Wedding Planning, Ideas and Inspiration

Are kids included in the invite?

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 03-09-2010

Category : Wedding Help, Wedding Planning

Tags: inviting children, kids at weddings, wedding invitations

I never really thought about whether or not kids should be invited to our wedding. One thing is for sure, we will have at least one – our son Callum.

At the time of our wedding, Callum will only be 3. It will be a long and tiring day for him. I expect that at some point he may get cranky and most likely will throw one of his almighty tantrums (quite possibly during a moment where silence would be appreciated).

Sure – in an ideal world he would be the perfect little angel that smiles all day long for numerous cameras, doesnt launch his unwanted vegetables at his gran or get hyper on sweets and refuse to go to bed – but at the same time, he is a kid, and so I guess we just have to go with the flow.

With that in mind – it got me to thinking, how does it work with children at weddings?

I mean, as much as I want our closest friends and their family to be there – is it awful if we don’t invite every child we know to our wedding?And if we chose to go down this route – how on earth do we tell our friends and family that their children aren’t invited?

Here are a few suggestions people have had. Let me know if you have any others or how you dealt with the situation and I will add to the list to help couples in a similar situation.

Include a “guest information” leaflet with the invitations stating that it is an adult only event or “Respectfully, an adult occasion”
Don’t put “and family” on the invites (although to me this one seems a bit vague!)
Wait until they ask and then have the conversation in person – or if you are brave enough have the conversation prior to sending out your invites
Blame it on venue restrictions

I guess, as with everything, there are no hard and fast rules. Some may be offended, others relieved to have a kid free day. It would seem that weddings will cause offence to someone at somepoint in the planning and whether we like it or not – it’s all part of the process.

One thing remains though, it is YOUR wedding day, and YOUR special day should be exactly the way YOU want it.

Another St Andrews in the Square Wedding!

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 01-09-2010

Category : Wedding Photographer

Tags: st andrews in the square, st andrews in the square glasgow

When the lovely Nick – from NDK photography – told me that he had shot a wedding at St Andrews in the Square at the weekend, I was desperate to see some photos!

Having done the google search a million times (mabye 5 million…), I never tire of seeing images of the place. I sneaked another peek at the venue a couple of weeks back, I was passing (kind of) and was desperate to see the hall set up, and, luckily it was. The hall was set up for the meal and looked amazing, it made it seem even more real, in the not to distant future, it will be all set up for our big day!

Below are some images taken by NDK photography from Gail and Steven’s wedding on Saturday. Gorgeous couple, fabulous venue – and clearly a talented photographer!

Holidays & Hen Days (and Nights!)

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 30-08-2010

Category : Real Weddings

The past week has went by in a blur. We spent 4 days at the Centerparcs in Whinfell Forrest and then I had a hen day (and night, and subsequent day feeling ill and sorry for myself),

Although I had heard great things about the place (Centerparcs), when we first arrived and the rain was pouring and the car park was busy and we had hours to walk around in the rain before seeing our lodge – I must admit, I was a bit apprehensive. But, after a lovely pizza at Bella Italia and a wander around the place, it is easy to see why people go back year after year. Our little one is only 2, and after last year where he was confined to the buggy for a lot of our holiday (in Tenerife), it was great to be able to let him “off the leash”.

There is so much for kids of all ages, and even though the place isn’t that big, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained. Right, sales rep chat over.

So, the hen day. Wow – Alisons bridesmaids did her proud.

First we went to a terrific ceramic painting shop in Kirkintilloch. Where, after much debate over whether I should paint a cup, or a bowl, or a christmas decoration or, well let’s just say the list goes on. In the end – I opted for a teapot. Yup, no more tinkers tea in this household! I think I have a natural talent – wouldn’t you agree?

And then we sailed down the canal in a lovely barge fit for, well for a group of girls looking to sing and dance and be merry! The wine was flowing, we played Mr&Mrs quiz, we sang along to dirty dancing and take that and waved to all the passers by (some of whom made rude gestures, but hey ho, that’s Glasgow for you!)

All in all, a great day out – lot’s of friendly faces, lot’s of happy memories and lot’s of sore heads the following day!

Lochside House – Mr and Mrs Brown

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 26-08-2010

Category : Real Weddings

Another stunning bride, Jen and her groom, Craig share some of their wedding photos and highlights from their special day at Lochside House this year.

Over to Jen and Craig – Enjoy!

Why your chosen venue
We first got engaged at Christmas 2005 and spent some time just going around different venues to get an idea of what we were looking for. We visited a place every couple of months and after a year we had maybe visited about 10 venues, none of them ‘did it’ for us. They were either too expensive, or needed upgrading or we didn’t warm to the staff. Then a work mate recommended Lochside House to us; it was over an hour away from our home but we thought we would check it out and immediately fell in love. It just had everything, the right price, the exclusivity, amazing food and the staff – the staff were really what sold it to us as everyone, from the owner down to the reception staff, give outstanding service. The other thing we fell in love with was the ceremony room – with its panoramic views over Loch of the Lowes.

