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

The growth in popularity of the humble cupcake as an alternative wedding cake has been impressive. Rather like wedding planners though, it sometimes seems as though everyone thinks they can do it and it's hard to find the great ones amongst the mediocre.

But, look no further for all your cupcake needs as I am delighted to be able to share with you the fabulous Sprinkles & Swirls. Based near Tunbridge Wells on the East Sussex/Kent border, Sprinkles & Swirls is run by a lovely lady called Tina, who I had the privilege of working with some time ago - and who was with me when I met my now husband for the very first time!

Tina and her team make gorgeous bespoke cupcakes (I love the heart detail on these beauties!) and top tier cakes and are ideally placed to cater for weddings throughout the South East. They offer a complimentary consultation, working together with each individual couple to create your perfect wedding cupcake tower.

I can personally vouch for Tina's attention to detail, organisational skills and creativity as I still remember her showing me her wedding planning folder quite a few years ago (and I thought I was organised!!!)

So go on, what are you waiting for - treat yourself to some cupcakes in the name of wedding planning research, you won't be disappointed!

Until next time,

Labels: caterer, style, supplier, trends

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a sucker for a bag! From a new cloth shopping bag right through to coveted Louis Vuitton travel trunks, it's very easy to distract me with a look at the Smythson or Mulberry website. I'm of the opinion that a handbag is for life and can therefore be classed as an investment and I also subscribe to the idea that 'fat days' just don't exist when it comes to bags!

If you are thinking about including some luggage on your wedding list, the choice is endless. Quality really is key here, especially for hand luggage (I'm not sure I'd be wanting to leave a very expensive suitcase at check-in!) and there are many bags that can be used almost daily, thus making the all-important 'cost per use' mere pennies in the long-run!

Bill Amberg is well-known for producing some of the most fantastic luggage and his website is a treasure-trove of beautifully made, once in a lifetime, pieces.

At the moment I'm drawn to this gorgeous pair of red leather heart-shaped keyrings - they might not be of any use when it comes to holiday packing but they're alot more wallet-friendly and I'll keep saving my pennies until a leather trunk can be mine!

They'd also make a wonderful gift for bridesmaids - now, who needs a bridesmaid?

Until next time,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, tips

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

I just had to include a dress from Pronovias in my look at some of this season's most stunning gowns.

Every one of their dresses I have ever seen is just beautiful and, since they launched in the UK a few years ago, they really have added a touch of Spanish sophistication to the market. This season's collection is no exception and I'm hard-pressed to pick a favourite. Renowned for their simple lines and fantastic use of beautiful lace, a Pronovias dress is almost instantly recognisable to the trained eye.

'Maria' is no exception (image courtesy of Pronovias) and with it's cute little cap sleeves, gorgeous lace at the neckline and beautiful back detail (check out the picture of the back on their website), this is one style that will not only look 'of the moment' but will age gracefully in your wedding photos.

We can but hope and pray that we do the same!

Until tomorrow,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, trends

The snow might be falling again, or threatening to, so I'm cheering myself up with a look at some of this year's stunning bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses...

You may already know that, whilst I love seeing what's in fashion every season, I'm a much bigger believer in brides finding the dress that's perfect for them, not just for the season. Remembering that you'll be looking at that framed photo on your mantelpiece for years may just steer you safely away from high-fashion and towards a stylish classic.

Over the next few days, I'm going to post some images that will hopefully inspire you and, if you haven't yet found your dress - or something for your bridesmaid(s) - fire your imagination to start your search.

I'm going to start with Stewart Parvin's 'An Officer & A Gentleman' dress (the label that I chose for my own wedding dress and the store where, thanks to Jean, I enjoyed some of the very best customer service I've ever experienced).

I can guarantee that the fabric used will be absolutely fabulous and will seem almost luminous in your wedding photos. The simplicity of this style coupled with exquisite detailing makes it a real head-turner for all the right reasons.

Bridal trends for this season talk of cover-ups and, with this gorgeous style, you're bang on trend as well as utterly classic. A simple, casual up-do with neutral make-up and a stunning pair of earrings and you'll be good to go!

Until tomorrow,

Labels: fashion, style, supplier, tips, trends

To those of you reading this on Sunday, a very happy Valentine's Day! Having just eaten the most delicious smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagel, washed down with a lovely mug of frothy coffee, I can safely say that the rain will not be dampening my spirits today.

I love being able to tell you about wonderful things wedding-related in the hope that it may make your wedding planning just a little bit easier. Today is no exception as I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful artist whose work would make a fantastic gift for a couple getting married (one to add to your own gift list perhaps) as well as the perfect investment present for that special person in your life (there's no reason why it can't be a 'To Me, Love Me' present either!)

