Wedding Planner blog

Wedding gift inspiration - NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Monday, 19 April 2010

Blue skies, sunshine, a cold glass of a delicious sauvignon blanc and the chance to relax after a busy weekend - bliss! Rarely one to completely switch off, I couldn't resist a flick through the catalogue from NotOnTheHighStreet.com that dropped through Magic Dust's letter box earlier this week...

A real treasure trove of a website and now home to a new collection called Stylish Living, Not On The High Street.com is always a source of inspiration for gifts and decoration ideas. So I couldn't resist the opportunity to share my 5 favourite things in the Stylish Living supplement - believe me when I say it was nigh on impossible to keep it to just 5!

Porcelain Letters... just perfect for a small, intimate wedding celebration where you could use these as place name 'cards' by hand writing the guests full name on the reverse - I LOVE these!

Triple Sterling Silver Bangle... a beautiful gift for a bridesmaid that looks so much better than the relatively inexpensive price would suggest. Who wouldn't be delighted to be presented with this gorgeous piece?

Personalised Secret Message Lampshade... who could fail to be thrilled by this? A great 'Thank You' gift for a house-proud Mum - simply team it with an simple lamp stand and watch their face light up (pun most definitely intended, sorry!)

Personalised Bathroom Storage Box... another great gift idea for a bridesmaid or perhaps a 'To Me, Love Me' gift for all your hard work in planning your wedding, what girl couldn't use a bit more storage for her favourite lotions and potions?

'Growing Together' Print... ... looking for inspiration for a wedding gift for your fiance? This bespoke illustration can be personalised with your names, dates, hobbies, professions and locations to create a print that is almost guaranteed to become a family heirloom.

Now, I'll race you to the website... just as soon as I've left the catalogue in a place where Mr Magic Dust will find it and be thoroughly inspired for a good few special occasions to come!

Until next time, happy planning

Labels: decoration, jewellery, style, supplier, tips

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Stylish Wedding Favours - Leonidas Chocolates

Sunday, 14 March 2010

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

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Spring flower wedding table centrepieces

Tuesday, 2 March 2010

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

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Simple & stylish fruit place names

Friday, 27 November 2009

I'm a big fan of finding ways to personalise your wedding celebration that are not only simple and stylish but that won't break the bank.
That's why I love the idea of using seasonal fruit - anything from oranges and lemons (with a small slice taken off the bottom so they sit still on the table!) to pomegranates and pears, even cherries with their stalks attached will work.

Yes, it may take a little bit of time and yes, you'll need someone you trust to set them up no sooner than a day or two before the wedding but the reward will be knowing that you have created something a bit special, your guests will appreciate the time and effort you have gone to, and you will have saved money on pointless favours that you can then choose to spend on something more important to you.

And what's not to love about that!

Until next time, happy planning,

Labels: budget, decoration, style, tips

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Tips for winter weddings - Tip 7 of 8

Thursday, 19 November 2009

TIP 7

For December weddings, bear in mind that your venue may already be decorated for Christmas. This could save you money but it is definitely worth asking what their colour scheme is so that you can work with, not against, it!

And, if you really don't like their colours, don't be afraid to ask them if they'll let you make a few changes.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: decoration, style, tips, venue

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Tips for winter weddings - Tip 2 of 8

Saturday, 14 November 2009

TIP 2

Always use seasonal flowers wherever possible to keep costs down. Or, don't use flowers at all, especially if you're getting married between Christmas and New Year when the flower markets are closed. Instead think candles, fairy lights and winter greenery - simple and visually stunning.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: budget, decoration, florist, style, tips, venue

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Do you need Orders of Service?

Friday, 30 October 2009

The easy answer to this question is no... There really is no need to spend a small fortune on professionally printed orders of service unless it's something you have identified as being very important to you.

There is, however, something to be said for letting your guests know what is going to happen and when on your wedding day. People tend to relax more quickly and pace themselves more effectively when they know what's to come.

A simple note either handed out by ushers or emailed to guests a few days before the wedding is ideal, and not too time-consuming. The added bonus is that you will both relax knowing that you're surrounded by relaxed, happy guests who aren't worrying about what time they're going to be eating and whether they've got enough time to get another drink before the speeches start.