Best memory from your day
This had to be standing across from Craig during the ceremony and looking at his face when he said his vows. We had a humanist ceremony and we both had to email our celebrant a little piece about what we meant to one another, however we weren’t allowed to read each others until we heard it on the day. Hearing the lovely things he said about me was so special and I am so glad we captured it on dvd.

Where you got your dress from, any memories from dress shopping?
I have a bit of a funny story about my dress. My mum and I went to a wedding show at Lodge on the Loch at Loch Lomond not long after I got engaged. We hadn’t even set a date yet but we were considering LOTL as a potential venue. I spotted this lovely dress at one of the stalls and pointed it out to my mum as a potential style and colour for the future. The girl asked if I wanted to try it on, and I said no, but my mum cajoled me into it and I fell in love. The girl said she might be able to do me a deal as it was sale stock, so she came back and offered me my dress, plus veil, shoes and tiara of my choice for £200!!! I snapped it up, thinking I could sell it on ebay if I changed my mind. Four years later, I still love it and am so glad I bought it.

Worst bit about planning
The worst bit about planning was definately trying to please everyone else. Everyone will have their own ideas about what you should and should not do/have/buy/serve etc and the biggest lesson I learned was to just make sure we had what we wanted as you can never please everyone.

Best bit about being married
The best bit about being married is just being married I guess. It’s amazing to wake up in the morning and know I am his wife, after waiting nearly five years to make that come true. It is also so nice not to have to plan a wedding now, and to have the time to spend with my lovely husband.

Any fabulous worthy of note pressies, or gift list recommendations?
We were just so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and kindness. We have been able to do so much to our house to really make it feel like a home, things we would never have been able to do, and we are so grateful to our friends and family.

Some wonderful photos, and what a fab dress – a true bargain indeed!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Brown, thanks for sharing your special day with us and all the best for the future.

All photos were taken by Loudoun Media.

Bridesmaid Dresses on the High Street

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 24-08-2010

Category : Bridesmaid Dresses

Tags: bhs bridesmaid, bridesmaid dress, bridesmaid dresses, coast bridesmaid, coast dress

There are some truly wonderful (and fashionable!) dresses on the high street at the moment – and I think that some of them could easily be used as a bridesmaid dress.

For me, I’m not too fussed what style my bridesmaid wears – as long as it is in the correct colour scheme I have in mind – which to be honest changes weekly!

Here are a few of my favourites that we have come across;

Lots of stunning dress, lots of lovely colours! How on earth is a girl supposed to chose.

Which would be your favourite?

Stumble on Sunday before my holiday tomorrow!

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 22-08-2010

Category : Stumble on Sundays

Tags: Wedding Decorations, wedding ideas, wedding inspiration, wedding-inspiration.com

Before I jet (well drive!) off on my long awaited holiday tomorrow, I thought it best to share with you some more fabulous stumbles this week. Was stuck in a boardroom for training for the majority of this week, so Etsy became my savior (think I may have mentioned once or twice my love for Etsy!). Here they are – enjoy;

Going down the gift route – are you stuck for ideas for the groom? These cant go wrong!

Decorations a plenty this week (did you see my vinatge post?) – bunting is everywhere at the moment, but for something a bit different, how about these fun felt garlands;

Wooden letters seem to be cropping up on many a top table, these ones could be created in line with your wedding colours or themes

Not entirely wedding related, but chalkboards are a fun prop – and this one double up as a magnetic board too. Yay for ShabbyVintageMom and her upcycled items!

Hope you find some inspirational ideas for your wedding!

Enjoy what is left of your weekend – speak to you all next week when I return (well, if I can keep away from Twitter that is!)

My “Best of” Vintage Wedding Decorations

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 20-08-2010

Category : Guest Posts, Wedding Decorations

Tags: vintage wedding, vintage wedding ideas, Wedding Decorations, wedding ideas, wedding inspiration

I have a real thing right now for anything in a vintage style (or real vintage ofcourse!). With such pretty and romantic looking accessories, table decorations and dresses available, I think this style is ideal for a wedding.

A couple of weeks back (before the computer went on the brink) Gemma – from The Wedding of my dreams and I, got talking about all the fabulous vintage inspired table decorations she currently has on offer – and luckily for us, she is willing to share the best with us!

So, over to Gemma;

At The Wedding of my Dreams we currently love everything vintage. We are an online shop selling wedding table decorations, favours, venue decorations, brooches and some unique extras, with our vintage ranges
being some of our best sellers.

