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

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

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

Welcome to Magic Dust's Wedding Tip Wednesday. This week's video focuses on the growing trend for writing your own vows and offers a few words of advice if this is something you are considering.



Until next time, happy planning!

Labels: trends, wedding-tip-video