Jeremy Houghton is based in the beautiful Cotswold town of Broadway (a place very close to my heart as I went to school there many years ago) and his oils and watercolour paintings are just stunning. Words really can't do justice to them so I'm just going to suggest that you follow the link and have a look for yourselves.

And, if you're travelling through Heathrow Terminal 5 in the near future you can check out Jeremy's 2012 Olympic-inspired paintings as he is part of the exhibition. I'm desperately trying to think of an excuse to book a holiday just so I can go and take a look myself!

Until next time,

Labels: style, supplier, tips, trends

We love being able to share suppliers of all kinds with you and it's especially gratifying when they win fabulous awards and we can say, "See, we always knew you were great!"

I am delighted that one of our favourite hotels in the world, yes the world, has just been awarded no less than four prestigious Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Awards - my personal favourite being for Customer Service. Huge congratulations to Jo, Carol and all the fabulous team at Derwent House in Cape Town, South Africa! There is no doubt that this award is most definitely deserved - if you're looking for somewhere special to honeymoon, you could do no better than to let these wonderful people look after you.

By the way, mine's the sun lounger right next to the pool, and please make sure there are enough breakfast pancakes left for me!

Until next time,

Labels: honeymoon, style, supplier

Oh there is just nothing like a little bit of bling to lift an otherwise dark and dreary January day. And believe me when I say that the gorgeous tiaras and jewellery you will find in Andrew Prince's store near Bond Street, London, and on his fantastic website, is so much more than a little bit of bling!

Simply the most stunning costume jewellery we have every come across, it's no wonder that Andrew Prince's work is often mistaken for the real thing. The pieces on the website are just gorgeous, I'm still trying desperately hard to think of a reason why I might have the floating seven star tiara, and a visit to the store should definitely be seen as a treat (make sure you call first to check they're open).

I've just remembered a friend of mine who confessed to wearing her wedding tiara every week when she hoovered the house - now if that's not a reason to place an order for that floating seven star tiara I don't know what is...

Until next time, happy planning

Labels: beauty, fashion, jewellery, style, supplier

In this week's wedding tip video, we give advice on choosing wedding flowers - budgeting, keeping them in pristine condition through the day, and ways of making sure the beauty of the flowers isn't just confined to the day of your celebration.



Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: florist, style, tips, wedding-tip-video

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

TIP 8

Our advice to every couple planning a wedding, regardless of the time of year, is prioritise, prioritise, prioritise.

Delegate as much as possible to people you trust (and then leave them to it) and, perhaps most importantly, use your personalities not your bank account to make your day unique.

Until next time,

Labels: budget, style, tips

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

TIP 5

If you're not superstitious, why not turn things on their head and have any formal photos taken before the ceremony. You won't have to worry about fading light and it's a great way to calm your nerves.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: photographer, style, tips

TIP 4

If you're having a civil ceremony and reception in the same place don't let the fact that it's winter restrict your choice of outfit. You won't have to worry about cold shoulders in a strapless dress if you're near a roaring log fire.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: fashion, style, tips, venue

TIP 3

If you're really worried about rain, invest in some plain white golf umbrellas. We always have them on hand for every wedding and use them more often as sun shades than we do for rain so I think they're a good luck charm!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: budget, style, tips

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

Last month we published a series of tips to help you ensure you chose the right bridesmaids and got the best from them. This month we've compiled our top 8 tips for ensuring that your winter wedding is fabulous and causes you as little stress as possible.

Enjoy a week of wonderful winter wedding witterings!

TIP 1

The only thing you can't plan is the weather and at this time of year you have to expect the worst. You must have a workable 'Plan B' that won't feel like too much of a compromise and remember, if your expectations are low and you end up with a beautifully clear, sunny winter's day it will only add to your enjoyment and make you feel even more special!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: style, tips, venue

Hello and welcome to Wedding Tip Wednesday. This week I'm covering a topic very close to my heart - stationery.

Yes, my name is Tammy and I am a stationery addict! That said, I've learned to control my habit and am happy to pass on some tips that will help you to stay stylish, simple and within budget with your wedding stationery...




Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: budget, stationery, style, tips, wedding-tip-video

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

Whilst I absolutely love to see what appears on the bridal catwalk I am a firm believer in 'style over fashion' every time. Remembering that you will, hopefully, be seeing your wedding photos on the mantelpiece for many years to come, should provide you with the reality check you need to steer clear of overtly fashionable gowns!

Finding a dress that you love, that suits you and makes you feel like a million dollars, is what is most important. All reasons why we suggest at least one trip to try on dresses on your own...

Occasionally a trend emerges that we think perfectly combines style with practicality and these are the trends that are easy to embrace. For 2010 jackets and boleros are on trend and can be used to fabulous effect by the bride looking for a simple way to transform her outfit between ceremony and reception, without the expense of a complete change of outfit.

