Wedding Day Inspiration

Remember, the real drama is always in the detail...

 

Big Day Bake off!

Talking about wedding cakes, why not take a whole new approach to this tradition with what I simply describe as The Big Day Bake off! Why have only 1 cake when you can have 40?! What is the idea I hear you ask? Well, when inviting ones guests to attend the biggest day of your life, why not also invite them to construct a sculpture of the sweet treat variety to bring along for your Big Day Bake Off. Essentially this is a competition to find the best designed, best tasting cake at the wedding, judged of course by our fresh from the aisle, utterly gorgeous - bride and groom. Oh and if you are super brave, you could also get the Mother-in-Law’s involved too although, this option clearly has the potential to get very messy – quite literally! Daggers or rather top-tiers at dawn girls - I am joking of course... trust me, this is such a fun way to cut said cake and keep your guests entertained and chatting about who should have won for hours! Host a competition for adults, teenagers and children so everyone can get involved and offer a prize for the winner of each category. Ensure the presentation is properly organised with a designated host from your key wedding party to oversee proceedings. Not only is this a brilliant twist on the most classic of wedding traditions but, the Big Day Bake Off is also great for the big day budget too! Luckily with so many cakes being brought to the wedding, you definitely won’t need to source and buy one for yourselves... let them eat on mass I say! Genius.

 

 

A selection of big day cakes from the wedding of my fab friends Richard and Corrina Parkinson

 

 

 

More cakes from the wedding of Richard and Corrina Parkinson

 

 

Wedding cake toppers

Sticking to the subject of sweet treats, I am also a massive fan of a comedy topper to add a touch of light entertainment to the cutting Ceremony. Now this could be in the form of a classic bride and groom statue or maybe in homage to a particular interest or career. My favourite collection of said toppers is available from www.cl-weddingcaketoppers.co.uk and whilst on the subject of themes, check out this hilarious scene of a newlywed couple spinning some tunes and rocking the dj booth - I wonder if they take requests?! Everything from footie fans to farming is covered with a spot of light hearted genius across the entire range of this top topper collection!

 

And for the first dance...

Why not add a spot of showbiz showmanship to proceedings and wow your guests with a choreographed dance routine even John Travolta and the entire cast of any west end musical production would be proud of! Quite often the first dance can be a bit of a let down as the newlywed couple shift uncomfortably around the dance floor desperately trying to encourage other couples to join them. Now I rarely say no to the odd glass/bottle of champers but, in this case, an extreme intake of alcohol is never the answer to crush those pre-show nerves and let’s face it, a paralytic bride with a boob popping out on the dance floor is never a good look. So, to get this show on the right road, why not check out and maybe re-create some of your fav routines from the movies online via YouTube? To help with the moves and ensure your choreography is tip top you can also turn to the professionals for support via www.firstdanceuk.co.uk. This National school of dance is available across the UK and gives couples the chance to learn a routine from the comfort of their own home thus ensuring the fox trot mash up, tango or interpretive contemporary dance is presented with confidence and conviction. Ok maybe I am taking things a little far here but, this team will defo ensure you can shape some pretty impressive moves across the floor. Talking of John Travolta, I think my first dance would have to be a remake of his classic dance-off with Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction – legendary!

Do also remember to check out a selection of original first dances online, just type first dance into YouTube for all the inspiration you will ever need!

 

 

 

Hire an ice cream van!

All that talk of exercise has got me in the mood for an old school treat, which is exactly where www.vintagescoops.co.uk comes in! Yes, add a touch of vintage glamour and childhood nostalgia to your big day action courtesy of Betty the utterly gorgeous 50’s styled ice cream van. Festooned with bunting and with Hayley the super scooper at the helm in her best floral flock, Betty and her luxurious range of sumptuous ice creams are guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit at any celebration. Infact, a vintage scoop of your favourite flavour could make a really fun alternative to the traditional pudding served at the table or possibly a welcome distraction for the little ones during the marathon photo session or reception champagne and canapés. If that doesn’t tempt you, how does sticky toffee fudge or a strawberries ‘n’ cream sound... even better what about a champagne sorbet, baileys ice cream or pimms and lemonade? Infact screw the welcome canapés, let’s all hire an ice cream instead - sweet dreams!

 

Confetti chaos!

For me, the confetti chucking ceremony can often be a rather messy unglamorous affair. Guests hurling handfuls of anything they can find at the newlyweds is never a good look in my book. Do we really want to see a bride half choking to death on a pink paper lucky horse shoe charm? Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be like this, infact, this moment during the day’s proceedings can actually be a rather spectacular, picturesque moment to capture and save for the wedding album if managed correctly. Yes, say goodbye to tack and hello gorgeous glamorous butterflies courtesy of www.ricebutterflies.com. This dream-like confetti glides through the air adding that all important touch of sophistication to this oddest of rituals. The sky will be a whirlwind of butterfly beauty as you bask in the glory of having just said I do. Each butterfly is actually designed to fly for 8 seconds so bask away people - I am feeling the love already! Rose petals also work really well but, for a spot of that all important extra detail slash special touch - this confetti works a treat.

Standard rice throwing is a long term tradition all over the World to bring blessings, good fortune and prosperity.