1. Vintage Birdcage Table Plan – This is one of my personal favourites, and has been loved by our brides. The slightly domed Antique finished metal frame complete with love bird comes with limed wooden pegs to hold your Table Cards in place.

2. Silver and Glass Vintage Votives – These glass votives come in three different designs with silver metal twisted around the rim to give that vintage lace filigree effect. Simply place a t-light in the glass votives to add that dreamy, romantic look to your wedding tables.

3. Vintage Mocha Freeze Dried Rose Petals – Our mocha coloured rose freeze dried petals are grown with care and attention in the Shropshire countryside. They are a taken from high quality roses where you can see the curves and intricate detail of each petal. These amazingly vintage looking rose petals would look perfect scattered on the tables to fit with your vintage wedding theme.

4. Oh so Vintage Wedding Sign: Celebrate – Make your wedding individual with wedding signs. Vintage inspired and distressed metal sign with inspirational words reading ‘Celebrate Life: Rise with a smile,
rejoice in the day, dance in the moonlight’.

5. Silver Lovebird Name Place Holder – If you are looking for something to display your place cards with look no further, these unique little silver birds look stunning on wedding tables and can be given as
favours for guests to take home for their memos/photos.

6. Silver and Pearl Brooch – Each Stunning Silver and Pearl Brooch is carefully created to add that perfect finishing touch to your wedding outfit, use it on the ribbon of your bouquet, as a gift for your bridesmaids. Or add that Wow factor to your table setting and add as a napkin decoration for special guests.

7. Hanging Heart Lovebirds – This vintage inspired decoration of white heart lovebirds will look gorgeous hung around your wedding venue inside your reception room, marquee or hanging from trees in the garden. A perfect finishing touch to your vintage wedding.

8. Soft Pink Flower Heads – These soft pink vintage flower heads look great in a vase or scattered around your guests tables or sweetie, use them in vintage tea cups to decorate favour boxes and other creative ideas.

9. White Flower Candle in Vintage Tin – These candles are handmade and smell beautiful as soon as the tins are opened, I love the design on the lid of the tin, making them an original addition to any wedding, whether they are positioned on the guest tables to tie in with your vintage look or are saved for special guests to take home in memory of your special day.

10. Pretty in Purple Candle Holder – Each candle holder is covered with pink/purple daisy and viola petals giving it a romantic summer look. As the pinks and purples are soft tones they would look beautiful in a vintage inspired wedding.

All of the vintage wedding decorations above and many more can be found at The Wedding of my Dreams and if you’re in to twitter follow me for our latest news and updates @theweddingOMD

Thanks Gemma – I think I want them all!

Your Wedding Stationery by Cards by Sophie

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 18-08-2010

Category : Sponsors, Wedding Stationery

Tags: cards by sophie, wedding stationery

As wedding stationery is my passion, I thought I’d give you a few tips on how to choose yours! Your weddings stationery sets the scene for your big day and gives guests an idea of what your special day will be like.

Personally, I wouldn’t worry about picking a theme for save the date cards – these can get sent out as much as a year in advance, so you may not even have chosen a theme yet. If not, choose something you like the look of – it really is that simple!

For some couples, their invitations help set the tone of their wedding day, and in deciding, may help you decide on flowers and other accessories. To help you decide, think about all the things you love, a favourite colour, your ideal décor, the place you are getting married, whether you want something traditional or modern.

We offer 14 designs through our website at Cards by Sophie, and we welcome bespoke orders too. If there is something you’ve found or a particular item that has become your inspiration for your wedding, let us know. We love a challenge and are keen to work with you to ensure the stationery is exactly as you envisaged.

So, once you have decided, what do you order and when?

Here’s our handy guide:

Order Save the Date cards once you have fixed your wedding date: as a general guide at least 9 months to a year before your wedding. Send these out as far in advance as possible if your wedding is at the height of summer or mid-week.
Order Invitations, RSVPs and pocketfolds. Aim to be sending out invitations at least 2 months prior to your wedding. Remember to allow enough time for your stationer to make all your items (we ask for 4-6 weeks). Once you’ve found a design, choose a colour theme. Your stationer will then send out a proof so that you can check all the details are correct.
Order on the day items. These can be ordered much nearer to the actual wedding and include anything that will be used on the big day itself! We know how long it takes sometimes to finalise things such as details with the vicar, caterer or even your final guest list, but as a general guide we usually request these be finalised around 4-8 weeks before the wedding.
Order favour boxes and thank you cards. Many clients purchase these at the same time as the invitations – however they can be left until nearer the time! Thank you cards and favour boxes can be tailored to match the rest of your stationery.

