Supplier Feature; The Best Job in the World

Thank you to Alison at Daisy Cupcakes for this amazing insight into "the best job in the world".

Yes, you read right – I have the best job in the world! I am a Registrar, and it is my privilege and my pleasure to spend my days marrying people and I LOVE IT!

I love it because it’s obviously such a wonderful thing to be able to do for a couple, being present on such a happy day and making their dream come true. But I also love it because I absolutely adore seeing the beautiful dresses, flowers, shoes and jewellery and smelling all the fabulous fragrance in the room!

My work is not full time, I am what is called a peripatetic Registrar so I am not based in an office. So how does it all work?

The Superintendent Registrar co-ordinates all the wedding bookings and prepares a staffing schedule usually three months in advance, so all the weddings I am due to attend are then put in my diary. As a peripatetic Registrar, I play a dual role – sometimes I am the Deputy Superintendent Registrar who takes the ceremony and sometimes I am the Deputy Registrar who does all the paperwork at the wedding and makes the entry in the Marriage Register.  There are always two Registrars at a civil wedding to cover both roles.

On the day of the wedding, we arrive at the wedding at least half an hour before it is due to begin and we are shown to our interview room. We always meet first with the photographers and videographers to ensure they know the photography policy and when they can take photos, and we also see any musicians to make sure they know when to stop and start for the ceremony.

And then it’s time to prepare to interview the lovely bride and groom to check all the details are correct.  First the groom, so that he can then go to the ceremony room and make sure all the guests are getting seated, and then the beautiful bride. This interview time is very precious, it gives us as Registrars, an opportunity to understand exactly the ‘feel’ of the wedding, and it gives the bride and groom a tiny bit of quiet time before the ceremony. We explain what is going to happen to settle their nerves and check that we have got everything right, so that the ceremony is perfect.

I love the atmosphere when walking into the ceremony room! Everyone looks fabulous, there is a lovely smell in the air, happy music is playing and the level of anticipation is sky high! I ask everyone to turn off mobile phones (!) and remind the guests not to take photographs until the end of the ceremony and then IT’S TIME!

‘Would you all please stand to receive the bridal party’

And now the bride makes the entrance she has been rehearsing for a lifetime – it’s magnificent to watch, and I feel so lucky to be there at that moment. And 20 minutes later -

‘Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present to you for the very first time, the brand new Mr and Mrs .......'

Supplier Feature; Military Weddings Press Release

                            

Military Wedding Discount Launches across the UK and USA

Military Wedding Discounts is a great new website that has been designed to help members of the armed forces in both the UK and the USA save money when planning their wedding.

www.robgrimesphotography.co.uk

Emma and Terri decided to set up Military Wedding Discounts in order to help troops save money on their big day and to also help raise money for two charities Help 4 Heroes based in the UK and Operation Gratitude based in the USA.

www.robgrimesphotography.co.uk

All categories are covered from dresses and suits to catering and cake and from stag and hen do ideas to photographers and jewellery.  The website offers suppliers both in the UK and USA who are offering special rates to the military personal and 50% of all advertising fees are donated to the charities.

www.robgrimesphotography.co.uk

Emma Said: ‘supporting a military charity is something we both wanted to do for a long time and have combined it with our love of weddings. We are also looking into organising fundraising events of our own to help raise more money for both the UK charity Help4Heroes and USA charity Operation Gratitude’

www.robgrimesphotography.co.uk

There is also a section on ‘Real Military Weddings’ where brides and grooms or photographers can submit their wedding to be featured on the website. If you are a wedding supplier who would like to advertise with Military Wedding Discounts or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please see the ‘Advertise With Us’ page for further info.

For more information check it out at www.militaryweddingdiscounts.com

Guest Blog; Wedding Make-up Tips

By Eve Ashby – Professional Make-up Artist

www.eveashby.co.uk

The real trick to wedding make-up is to create a more groomed version of how you would normally look. This way you will feel comfortable but still in keeping with the glamorous image you are creating with your elegant wedding gown and styled hair.

Because this is not a look you would normally wear day-to-day it’s a good idea to have a trial run-through. Not only will this give you some time to adjust to your new glamorous self but it also means you can check any new products for allergy reactions.

When you practice your make-up it is important to do so in natural daylight. It’s surprising what a difference lighting conditions can have on the colour of make-up. Often dark colours can seem much paler under artificial lighting and this can encourage you to applying much more than you really need, making the look much heavier and more dramatic then you intended it to be.

Your wedding day is not a time to be experimenting with new, bright or high fashion make-up colours, as this will quickly date your photos. Instead I always recommend you opt for natural tones to create a classic look that will never go out of fashion.