 

choccywoccydoodah - a different cake altogether

Okay, so this book is really all about fine tuning those smaller details of the big day action but, I just couldn’t resist throwing in a bit of choccy woccy heaven! This is the cake maker that kicks Charlie’s Chocolate factory to the kerb any day of the week. Made from Belgians finest coco beans, these sculptured fantasies of gigantic proportions will add the wow factor to any big day celebration - literally leaving your guests speechless and in awe wanting more! Yes, Choccy have everything covered for any wedding extravaganza from mouth watering statement pieces to pink lip themed lollies and even edible skull heads?! Allow yourself a moment of escape via www.choccywoccydoodah.com – quite a mouthful!

 

 

 

 

Marryoke!

Ditch the traditional wedding video and opt for something of the musical variety instead... Ladies and Gentlemen let me introduce Marryoke! This craze of the wedding pop variety has been growing steadily for some years now and gives couples the chance to cherish a montage of magical memories presented in music video format -starring your entire wedding party! We have all been in that situation where we just want to jump out the window at being forced to watch yet another wedding video that feels like it’s never going to end so instead, why not opt for 5 minutes of light entertainment that totally sums up the glory of your day with a few laughs thrown in for good measure. To check out some visuals visit www.musicweddingvideos.com – the girls in this picture seem to be having a ball or maybe that’s just the result of one pimms too many?!

 

Light introductions...

Table talk can often be a little difficult at the best of times if not damn right awkward at a wedding reception - especially if the guests don’t really know each other. Couples often make the fatal mistake of leaving their gathered congregation in the land of limbo, making hideous small talk whilst power drinking to ease away the pain. Before you know it, the entire wedding party is horrifically drunk hurling obscenities at each other and it’s literally all downhill from there! To avoid such embarrassment altogether, why not get the guests converting over a few ice breakers to fire up the conversation?!

Start with a quiz all about... you’ve guessed it - our newlyweds! Each table is set the task comprising 20 questions about where you met/first date etc and then a prize of the comedy or sensible variety is issued to the winning table. On top of this you could also hold a guess the length of the best mans speech competition to again, encourage a bit of team play and banter per table. Erect a score board so that each team can submit a speech time with a prize for the winning group.

These simple games will unite the entire table and spark conversation leading to general comfortable chit chat. Trust me, it works every time and really relaxes the entire room into conversation just in time for those famous speeches!

Weddings are all about making new friends!

DIY cocktails!

In homage to your new found love, why not commission and create your very own big day tipple for your wedding party to enjoy! This can often be a great alternative to pre-dinner drinks or maybe an option on the bar menu during the evening reception. A sexy name to go with said cocktail is of course essential. For some great recipes you can experiment with and tips from the best mixologists in the business visit www.thecocktaillovers.com – a classic Sex in the City Cosmopolitan with your own personalised twist sounds very tempting... I am breaking into a cocktail thirst just thinking about it!

 

Make a difference

Why not also use your special day to make an incredible difference to the lives of vulnerable children across the UK. Supporting the NSPCC’s Celebrate scheme is quite literally the best wedding gift anyone could ever give...

There are masses of options available including personalised wedding day favours for your guests and donation cards to accompany the invites. In my experience, the originality of supporting a good cause via your wedding sets a wonderful tone and makes such a positive impact on all your guests attending before they even reach the altar! As an ambassador to this particular scheme, I know what a huge difference Celebrate makes to the lives of those children who really need our help. For more on this magical initiative visit www.nspcc.org.uk/celebrate

 

Argh! How do we get there?

In general, how dull are the pull-out set of travel instructions included in what is often a rather glamorous invite to the big day spectacular? It’s always such a let down when you reach for that printed Google map of directions with local hotels highlighted in florescent marker. There must be another option out there somewhere I hear you cry? Well yes you would be right... cue www.cutemaps.co.uk! A friend of mine showed me this site and I instantly fell in love. These handmade creations are individually tailored to depict your unique journey by land, sea or air to the aisle of love and beyond! The adorable selection of imagery is vast and when it comes to getting your invitees buzzing before the big day adventure even begins – this is the kind of fun twist I am talking about. CuteMaps also offer save the date cards and even fridge magnets to remind guests of your wedding every time they reach for the butter!

 

 

Bouquet bling

This glitzy mash-up will surely have the magpies swooping over head?! When it comes to fresh ideas www.dcbouquets.co.uk are full of them in the silver, gold and very sparkly variety! Forget flowers, jewels are the future when it comes to walking down the aisle with a bouquet to die for. From Vintage to Hollywood Glamour - DC has something for all tastes and desires. I love the fact you can also integrate sentimental items of jewellery or buttons to create a truly personal memory bouquet – the perfect solution for carrying keepsakes from lost loved ones with you on your wedding day. The team can also incorporate something blue into the arrangement making the items as visible or invisible as you like. Infact you could add in the whole lot – something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue! Do all the traditions for good luck in one job lot - perfect. To check out the full gallery visit the website and drift off into bouquet heaven.

 

Go green...