Check out Martha Stewart's catwalk video to see a good selection of the styles on offer and don't be afraid to step away from the bridal market in order to find your ideal cover-up. I promise you that your budget will thank you for this!

High Street stores that specialise in party wear are a good place to look - think Coast and Monsoon for your first stops and hunt out smaller boutiques that stock unusual brands. If you can find something that you know you will definitely wear again, even better!

Until next time,

Labels: budget, fashion, style

TIP 6

When it comes to bridesmaid gifts, remember that you shouldn't feel obliged to spend a fortune but a token of your appreciation for their support is always a good idea.

This may be a handwritten, heartfelt card or you may have the budget to buy a gift too. A piece of jewellery for them to wear on the day is an ideal gift and it doesn't have to be expensive.

Alternatively, you might want to arrange a girls night out for when you return from honeymoon and treat them to a pizza and a bottle of wine whilst you catch up on all the gossip!

Remember to do what feels right for you but never to let any support you have received go unappreciated.

We hope you've enjoyed our short series of tips about bridesmaids - keep your eye out for other topics over the next few months and please do contact us if you'd like us to cover anything in particular!

Until next time,

Labels: budget, jewellery, press, style, tips

TIP 5

As for hair and make-up, it really is up to you. As long as you manage peoples expectations - so bridesmaids know not to expect to have their hair and make-up done by a professional - and you've chosen the right people to be your bridesmaids, this will be perfectly acceptable.

Have a think about whether you have a friend whose make-up always looks fantastic and ask her if she'd consider helping you out on the day.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: beauty, budget, press, style, tips

TIP 4

Think about the celebration you are planning and how your bridesmaids outfits will fit in with that. If you're going for a relaxed feel, an eclectic mix of bridesmaid dresses, perhaps tied together by everyone wearing the same shoes, will look great.

There's nothing wrong with asking your bridesmaids to wear a dress they already own to keep costs down. Chances are they'll feel more comfortable in something they chose themselves anyway!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: budget, press, style, tips

TIP 3

A small gesture can mean the world to people - we've seen close friends honoured with special buttonholes that mark them out from 'normal' guests and always evoke a positive response, as well as a few tears of joy!

You don't have to ask everyone to be your bridesmaid but you can make those closest to you feel very special with a little bit of thought, and without spending lots of money.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: florist, press, style, tips

TIP 2

If you do have more than 1 best friend and are finding it hard to choose, ask them to play different, but equally important, parts in your day. Readings, liaison with the venue in the run up to the wedding, organising entertainment for any children at the wedding - these are all tasks that good friends will be delighted to help out with.

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: press, style, tips

We are often asked - by brides and by the media - for our tips for ensuring that you pick the right bridesmaids, make them feel special but also are able to ensure that they do exactly what they're supposed to do... Support you on and in the run-up to the most important day of your life! So we thought we'd bring our favourite tips to you over the next 6 days - 1 quick helpful tip per day. Enjoy!

TIP 1

Don't feel pressured into asking too many people. One incredibly organised, willingly helpful and supportive bridesmaid is worth a million times more than 5 friends who spend more time fretting about their own hair and make-up than they do about helping you out!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: press, style, tips

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

If you're a regular reader of this blog you will know that, at Magic Dust, we are big believers in personalising your wedding celebrations with your personalities rather than your bank accounts. So we just love it when we work with couples who have taken this philosophy to heart!

Yesterday, the results of over a year's planning came to fruition for Helen & Peter, on a beautifully sunny day in Brighton. The attention to detail, love and care that they sank into every single aspect of their wedding celebration was a joy to witness and it was a real honour to provide On The Day co-ordination for this lovely couple.

The personal touches were everywhere, from choosing Brighton for their wedding as it was somewhere special to them as a couple, to the stunning 'tree' table plan handmade by Helen to perfectly complement the place name cards, table names and menu cards that she had obviously spent hours designing and making, and which looked more professional than some professional ones I've seen!

It's impossible to pinpoint an absolute favourite part of the day so I'm going to share 2 with you! The heart-felt wedding vows that left not a dry eye in the house - thank goodness for waterproof mascara - and the groom's speech that was an unexpected but utterly brilliant ode to his new wife, will stay with me for a very long time.

Catching up with Helen after the wedding breakfast, she smiled as she told me how lovely it was that her guests were telling her how relaxed they were, and how much they were enjoying every minute of the day. And that's the real, and unavoidable, benefit of infusing your wedding celebration with your personalities - guests immediately relax because they recognise the couple whose wedding they have been invited to in every aspect of the event, and consequently the whole day takes on a relaxed and joyous air that, if it could be bottled, would be worth an absolute fortune!

Helen & Peter, I'd like to thank you for choosing to work with Magic Dust and to wish you a long, happy and healthy marriage - you most definitely deserve it.

Until next time

Labels: budget, style, tips