The first thing people always see are your eyes and this is why it’s so important to get this part of the makeover right. On young skins shimmery eye shadows look fresh and bright but on older skins this shimmer can emphasise fine lines and draw attention to puffy or overhanging eyelids. So for this reason it is always best to put matt textures on older skins and keep shimmery eye shadows for younger brides.

If you have never shaped your eyebrows before you will be amazed at what a difference it can make. Not only will it make you look more groomed but will also open up your eyes. Another trick for a wide-eyed look is applying a few false eyelashes. You don’t need to go for a whole strip as this can look overpowering and feel heavy on your eyes. Instead a few individual lashes on the outer corners of the eyes work wonders and really finishes off a glamorous look.

If you have small lips opt for light or bright colours and lots of lip-gloss, as the shine will give the illusion fullness. Try to avoid darker colours on small lips as they can make them look even smaller. Lip liners have a waxy texture, which lasts longer on lips than the soft moisturising texture of lipsticks so it’s a good idea to apply lip liner to your whole lip area before applying lipstick.

The big thing to avoid on your wedding day is make-up containing light reflecting partials. The main culprits of these being under eye concealer pens. These pens work by reflecting light away from the skin to hide dark shadows and can do a fabulous job when people see you close up. However the flash from the camera will emphasise this reflection and all you’ll see are bright white areas wherever you have applied the product.

Whichever look you chose on your wedding day the main rule to make-up is blend, blend, blend. There should be no harsh lines and each colour should seamless merge into the next. If you follow this tip than your make-up won’t fail to look natural and perfect. 

Wedding Cake Trends for 2011

In a word the Wedding cake trend for 2011 is Tall and Skinny.

I love this particular cake trend as I feel it brings an elegance to cakes that wasn't quite there before. Instead of having a three tiered cake of 6, 8 and 10 inches, you can now stretch it up and have a five tiered cake of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 inches that will truly be a fabulous centre-piece for your Wedding. To add additional height tiers can be separated with spacers.

Although white cakes will always be popular, this year cakes will be getting brighter with more use of colour to tie in with the colour schemes of the day. Earthy colours are popular such as mocha, grey, dusty pinks and peaches as well as brighter colours of orange, yellow and various shades of green and blue.

Sun-washed vintage colours and styling have retained their appeal with cakes being adorned with sugar lace and embroidery. Cupcakes are still popular although miniature cakes will always be the more sophisticated choice.

My new collection, released within the next few weeks has examples of these trends.

Whoopie pies are making their way over from America and cake pops are quickly becoming very popular as favours or on a dessert table but these should, in my opinion, only be served as part of a very relaxed affair.

Janet Mohapi-Banks is an award winning luxury bespoke cake designer based in
Epsom and working in and around London, Surrey and the UK. Featured in the
country’s leading wedding magazine and on national television, Janet Mohapi-Banks provides cakes of excellence for discerning clients. http://janetmohapibanks.com

Acknowledgements for: 

Styling by Cherry Topped Bespoke Weddings - www.cherrytopped.co.uk,
Flowers by Woods Florist -www.woodsflorist.co.uk 

Stationery by Ivy Ellen - www.ivyellen.com
Photography by Sugar & Spice Photography - www.sugarandspicephotography.co.uk

Green Inspiration Board

For one of my upcoming weddings, I have put together a green inspiration board. I am especially loving the shoes!


Thank you to everyone who sent me their photographs.

Green Inspiration Board

Inspiration board credits

Cake - Cakes by Krishanthi  

Bramble Tiara - Katie Vale Designs

Cupcakes - Cats Whiskers Cake Design

Green shoes - Alexander McQueen

Green short Bridesmaid dress - Alfred Angelo

Green Bridesmaid Bracelet - Beady Eyes Designs

Earrings - Crystal Jewels

Tiara - Crystal Jewels

Wedding Invitation - Delightful Occasions

Candles - One Stop Pamper Shop

Wedding Invitation - Delightful Occasions

Steel Tree Table Centre - Elegant Sparks

Steel Trees - Elegant Sparks

Wedding Dress - Alfred Angelo

Long Bridesmaid Dress - Alfred Angelo

Guest Blog Post: Tips for choosing your wedding dress

A big thank you to High Society Bridal for this fantastic article on a very important aspect of your wedding - choosing your wedding dress. 

Going dress shopping is often one of the first things you want to do once you’re engaged and is an exciting and hopefully once-in-a-lifetime experience! However, it is usually a completely new kind of shopping experience too, and can seem a bit overwhelming. So here are a few tips for your first few appointments, to help you make the most of it!