For a more sustainable invite option that is kind to the environment, why not splash your cash on something practical that won’t be thrown away and more importantly can be used on a daily basis? I am of course talking about the festival-esque poster tea towels courtesy of... yes you’ve guessed it - www.weddingteatowels.co.uk! Get your guests in the mood for a party and give them a memento of your special day before the celebrations have even kicked off. Actually, why not go the whole hog and encourage your guests to hang said tea towel with pride in the kitchen as an homage to your special day... anything Wills ‘n’ Kate can do and all that!

I also love the gorgeous selection of illustrated canvas bags available via this website, ideal for creating party packs to keep the little ones entertained throughout the day or for issuing your essential detox kit for all those inevitable next day hangovers!

 

Take a break!

As your pre-wedding planning grows in momentum, it’s important to set aside some quality time to spend with your other half to detox, de-stress and escape the W word for a few days! It’s really important to organise bonding activities together that don’t involve cakes, flowers, dresses and all the other wedding regalia currently occupying every spare minute of your time. In my opinion every bride and groom-to-be deserves a spot of pre-event pampering, relaxation and pure luxury so, why not go for the Full Monty and indulge yourselves in the wellbeing experience of a lifetime? The only problem is, once you start you simply cannot stop and will always be left wanting more... of course I am talking about the mind blowing World of tranquillity that is Champneys. Take a classic stately mansion, some elegant surrounds, add in a spot of fine dining and you have the World class facilities Champneys has to offer. This is your chance to float away to a place that takes the stress out of modern day living combined with the finest spa treatments around.

If you are both looking for an exquisite escape to realign one’s inner calm and outer beauty, Champneys is most definitely the place to do it. Simply sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery whilst you soak up a little Jacuzzi action open-air style. Alternatively if that doesn’t necessarily float your boat as they say and you are looking for some hard core physical action, why not hit the gym to work up a sweat followed by a deep steam sauna to soothe those aching muscles, concluding with a decadent deep tissue body massage of heavenly proportions to totally unravel and relax post work-out... tempted yet?! Refresh your mind and take a moment to chillax Champneys style – a perfect excuse to treat yourself to the best stress buster in town.

I had the envious task of spending two incredible days at the Tring resort and I am not going to lie, it was all rather fabulous. Infact, the moment I landed into the grounds, I knew this gig was not going to be a hardship. The setting was quite something and that was before I even signed in at reception! Steeped in history, this elegant English mansion was opened as a health farm in 1925 by the celebrated Naturopath Stanley Lief who pioneered the concept of holistic healing. Champneys stick to those original roots today, dedicated to the wellbeing of your mind, your body and your soul.

I stepped out of the car and quite literally felt myself unwinding into a trance like state of awe and wonderment contemplating what the next few days might bring. Obviously I was not disappointed; to start with my bedroom was utterly beautiful – a classic contemporary fusion that excelled all my expectations. As ever, it’s always in the detail and for sure the details at Champneys are vast - even down to supplying both fizzy and bottled water in your bedroom – how posh is that?! The minute you slip on the Champneys robe and slippers with all their magical healing powers, that’s it – your hooked. I floated off for the afternoon sipping a latte whilst fingering the Sunday papers and admiring the view – total bliss.

The next day I got on-board with the philosophy, even plunging into a pool of ice cold water all in the name of wellbeing, oh and I tried out a spot of Thalassotherapy – a signature water treatment that consists of pumping a mass of healing minerals across your entire body for a total detox. Actually this particular treatment really did detox if you know what I mean and I felt all the better for it. Next up I was treated to a spot of blissful massage of mind blowing proportions, which definitely shifted any leftover toxins that might have been left lurking!

And when it comes to the food, well, you would be very much mistaken if you are expecting a lettuce leaf diet. The gourmet on offer was varied and delicious – a perfect accompaniment to my 48 hour inner spring clean! The principle is moderation, balance and variety but definitely not starvation. Essentially Champneys is all about creating a healthy body and mind to strengthen your overall immunity and every element of your stay will play its part. Ultimately though, it’s the all inclusive, down to Earth approach that really makes Champneys so appealing and stand out from the crowd. All the staff were lovely and the treatments World class. What more could you ask for? My stay was simply faultless and I don’t ever say that lightly!

So to sum up, not only is Champneys the perfect rural escape for any couple-to-be, it’s also a fantastic treat for the waistband pre-wedding as well. To find out more simply visit www.champneys.com – a new healthier you is just a few clicks away.

For me, if Heaven exists – it’s Champneys.

 

 

 

 

Flowers of the origami variety

I have to say, when I first discovered the work of www.thepaperflorist.co.uk I was pretty stunned to say the least. Flowers are officially dead - long live the paper variety I cried! Not only is this ecological alternative to real flowers both enchanting and seriously striking, the best part is that you can treasure them forever. The wilting days are over people – paper is clearly the new black! Infact, having seen this art in the flesh, there really is something about the sharp folds, form and shape of these flowers that takes any space to a new level of floral fantasy whatever the theme. Origami buds are so diverse and adaptable no matter what the look - from vintage to gothic or even high glamour. Folded flowers by The Paper Florist can also include poems and even your own names for that extra special personalised touch - all delivered without the worry of your favourite seasonal bud being out of stock!

