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

I heard a story this week that scared me... There is apparently a wedding planner in this country who takes bookings for On The Day co-ordination work and then sends work experience people along on the couple's wedding day instead of an experienced member of the team.

It reminded me - as if I needed reminding! - why we launched Magic Dust. To be different, to challenge the wedding industry as a whole, and planners in particular, to put the couples getting married front of mind at all times, not the lure of the money you might be able to make.

So, this is a short blog to remind you to be careful when booking every single type of wedding supplier...

- Trust your instincts;
- Be mindful about how long it takes suppliers to respond to your initial enquiry;
- Ask to speak directly to other couples they have worked with (and make sure you do);
- If you're considering On The Day Co-ordination make sure that the wedding planner you speak to and meet before your wedding day is the person who is actually going to be there on your wedding day.

Any good wedding supplier will be more than happy to chat with you before you make the decision whether or not to book their services and should not hesitate to put you in touch with other couples they have worked with - we relish the opportunity to do both these things!

Until next time, happy planning

Labels: supplier, tips

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

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

More and more people are looking to be as environmentally-friendly in their wedding planning as possible. We fully support this by running as green a company as possible and so we actively look for ways to help couples achieve their aims.

Thank you gifts can prove troublesome but, thanks to some fabulous companies that actively promote their organic products, you can shop safe in the knowledge that you are doing your bit in as many areas of your wedding planning as you can.
Try Daylesford Organic for sumptuous bath and body products and wine. Their Bamford Eucalyptus Bath Oil is delicious!

For a quirky but extremely useful gift that will remind the recipient of you every week, why not look at Abel & Cole's organic vegetable boxes...

Until next time, happy planning

Labels: beauty, supplier, tips, trends

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

Happy New Year and welcome to Magic Dust's first Wedding Tip Wednesday of 2010. We thought we'd take this opportunity to offer some advice to those of you who either got engaged over the festive period (congratulations!) or who have realised that getting married "this year" is a lot scarier than getting married "next year" was!

So watch this short video for tips on how to ensure that you get your wedding planning off to the best possible, and least stressful, start...



Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: tips, wedding-tip-video

Hopefully, you're at least starting to think about taking a break from your wedding planning over the next few weeks to concentrate on other things like catching up with friends and family, parties, shopping, Christmas dinner, festive breaks etc.

If you think you will find it hard to switch off and you actually hear yourself saying, “I just want our wedding to be better than everyone else's so I can't possibly take a break now” here's a thought.

Every guest that comes to your wedding will spend an average of nearly £400 to attend (Credit Action Survey 2008).

They've agreed to come because they want to see two people they care about tie the knot (let's assume they're not just coming for the free meal!).

Don't you think you owe it to them to ensure you use your personalities rather than your bank balance to make your day one to remember?

Your guests will thank you for it and you'll be glad you did it when you're celebrating your one month wedding anniversary in style rather than sobbing over your credit card bill and another conversation that starts, “So remind me why we spent £1000 on a 10 minute fireworks display and now can't pay the mortgage?”.

Until next time,

Labels: budget, tips

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 6

Design a menu of warming, traditional winter food so that even if it's cold and miserable outside, the atmosphere inside will be warm.

Think hearty soups, bangers and mash, cottage pie and seasonal vegetables and don't forget mulled wine. That's certain to warm your guests up!

Until tomorrow's tip,

Labels: caterer, supplier, tips

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

Every good wedding planner has an emergency kit that goes with them to every wedding. This week's Wedding Tip Wednesday video gives you an insight into this along with our top 3 items for inclusion.



Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: tips, wedding-tip-video

The big day is getting closer. Invitations have been sent, the flowers and dress chosen, the honeymoon booked etc etc. So much preparation, so much planning. Nothing has been left to chance. The only thing you can’t have a say over is the weather. Even so you’ll probably have a backup plan should the heavens open.

Spare a thought for after what people term the ‘main event’. Surely a misnomer; the main event has to be the marriage itself? Or is it? How much time have you spent preparing and planning for the being married part? You’re probably thinking that you don’t need to. I mean, you’ve been together for ages and if things weren’t right you wouldn’t be getting married.

It is a sad fact that 45% of marriages end in divorce. With some careful thought and clear communication you don’t have to add to that statistic.

Have you and your husband/wife to be discussed how you are going to manage your marriage? On your wedding day you will have made a public commitment to stay with one another through thick and thin. It is imperative in my view to actually discuss how you will handle things in the thin times.

Think about the things that can have an effect upon a relationship. How will you deal with them? Is it wise to just assume that you will cross each bridge as it comes, and that everything will be ok? Take my advice; do not assume that problems will work themselves out on their own.

My first ex-husband and I did not plan for anything after the wedding day itself. When the recession hit in the 90’s we were trying to get on the property ladder. Things were incredibly tight financially. Neither of us was any good at managing money. We didn’t have any financial plans. We earned money – we spent it.

We managed to buy a house but it needed a lot of work. Neither of us had actually sat down and said how are we going to afford this?

After the birth of our baby I was diagnosed with post natal depression, and really struggled to cope. Because I had assumed that my husband would sort things out and provide for us, I began to lose respect for him when this didn’t happen. It wasn’t his fault, it was the economic climate and he felt very unsupported. I continued to spend money as I had done before as a way of dealing with depression. We never discussed it. Eventually I had to go out to work and I got myself better. But our marriage didn’t get better, and after only three years it joined the ranks of the 45%.

I am going to be married again next year for the third and final time. M and I discuss everything. We have had some rough times over the last four years; we’ve dealt with health issues, financial problems, children issues, etc. We are still as passionate about each other as we were in the beginning. We communicate, we prepare, and we plan as much as we can. M and I have a six monthly review of our relationship. We sit in a nice place and remember the challenges we faced, the things we learnt and great times we had. We identify if there is anything we could improve upon and express our gratitude for the work we’ve done and the positive results we got.

In other words we celebrate that we have got through the previous six months still in love and appreciating one another.

You can’t plan for every eventuality in the minute detail that you have planned your wedding day. But you can have a plan for how you are going to approach problems should the proverbial heavens open.

Belinda King runs Beta Relationships and is a qualified coach specialising in relationships, marriage and finding an ideal partner. She runs seminars, workshops and offers coaching to couples and individuals. She admits to being partial to wedding cake!

Labels: guest-blogger, tips

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

Welcome to Magic Dust's Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I'd like to offer you a few tips that should help both you and your parents enjoy the wedding planning process, and the wedding day, as much as possible...



Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: tips, wedding-tip-video

This week, I have some advice on how to come up with unique wedding readings. Whether they're chosen by you, or by the person you've asked to do the reading, there's the opportunity to make this a lovely surprise!



Until next time,

Labels: tips, wedding-tip-video

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

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

Welcome to this week's Wedding Tip Wednesday video. Today I'm focusing on a few bits of advice that will come in handy when you're looking at guest accommodation for your wedding. A couple of minutes spent considering these points now will likely save you at least one sleepless night further down the line when you'll have more important things to think about!



Enjoy!

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

Welcome to another Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I'm talking to you about taxis and how to ensure that the end of your reception is as stress- and hassle-free as possible. Nothing that a little bit of forward-planning can't sort out!



Enjoy!

Labels: tips, venue, wedding-tip-video

Hello and welcome to another Wedding Tip Wednesday video. This week I have a few tips for you to remember when you're planning the food for your wedding celebration...





Enjoy and, until next time, happy planning!

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