Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding. Show all posts
The Night Before...
Goodness, this wedding planning never ends. To make it worse, between plotting table signs, ribbon colours, custom menus and snap stations, I think I could continue planning ad infinitum. Well, at least one last thing was ticked off the list today - our invitations for the night before... Made with the very worst of Powerpoint skills, hopefully they will do the job. Particularly as I come to realise my quest for wedding perfection will remain exactly that - a quest!
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Pom Poms!
So today I recruited my friend and chief bridesmaid extraordinaire for a spot of pom pom making. I have quite literally been looking forward to this day for at least two years, after insisting that pom poms just had to be a part of our big day decor at a very early stage.
After surveying the internet to find the best tutorials (at the Yuppie Lifestyle here and courtesy of goddess Martha Stewart here) I purchased a stack of tissue paper from Viking Direct (here), some beading twine and sheer nylon from Hobbycraft and got to work.
Having built this project up for some time, I was certain that it would be nightmarish. But alas, it was anything but. Ok, so it was time-consuming and we quickly realised that if we wanted to transport these babies we would have to keep them in their consertina shapes and transform them into 'pouffs' at the venue. Nevertheless, a few hours later, Fiona and I had made 50 pom poms and our only worry was where to put the damn things on the big day as we may have about 20 too many.
Anyway, for any brides out there considering this project, I would encourage them to go for it at a heartbeat. DON'T waste money on pom poms at £3 a pop and DO make them at home with a bestie :)
For evidence of my project and the stash of consertina pom poms ready to be pulled into their full glory in seven weeks, see below...
After surveying the internet to find the best tutorials (at the Yuppie Lifestyle here and courtesy of goddess Martha Stewart here) I purchased a stack of tissue paper from Viking Direct (here), some beading twine and sheer nylon from Hobbycraft and got to work.
Having built this project up for some time, I was certain that it would be nightmarish. But alas, it was anything but. Ok, so it was time-consuming and we quickly realised that if we wanted to transport these babies we would have to keep them in their consertina shapes and transform them into 'pouffs' at the venue. Nevertheless, a few hours later, Fiona and I had made 50 pom poms and our only worry was where to put the damn things on the big day as we may have about 20 too many.
Anyway, for any brides out there considering this project, I would encourage them to go for it at a heartbeat. DON'T waste money on pom poms at £3 a pop and DO make them at home with a bestie :)
For evidence of my project and the stash of consertina pom poms ready to be pulled into their full glory in seven weeks, see below...
The U.S Equivalent of US
Wow, this wedding has really caught my eye. Shot by the very talented photographer Jill Thomas, I just love the colour scheme and whimsical feel. This is, without doubt, how I imagine our wedding to be...
Via The Bride's Cafe
The Twitterati
I love a spot of social networking. Facebook? Love it. Forums? Fab. Twitter? Ummmmm...
You see, I'm rapidly finding that as a bride-to-be Twitter is getting me into a little bit of trouble. Whilst I think it's great that suppliers can gather together and network amongst themselves in a way that was never before possible, it's not so great for indecisive brides-to-be like me. Suddenly, getting in touch with 30 different stationers about the same event becomes embarrassing, particularly when your wedding becomes the subject of mortifying Twitter banter between suppliers.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a champion of small, independent businesses and the tools that help them become a success, but what about the customer? I've had a horrifying experience where, struck with yet another moment of indecision, I changed my mind about the first photographer we booked. So, after much (international) research, I finally booked another and got h2b to make our excuses. Thing is, the new photographer has mentioned our wedding at least three times on Twitter. Unbeknownst to me, she is also very good friends with one of the other photographers I got in touch with and nearly booked, and has subsequently had conversations with her online about our wedding. THEN, I discovered that our previous photographer follows her on Twitter. Eeeek!
Whilst I'm sure I'm over-dramatising the whole situation, I feel like my anonymity has gone and the suppliers are in charge. I am now Twitter-stalking our photographer to make sure the ex-photographer doesn't twig, realising that our polite excuses were just another way of saying 'we found someone who we love more than you'.