If you do have a bit of time and are feeling creative, there are lots of ways to create programmes that can double up as attractive favours - favours that serve a purpose rather than just cluttering up the dinner tables!

It might be the end of October but allow me to transport you to a hot, sunny summer's day for a moment...

Imagine having printed your programme of events onto fan-shaped templates that offer guests not only an insight into proceedings but a much-needed respite from the heat (see Martha Stewart Weddings for more ideas).

Until next time,

Labels: budget, decoration, stationery, style, tips

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Marquee weddings in winter

Friday, 16 October 2009

As marquees become more and more sophisticated (not to mention expensive!) there are fewer reasons to think of them as exclusively for sunny summer days.

Some of our favourite weddings have been inside toasty marquees in the depths of winter and there are a few things we have learnt along the way that we thought we should share with you now. If it means that one person has one less sleepless night as a result of reading this then we'll be very happy!

TIP 1 - Make sure someone other than the couple getting married know how to use the heaters in the marquee and is prepared to take responsibility for them. It's a good job for an usher but they will need to be alert as the heaters can take a little while to warm up so they might have to go on earlier than you think!

TIP 2 - Why not buy up cheap 'pashmina' scarves in an array of colours and either use them as favours (wrapping them around the backs of the chairs will look fab AND keep the ladies warm!) or leave them near the entrance to the marquee in a big wicker basket with a note inviting guests to help themselves.

TIP 3 - Speak to your marquee company about providing - and laying - rush matting walkways outside the marquee. Not only will it save peoples shoes from the mud but it may end up saving you money as there will be less likelihood of damage to the marquee flooring.

Until next time,

Labels: budget, decoration, marquee, tips, venue

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Wine tasting & colour scheme inspiration

Sunday, 13 September 2009

Wow, where are the weeks disappearing to? Can it really be the middle of September already...

We've had a great week at Magic Dust, spending some time planning for 2010 - it really isn't that far away - as well as putting the finishing touches to a surprise 'non-wedding' event we're planning for next month (I promise to blog about it when it's not a secret anymore!)

One of the highlights of our week was the invitation to an exclusive wine-tasting evening from our friends at Wines Unfurled. They were christening their beautiful new premises deep in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside with an evening of New Zealand wines and delicious canapes. Not only that but we had the pleasure of the company of the winemaker himself from the Man 'O War vineyards - it made such a difference learning about wine from someone who really knows what they're talking about.

Jerome & Carrie of Wines Unfurled run these tasting evenings on a regular basis and there were more than a few regulars there this week - 2 of whom we were lucky enough to share a table with - and the concept is a simple yet educational one that could prove very useful if you're looking for something a little bit different, and personal, for your wedding wine.

Even if you're just looking for a bit of advice and inspiration for wines to complement your wedding breakfast that are different to the norm in all but price, do consider getting in touch with Jerome. If I were marrying the man of my dreams again, I'd definitely be on the phone!

The drive through the Chilterns in the early evening sunshine was absolutely stunning and conjured up images of colour schemes for late-summer country weddings. Fresh palettes of green with yellow and orange make for a stylish yet simple effect that isn't overpowering nor twee but provides the perfect backdrop for the most important element of any wedding - the couple celebrating the start of their marriage. Thanks to Style Me Pretty for these beautiful images that show exactly what I'm trying say!

Until next time,

Labels: decoration, style, supplier, tips

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A wedding cake made of cheese

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

We love it when couples use their personalities, not just their bank accounts, to personalise their wedding day. Kenton & Jen became experts at this as they planned every aspect of their celebration to reflect their lives, their love and their shared interests. I was particularly excited to talk to them in the run up to their wedding about the wedding cake made of cheese that they had ordered. We have seen these at a number of weddings over the past couple of years and they are always a great talking, as well as focal, point.

Churchmouse Cheeses are based in Kirkby Lonsdale and have produced wedding cake cheeses since they opened in 2002. I had the pleasure of speaking with Julie in the weeks before the wedding, and to meeting and watching John at work on Saturday. They can and do deliver their cheeses across the country and so were understandably delighted that they could see their cheeses in situ for this wedding, less than 3 miles away from their gorgeous little shop.

