
Every bride dreaming of a Disney style wedding knows that when it comes to the wedding venue, it has to be a castle. Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire is the perfect castle venue that’s steeped in history and set in five acres of grounds. The Great Hall is sufficiently grand for a Disney bride too.
We all dreamed of wearing THAT gold ball gown when watching the film. For those going with a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theme a ball gown-style wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline is definitely the way to go. For those of you looking for a truly authentic Belle look, why not try a shade of gold for your dress?
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To recreate the magic of the Disney classic on your big day, your colours have got to be blue and gold. Get creative with your bouquets, shoes, bridesmaid’s dresses and glassware to provide those all-important flashes of colour.
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Here’s your chance to really get immersed into the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ theme. Roses under glass cloches are the perfect way to stay true to the cartoon classic, get them to ‘float’ for serious authenticity. Table decorations are also a great way to bring in some of those brilliant characters like Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs Potts and, of course, Chip. Personalised teacups can always make quirky favours or name cards too.
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It wouldn’t be a Disney princess wedding without a seriously impressive hairstyle. Go for Belle’s beautiful brunette look with a classic half up-half down style and a whole load of curls. If you’re not thinking of replicating Belle’s long golden gloves, then you can always use the opportunity to get creative with your nails for the big day.
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The possibilities are endless for your ‘Beauty and the Beast’ themed wedding and if you needed any more inspiration for your big day, head over to Pinterest.
Here’s a sneaky peak of the upcoming film. We can’t wait until it comes out!
Our Top 5 Barn Wedding Venues in the East Midlands May 24, 2016For many brides, a barn wedding venue would be the perfect setting to celebrate their special day. The East Midlands is a region renowned for its rolling countryside and scenic views. These barn venues let you enjoy the best of your rural surroundings and range from modern, purpose-built barns to traditional venues steeped in history. Here’s our top 5 list of beautiful barn wedding venues in the East Midlands.
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The magnificent Mythe Barn is easily one of the Midlands’ best barn wedding venues. A relatively new venue in Leicestershire, Mythe Barn is thoughtfully designed and is a delightful blend of traditional and modern features.
With exposed brick and timber, full height glass panels and rustic oak beams, the two barns provide light and aesthetically pleasing settings for ceremonies and celebrations. It caters for outdoor weddings too with the beautiful oak gazebo in the colourful gardens providing the perfect location for you to say your vows in the open air.
The Hayloft is a honeymoon suite to die for. Lovingly decorated and boasting an ornately carved bed and its own secret balcony, it’s an incredible place to unwind after your big day.
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Rustic, romantic and relaxing, Dodmoor House is a charming Grade II listed property that hosts a courtyard of beautiful barns, ideally placed in rural Northamptonshire. It was also the first venue to win Venue of the Year for the second time in the National Wedding Industry Awards.
Built with Northamptonshire stone, timber windows and slate tiles, the property is wonderfully traditional. Enchanting with a rich history, Dodmoor House is intimate and inviting, ideal for a laid back country wedding.
The Courtyard Barn and Catesby Barn both exquisitely combine traditional and modern features and provide incredible locations for your ceremony and reception. Boasting exposed stone walls, authentic oak beams and elegant full height glass doors, the barns are both full of natural light which highlights the traditional details beautifully.
Within the four-acre estate is the honeymoon suite, complete with wrought-iron bed, vintage-style furniture and oak arched patio doors leading to a private terrace. It’s the perfect place for any newly married couple to spend the night.
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Situated in idyllic Northamptonshire countryside, Dodford Manor is an award-winning, luxury wedding venue is a rural retreat with plenty of Old English charm.
The stunning Mortain Barn is a beautiful space to exchange vows that dates back to the 1680s. Traditional in appearance yet lovingly restored with modern touches, the exposed brick and beams combine with chic floor to ceiling glass windows and doors flawlessly.
The Oak Barn is an atmospheric and sophisticated place for the wedding breakfast and party. With high ceilings, timber beams and full height glass doors, it provides a sensational extended space with incredible views of the grounds and countryside.
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Off the beaten track and surrounded by charming countryside, The Granary at Fawsley is an inviting and intimate Grade II listed venue in Northamptonshire.
Fusing tradition with contemporary touches, The Granary offers an eclectic style; 17th Century barns, a historic church and modern accommodation.
Quintessentially English, the barns have been lovingly restored. With original oak beams, quaint windows and white wooden cottage-style doors, the Fawsley Suite is rustic, romantic and full of charm.