If you are ordering stationery package with us, then don’t worry – we give you plenty of reminders as to when we need your information! Our suggested timescales are exactly that – suggested! We realise that it’s not always possible to stick to them, but don’t worry – we can often help out if you have a tight timescale. Drop us a line, we love to help!

For more info, or to see more of our range please visit our website www.cardsbysophie.com.

Making Speeches at Weddings

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 16-08-2010

Category : Guest Posts

When it comes to our wedding speeches, I have no idea what to expect. My dad is a very sociable man, but standing up in front of all our friends and family, that has to be daunting. My future husband is confident singing in front of whoever will listen, but a speech – that is a whole new ball game.

Kim – Your London Wedding Planner – gives these tips on giving a wedding speech.

Some of the most appealing, yet daunting aspects of a wedding are the speeches, the best friends of the Bridegroom are eager to gain the position of ‘Best Man’; until they realise that they have to prepare what’s traditionally seen as ‘the funniest’ of all the speeches of the couples special day. Very often Fathers of the Bride are conflicted with both pride and nerves when standing and presenting their daughter to the room. Nerves are natural; but the act of making the speech doesn’t start at the wedding reception, it starts months and months in advance. It doesn’t seem like an easy task – but it can be with a little thought, preparation and practice.

Firstly, when Thinking about your speech; ensure that what you’re saying is relevant to the occasion. The more precise and honed your ideas are, the better the speech will flow and the better you will feel delivering th speech. Do be sure to give it a lot of thought before you begin to structure your speech; for Fathers of the Bride – this means sentimentality, and possibly one or two little embarrassing numbers about both the Bride and the Bridegroom. For the Best Man, it’s a whole other story; be sure to make your speech appropriate for the expected audience. Do take into consideration the presence of small children and elderly people who may not take kindly to crude stories. Keep it smart, snappy and witty – this is your chance to toast your best friend and his new wife. A day that everyone will remember; so make sure it’s remembered for the right reasons!

Secondly, a little Preparation can help you structure the speech to suit the occasion. It’s more than likely been a very long and tiring day for everyone, just before your speeches – so try not to be too longwinded or heavy – upbeat and quirky is key. Be sure to edit, and rework your speech so you’re not telling too many similar stories, and that your overall message features from start to finish. For the Best Men, the preparatory element may include gathering stories from parents and such – do be sure to choose the best ones, as one can only successfully present a handful of stories in one sitting without their audience becoming restless.

Lastly, it’s important to Practice your speech. Whether it’s practiced on your partner, a small, select group of family members (after all, you don’t want to spoil it) or even just the dog! It’s a huge cliché, but practice really does make perfect. If you think, prepare and practice the speech in due time – then you won’t even need cue cards on the day; after all, there’s nothing more annoying than someone fiddling with a piece of paper whilst giving a speech.

Make sure you’re comfortable with all of the relevant content of the speech – cut out any words that trip you up, or unnecessary statements. Before you know it, you’ll be standing in front of a grand audience toasting your friends/family and giving a duly pleasing speech indeed.

Hopefully that will be of use to some of you preparing your speech!

Thanks Kim.

For more information or help on Kim’s wedding planning service, please visit her website at www.yourlondonweddingplanner.co.uk

More Stumbling – Stumble on Sundays

Posted by inspirer | Posted on 15-08-2010

Category : Stumble on Sundays

Tags: wedding ideas, wedidng inspiration

I’m afraid that this week, there has been a shortage of stumbling. With a broken computer and the fact that I dont have a smart phone, I have been pretty stuck. Ofcourse I have squeezed in the odd lunchtime search, and tried to keep up-to-date with twitter (did you see I made number 13 in the Top Uk Wedding Twitter List??!!). So here are some of my finds worthy of mention;

Someone over on the SWD forum was looking for Peacock feathers for decoration. Eager to help out, a lot of the girls suggested various places in Glasgow – me on the other hand, with the world wide web at my fingertips – I headed straight for Etsy! And look what I found;

Any Other Wedding’s blog, been chatting over Twitter and this girl’s blog is definately worth a read. Honest, and to the point she shares her ups and downs of wedding planning
The Top 100 UK Wedding Tweeters! Get in (and I was – at no.13!). Big thanks to everyone who follows me!
And following the peacock theme even further – if you are having favours, then how about these little pocket size mirrors – currently on offer, buy 3 get 4th free;

Vintage themed weddings are hugely popular at the moment – and offer couple’s the chance to hunt for some really unusual bits and bobs that haven’t been seen at numerous weddings gone before. Check out these goregous necklaces – ideal as a bridesmaid gift!

This couple shared their fabulous wedding with the Austin Wedding blog – check out purple shoes and cake.
I love the idea of DIY wedding decorations – so these paper backdrops are right up my street!