I know it probably doesn't matter as it's business after all, but I can't help but feel it somewhat detracts from the VIP status of brides to be. Suddenly, seeking and securing coveted suppliers whilst secretly revelling in your bridal neurotocism isn't as much fun as it initially seemed. Particularly when you're worried that people are sniggering at your expense. Hhhmmmm... perhaps refraining from supplier stalking is the way forward, or at least the way to preserve my sanity!
Don't get me wrong, I'm a champion of small, independent businesses and the tools that help them become a success, but what about the customer? I've had a horrifying experience where, struck with yet another moment of indecision, I changed my mind about the first photographer we booked. So, after much (international) research, I finally booked another and got h2b to make our excuses. Thing is, the new photographer has mentioned our wedding at least three times on Twitter. Unbeknownst to me, she is also very good friends with one of the other photographers I got in touch with and nearly booked, and has subsequently had conversations with her online about our wedding. THEN, I discovered that our previous photographer follows her on Twitter. Eeeek!
Whilst I'm sure I'm over-dramatising the whole situation, I feel like my anonymity has gone and the suppliers are in charge. I am now Twitter-stalking our photographer to make sure the ex-photographer doesn't twig, realising that our polite excuses were just another way of saying 'we found someone who we love more than you'.
I know it probably doesn't matter as it's business after all, but I can't help but feel it somewhat detracts from the VIP status of brides to be. Suddenly, seeking and securing coveted suppliers whilst secretly revelling in your bridal neurotocism isn't as much fun as it initially seemed. Particularly when you're worried that people are sniggering at your expense. Hhhmmmm... perhaps refraining from supplier stalking is the way forward, or at least the way to preserve my sanity!
Rent Your Rocks Ladies!
Well, the first revision day in my long haul journey towards exam season may have been pretty disastrous, but it hasn't been a complete washout. In fact, I've discovered something that will TRANSFORM my wedding (yay!). Rent Your Rocks is an online treasure trove of glitter, suddenly made accessible.
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this genius site allows you to hire delectable diamonds for your wedding day that would otherwise be out of reach. So whereas a necklace may have a retail value just short of £4000, it's available to hire for the week of your wedding at a snip for just £250. A-ah-mazing. What's more, there's a specific bridal gallery allowing busy brides to get straight to business. So, red carpet style wedding day jewellery on your wedding day? Check.
Weddings and the City
Having booked a countryside wedding venue I am now of course eyeing up city spaces instead. My current favourite is the Haymarket Hotel.
Have I said 'WOW' yet??
Ban.Do
I must confess, I'm not a big jewellery person. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate my share of diamonds and pearls, but big jewellery looks all wrong and try-hard on me. One area I can't wait to accessorize as a bride however is my hair, and having stumbled across a gorgeous brand called ban.do I'm even more excited now.
Their range of hair-wear is so chic, and knowing that h2b would like me to wear my hair down on the big day, I think incorporating a little number from these guys could do just the trick.
Vintage Postcards
After trawling the internet, I've finally sourced some vintage travel images to name our tables at our wedding! The idea is to name the tables after places h2b and I have been to as a couple.
I used to handle the PR for Photobox so I'll use their photoprinting service to turn these into postcards...hopefully with a discount. Yay - the first affordable idea I've had to date!
Donation Required
This is not fair. Why are all the best invitations so expensive? This is yet another gorgeous wedding invite, this time from Cheree Berry...
I love letterpress, it's so classy...but expensive *sigh*.
The Wedding Smashers
I have stumbled upon just about the coolest wedding djs on the block. Playing tunes more in line with old school garage than Agadoo, The Wedding Smashers are at the top of our wedding entertainment wishlist...even if they do seem a bit too cool for us!
London Vows
After a couple of disasterous days with our wedding venue (they have basically double-booked), I've been thinking about alternative reception venues, even in (gulp) London! My favourite so far has to be the stunning Kenwood House...