·         Wear neutral underwear you are comfortable in. A strapless bra and neutral knickers make all the difference when putting the gown on – there’s nothing more distracting than pink bra straps or black undies when you’re looking at yourself in white and ivory dresses. Remember you will be helped in and out the dresses, so if you’re a bit shy, boy shorts or full briefs can be helpful.

Amore by Suzanne Neville

·     Be open-minded. This is repeated over and over, I know, but it really is true. At least for your first appointment, try dresses in a wide variety of shapes and styles. A good bridal assistant won’t try and force you into something you won’t like – when they pull out a style you wouldn't pick, it’s because the shape might really suit you. They have a wealth of experience, so you are in good hands. Even if you know what style you want, you’d be amazed how the unlikeliest dress can be the one that you look best in – and if nothing else, it’s good fun seeing yourself as in all the different looks, from Princess bride, to Vintage bride or Boho bride.

Melita by Alan Hannah

·         Bring one or two people whose opinions you really trust. Another classic tip, but again, it really is a good one. Tempting as it is to bring all of your nearest and dearest, dress shopping can easily become an emotionally charged day, and you need to have people who you know will be honest (and kind!) with you.

Eden by Jenny Packham

·         Don’t take on too much at once. Trying to get through as many visits in one day can seem the best way to see everything, but it can be completely overwhelming and by the end of the day, brides have often forgotten which dresses they loved, or are so tired and confused they really don’t enjoy themselves. Going straight from looking at your dress to look at bridesmaids dresses can be stressful as well, as it’s very hard to decide on bridesmaids before you know what you’re wearing. 

Kelly by Sassi Holford

·         There are not always fireworks. There’s a huge cultural myth of finding ‘the One’, where you step out crying with joy and everyone around cries with joy too. It can happen – and it’s lovely when it does – but it’s not the most common experience, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen for you.

Lilly by Stephanie Allin

    A more common way of knowing it’s the one is it stays in your mind for a few days, or when you try other dresses on and think, “it’s lovely, but not like the other one”. It’s when you come back and try it on again that you realise that yes, this is your dress. A lot of our brides say that’s it actually the morning of the wedding, when they’re styled and dressed and ready to go that they have ‘the One’ moment.

Yolanda by Claire Pettibone

To find out more information on High Society Bridal contact them below:-

W: http://www.highsocietybridal.co.uk 

E: info@highsocietybridal.co.uk

T: 01446 771775

Follow them on twitter 

Wedding Fairs; Your thoughts

Having just recently organised a wedding fair in Exeter, I am now looking whether it is best to have another one in September or just leave it at once a year at this particular venue. 


Feedback from the suppliers who attended has been to have another one at the start of the wedding fair season in September which is fantastic. 

After compiling a list of all the local wedding fairs throughout the year, nearly every venue seems to be holding their own style of wedding fair - whether its an extravagant show or just an open evening. 


We have a few major fairs that take place over the entire weekend and others just on a Sunday - amazingly there were four on the same date in a close vicinity to each other! 

As a supplier myself, I only advertise at certain fairs and do not always find them very beneficial. Having said that I got a few bookings out of my last one so it depends on who is there on the day. So I am also now debating which, if any, I should advertise at this year.


When organising a fair, the most important thing is the advertising - it is hugely expensive to do but that is the only way to guarantee brides and the "right" brides for my suppliers.

Thankfully a lot of my suppliers took bookings or good leads to follow up on which makes all the hardwood worthwhile. 


So I thought I would ask your opinions on wedding fairs - whether you are a bride or supplier - I would appreciate your thoughts.

Do you think there are too many wedding fairs around now? Or can there be too many?

What draws you to a certain fair - is it knowing how it is advertised or as a bride knowing that a particular supplier will be there?

How do you decide which one as a supplier to advertise at?

Thank you for your time x

Claire

www.weddingsbyclaire.co.uk 

Invitation to South West Wedding Tweet-up

Over the last few months I have seen many tweet-ups taking place around the country and decided it would be nice to have something down in the South West to cover Devon and Cornwall (where possible).

Tweet ups are a fantastic opportunity for suppliers to finally meet, put a face to the tweets they have been receiving and get to know each other. We are very excited about organising this one in Devon.

So for all those South West wedding suppliers, and anyone from anywhere else in the country, we would love for you to join us on the 6 May in Exeter, Devon.

We would be grateful if you could RSVP so that we can keep track of numbers and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact:

Claire - info@weddingsbyclaire.co.uk or

Amanda - amandaardley@yahoo.co.uk

Supplier Q&A featuring Cakes by Krishanthi

Can you give me some more information about your business (where you are based, exactly what you do and how long you have been doing it?)

Cakes by Krishanthi, based in Surbiton, Surrey.  I retrained six years ago and been baking and designing cakes for family and friends; business was founded since just over a year ago.