The Barn is the perfect place to celebrate. This converted building takes prime position within the Estate, with wonderful views of the beautiful grounds. Thoroughly modern, the barn is lined with ivory drapes and boasts a large dance floor and starlit ceiling, creating a most stunning space.
The Granary at Fawsley really is a hidden gem, offering a secluded, sophisticated and stylish place to say ‘I do’.
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Standing splendidly in lovely countryside, Hazel Gap Barn is a remote and tranquil wedding venue in Nottinghamshire. The venue is near completion and is taking bookings for December 2016, with enquiries already being made.
Rustic and romantic, The Barn and The Farmhouse stand either side of a quaint walled farmyard. Boasting traditionally crafted oak timbers and a huge brick fireplace, The Barn will provide the perfect atmosphere to host the ceremony and after party.
The purpose-built dining room will offer fantastic views of the lawns and woods that surround the venue, and opens into the rustic courtyard, the ideal sun-soaked setting for post-ceremony drinks.
Hazel Gap Barn promises to be an enchanting venue and one of the most requested venues in Nottinghamshire.
Boho weddings are all the rage at the moment and with the emphasis on individuality and anything-but-the-norm, we offer a few tips on how the groom and his groomsmen can stay on trend and express themselves through their wedding day outfits.
A coloured suit or shirt can be a great way to add a touch of personality and keep to the colour scheme of the wedding. Think blues, greys and browns, or something a little brighter if you’re looking to stand out.
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You might want to let the season influence your colour choice too. Light, pastel colours are perfect to brighten up an outfit for a spring or summer wedding while deep reds and woody shades are ideal for those autumnal or winter occasions.
Using different patterns and textures can be a brilliant way to create an individual look on your big day. Tweeds give a relaxed, gentry feel that is perfect for a barn or country house wedding. Velvet creates that dapper style and is a good way to incorporate a touch of class into your bohemian wedding. Combine a few different patterns and materials to create a really unique look for your big day.
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The tie is a major factor in any groom or groomsmen’s attire but it can be just as effective by leaving it off as putting it on. Textures, patterns and colours are a great way to mix it up a bit, or maybe ditch the traditional and go down the Great Gatsby route with a classy bowtie instead. However you use it, a tie can certainly complete the look.
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To really embrace that relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, how about ditching the tie altogether? It’s a great choice for those rustic summer weddings and is a definite step away from the traditional formal wedding.
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To break from tradition, you can always do away with the suit jacket, replacing it with something a bit quirky, or with nothing at all.
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Choosing to go without a jacket takes away a degree of formality and can also help to show off other parts of the outfit such as a sharp waistcoat or a pair of braces.
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There are so many ways to choose some trousers with a twist. Opt for a skinnier fit or slightly shorter leg length for a modern touch. Try some linen or lighter coloured trousers for a casual summer themed wedding. Or for that more down-to-earth vibe, a good pair of jeans can be an excellent choice.
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A great pair of shoes can finish of groom’s outfit perfectly. Think about tearing up the dance floor in a pair of boots, burnished brogues or leather deck shoes to stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget your funky socks too!
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How to host a quintessentially English wedding afternoon tea party May 13, 2016We’ve put together our top tips for pulling off a distinctly English themed afternoon tea party.
It’s important to start with the basics, and what better way than collecting some pretty tiered cake stands and vintage tea sets? Charity shops and second-hand markets are the perfect places to source your chinaware. Don’t forget cake slices, cutlery, napkins, dainty lace doilies and hand-crafted name place signs.
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Add extra character to your spread with antique tablecloths, meadow blooms and colourful, homemade patchwork bunting – all charming features that your guests won’t fail to appreciate. Another tip is to have your chosen music playing from good old-fashioned gramophones.
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Tea party etiquette states that the sugar and milk be set on the table, ready to pour your guests as they sit down. Try to provide a variety of teas – English Breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint and chamomile are always crowd pleasers.
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Fizz is a must at any wedding and, without doubt, lends a luxurious feel to an afternoon tea. Champagne is always lovely but, for those on a budget, Prosecco and Cava make for wonderfully refreshing – not to mention tasty – alternatives.
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Other suitable alcoholic drink options include Bucks Fizz, Pimm’s or a Sloe Gin Royale. The perfect soft drinks to serve include iced tea, cloudy lemonade and elderflower cordial.
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Generally speaking, the food offering at a traditional afternoon tea party consists of a selection of finger sandwiches, a layer of cream cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream. For a twist, sugar flowers and fairy cakes will make lovely additions to your offering, and could always double up as delicious wedding favours.