 

By Toppled 8 Photography

 

By Helen Lisk Photography

 

By Toppled 8, featuring bride Francesca Wickett

-Roses designed by Toshikazu Kawasaki-

 

Illustrate

When it comes to getting the imagery right Ladies and Gents, you don’t get much more detailed than this little lot! Artist Sarah Godsill has come up trumps with this ingenious way of recording your wedding day the old fashioned way. How I hear you cry? Well, by putting pencil to paper to create a truly beautiful collection of timeless illustrations you can keep forever. Capturing everything from last minute preparations, to the ceremony, reception and the speeches, Sarah’s ability to select and focus on specific details of your big day makes her drawings a perfect accompaniment to the traditional options of both video and photographs. Personally, I also love the fact Sarah incorporates fragments of conversation or phrases alongside the sketches that can often be missed but, sum up the day’s proceedings. The drawings are presented loose leaf in an exquisite handmade portfolio and provide a unique record of your wedding from the viewpoint of a superb artist. For more stunning imagery visit www.eventsillustration.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shoot it Yourself!

A simple idea is quite often the most successful but, always the hardest to think of... why is that, it’s so frustrating?! Indeed in this case, even Hilary Devey of BBC2’s Dragons Den fame saw the huge commercial potential in what www.shoot-it-yourself.co.uk had to offer and decided to invest. The philosophy is very simple and the obvious clue is in the title! Yes, the wedding is filmed by your friends and then professionally edited by the team back at Shoot-It-Yourself HQ! The recording apparatus is delivered directly to your door just before the wedding and online tutorials show you what and how to film so, all you need to do is get a few mates/budding directors on board to film the action and it’s as easy as that! Post wedding, the 6 hours of wobbly footage is edited down and turned into a top notch wedding video masterpiece for you and the family to enjoy. A truly unique idea that allows your guests to feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera due to the people they know behind it! Don’t just take my word for it, check out a selection of video highlights via the website...

 

Blingtastic!

Cinderella eat your heart out, there is a new girl on the block and I am not talking about J-lo! For a spot of crystal slipper action of the diamante variety check out the latest offerings direct from www.rockstoriches.co.uk - total big day bling factor guaranteed! Yes, be sure to sparkle from the floor up with this ingenious idea which allows brides-in-waiting to pimp up their heels with a spot of hardcore Swarovski action. Select from a delicate coating of glitz on the heel or take it hardcore with a full body makeover. There is also an amazing selection of shoes available on the website itself so, if you haven’t already picked up a pair there is no need to panic. Let the customisation commence...

 

 

DIY Cake bake

For those of you who REALLY want to make this gig your own, why not get a groove-on in the kitchen and whip up your very own big day super cake! The love, care and attention of this personal touch – which by the way you can shout from the rooftops on your wedding day itself, has the exact mix of ingredients to create a sweet treat of gigantic proportions for both guests and partner. Imagine the thrill of cutting one’s cake knowing it was made by one’s own fair hands – now that’s commitment people. Perhaps this could be a team challenge undertaken by both bride and groom-to-be or maybe you could get that ever so creative friend on board who loves a spot of baking... we all have one! Whoever the chosen one will be, it’s essential to learn all the top tricks of the trade when it comes to perfecting the DIY Cake bake and luckily, my friends at Squires Kitchen have all the answers and right apparatus to get down ‘n’ dirty with the task at hand. Come on people you can do it! Trust me peeps, the satisfaction of crafting your own bite sized slice of love is golden. Find out more about all the accessories and baking utensils you need at www.squires-shop.com and for a low down on all the World class courses and classes available to perfect your skills visit www.squires-school.co.uk. Good luck!

 

Squires Kitchen’s International School

 

Wendy Broadhead for Cakes & Sugarcraft Magazine

 

Candy cane

And whilst on the subject of a sweet tooth, why not get on board with the latest trend sweeping the globe and celebrate with a cascade of candy! Yes, step back Willy Wonka, when it comes to adding a touch of nostalgia and getting the guests gossiping over a few glasses of bucks fizz pre-reception www.boxcleverwedding.co.uk are the peeps to turn to. Allow your congregation to step back in time whilst digging into a retro refresher or two with this super cool old skool pick ‘n’ mix Candy buffet that guarantees to rock any style of celebration. And, when it comes to theming the candy buffet the World is quite literally your oyster. Take it classic or modern in terms of the sweet choices that work for you and allow the table decoration to simply follow through. I am in sweetie Heaven already!

 

 

 

 

Fun of the Fair

Roll up roll up and enjoy the ride of your life! Ok maybe that was a bit extreme, but all the fun of the fair is a top notch solution for getting the guests on-board (quite literally) and in the mood to party. Again, when it comes to adding in a spot of big day drama it doesn’t really get much bigger than this. The kids will love it and the adults will be gagging to climb on-board too! My friends at www.wantafunfair.com have all the classics including this stunning Helter Skelter plus the whizzing Waltzers, fabulous Ferris Wheel and of course you could not miss out the classic Carousel. When it comes to memorable on a massive scale - this little lot is impossible to beat. Anyone want to join me for a ride on the dodgems?!

 

Double take!

