gift horse

If you are a couple looking for something a little bit more, well let's just say original, from your gift list instead of the usual Le Creuset set (though don't get me wrong, I wouldn't complain) Lifestyle Bazaar is probably more up your street. Originally a shop in London's Carnaby Street, their simple to use online gift list store is well worth a visit for designer items for the home. They have so many products from classics such as the Bougie Lamp and Kartell chairs to more quirky things, like the Urban Landscape Dinner Plates and these cute Pip Pip birdhouses. I'm sure my poor colleague at work who received over 10 jugs off relatives wished she'd have sent the link for this place.

tea party

If you are struggling for hen-do ideas and shiver at the thought of 'L' plates and strippers (good I'm glad I'm not alone), then for style AND substance it may be worth dropping a hint to your bridesmaids about Tea at the Berkeley Hotel. Based in Knightsbridge in their Caramel Room (that name alone makes you want to go there!) they host the now infamous, afternoon tea Prêt-à-Portea from £35 per person. Delectable little biscuits and cakes all shaped and themed for fashonistas such as the 'Valentino signature red chocolate coat biscuit accessorized with gold buttons' accompanied by tea and of course Champagne if you choose. And if a chic and civilised afternoon in luxurious surroundings with biscuits shaped like Jimmy Choos isn't enough, if you can't eat it all, then you get an adorable pastel pink and pistachio takeaway box in the shape of a handbag for you to savour the goodies later. Seriously, what more could a girl ask for? Oh perhaps just a cocktail or two next door in the Blue Bar....

take a bow

If you have the 'magpie' about you, where anything sparkly catches your eye, then you'll love this bow hair comb, set with brilliant cut Swarovski Crystals. This gorgeous piece of hair jewellery from Basia Zarzycka has a really lovely vintage look about it and definitely one for the girliest of girls.

bag of treats

This was on the fabulous blog Brooklyn Bride. If you don't want to spend a fortune on wedding favours but want to give a little something to the guests, then here's a simple DIY idea and if you follow the link to Flights of Fancy they actually include the labels for you to download, so all you have to do is get the bags and attach! Fill them with sweets n treats et voila.

all that glitters

Want your bridesmaids to really sparkle? This Glitter Dress from French Connection will do just that. Teamed with a tan, this Metallic Gold dress is such a luxurious element when co-ordinated with a sophisticated ivory theme. Plus point with this? It's a party dress for sure, so they won't be complaining about not being able to wear it again.

back of the net

We all know and love Net-A-Porter for it's up to the minute lust-after designer items, and now it's just got even better. They have launched their Wedding Boutique (hurrah!). This is a really useful one-stop-shop (or erm, boutique) for the bride, bridesmaids, guests and even mother of the bride. At the moment the key items seem to be the accessories (how much do I want the Anita Ko Heart Necklace?!) but I have no doubt that with time, this will be the place to look for statement dresses as well. The collections are quite minimal at the moment, but be patient ladies - this is one to watch.

erdem

Erdem was everywhere at London Fashion Week. The floaty pastel coloured silk dresses are incredible, with floral and almost watercolour effects that embody spring. A few of the dresses might inspire you to add a little (and I do mean just a splash) of colour or pattern to a wedding dress as the result is pure femininity. Check out the Spring/Summer Collection 2009 on their website. Love the accessories too.

run for cover

These 3/4 length sleeve Gabriella and Heskin Tunic Dresses from Monsoon's Bridal collection are stunning. The cut is very simple and chic, and if you aren't one for bearing all, either are a great cover for the arms but they will allow a good amount of pin showing. A great excuse to splash out on some sexy heels as the dresses are a bargain! The subtle beading or embroidery detail on the dresses also adds to the luxury of it, and I think a hair corsage would add the perfect touch. Ideal for a low key town hall/registry office wedding I think.

wheels on the bus

Sorry for the break in posting, but I've just come back from hitting the slopes and have finally arrived back in one piece!

I came home weary eyed early in the hours on Sunday morning to find a nice little surprise. It was this adorable save the date from my friends Nic and Mark for their wedding. I just had to add it on here, as it encourages you to think outside the box with save the dates and even invitations. They don't always have to be printed, and what better way to show you're having a London wedding than a big (well, miniature actually) red bus. Nice touch with the personalised stickers too. It's certainly guaranteed to sit on my shelves for a long time coming....

very vintage

I've had a few friends ask the question about where to buy vintage wedding dresses from as they want to look stylish and unique and I came across The Vintage Wedding Dress Company. Angela Buttolph (contributing editor of Grazia) says of the owner and stylist, “Charlie Brear is THE go-to girl for super stylish brides. She has exquisite taste, a fashion stylist's unique eye, and the best selection of vintage bridal wear anywhere in the world." Book by appointment to view the dresses and they range from £1000 - £4000. Well, if it's good enough for Grazia....

birdsong

Birdsong is the name of this dress, and I think it's perfect for Spring! This is from Coast, who have some lovely dresses in their bridesmaid collection.

pretty ballerina

If like me you aren't a big fan of heels and are worried about tripping up whilst walking down the aisle, then perhaps you may want to opt for a flat classic ballerina pump and you can't beat French Sole's wedding collection. They have many plain and decorative styles in ivory and white and with a pair like the Harriet style you'll be able to dance the night away with ease. They also do many other sytles that might be suitable for bridesmaids if they are looking for a comfortable flat shoe and I think would look perfect matched with prom style dresses.

itsy bitsy etsy

I have to own up, Etsy was a fairly new find for me and although I'm sure many people know about it, I feel I have to spread the word - just in case. It is US based, and it's a kind of ebay (without the bidding) for beautiful handmade items such as wedding invitations, garters, cake toppers and hair accessories. If you like one-off individual items then it's worth looking on here, and there are just so many different gorgeous offerings it's one worth checking regularly.

message on a tree

Instead of a traditional guest-book this is an enchanting idea. If you have a large flower/plant arrangement somewhere central at your wedding reception, turn it into a message tree. Provide each table setting for your guests with a small tag attached to a piece of ribbon for them to write a little message on. They can then hang each one onto the arrangement to create a message tree! Try and then take this home with you, so you have all the messages on the tree as well as a part of the wedding take home.

the knives are out

Add a nice touch to the cutting of the cake, with this CAKE knife from Rockett St George.

i want candy

If you are looking for colour-theme inspiration, check out Amy Atlas Events from the US. They do the most delectable looking spreads in all colours of the rainbow and their presentation is A-mazing. It's only 10am and after looking at the gallery, I want candy...

thumbs up

Now I would love to be able to claim this idea as my own, however sadly this one was mentioned by my colleague at work. You and your H2B (husband to be) can print your fingerprints out in a shape that forms a heart. These could then be simply put on the front of your save the date/invites. Personal, cute and simple. Awwww.

good will bunting

If you are looking for a bit of bunting to throw here and there at your reception for a great british summer wedding then Not On The Highstreet has got to be the best place for choice. They have everything from tartan, flowery, gingham, union jacks and letters.