Planned to tie in perfectly with the black and white theme, the combination of cheeses looked stunning as a simple tower, with 3 heart-shaped bries alongside. At this point John really got to work and produced a work of art. Super-shiny, almost black aubergines, whole garlic bulbs, sunflower seeds, blackberries, blueberries and strategically placed white stocks adorned the tower and the table it stood on. Within a very short space of time, John created a focal point that literally stopped guests in their tracks throughout the day, and delighted Kenton & Jen.

The staff at Hipping Hall then transformed the tower into delicious cheeseboards, delivered to guests on local slate tiles with the names of the individual cheeses chalked on. Their attention to detail was, as ever, exemplary and ensured this fantastic idea played a suitably important part at the wedding feast.

Now, I'm off to Churchmouse Cheeses website to indulge my own love of cheese!

Until tomorrow and the grand finale that lit up the night sky,

Labels: budget, caterer, decoration, style, supplier, testimonial, tips

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Wedding cake tips - wedding tip video

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Earlier this year I was delighted to be asked to interview renowned cake-maker and sugarcraft guru, Lindy Smith, for her new DVD. We had such a fun morning and I am still in awe of the utterly fantastic works of art that Lindy produces - it just doesn't seem to do them justice to call them 'cakes'! Here is a clip from the DVD where Lindy shares some wedding cake tips with me.

Do visit Lindy's Cakes website where you'll find inspiration for your own wedding cake along with a wonderfully well-stocked online shop that sells everything from cookie cutters to (my favourite!) cupcake covers if you fancy having a go yourself. You can also order Lindy's Wonky Cake & Cake Jewellery DVDs if this week's Wedding Tip Wednesday has whet your appetite!

Until next time,

Labels: decoration, supplier, tips, wedding-tip-video

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Wedding colour trends from Australia - Guest blogger Cathrin D'Entremont

Thursday, 4 June 2009

Colour trends - Spring yellow with a touch of elegance...

Colour:
A warm yellow - set off with black to give it that elegance/class sense of formality.

Styling:
Black table cloths
Yellow satin table runners
Satin yellow napkins
Black chair covers with yellow sash
Black vases/pots with bright yellow flowers

Favours:
Yellow boxes with black ribbon filled with chocolates
Yellow or black noodle boxes
Whatever the favor may be, wrap it up in shiny yellow wrapping paper with a black ribbon

Flowers:
Yellow tulips, chrysanthemum, dahlias, calla lilies, gerberas, orchids, roses, carnations, alstroemeria

Moodboard source: Snippet & Ink

Fashion:
Brides can add a wide black ribbon for a waist band or a black sash for the reception - I love this look.
Bridesmaids can go for a brighter appearance with yellow dresses - just perfect for a less formal affair. Remember that yellow can be a difficult colour to wear so, if that is the case, turn the colours around - there's nothing classier than a little black dress, just save a splash of yellow for the accessories!

Stationery:
Monogram everything! Add a personal touch to your:
- Invitations
- Ceremony booklets with black cover and yellow ribbon for the spine
- Place cards
- Table numbers in shiny black frames A5 size.
- Menus
- Cocktail napkins with monogram for pre-dinner drinks
- Seating Chart

Cathrin D'Entremont Weddings (Australia)

Labels: decoration, guest-blogger, stationery, style, tips

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Wedding venue decoration fun and a very helpful photographer

Sunday, 29 March 2009

This week culminated in a very early morning train journey - 6am - in to London yesterday to oversee 5 hours of venue decoration or, as I prefer to call it, venue transformation!

Thanks to an incredibly organised bride and a fabulous team of helpers, the task was made much easier than it otherwise would have been. Nevertheless, the time plan I had produced, complete with details of tasks, time required and persons responsible, became our blueprint for a successful morning.

There was no panic, nobody got flustered and I could smile knowing that the bride was going to be absolutely delighted when she walked in and saw her vision brought to life, and sunshine streaming through the windows!