What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry and why?

I love using my artistic skills and my creative mind to design wedding cakes.  It is such a happy occasion that the couples are usually on such high spirits when planning their wedding.  I enjoy the buzz of the wedding industry; it gives suppliers the opportunity to be creative, artistic and be innovative.  There are so many talented people out there.

What do you think makes a wedding stand out?

A wedding that is truly unique and personal which will reflect the couples’ true personalities.

What do you feel a bride should be asking a supplier when booking?

Talk specifically about their requirements, e.g. taste/ theme/ colours/ design/look/style/budget.  Ask whether the supplier offers (free) consultation and take advantage of it.  Do your research and prepare questions prior to the consultation.  Questions can also incl.  delivery and set up on the day of your wedding, ask to look at their portfolios, any testimonials, etc. 

When you have a wedding booking, how do you get yourself ready and prepare for it?

After the consultation, start working on design ideas and liaise with the couple.  Liaise with the venue.   Prepare anything that can be made in advance, e.g. sugar flowers, buy ribbons,etc.  Bake cakes 5-4 days in advance, ice and decorate 1-2 days before the wedding.

Do you have any pre-wedding, on the day or post-wedding tips that you would like to share?

Things can go wrong; don’t panic and remain calm.  Let others help you as much as possible.

Try to relax and enjoy everything prior to the wedding, on the day and after the wedding.

Don’t concentrate on what has gone wrong but concentrate on the positives.

Can you tell us one of your best wedding moments?

One couple gave me the opportunity to design their wedding cake.  I was only told about the colours of the wedding and that the cake should be quite unusual in look.  The day after the wedding, I got a call from a very excited bride who has since then recommended me to her friends.

Have you noticed any innovative or unique ideas at a wedding recently?

I love Martha Stewarts wedding ideas, very innovative and unique.  There are lots of vintage designs out there at the moment which I also like.  I love anything alternative.

What piece of advice would you give a bride (or groom) prior to their day?

STAY CALM AND TRY TO ENJOY AND HAVE FUN.

What do you think the next wedding trend will be?

Vintage will be around for a while. The following colours will be in trend for alternative weddings: teal and coral, mint and vintage purple.  However, The traditional white and ivory will never die out.

I think some young couples are moving away from the traditional weddings and looking for something different.  When it comes to cakes, people prefer to have sponges rather than the traditional fruit cake.  A lot of trend coming over from the US and definitely, internet helps couples to do their research well.  Wedding fairs also help couples to give ideas about what’s available out there.

How can brides find out more about you?  (Website/Twitter/Facebook)

Website: www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk

Twitter:  @KrishanthiA

Facebook:  Cakes-By-Krishanthi

Guest Blog Post; Lou Lou Belle Designs Press Release

Lou Lou Belle Designs is proud to announce the launch of their new range for Spring 2011 – ‘The First Dance Collection’.

Inspired by the decadence of Hollywood glamour and romantic vintage designs of yesteryear, ‘The First Dance Collection’ focuses on transforming statement focal pieces into beautiful bridal hair accessories that will be treasured for years to come.

A bride and groom’s First Dance symbolises the union of the newlyweds and this dynamic collection unites stunning diamante embellishments with classic pearls. Each piece has a unique signature style, taking its name from renowned dances such as the timeless Waltz or the quirky Fandango.

Waltz Double Band

Fandango

Waltz Comb

Using diamante embellishments and exquisite Swarovski pearls, the “First Dance” is a collection of distinctive and luxurious hair accessories including on-trend side tiaras and classic hair combs.

Charleston

Mambo

Designer, Lisa Longhurst, explains “My aim with this collection was to create a beautiful range of striking yet wearable vintage-inspired pieces that create a real wow factor for any bride on her special day”.

All pieces have the option of co-ordinating necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will complete a bridal look. These original designs are all handmade to order and adaptations are always welcome.

Samba

Rumba

With an ever-growing fan base on Facebook and Twitter, Lou Lou Belle Designs recently caused a stir with brides-to-be after releasing a sneak preview of key pieces from this collection which were quickly snapped up before they’d even hit the website.

Lou Lou Belle Designs was launched in 2007 and specialises in handmade bridal and special occasion jewellery, dress brooches and hair accessories. All items are created by the designer, Lisa Longhurst, who takes pride in handcrafting each individual piece and providing a service with a personal touch. 

Launch date: Friday 18^th March 2011

Website: www.louloubelle.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/louloubelledesigns

Twitter: www.twitter.com/louloubelle_uk

For all press enquiries contact: lisa@louloubelle.co.uk 

Hair and make up: www.thepamperpartyexperience.co.uk

Photography: www.fotocreate.com and www.shotbylucy.com