Via English Heritage and the ever-so-talented folk at Caught The Light Photography
Leadenhall Market
I love Leadenhall Market; it's just so opulent yet quintessentially British. H2b and I are currently trying to reinstate 'date night' and the Lamb Tavern at Leadenhall is my venue of choice for our upcoming outing. In fact, I would love to have a very cool London wedding reception there too. But alas, h2b is a country bumpkin and London is out. Still, I'm sure I can get him there for date night!
The Same Vision
After extensive research, I have a pretty good idea of how I would like my wedding to look. Or at least, the overall vision is complete. However, as creative as I like to think I am, I also know that I'm hopelessly indecisive and that when it comes to the crunch, the wedding could end up being a mish-mash of all my (fabulous!) ideas. That's why I'm LOVING the Style Me Pretty service from boutique wedding designer, Florence Blue. Actually being able to sit down and unload all my wedding ideas to someone, only for them to come back to me with some overall wedding design concepts sounds amazing, particularly when they appear to love the same utterly cool US weddings that I do. Hhhhmmm, I wonder how far in advance I should book a consultation...???
Yet Another Amazing Idea!
I'm slowly learning with this wedding that what seems like a great idea today may not be tomorrow. However, in a bid to add a bit of fun to our wedding, I have found these fantastic famous face masks from Cox & Cox. I love them, and how hilarious will they look in photos? Ive already considered wedding bingo, karaoke and a silent disco, so I don't think a few little masks are too extreme...
You Said HOW Much?
I always knew Louboutins would be expensive, but little did I know they would be THIS expensive. Yes, my dream Very Privee wedding shoes cost a whopping £490! And yes, I know how vulgar it is to talk about money, but seriously...£490?! Of course I would like to prance down the aisle in Louboutins which, FYI, I would expect to feel like walking on clouds for that price. But should I really cull 10 guests just so I can wear my dream shoes? Hhhhmmmm, sadly I think not. Boo hoo.
Dessy Design
I've recently discovered Dessy's amazing pantone design template. As per this evening, I can see myself idling away all my study time designing our wedding. Or at least trying to get a bit better at these mood boards. Second attempt below...
Swoon
Ever since the recent Cosmo Bride first dropped, I have been mesmerised by the dress on the front cover. Having spent literally hundreds of pounds on wedding magazines since I first got engaged however, I have had to put a ban on my expensive habit and just dream of what may be behind the cover. Today though, I gave in. Whilst braving the snow to go to the supermarket, I got my ever-so-lovely other half to buy the issue in question.
Now onto the good part. This stunning, Audrey Hepburn-esque bateau neck dress is by Ritva Westenius. And having taken a look at her website, there are a number of other gorgeous dresses I have my eye on too. Note to self: must book appointment...
Now onto the good part. This stunning, Audrey Hepburn-esque bateau neck dress is by Ritva Westenius. And having taken a look at her website, there are a number of other gorgeous dresses I have my eye on too. Note to self: must book appointment...
Save a date, any date!
So, whilst the wedding research has continued, my previous excitement has suffered something of a blow; my maid of honour can't make it on our preferred date. I can't tell you how frustrating this is, not because I'm annoyed with her for having another wedding over the same weekend, but because for the first time it felt as though we were getting somewhere with our wedding planning. In actual fact, whilst h2b and I are ready to get married, it looks like we will have to wait until everyone else is ready to attend. Anyway, there is very little we can do about it other than settle on a date in 2011 and send out our save the date cards, reserving the time of our friends and family at least 18 months in advance!
Whilst I'm on the subject of save the dates, Minted have a gorgeous selection and I'm particularly loving the one below. As for the exact ones we'll opt for, I'll have to leave you in suspense!
Whilst I'm on the subject of save the dates, Minted have a gorgeous selection and I'm particularly loving the one below. As for the exact ones we'll opt for, I'll have to leave you in suspense!
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