If you're a regular reader of this blog you'll know how excited we get when we come across suppliers in the wedding industry who share magicdust's ethos of putting the couple getting married first, and who want to challenge the traditional - and in some cases, deserved - perception of the wedding industry as nothing short of money-grabbing.

So, I was delighted to be approached by a Bath-based photographer who has taken the time to address the frustration of many married couples who are disappointed when they get their wedding photos back.

Paul Roland Williams has written an ebook called '5 Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Photographer' which is not only very readable but extremely useful. I'd suggest making yourself a cup of tea and putting aside 15 minutes to read it as it is full of useful information from an experienced photographer who has taken the time to try and help couples getting married.

There's no sales pitch, no need to fill in any details, just the opportunity to arm yourself with the information you need to make an informed decision about choosing your wedding photographer.

As I haven't worked with him I can't personally recommend Paul Roland Williams, but nonetheless I can and do applaud his refreshing approach.

And if you are interested in working with him, take his own advice and ask him for references you can talk to - it wouldn't surprise me if he hasn't got lots of satisfied couples queuing up to tell other people about his work! I wish him all the very best and hope that we get to work together soon, I have a feeling we'd get on famously.

If you'd like to see if we're free on your wedding date to be your 'On The Day' wedding co-ordinator so you too can relax and enjoy every second of your day and the run-up to it, or you would like to book a Girls Night In wedding planning session, or you simply have a wedding planning question that's keeping you awake at night, please get in touch - we're here to help!

Until next week,

Tammy Willson wedding planner coordinator

Labels: decoration, photographer, supplier, tips

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A good heart isn't always hard to find...

Saturday, 14 February 2009

I couldn't resist the opportunity to step out of the ordinary, throw caution to the wind and ignore Friday 13th, blogging on Valentine's Day instead!

If you have been a little perturbed this week by the news that marriage levels in the UK are at their lowest levels ever, take heart (see what I did there!), as I have from Charles Darwin who, in 1838, wrote down reasons for and against marriage. My personal favourite Darwin reason for getting married is that it's 'better than a dog'!

He concluded, "My God, it is intolerable to think of spending one's whole life, like a neuter bee, working, working, working, & nothing after all. Only picture to yourself a nice, soft wife on a sofa with good fire, & books & music perhaps." He enjoyed a very happy marriage and my wishes to you, now in a fabulous minority, is for exactly the same.

OK, time for an admission - my name's Tammy and I have an 'all things heart-shaped' addiction. Oooh, it's out there now! It goes without saying that my job tends to feed my addiction on a near daily basis and, in honour of St Valentine's Day, I'd like to share a few of my current favourites, and the lovely websites you can find them on...

Slate ones to write on...

Simple wooden ones...

Metal lantern ones...

Silver ones to wear...

A mother of pearl door adornment...

Hearts on mugs...

Must stop now...!

Still on the subject of hearts, February is National Heart Month and, at Magic Dust, we have been wearing red as often as possible to support this cause. We will also be donating £5 from every On The Day co-ordination booking made in February to the British Heart Foundation's campaign. And you can buy heart-shaped lovely things at their online shop.

If you'd like to see if we're free on your wedding date to be your 'On The Day' wedding coordinator, so you too can relax and enjoy every second of your day, or you would like to book a wedding planning session to kick-start your wedding plans or you simply have a question that's been keeping you awake at night, please get in touch - we're here to help!

Until next week,

Tammy Willson wedding planner coordinator

Labels: decoration, style, supplier

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Wedding gift inspiration - NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Stylish Wedding Favours - Leonidas Chocolates

Spring flower wedding table centrepieces

Simple & stylish fruit place names

Tips for winter weddings - Tip 7 of 8

Tips for winter weddings - Tip 2 of 8

Do you need Orders of Service?

Marquee weddings in winter

Wine tasting & colour scheme inspiration

A wedding cake made of cheese

Wedding cake tips - wedding tip video

Wedding colour trends from Australia - Guest blogger Cathrin D'Entremont

Wedding venue decoration fun and a very helpful photographer

A good heart isn't always hard to find...

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