Ok, so to REALLY get your guests talking, this little nugget of an idea will supersede all others... on a scale of 1 to 10 how super fabulous would it be for a certain Prince William and Kate Middleton to personally rock up and welcome your guests to the Wedding Reception whilst sipping on a glass of your favourite bubbles? Well, your Wedding Fairy is all about waving that magic wand to make your dreams a reality and that includes the most famous Royals on the Planet! Cue www.alistlookalikes.co.uk – the very best in big name fakery here in the UK. Ok, so I might not be good enough to get the real thing but, at the end of the day we all love a bit of fake right?! Imagine the faces when your guests stumble across this pair –priceless! If Marilyn, Will Smith or Britney is more your cup of tea, don’t worry, a-list have them covered too! Let’s sprinkle some showbiz sparkle over you big day action!

 

Andy Williams as HRH The Duke of Cambridge alongside Jodie Bredo as HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

News round-up

Roll up roll up and read all about it! On your wedding day there is literally only one read worth talking about and it’s all about you - in the form of your very own big day newspaper. Individually designed and personalised to your own specifications, this souvenir of your wedding is the perfect way to commemorate the celebration. Share stories from childhood and teenage years, about how you met, the engagement, all the way through to the stag and hen parties and onto current day. The big day newspaper is a perfect way to keep your guests entertained during any downtime especially pre-evening party and more importantly this fabulous read is the ultimate keep sake to remember your wedding by. As I keep saying, it’s all about the detail and this little treasure is truly just that! For all the low down on this unique service visit www.theweddingnews.co.uk

 

 

Table talk

Dine, sip and slice in true vintage style courtesy of the team at www.eclecticbliss.co.uk. Mix ‘n’ match is all the rage right now people so why not follow this sense of individuality through to the table. Uniformed identity is officially dead and that includes your crockery! There is a reason why it was known as your Granny’s Sunday Best and that’s because it was exactly that – the best my darlings! And what do we want for your wedding day... you’ve guessed it - the best! The Vintage theme is still going strong and if it’s for you, this lovely lot of gorgeousness will definitely cement the character and charm you need to make your wedding day styling a total success. It’s all about celebrating your dining experience the old fashioned way with quintessential charm, elegance and true vintage authenticity. Bring it on girls!

 

Photography by Benjamin Carmichael

 

 

 

 

 

Sand, Sun and Seaside!

Let’s rock this party! Whether it be as a tasty favour for your guests or just a bit of fun for the table, this traditional minty treat from the British Seaside is bound to be a total big day hit. I love the fact you can also customise by adding names, wedding date and colour ways to match individual themes. This classic nautical treat is a genius idea for any wedding - whatever the style, thanks to the team at www.the-rock-shop.co.uk. Based in the traditional town of Morecambe - British seaside rock does not come much better than this!

 

This Way Ladies and Gentlemen...

To the Wedding Reception of a lifetime! Yes this is serious detail people but remember, organisation is Key if you want your big day to go off with a bang! There is nothing more frustrating than guests going AWOL whilst dazed and confused, wondering the corridors of a wedding reception searching for the dance floor. Luckily the guys at www.shabbychicbrides.co.uk have come up trumps with a whole host of cute signage solutions to ensure your missing persons list stays blank throughout the day and night. Everything from table top signs to wine tags are covered ensuring your guests know what to do and when. Unfortunately this system may well be less effective post intake of muchos vino but hey, there are only so many miracles I can make happen with this wee wand!

 

 

Lets Accessorise

Founded in 1987 by Carole Middleton, www.partypieces.co.uk is the family run business that is now recognised as the UK’s leading destination for all those essential ingredients everyone needs to make any celebration seriously swing! Originally created to make event planning a little easier, PartyPieces.co.uk has everything covered for your wedding day theme - from glitz ‘n’ glamour to Vintage tea party. This site is my saviour for grabbing all those extra bits I always need to really bring a wedding to life. Beautiful bunting, butterfly place cards and their cup cake wraps have quite literally saved my life in the past! Defo make sure you take a moment to pop by this website and check out all the offerings for yourselves but, in the meantime, why not take a moment to grab a coffee and float away into this gorgeous mix of interior imagery – utterly scrumptious!

 

 

 

 

Flaming Fun!

For me, a party is just not a party without a few showgirls thrown in for good measure and these two are literally off the Richter scale. Ladies and Gents, may I take this opportunity to introduce the super spectacular talking tables - the ultimate way to serve your guests a glass of your favourite tipple they will surely never forget! These two lovelies definitely add the wow factor at any occasion and always make an exciting centre piece for a wedding reception. Talking of wow factor, talking tables recently appeared on the x-factor so even Simon Cowell is a fan! To book the girls and create an exciting buzz at your big day spectacular visit www.flamingfun.com! These guys also look after a whole host of other unusual acts including balloon artists, contortionists, stilt walkers and even snake charmers - all perfect alternatives for wedding day entertainment.

 

S M I L E

You’re on camera! Well, in this case you are in an entire scene you showbiz Queen... get ready for the close up! Why go for the simple head shot when you can create your very own montage of movie mayhem. Ladies and Gents allow me to introduce www.wonderscene.com! This wonderful team have whipped up the genius idea of designing a living set, allowing all your guests to dress up and give a memorable pose for the camera whilst enjoying all the big day festivities. Themes include: All that Glitters, Classic Vintage, All that’s British and Anything Goes - giving you the freedom to freestyle. Of course this could all get rather messy after a few light ales have flowed - especially if the guests are let loose with a dressing up box but hey, it’s hilarious fun and definitely worth a few spillages here and there! Strike a pose...