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However, it’s more than acceptable to go completely off-piste with your choice of menu. Popular alternatives include mini pies, quiches and burgers, served with Gentleman’s Relish.
Image © CP Photography
Image © David Perkins Photography
Whatever you choose, a whimsical afternoon tea is sure to delight your guests, creating a warm atmosphere and lovely memories that they will treasure forever.
How to select your boho wedding ring May 12, 2016Searching for a truly unique wedding ring? One with a beautiful and intricate setting in a boho style? Ring designs don’t have to be boring – in fact, you can opt for pretty much anything you want. The key to selecting the right gem is thoroughly researching your ring type and deciding what shape, size, style and colour will work best for you.
1. Choose a boho ring to fit with your engagement ring – and if you can, get a wedding set designed together.
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2. Be inspired by different shapes and settings – all of which can create a really different look.
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3. You don’t have to stick to diamonds either, instead, why not embrace some colour?
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4. Opal is a great choice for boho babes too.
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5. Chunky designs can look great and fit right in with the boho trend…
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6. but so can delicate designs, which might be practical for some brides and more suitable in the long-term.
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7. You can also choose from yellow gold, white gold or rose gold.
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8. If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for, why not design your own bespoke rings? You can seek inspiration from boho ring specialists, like Heidi Gibson.
9. On the big day itself, why not team your new ring with other boho gems for the ultimate boho look?
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10. You can also add the perfect finishing touch with boho-styled ring bearer boxes or accessories, which you can also treasure forever, like these dainty, hand-painted gems from Fern and Pine Co.
Whether you choose to take these wedding superstitions seriously is up to you (we don’t think we shall!), but they’re fun to know all the same…
1. Looking for a lucky day? Wednesday is considered the ‘best’ day to marry, while Monday signifies wealth and Tuesday is for health. Saturday is, in fact, the unluckiest! Oh, and don’t marry in May: ‘Marry in the month of May and you’ll surely rue the day’. It just so happens to be one of the most popular months for couples these days!
Image © Samuel Docker Photography at Mythe Barn
2. On to your wedding dress. If you’re considering wearing a colour, you might like to think twice before wearing one of the following shades…
‘Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen.
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back’.
On a more positive note…
‘Married in white, you have chosen alright.
Married in blue, you will always be true.
Married in pink, of you he’ll think.’
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3. If you’re wearing a veil, good luck is coming your way. According to superstition, the veil hides the face of the bride, protecting her from evil spirits. Think twice before asking your groom to lift the veil from your face… part of an ancient wedding ritual symbolising the groom taking possession of his wife!
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4. On the morning of your wedding, it is considered back luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony. However, if you’re after some good luck, glance in the bedroom mirror just once in your wedding dress before leaving for your wedding.
Image © Ed Brown Photography at Mythe Barn
5. As for the wedding ring – we all know that engagement and wedding rings are worn on the forth finger of the left hand, but why? There was thought to be a vein in the finger, the ‘Vena Amoris’ directly connected to the heart.
Image © Kerry Unwin Photography at Wasing Park
6. Bouquets were traditionally chosen for their scent, with a groom’s buttonhole going back to the days when a knight would wear his Lady’s colours. The throwing of the bridal bouquet is still popular, and it is said that the girl who catches it will be the next to marry.
Image © Alex Tenters Photography at Upwaltham Barns
7. Confetti is to be encouraged. Before paper confetti, guests threw flowers, petals, grain or rice over the happy couple to bestow prosperity and fertility.
Image © Paul Willetts Photography at Curradine Barns
8. If you’re having a fruit cake as your wedding cake, give your unmarried friends a slice to take home. Tradition states that placing a slice of wedding cake under their pillow will enable a single woman to dream of the man she hopes to marry! You’ll also be delighted to know that the fruit and nuts symbolise fertility, and that the three-tiered shape was inspired by the spire of St Bride’s Church in the City of London.
Image © Lisa Howard Photography at Sandhole Oak Barn
9. The Tudors supposedly considered it good luck to throw shoes at the happy couple – not something we would enjoy or encourage! Why not just tie them to the back of the ‘Just Married’ car instead?
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10. And finally, don’t get too excited girls. The tradition of giving a wooden spoon dates back many years with this fine utensil considered the most useful to assist the new bride in her kitchen.
