We are huge fans of couples not feeling obliged to spend money on things for their wedding that they don't want or need.

Often, favours fall into this category and, unless you can find something personal, and think of something relatively easily, that adds a little something to your celebration, we'd recommend you stop worrying about them and concentrate on the important things!

That said, there's a lot to be said for good quality products that don't look like an afterthought and, for chocoholics, you could do an awful lot worse than check out the Leonidas Belgian Chocolates website for their beautifully packaged favour-size boxes.

These really are - in my humble opinion, and my Mum's too! - the very best chocolates and, after tasting them, you'll probably want to order more straightaway... If that's the case check out the 1kg box (image courtesy of Leonidas Belgian Chocolates), ignore the calories, and curl up with a boxset and tell everyone you are 'researching'.

They'd also make great thank you gifts for fellow chocoholics and the small boxes would be a fantastic addition to any welcome bags you might be organising for overnight guests.

In fact, the possibilities are endless (just a shame the box of chocolates isn't!)

Until next time,

Labels: decoration, style, supplier, tips

It only takes a glimpse of blue skies and watery sunshine to raise spirits in the Magic Dust office! That and the first shoots of spring bulbs appearing in our window boxes and we couldn't be happier or more inspired.

If you're looking for ideas for a Spring wedding, and want to keep things simple, stylish and multi-purpose, here's a thought...

Use Spring plants, like the tete-a-tete pictured here (you have the perfect excuse to order one from John Lewis to see exactly what I mean!), as table decorations and bring a bit of sunshine into your reception even if the weather isn't playing ball.

You could make this idea even more personal by being ultra-organised and planting up your own bulbs in an eclectic mix of pots, vintage cups and saucers or enamel jugs perhaps, in the September/October prior to your Spring wedding. Might sound overly ambitious but, put aside one weekend, gather some friends, have a planting party and then let the hardy little bulbs look after themselves for the next few months!

Not only do these make beautiful table centrepieces but you can invite special guests to take them home as a gift. We worked at a wedding last summer where one person at every table had a 'golden ticket' at their place setting which invited them to take home the centrepiece as a thank you - such a lovely idea and so simple to do.

And this isn't only an idea for Spring weddings - miniature roses, herb planters and African violets would work equally well at different times of the year, adding a personal touch and a simple, stylish look to your beautifully planned wedding celebration!

Until next time,

Labels: decoration, florist, style, tips

It would be rude not to include at least one bridesmaid dress in this little series of blogs and here it is, Dessy's After Six Bridesmaid Style 6585.

I just love the Dessy website for ease of navigation and the way in which you can change the colours of the dress on the model, as well as see other dresses in the same colour, at the click of your mouse.

This beautiful colour - 'Sunflower' - immediately evokes images of marquees, sunshine and fruity cocktails, and so quickly banishes the reality of February's weather!

Perfect for a wedding where the focus is less on formality and more on a relaxed, country-garden celebration, this dress is bound to bring a smile to your face and, just as importantly, to that of your bridesmaids!

Until next time,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier