Don’t let your wedding suppliers design YOUR dream wedding.

As an insider of the wedding industry for over nineteen years, it still amazes me when I rock up to a wedding that it’s the same old wedding; just a different date and a different couple.

Wake up and smell the roses (or peonies) girls (and boys).

The only reason the rustic wooden tree trunks are trendy is because your wedding supplier wants to get the most income back from their outlay. The only reason you’re sitting in a farmer’s field in a teepee is because someone told you a hotel or stately home charge you more when you mention the word WEDDING – oh and your best friend’s mate had one and it looked so twee…

Don’t allow yourself to be packaged; don’t be the Disney Theme Number 2 or the Glittery Package B. Don’t allow yourself to be told that you need to use this photographer and this wedding cake maker because “they are part of the package”. What happened to choice?

So what if you want to have fuchsia pink gerberas in your bouquet and you want your groom to wear a yellow tie – if that suits your personality then go for it. Of course, you may pay dearly for fuchsia pink gerberas at Christmas but it’s your budget!

You’ve been dreaming about your big day since you were six years old – was the rustic look in then? If it was then lovely and of course, you can’t beat a bit of gyp – but if it wasn’t your dream then it’s not going to be now – live your dream, after all you want it to be the best day of your life xx

#bringbackmyweddingdream #myweddingmychoice #dontforgetthegroom #contentmarathon #noendorsements #wedding

Discover your style at Etsy

Being a craftsman, I love to design bespoke wedding invitations and wedding favours that are one of a kind – bespoke to my couple’s wedding;
after all hopefully your wedding is a once in a lifetime event!

I can spend hours looking through Etsy – admiring the hours of work that has gone into many of the products showcased. Etsy is a wonderful world of small handmade businesses from across the world.

From handmade flower pins to beautifully handcrafted wedding rings;
and we just love Nina Holden’s fabulous baked products!

Check out this week’s Editors Picks for their Wedding Style Guide and let us know if you find that must-have, one of a kind item for your wedding.

Happy hunting!

The Wedding Season

It’s April, we’re fast approaching Easter and suddenly you realise that you have two weddings in May, one in July and three in August – and of course you must have a new dress for each wedding; you can’t be seen by friends wearing the same dress!

Here at Wedding Paraphernalia we’ve been scouring the shops for some great buys; we stopped looking when we realised that Coast could be the answer to your prayers – a one stop shop for some beautiful outfits.

We just love the colour of this Sorrento Jaquard with its modern high low hem. With a panelled waist and box pleats, it is finished with a lovely full skirt.

Or how about this pretty pastel Senhora Bardot Stripe Dress with its fitted waist and flare shape.

Personal favourite is the Rockafella Print Maxi Dress in soft pinks and contrasting black.

Well that’s three weddings sorted out for you! Happy dress shopping xx

The Ultimate Wedding Dress Experience

Just like buying your first home or your first car; buying your wedding dress is an experience you never want to forget.

You want to feel like a princess, you want to feel that all eyes are on you and you have the full attention of your chosen boutique. You don’t want to feel hurried, you want to celebrate this purchase.

There is an outstanding experience to be enjoyed at Courtyard Bridal’s new exquisitely designed boutique in Kettering. They have a catwalk showroom. Yes you read that correctly; they have a bridal catwalk showroom!

 

At an exclusive, private appointment you can enjoy an hour and a half of expert styling advice, a bottle of Prosecco and walk the catwalk like a supermodel!

Catwalk appointments are available weekdays 10-4pm and cost just £40. Also available Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and selected Sundays at £50.

The cost of this fabulous appointment is reimbursed if your wedding gown is purchased during your appointment (subject to conditions).

Contact the gorgeous girls at Courtyard Bridal on 01536 510333 or by email at info@courtyardbridalboutique.co.uk.

Have fun!

Four Ways to Help Pick your Perfect Wedding Rings

Every time I look at my left hand, I smile as I catch a glimpse of my wedding band. I chose an 18 carat gold band with a square amethyst, my birthstone. The wedding ring reflects my personality whilst showing my commitment to my man …

So how do you pick THE one, the wedding band that you will wear from this day forward, for ever and ever?

1. Take your time. Don’t buy the first one just because you like the look of it today. This ring will stay with you for a long time. If you can, wear it for a couple of days before you make up your mind. Yes, you can do this! Check out Orla James who has a wedding ring sample service. Wear the ring for a week and if it’s not the one for you, return for a full refund. They have some fabulous different styles.
2. Know how much you want to spend. Remember if you want to add jewels or have them engraved, this will add to the final cost.
3. Get the fit right. I don’t just mean sizing. Make sure you can wear it with your engagement ring, remember to ensure they are the same metal so they don’t rub together and wear too quickly. Your jeweller can make recommendations. And Orla James has a free ring sizer available to order!
4. Be different, or the same. There is no written rule that says you both have to have matching wedding bands. You may want rose gold, he may want platinum. Whatever you choose, make sure you smile every time it catches your eye!My nephew got engaged Christmas Day and now I’m obsessed at looking at engagement rings and wedding bands and you can probably tell I’m loving Orla James – what’s not to like on this website …… just checking out a new eternity ring for the New Year!

Winter Wedding Cocktails

Are you planning a winter wedding? Are you getting down to the finer details – like which drinks shall we offer as our signature cocktail?

If it’s cold outside, your guests will appreciate a warming drink to welcome them to your wedding reception. How about serving traditional mulled wine?

Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit

Red wine, cider and port – what more could you want? Finish with cinnamon sticks and cut fruit. You can get a great recipe at Bon Appetit.

This White Chocolate Eggnog Cocktail not only looks the part for a winter wedding, but eggnog and winter just go hand in hand.

Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Or for your something blue (and frosty) how about the Coco Snowball from the Breakers in Palm Beach?

Photo by Lila Photo

What will you choose? Why not spend some time with your bar company or venue bartenders and get them to create something special for you.

Happy tasting xx

Wedding Garters

The American tradition is for the groom to remove the bridal garter and throw it out into the bachelors – the guy that catches it  is the next one to marry – let’s hope he’s stood next to the single lady that catches the bouquet!

Blush Pink Wedding Garter

Taupe Wedding Garter

 

Whilst traditionally many brides still go for something blue on their wedding garter, there are many styles and colours available, including ones with beautiful flowers, crystals and butterflies.

Don’t forget to add your wedding garter photo shot to your list of photographs. Why not couple with a lovely brightly coloured pair of shoes?

No tricks, just treats!

Can you believe that the kids are back at school, X Factor in on the telly and we’re about to get three days of hot sunshine – well we are autumn bound!

Autumn to me means toffee apples, crispy leaves falling to the floor and of course Halloween is only next month. You are just in time to start organising that mega Halloween party.

Of course, we’ve got some personalised products for that spooktacular party but I’ve also pinned some great ideas onto Pinterest – check them out – you know you want to eat creepy Halloween food!

Wedding Stationery Trends for 2016

There are some great new trends coming through for 2016 particularly after years of “vintage”.

We’re seeing many geometric patterns, which is great for those couples who want to make a bold statement with colour and lines.

We have lots of different patterns – all of which are available in pocketfolds, wallets and cardstock so we are only limited by our imagination!

              

Invitations with Colour!

I love a bit of colour, in fact I would say that Wedding Paraphernalia specialises in colour as I don’t often do plain white, ivory or cream!

Today, I am shipping pretty gold pearlescent diamond flap laser cuts from my Nesbit range – their final destination being Jamaica. The gold gives them a beautiful luxury look – finished with the sparkle of the Swarovski crystals.

Have a lovely time in Jamaica Zena, are you sure you don’t want me to hand deliver??