• If you are the bride or groom planning a wedding, you should start with the part that will be most important to you in the long term: the wedding rings! While traditional, plain wedding bands remain quite common, you may also want to look into some more extravagant or original options like those offered at 77 Diamonds. Having a beautiful and unique set of wedding rings can start off your wedding on a great note, visually and emotionally.

• Focus on the bridesmaids and groomsmen’s outfits as much as the bride’s and groom’s! Of course, the white dress will be the main focus, and the bride and groom should look just a bit better than everyone else – but when you think ahead to what your ceremony will look like, and who will be in the most pictures, it’s also important to carefully consider the way in which you will outfit your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

• Don’t simply go for the biggest flowers. Planning a wedding is stressful at times, which means that sometimes it’s easier to simply go for the most noticeable decoration or solution. Instead, however, take some time to pick out flowers that match the tone you’re trying to create with your wedding. A classy and carefully chosen arrangement is better than an overstated one!

• Find creative ways to keep your wedding and reception well lit! Remember, thousands of photos will be taken at your wedding and reception, so it is important to make sure your lighting is appropriate. Depending on the settings you’re using, of course, lighting may not be an issue – but if necessary, make sure to plan candlelight and lamplight well in advance, so that this can’t become an issue when your wedding approaches.

Happy weekend!

Photocredits:

Candyfloss: Jeff and Julia Wood via SMP
Invitation: Float at Minted

Photo credits:

Martha Stewart Weddings

A few of weeks ago in a moment of inspiration block, I saw this gorgeous wedding over on Once Wed and was reinspired by the mouthwatering combination of zingy yellow and cool aquamarine. I’m convinced that yellow is going to be a hot wedding trend over the next year or so as it seems that everywhere I look right now couples are using it to great effect in their colour palettes.

I see this board being for a cool, modern couple who want a quirky, fun wedding in an urban space. I’m imagining structural floral arrangements, bespoke cocktails, a cage veil, smokin’ lipstick and a phenomenal live band who keep guests on their feet until the wee hours.

Photo credits:
Stationery: MS Weddings
Lemon place setting and daisies: Hugh Forte via Once Wed
Napkins: Jonathan Hanson via SMP
Shoes: Dunston Todd via SMP
Dress: J Crew
White Balls: Our Labour of Love via Once Wed
Lemonade: Crate and Barrel via SMP

Lots of time was spent staring at this:

Feeding these little guys:

Climbing mountains and playing tennis in the snow! Norway is a stunning, quiet and calm place and would make a perfect honeymoon destination.

David Austin Roses grow the most amazing scented garden roses. Last week the company were kind enough to send me a sample bouquet and boy, are these things amazing! Big and blousy the traditional English roses are perfect for a vintage style wedding or if you’re looking for a peony alternative. To top things off, the scent that comes from the roses is jaw-dropping and compared to unscented flowers feels like you’re getting 2 for the price of 1! Here’s a couple of pictures, shame you can’t convey smell through a computer screen!

Photo credits:
Gown: Reem Acra via MS Weddings
Bouquet: MS Weddings
Peonies: Tanja Lippert via SMP
Dresses and shoes: J Crew
Macarons: Laduree
Ribbon: Ribbons Galore
Cheesecake: Novice Baker

On Wednesday evening I headed up to Cliveden House in Berkshire. The house is stunningly beautiful, the team wonderfully friendly and to top it all off Cliveden are really flexible when it comes to their weddings, happily moving furniture and doing things slightly differently for each individual celebration. As well as offering ceremonies and receptions for up to 60 guests, Cliveden also offers exclusive use where parties of up to 120 can take over the entire house, bedrooms and all.

Then last night I took a trip to the fabulously contemporary Metropolitan Hotel to sample their new Afternoon De-light; the waist-friendly afternoon tea that hotel are now serving. The food was divine and as a details obsessed individual, I can safely say that The Met’s attention to detail is second to none; no sooner had I stepped through through the door had I been handed a (very delicious) pink cocktail decorated with a pansy head!

After, canapes and cupcakes we headed over to the Hippodrome to see La Clique which was just as hilarious as the first time I was there. If you’re looking for the perfect hen party celebrations, you really can’t got wrong with cupcakes and macaroons at The Metropolitan followed by the La Clique but hurry as the shows only runs until April.

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across Project Wedding which is a complete treasure trove of wedding gorgeousness. There’s real weddings galore, forums, supplier recommendations, a blog and a wiki style planning guide. I love, love, love Project Wedding and could spend all day searching around all the pages. If you haven’t already, get yourself over there.