masquerade

A lot of friends I know are opting out of wearing a veil, but I've spotted this style commonly known as a masque, bandeau or birdcage veil. I think they are far less fussy than a traditional one but still add an air of romance to an outfit and think they look totally chic in photos. I love that they clip on at the sides where you can add a bit of bling or floral detail. Find similar styles at Dream Veils and further inspiration at Unveiled Bridal Designs.

queen of the dresses

Finally! After lusting quite majorly over Priscilla of Boston collections on US sites and magazines, both the Vineyard and Reverie by Melissa Sweet are now available from the newly opened bridal boutique Angelica Bridal in Islington. The dresses are nothing short of stunning and Angelica are the first distributor in the UK of these collections. I am currently infatuated by the Malaga from Reverie and the Maeve from Vineyard.

Dresses (top to bottom): Malaga, Tahiti, Fiesole, Rome, Eze, Tabitha, Lindsey

take it away

I always am slightly envious when in US shows they have chinese takeaway in those cute dinky little white boxes with the handles. Why can't we have them over here instead of those hideous foil trays that give you cuts? Well, now you can. Pick up the traditional white ones or the funky rainbow coloured ones from Little Cupcake Boxes. Maybe not so much for your own takeaways but for wedding favours. Damn cute I say. I'm thinking just add a ribbon and a monogram sticker oh and putting something in it might be useful too.

scrabulous

I think it's my sisters fault I'm fairly obsessed with scrabble. So many uses! Here's a great one for use as place names spotted at Vintage Heaven and Brides Magazine. I've also seen scrabble used on cakes, table name-boards and invitations.

ooh la la lollipop

This gorgeous photo from Max Wanger bought out my sweet tooth. Am so craving the sugary goodness of giant twirly whirly lollipops for favours, for decoration or as props for photos. You can find every kind of lolly under the sun (well almost) at Chocolate Button's website.

slim pickings

I've often pondered what wedding ring I would have (when the time comes!) as I'm not a big ring-wearer. I have small fingers and don't like them being crowded and I think I may have found my solution! I love how this is so slim and delicate and wouldn't detract from the engagement ring which would sit next to it (yes, clearly I'm hoping it to be a big one!). This one was from Rare in the US, but I would head to Hatton Garden or a specialist jewellery designer to see if this could be done for you.

(via Smitten)

{Mmm}

Just a nice image from the photographer Will Morgan. Would be a sweet idea for a portrait of the bride, or for an engagement shoot.

odd one out

I spent the weekend trawling the high street for bridesmaid dresses for my friend's wedding in December. It's hard, I won't lie. Trying to find a colour and style that suits 3 or so girls is actually not as easy as it looks. As one of these bridesmaids struggling, one idea is to dress us all differently. Patterns, different colour shades, styles and cuts so then they are all suited to the individual. Lots of inspiration out there of it being done and I think it works tres well. If it's good enough for the girls in the Sex and the City film, then it's good enough for us.

inside out

I know this can't really be done in the UK as we always need to have a plan B weather back-up BUT I still love the idea of dressing the reception as a lounge for guests to, well, lounge in. Love the ideas of sofas, chaise longues, huge framed pictures and coffee tables dressed with hotchpotch flowers. I reckon you could still do this in a space like a barn or a marquee to create a chilled and informal atmosphere. Scout ebay and freecycle or ask friends to borrow sofas/chairs and mix and match them for an eclectic and unique style. For more jaw dropping inspiration head on over to Style Me Pretty

so inviting

Amazing amazing amazing. Probably the coolest wedding invitation in the world. I can only dream of having a wedding invite like this land in my inbox. It's a bit of a long clip but it is totally worth it.

my allies

I recently spotted the a tres chic and modern flower arrangement which contained what I would call huge purple pom poms. I now realise they are otherwise known as Allium. They vary in colour from pinks to purples to whites and blues. They have beautiful strong, long thick stems and as well as making gorgeous centrepieces, you could get your bridesmaids to hold a single stem with ribbon or raffia wrapped around it as a striking alternative to a bouquet. I will warn you though - these flowers are from the garlic family and do have a slight whiff of onion about them - but don't let that put you off too much...

little white dress

I am massively lusting after the Amsale Little White Dress collection. Already well-known as the creator of the modern wedding dress, these tantalising little numbers are sadly not yet in the UK but are available in the US and other worldwide locations. I'm currently trying to persuade a bride to be who's due to marry in Central Park that the Flora dress is perfect for her NY city wedding, and then for the post-ceremony London party. Totally worth atrip to New York to get it, AND you get to wear it twice. Done.

making an entrance

Talk about Feel Good Friday. This just bought a very happy tear to my eye.

a.dorable

I just had to post this. It's creative in my books, a marriage proposal via a chinese whisper chain through 59 people which also happened to be a new world record. Hopefully she didn't feel obliged to say yes because of the room of strangers. Either way it seemed pretty genuine to me (via A Cup OF JO)

my cup o tea

Add a touch of vintage glamour to tables at the reception with these tealicious teacup candles from Kuati. As gorgeous as they are, If you didn't want to spend the money, as I mentioned in an earlier post The Make Lounge offers you the chance to make your own Vintage Teacup Candle as featured in the last picture. I'm having a go at being creative next month with this - will keep you posted on how it goes! UPDATE - my tea cup session was so much fun! The teacher was lovely and the whole session was so chilled and friendly. I cannot wait to get started on presents for people.

suited n booted

Having an unconventional boyfriend who actually cares more about what he wears than I do (well, nearly) can be tricky when it comes to dressing up, and in particular getting suited and booted. If you have a fashion conscious groom who dreads wearing a a very ordinary black morning suit then gently nudge him in the direction of trendy tailoring from Marc Wallace. As well as offering an excellent bespoke service, the Black Label collection is seriously good looking. What bride wouldn't enjoy seeing the groom strutting down the aisle in these candy colour stripes. Tasty.