 

 

 

 

Flower Power

I just adore this idea that is now sweeping the UK and beyond. Forget hitting the local florist - why not take a trip down to your local flower farm instead so you can personally pick the petals you desire! No longer will you have to choose seasonal buds from a book being grown all over the globe – now a field of foliage is ready and waiting for you to explore. Yes, these floral havens are popping up all over the place and allow brides ‘n’ grooms -to-be the opportunity to step into a field of flower heaven to select buds together. This is seriously the stuff of a classic fairytale romance you can now live in reality! Not only that but, many farms now even offer a design service so all your floral needs can be dealt with at once, giving you the unique opportunity to personally balance all the rich colours and petal textures you have in mind for your own individual celebration and theme. The Queen of the Cut Flower Farm is Charlie Ryrie, whose estate has really built up quite a reputation for being one of the best in the business. Get inspired for your bouquets, buttonholes and beyond by visiting www.cutflowergarden.co.uk. Of course, this option is not only a wonderful experience for you both to enjoy whilst also making a really personal mark on the design of your own wedding but, it is also kind to the environment too providing a varied and sustainable alternative to mass-produced imported flowers.

 

 

 

 

Get into the groove...

Talking of the latest crazes sweeping the Nation, the classic passport photo booth has to be another top alternative for getting your guests interacting whilst creating big day memories at the same time. Again, a few cheeky beers or glasses of vino helps to get your audience in the mood for mischief but, as you can see from these shots, everyone is having the time of their lives in these wedding booths with or without muchos alcohol intake and the kids absolutely love it! Infact, keeping the kids out of the dressing up box is always a task in itself, but one that is definitely worth undertaking for the fun factor. Actually who am I kidding? The adults are just as bad as the kids if not worse especially after a few naughty glasses of bubbles. Much hilarity all round and a right hoot to look back on post wedding. Check out all the detail on offer via my friends at www.groovybooth.com

 

 

 

 

A lasting memory

In my opinion the standard wedding favour can be a bit hit or miss. Most people cannot bear the sight of a classic sugared almond so why bother?! Traditionally the wedding favour is given by the bride and groom to all guests as a token of gratitude for attending the wedding and should therefore have significant meaning to you both. This gesture should - in my eyes, be a symbolic statement that represents the notion of two people coming together in marriage. For this favour to mean anything and be appreciated by your congregation, it must make an impact that stands as a lasting memory of the day. Something your guests can take away and cherish that will flourish and live on as a constant reminder of your wedding. Yes people, I am talking about a floral favour that can grow in the garden alongside your new journey together as a couple - all flowering as one! God I am SO cheesy!! Yes, private grounds across your little part of the World and beyond with be scattered with an explosion of colour in homage to your unique celebration. A truly incredible way of saying thank you to all those people who shared the day with you and more importantly, a favour that has a use and will not simply end up in the downstairs cupboard rotting until the next car boot! Trust me, your guests will also love the practicality of this gift and their garden will too! For a top selection of buds visit www.wildflower-favours.co.uk

 

Come fly with me!

Go up, up and away with the website that offers some truly fantastic finishing touches, covering everything from throwing confetti to the very best in venue decorations and my personal favourite of the moment – super high riding sky lanterns. Dating back to the 13th Century, this Chinese tradition of releasing lanterns together symbolises hope, good wishes and prosperity... a perfect finale gesture for any couple celebrating their wedding day. Once lit and released, the lanterns float gently up into the sky creating a serene scene of beauty. Gorgeously mesmerising! To order your bio-degradable lanterns in time for your big day visit www.thelastdetail.co.uk

 

 

The school fete is back!

And now you can book the whole lot for your wedding... yes, take a step back in time and reminisce about the good old care free days when the most important things in life were aiming for the coconut, successfully knocking over the tin can or splatting the rat on time! Yes the moment has cometh Ladies and Gents for those classic stalls of the school fete variety to strike back with a vengeance for your big day soiree. Obviously keeping the kids entertained during the day’s festivities can often be trying at times but luckily, these little beauties will keep them going for hours! More importantly they look fabulous and will enrich any summertime celebration. Infact, they are perfect for a winter warmer too! For more information check out the offerings via my friends at www.boxcleverwedding.co.uk

 

 

 

Bride 2 Bride

As you well know, your Wedding Fairy loves a genius idea and this one is also up there with the very best of them! I am SO happy to have discovered www.bride2bride.co.uk. A fantastic site for brides-to-be who are looking to buy wedding dresses and all the regalia that goes with said gig at a fraction of the cost you would normally pay in a traditional bridal store. It’s all in the title people – an exchange from one newlywed bride to another bride-to-be and so on and so on. It’s an eco-cycle girls and I love it! Now as we all know, that dream dress you are gagging to get your hands on can cost a small fortune so it is definitely worth checking out what delights are on offer via this site. For all you know Cinderella will go to the ball and the gown you have been so desperately hunting for could be ready and waiting in the wings with your name on it! So don’t delay, get online today and see what’s up for grabs... let the exchange of girl power commence!