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12 of the best boho mother-of-the-bride outfits May 3, 2016When it comes to mother-of-the-bride attire, high street stores rarely offer anything other than the norm. But what if your mum wants to dress in a way to complement your day with a beautiful boho gown? In today’s blog, we’ve trawled the high street to find the best designs – from a touch of boho to hippy queen, we’ve got it all covered…
This Together gown, from Kaleidoscope, screams ultimate boho babe. The handkerchief hem is bang on trend and the yellow shade perfect for spring and summer weddings. Team with chic shoes or even wellington boots – should there be a downpour on the big day!
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For mums willing to embrace the body-con look, you can’t get much better than this lace dress. The Luna dress, from Free People, comes in a flattering midi-length and is available in red or mint. The cute elbow length sleeves also mean there’s little need for a wrap, while the eyelash trim adds a fab finish.
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Elegant, timeless, and beautiful, this stylish gown, from Ghost, is perfect for mum. It’s fitted without being body-con and oozes sophistication with its full-length style. The V-neck and delicate puffed sleeves also add a flattering finish.
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If the thought of going all-out with a hippy-inspired gown is a bit of a concern for mum, why not try something that embraces the boho trend in a more modern and traditional fashion? This shorter floral dress, from M&S, looks great on its own or teamed with a pashmina or jacket.
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If your mum loves her designer labels, she’ll adore this Ted Baker gown, which mixes boho style and modern fashion perfectly. The halter neck gown is designed for special occasions, like your wedding, and comes in a figure-flattering style. What’s more, it’s the sort of dress you mum could wear over and over again – making it well worth the investment!
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3D gowns are still huge in the world of weddings – which is one of the reasons we love this 3D-inspired dress from Monsoon. The blue-grey floral guipure lace adds a really unique touch to this dress and is complemented by a pretty pink lining. Ideal for mums of all shapes, sizes and ages, it’s perfect for pretty, boho affairs.
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Make sure mum feels 100 per cent gorgeous in a comfortable yet stylish dress. Featuring a flattering spring-inspired colour palette of grey, black and pastels, this Wallis dress is sure to suit any mum. We also love the slim pink belt, nipping her in perfectly at the waist.
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This retro-inspired gown, from Ghost, is ideal for festival weddings or vintage, boho affairs. The loose fit is sure to make any mum feel comfortable while looking drop-dead-gorgeous. Ideal for spring and summer affairs, it’s sure to make the right impression.
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Not all boho gowns have to be bold and bright. This Needle and Thread gown, from House of Fraser, gets the balance just right. Combining florals and frills with a toned down colour palette, it’s a true wow-factor gown. It’s also a great choice for mums of all ages with its chic and demure style.
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This bright and beautiful royal blue and white ‘Bluebird’ dress, from Free People, will make any mum feel like a bohemian queen. With a stylish boho-inspired pattern, chic cap sleeves and an effortless fit, she’ll fit in perfectly with the rest of your bridal party.
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Phase Eight is known for its fab mother-of-the-bride dresses and this statement floral dress is one of our favourites. It allows mum to join in with the boho feel of the day while dressing a style more familiar to her.
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If your mum’s looking for something truly beautiful to wear on your wedding day, why not try the ‘Kate’ dress from Monsoon? The floor-skimming boho-inspired gown comes adorned with stunning watercolour florals and the fit is extremely flattering too.
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Bohemian Wedding Invitations April 4, 2016If you’re planning a boho themed wedding day then you’ll need the stationery to match! Your wedding invitations are the best way to show off your bohemian theme, and give your guests an ideal of the feel and atmosphere of the celebration to come. If you’re not sure how to convey a boho theme in your stationery, here are some details to look out for:
If your day has a rustic, outdoorsy feel to it, then choosing stationery with woodland elements is a sure fire way to get your guests excited. We love anything with wood textures, tree designs and animals like squirrels, rabbits and foxes. Woodland designs work for every season, but they look particularly pretty in autumn and winter.
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It’s not a boho wedding without a floral crown, so why not include them in your wedding stationery too? Circular floral designs are a beautiful framing device in wedding stationery, and can range from delicate wildflower designs to larger florals like peonies and roses. You could even match your bouquet and accessories to the flowers on your stationery!
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The chalkboard is a fun wedding trend that isn’t dying down any time soon, and we think it looks fantastic as part of a wedding stationery suite. To soften the design and make it look less starkly black, incorporate other elements from this list such as florals or photography.
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Whether it’s watercolour florals or a pretty painterly background, details that look hand painted are a great way to capture the boho bride’s artistic nature in an invitation.
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Teepees, bunting, fairylights – we love an outdoor wedding celebration! If you’re worried the British weather might let you down, then including these elements in your wedding stationery is a great way to get that outdoor feel for your day even if you have to resort to your indoor Plan B.
