure then you'll love this. Based in Finchley, North London, Teaparty is a stylish private tearoom for ladies to gather to drink tea, eat cake, devour scones and nibble at cucumber sandwiches all served on pretty vintage china.  So very English, so very now, so very civilised. Though not sure if one could resist getting the hen to drink her tea from a willy straw...

vintage your way

 

 

Only too often do I think I've found the bargain vintage dress of my dreams, only to get it home and it not fit my not so vintage sized waist.  So I have come to the conclusion I will never be one of those lucky lasses to fit vintage. However, aside from the great name (is it sad I only just discovered what  the meaning behind this saying?) Fur Coat and No Knickers is a relaxed place just off Carnaby Street full of gorgeous vintage wedding dresses that you can play dress up in, that can be fully customised to fit your size and style or they can adapt a vintage dress you already own.  Oh and they have lots of trinkets too if you're looking for one-off accessory finds. Now, who wants to go and play dress up with me...?

eastern promises

I've been trailing my bride-to-be friend of mine around like a puppy of late, as I get to soak up all the delicious dresses that she tries on.  Hard job, I know, but someone has to do it.  A designer that has found it's way into my heart amongst these travels is the Hong Kong design house Lusan Mandongus.  The dresses are mega feminine, romantic and the details on them are simply stunning.  Teokath bridal store in Wimbledon is having a Lusan Mandongus designer day on Saturday 28th November - make sure you visit as it's sure to be full of eastern promises.

number one

One doesn't always have to be a lonely number. The very talented Gingerlily Flowers  in Newington Green created these bloomin gorgeous single hydrangea bouquets for bridesmaids to carry.  I love the idea of a single flower, with a brighly coloured ribbon wrapped around it.  Might be worth checking with your florist what's possible but I think perfect number ones in the running would be an allium, dahlia or sunflower.

smashing

Time to face the music....well, you so don't want smashy and nicey turning up, and although your husband-to-be's best mate Dave has offered to spin some tunes you'd really rather he didn't.   So what do you do? You speak to hipster DJ's the Wedding Smashers. A DJ collective with experience at events, festivals and clubs who are bringing a breath of fresh air to the industry with their mixed bag of party tunes, leaving the likes of agadoo well behind, to create a unique playlist for you.  High profile clients and young couples want to book them, bridesmaids want to kiss them and your local mobile Disc Jockey wishes he was them.  Sounds like they've got it in the (record) bag then.

it's a sign

Check out this sparkly spangly Love Plaque from Anna Lou of London.  Have it by the cake or hang it in a doorway for a totally fabulous way to make a statement at a retro '50's style wedding.

oh-phelia

 

 

Oh my oh my! These gorgeous click-your-heel-inspiring shoes are the Ophelia from Rachel Simpson's bridal collection, a haven for vintage wedding shoes. The satin ribbon ties, the lace detail....no wonder Hamlet was in love. So am I.

love is art

 

 

Awww, nice huh? Give the gift of love with this framed antique wooden sign - or save it for your 6th wedding anniversary and cross 'wood' off the list.  Available from Rockett St George.

get some balls

 

 

Eeek! I've tried to fight it but I just can't anymore! Yes everyone the 'C' word is creeping upon us, and seeing as i've had inspiration flung at me in all directions, TV ads, magazines, websites - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Chances are if you're having a winter wedding you'll be getting perilously close to having to source table decorations and such. Well, the answer is the versatile bauble - all shapes, sizes and colours they are a wondrous item for a wedding. Hang these giant baubles around over tables, put these cute fillable (with sweets me thinks!) baubles off a decorative xmas tree to double up as guest favours or add a hit of colour with a bauble place setting with a simple tag and great calligraphy from the Wedding Calligrapher. See the options are endless!

{Images via: Living Etc, Lovebird Stationary, Flickr}

lovely bunch

The amazing floral design company based on Broadway Market, Rebel Rebel are to hold their first flower school session on Friday 20th November.  I think this afternoon course is great for those who have no idea where to start in terms of flowers for your big day (what you mean you don't know your delphinium from your chrysanthemum?) then this is an ideal hands-on approach to finding out with the experts at hand! You'll come away with not only a lovely hand-tied bunch but bags of inspiration to boot.

ssshh

Morgan Davies' Hertfordshire boutique is hosting a Jenny Packham Designer Day on Saturday 14th November.  Here they will have the whole of the stunning new Jenny Packham collection for you to see and try on (swooooon!).  For more details see their website.

you've been framed

 

I spotted these inspiring images and loved loved loved this idea for displaying your table plans as opposed to the traditional board.  Have a trawl through ebay and charity shops for small gold (or other) decorative frames, and keeping the format of the text simple pop in the list for each table into the frames. You'll need a good sideboard at the venue to display them, but I love the eclectic mix of differing patterns, shapes and sizes. 

{Images via Vintage Flair, Lovebird Wedding Stationary}

life saver

Why is it that at this time of year, everything starts to mount up? Paperwork, DIY, socialising, work, health - the list is endless (and mine most certainly is). I look at my friends who are engaged and I do have to wonder, where on earth they find the time in between business meetings and wallpapering to fit in planning their wedding - especially with the C word creeping up. 

 

Well, to help cash-strapped and stressed out brides, London-based wedding planner Helen Carter, director or Helen Carter Weddings is offering 20% off all wedding planning services booked before 31st January 2010.  By hiring Helen, brides can eliminate stress and free up their spare time, leaving them to enjoy their engagement (yes, it is supposed to be fun!).  Whether you are looking for Full Wedding Planning help or just Wedding Day Management Helen offers a variety of services to suit each couple.  I suggest this is one website you might want to find time to visit for more details.