 

Hummingbirds...

Drift off into stationery heaven with this dreamy portfolio of absolutely everything you will ever need to set the right tone for your big day celebrations. The team at www.hummingbirdcards.co.uk have created a collection of wedding day stationery that will truly captivate and excite your guests from the moment their invite arrives on the doorstep. For me, this stunning range conjures up a true mix of fairytale and romance which ultimately, is the whole point of a wedding invite that so many other stationers miss completely?! Beyond the initial RSVP, everything is covered from the orders of service to table plans, allowing you to de-stress on this often most neglected yet essential part of wedding day planning. On top of all this, the British design work behind these little stunners is second to none. Fly the flag people!

 

 

 

Step out in superstar style!

Always dreamt of taking a ride in a NY Cab or rocking up to the wedding Grease Lightning stylee? Well, now you can courtesy of www.starcarhire.co.uk! A theme in its own right and a real talking point for your guests, these vehicles are seriously Memorable with a Capital M and really hit the spot when it comes to Nostalgia value with IMPACT. Perhaps a trip in Knight Riders Kit Car is more to your liking or maybe for you Thunderbirds are seriously go go go! Whatever your favourite, all the cult movie cars are covered for an unusual yet fun alternative to the traditional Rolls or Classic Vintage Wedding Car. One thing’s for sure, this little lot will definitely get the guests fighting over who will hitch a lift to the reception venue... severe amounts of guest jealousy guaranteed!

 

 

 

 

Bridesmaid SOS

The hunt for a selection of stand-out gowns for your girls can often be difficult if not damn right impossible. In so many cases the range of dresses on offer can be a little dated to say the least and almost certainly off-trend in terms of colour ways and cut. Why is it that the bridesmaid’s gown is often so unflattering? Ok, I know we must never outshine the bride but please! Every bride I meet always seems to struggle when it comes to selecting the bridesmaid’s dresses so thank God a team of UK designers thought up the fabulous World that is www.maidstomeasure.com! Panic no more girls for you can now create your very own gown allowing your bridesmaids to work it down the aisle of love the way you want – who needs a catwalk?! Either online or in the comfort of their studio, you select the fabrics, colour ways and style options for your wedding day look - they do the rest. Not only is MaidsToMeasure the best bespoke design service I have ever discovered, it’s also much fun over a glass or two of bubbly as well... will the new Stella McCartney please stand up!

 

 

Style SOS

Imagine if you were able to book an Interior Designer for Weddings who could manage all those tiny details to exquisite perfection without the stress of having to do it all ourselves? If only I, The Wedding Fairy could magically create such a thing with the flick of my wonderful wand I hear you cry? Well my friend’s, your wish is my command... allow your Wedding Fairy to introduce www.littleweddinghelper.co.uk. The panic over who is going to bring your big day look alive is officially over! Wedding stylists are popping up everywhere, proving to be the perfect tonic for all brides and grooms-to-be on a mission to make their overall vision in terms of look and feel of the day a reality. Maybe you just need some basic advice and support on how to integrate all those essential personal touches into the day itself or perhaps you have just discovered a dream look in a wedding magazine and want a stylist to make it happen! Wedding designers are officially my new SOS especially for integrating the finer details such as some dramatic mood lighting for romantic effect (a detail often forgotten) and for every couple out there that is struggling and frustrated by the huge task of transforming a space into their own. Let the styling commence!

 

Photo by Jo Hansford

 

Photo by Jo Hansford

 

Photo by Frances Taylor

 

Photo by Barry Dimond taken at Kingscote Barn Tetbury

Storm of the Troop variety

May the force be with you people! Why not take things to the next level and literally land in the movie some might say is the greatest screen story ever told? Cue the Storm Troopers and Mr Vader himself... yes Ladies and Gents, the trend for Star Wars themed weddings is growing at quite a pace and truly puts the novel back into novelty! Imagine stepping down the aisle protected by a squad of Storm Troopers all standing side by side in the name of your Holy Matrimony?! Infact why not up the game and take it that one step further... for the hard core fan this could be the beginning of a full-on theme that runs throughout the entire wedding day including guest get-up! The opportunities for working with a movie concept are endless and hopefully this golden nugget of an idea may help spark the imagination for adding a quirky comedic touch to your own celebrations. Grab those Lightsabers and get involved peeps! One thing’s for sure, the wedding breakfast menu and drinks options could be utterly hilarious - anyone for a Chewbacca cocktail? To book and find out more visit www.hullywoodentertainment.co.uk

 

Every bride deserves to sparkle

A motto I live and die by girls especially when it comes to blingtastic bridal accessories! Now for some it might be a subtle splash of glitz and for others a hard core showering of diamante? Whatever floats your boat, the team at www.libertyinlove.co.uk has a little something for every taste. From the classic tiara to a selection of show stopping contemporary head pieces - this web space has the lot! It is SO hard to find trend setting regalia to go with ones gown so thank goodness these guys have created a one-stop shop for jewellery, garters, shoes, bags and hair accessories to boot. Brands featured include Freya Rose, Peter Land and Jane Taylor Millinery all under one roof...