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Laser cut wedding invitations are a beautiful alternative to standard printed invites. Their delicate, intricate designs are sure to appeal to a boho bride’s romantic side.
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As well as the traditional florals, folk-inspired invitations are becoming more and more popular for bohemian weddings. Keep an eye out for boldly-coloured floral designs that look like woven embroidery and you’ll be on the right track.
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To add to the rustic feel of your wedding stationery, try to include a mixture of natural textures and materials in your design. Wood, feathers and hessian are all ideal, and you can tie them all with a twine or raffia bow.
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How to bling up your barn wedding March 28, 2016When it comes to your wedding day, you might feel like you have to choose between rustic chic and glamorous sparkle. We say not true! It’s easy to add a little bling to a barn wedding venue to create an elegant wedding theme! Here’s how to add sparkle to your rustic barn wedding…
The fastest way to add some glamour to your wedding is with chandeliers! If your barn venue doesn’t include them already, you may be able to hire them and have them installed temporarily – but make sure to discuss this with your venue as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you can’t go for full chandeliers, then hang crystals from any light fittings instead for a glitzy effect on a budget.
Image © Joanne Withers Photography
Without a doubt, the easiest place to ramp up the bling is on your table centres. The options are endless; you can include scattered table crystals, mirrored stands, embellished candelabras or tea light holders, or sequin table runners to name a few. For an easy DIY option that still looks glamorous, we like the effect of sprayed tree branches draped with crystal beading. Add a few of your wedding flowers in for a more boho effect.
A sparkling wedding day isn’t complete without an embellished wedding cake! Depending on how glitzy you want it to be, you could go for anything from crystal cake ribbons to metallic icing or a glittery cake topper. If you want to strike a balance between rustic and glamorous, then why not combine these elements with fresh foliage and flowers, or install a tree stump cake stand? Have a chat with your cake designer to see what options are available to you.
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Speaking of cakes, if you’d prefer to keep the jewels off anything edible, then simply add crystals to your cake stand instead! This works well for a single statement cake stand, or for a collection of stands to give a simple dessert table more impact. In fact, adding a crystal-embellished stand can liven up table centres, your guest book and your card box too!
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It’s easy to glam up your stationery – just add crystal brooches or stick-on sparkles! We especially love the way this looks with extra rustic details such a hessian, antique lace or twine. Wood prints also look great with some sparing glitter details. That way, you’re reflecting both your glamorous theme and your gorgeous barn venue.
Image © Colin Cowie Weddings
4 ways to be a charitable bride March 20, 2016With modern wedding budgets getting larger and larger, many couples are starting to feel that their money could be put to better use than fancier flower arrangements or an extra food cart, and are instead encouraging donations to charity instead. If you want to give to a cause that’s close to your heart on your big day, here are some charitable wedding suggestions.
This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate a charitable element into your day, as many UK charities now offer specific wedding favours. Charities such as Cancer Research, Macmillan, Alzheimer’s Society, Mind and British Heart Foundation to name just a few, all offer wedding favours – often you’ll receive a pin for guests to take home, and a card explaining that a charitable donation has been made in their name in lieu of a traditional favour. It’s a lot more meaningful that sugared almonds, and many of your guests will appreciate the gesture.
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These days, the traditional gift list just isn’t as relevant to modern couples; many of us often live together before marriage, meaning we already have all the homewares we need to set up a life together. If you’re struggling to come up with an alternative gift list, why not consider asking your guests to donate to charity instead of buying you a gift? Some charities can organise this with you directly, or gift list companies such as Prezola and Zankyou have specific charity gift lists that you can set up for your guests.
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If you’re struggling to come to terms with the cost of a brand new wedding dress, then why not save yourself money while donating to a good cause by buying a dress from a charity shop? In particular, Oxfam have an amazing bridal range, which is available both online and in shops. Not only are you likely to get a unique dress that won’t break the budget, it’s more environmentally friendly AND you’ll be donating money to charity. It’s a win-win!
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If the thought of a boozy night out wearing L-plates leaves you cold, then taking part in a fundraising activity with your hens is a fun, charitable alternative. Depending on the fitness level of your bridesmaids, you could take part in anything from a 5k Race for Life or a Pink Ribbonwalk to something a little more challenging, like a Tough Mudder course. This is also a great way to get in shape if you’re looking to lose a couple of pounds for the wedding day, while training with your hens is sure to provide the ultimate bonding experience.
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