 

 

 

 

Power of the Prop

Alice in Wonderland becomes a reality with this little treasure trove of a site I discovered recently. If you are going to theme an event you need to do it properly with a well thought selection of props and accessories to effectively bring a space to life the way you want too. I am a huge fan of popping in the odd dramatic feature or two and the team at www.eventprophire.com have come up trumps with everything you could ever possibly imagine all under one roof. This website also lists props by theme making it easy to navigate so you can focus on the pieces that fit for your wedding. From a Masked Ball to Mardi Gras, this gorgeous grotto of visual treats has something for everyone and then some!

 

 

 

 

Conjuring up something special...

Talking of drama, next up is a floral feast of jaw dropping proportions! When it comes to designing with a bunch of buds, this man leads the pack. Flowers have the power to make or break a wedding and that is why I want you to check out the stunning work of Jens Jakobsen via his website www.jensjakobsen.co.uk for the ultimate in chic design – brace yourself for an explosion of perfect petals people! I purposely point out Jens work to highlight the intense level of creativity and aspiration that can be achieved through this classic art. Contemporary floral construction combines celebration and personal energy which, when done correctly can stamp stand-out originality all over the big day. Let’s leave your guests spellbound...

 

 

 

 

Add the Passion with a Capital P

I predict an extreme temperature rise in that honeymoon suite as I write girls! It’s time to take off all your clothes because it is getting hot ‘n’ sweaty in here and I am not surprised with this bad boy box of beauties. A health warning should be issued to your man before this little lot of luscious lingerie gets unleashed! Get St John’s Ambulance on stand-by people, for Luella’s Boudoir holds a super-stunning mix of delicious treats that will make any man go weak at the knees. And who could blame him? This must-view closet of satin sexiness has something for all tastes and desires to guarantee your night of perfect passion goes with a bang – quite literally! Enter the boudoir and check out for yourself by clicking www.luellasboudoir.co.uk

 

Gorgeous Gold

As you say I do, slip on those bands of love in the safe knowledge that they have been made with the same tender love and care you share, not the blood sweat and tears so many gold miners sadly experience on a daily basis. The sacred wedding ring signifies the bond between you as a couple and as such, it is comforting to know they have been produced in an environment that applies ethical principles throughout. Designer Vivien Johnston launched the Fifi Bijoux brand back in 2006 to source fair trade gold from suppliers that make a positive impact, avoiding worker exploitation or environmental damage. The luxury jewellery business has a profound history of romance, intrigue and glamour but sadly, this has often concealed a harsher reality of cruelty, corruption and abuse. Thankfully Fifi Bijoux now leads the way in producing Ethically Sourced and Fair Traded wedding jewellery here in the UK, offering an incredible mix of sensational designs from the subtle simplistic to the full-on blingtastic! Be bedazzled for yourself by checking out the full online catalogue of gorgeousness... www.fifibijoux.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Escape

Pack your suit cases people you’ve pulled. Not me of course – the other half! It’s time to start plotting that great escape to paradise - yes people, I am talking about the Heavenly Honeymoon! I am drifting off to the secluded sandy beaches and gin-clear waters of the Indian Ocean as we speak. After all that wedding planning you both deserve a sanctuary getaway that you will remember for a lifetime and the top team at www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk have a luxury solution for all tastes designed with passion and imagination. Covering pretty much the entire planet, Turquoise offer tailored packages from Asia to the South Pacific and beyond. I also love their interactive online wedding gift list that allows your guests to make a cash contribution to the honeymoon package or buy a gift to enjoy whilst you are there! An ideal option if you are already fully loaded with toasters and tea towels... anyone for a Margarita?

 

 

 

 

SUGARY SENSATIONS!

Sweet trees are made of these and who am I to disagree? Sorry I could not resist the Eurthymics reference there! Yes the simple tree has de-barked and is now available in the sugary variety courtesy of our confectionary creators at www.sweetsensationsbyamelia.co.uk. Available in a concoction of gorgeous varieties and flavours, every sweet treat imaginable is on the menu from the retro classic to the contemporary truffle. These tasty trees of the edible variety make a great interactive alternative to the classic table centrepiece for the Wedding Breakfast or evening reception - especially when worked into an overall theme. These beauties look good enough to eat!

 

 

 

 

And finally!

Remember to check out all the latest inspirational trends and fresh styles hitting the catwalks and way beyond via your local Wedding Magazines which in the UK include the fabulous www.weddingideasmag.com, www.bridesmagazine.co.uk, www.youandyourwedding.co.uk, www.perfectweddingmag.com and www.weddingmagazine.co.uk - all amazing resources for gathering ideas to help make your big day sparkle. On top of this little lot make sure you also visit any local Wedding shows to source suppliers and add some fabulous finishing touches to your day especially www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk, www.theukweddingshows.co.uk and www.designerweddingshow.co.uk. And of course last but not least, keep up to date with the incognito 00Heaven style Queens reporting on all the coolest offerings from the wedding industry as they hit! Leading blogs include: www.rockmywedding.co.uk, www.stylemepretty.com and www.lovemydress.net – get online and get inspired...