Home » Archives for October 2012

Happy Halloween!

Would you ever consider a Halloween themed wedding?!

My sister and her fiancé are huge Halloween fans, and I've been subtly hinting that they should have a Halloween themed wedding.

Now, I know that that's really not their style as a couple, but I think it'd be a lot of fun. And it doesn't have to be creepy or haunting, it can also be beautiful. Click on the image below to view a wonderful Halloween themed wedding via Green Wedding Shoes to get some inspiration!

(photo credit: Brandon Kidd Photography)

1,000 Pearl Bouquet

Although flower bouquets are always going to be classically beautiful, I do love alternative bouquets like this 1,000 acrylic pearl bouquet from Bridal Bouquets by Ky for winter weddings.

It's romantic and can be used for an indoor and outdoor wedding. The plus side of alternative bouquets is also that you don't have to worry about them flopping or overheating or getting ruined as much as you would a flower bouquet.

Of course, they aren't for everyone, but they are an option that's still pretty!

(photo credit: the Bridal Bouquets by Ky Etsy shop)

Inspiration Board #36: Bridal Crowns

I love silk flower crowns! They're so romantic to me.

If you're disliking the idea of wearing a veil, a bridal flower crown is a great alternative. The following are five of my favorite handmade wedding crowns found on Etsy that are each unique and beautiful on their own.

Interested on making your own? A Practical Wedding has an awesome floral crown DIY.

(photo credit from left to right: autumn crown, white flower crown, mint crown, pink flower crown, lavender and leaves crown)

Original Animal-Themed Wedding Accessories

Add a touch of humour to your wedding day with these incredible animal drink stirrers. It's super rare that I spot a truly original wedding idea, and I LOVE these. Handmade by Pocketful of Dreams, you can choose from farm animals, wild beasties or jungle creatures, and the colour finish which best suits your wedding decor. I'd cut them short and use them as place-markers, or use them as an alternative to table numbers. The perfect addition to a wedding on a farm or in a zoo.....can you get married in a zoo? For more drink stirrer ideas, check out my Pinterest page.

♥ Want more wedding decoration ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding reception ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

Sunday Love Tunes (Returns!)

Sunday Love Songs from HMWeddingBlog on 8tracks Radio.

After my playlist maker stopped offering embed playlists, I had to find a new site to host Sunday Love Tunes on, and I found an AWESOME one. I am in love with 8tracks Radio, a website that lets you build a playlist by searching or uploading music. I hope you all enjoy the return of Sunday Love Tunes. And don't forget to check back next weekend for all new tracks!

Giveaway: Dream Cake Toppers

Congrats to Sara fro being our giveaway winner! :]

Thank you to everyone that entered! I loved getting to read what each of you would do as a couple's pose if you won! Every idea was super cute.

(Images provided by Pablo from Dream Cake Toppers)

Dream Cake Toppers is sponsoring a $100 USD gift card giveaway on The Handmade Wedding, which I'm totally stoked about! Read on for more details!

From Pablo of Dream Cake Toppers: Dream Cake Toppers started creating handmade cake toppers fifteen years ago and creates personalized figurines based on the provided photos of the bride and groom. The philosophy is to create cake toppers that are as personal as the cake, and which tell each love story in its own special way.

The cake toppers' figures can be selected from catalog models where only the head is personalized or designed from scratch based on the wishes of the wedding couple. Cars, sports or fashion accessories are possible, and the couple can be portrayed in any posture and clothing of choice.

Many things make our cake toppers unique, from the fact that we use different materials for the head and the body, to eyes that are manufactured and not painted. We put great attention to detail and have some of the best miniature clay artists. We give plenty of advise to the couples and in the case of custom designs we run our work by the client to make sure the result is fantastic. Our new website is truly one of a kind in the cake topper world.

Our favorite part of being a wedding vendor is helping create a unique day for the wedding couple. We do this with our product, which is unique every time, but also with our expertise and professionalism. We know stakes are high and make sure everyone in our team works with that in mind.

Ready to Enter?Please visit the Dream Cake Toppers website then leave a comment on this post including what "scene" you would want your wedding toppers to depict if you were to win, and please don't forget to include your email so I can notify you if you win. This giveaway will end in two weeks on November 9th, 2012 at midnight PST. G'luck! :]

(Please note that you must be a blog follower to enter or be following two of our other platforms. To join please see our right panel for our social media links.)

Let's Talk Supplies

Okay, so you've gotten tons of wedding DIY ideas from my list of 101 DIY's and throughout the web and you're ready to start putting things together to create some wedding magic. But do you know great supply sources that will allow you to keep within budget? For me it was a mixture of using coupons and great supply websites, as well as thinking outside the box that helped me keep costs down when I was planning my DIY wedding. To help you in this, I've put together a list of my favorite five supply "stores".

1. Michaels
Did you know that Michaels craft store always has a 40 percent off coupon that you can print from home as well as an app with a coupon central section? The coupon is valid for one item each day, but if you're going to be purchasing only a few items from them, you can spread your visits out and get some great deals on everything from tape to printable invitations to hot glue guns to glass vases to yarn.

2. Clear Bags
Are you planning on having DIY invitations? Make sure to check out the envelopes that Clear Bags offers. They're great, come in a variety of colors like ivory and silver, and they almost always send you a few extra when you order. Clear Bags also has tons of other great packaging items. For the best shipping rates, make a purchase over $45 USD.

3. Paper Mart
Like Clear Bags, Paper Mart also has a great selection of packaging tools as well a good supply of fabrics.

4. Etsy
Did you know that Etsy also sells craft supplies? And there are tons of awesome supply shops that usually have great prices. Shop around, and use their search engine optimally. The only thing to note is that often times you can find great offers that have to be shipped internationally, so if you're ordering from Etsy try to make sure you're ordering from the same country you're living in or have the time to wait for your supplies.

5. Nature
Have you noticed how many things in nature are free? You can make boutonniere using flowers from your backyard or autumn leaves. You can have nautical themed centerpieces using seashells you've found at a beach close by or use stones to hold up the wire that you're using to put your seating place cards on. The best thing about nature is its overabundance of beauty. If you're on a limited budget, don't forget that you can always mold nature findings to match your wedding colors or theme using spray paint or the likes. It's just a matter of being creative!

What supply treasure chests have you found?

(photo credit: Sandra Proudman)

Real Summer Countryside Wedding: Victoria & Richard

English summer weddings don't get better than this! Victoria and Richard celebrated their big day in the New Forest, with a traditional ceremony in the local church, followed by a marquee reception in the garden. For all those brides worrying about the English weather, just check out the gorgeous sunshine. There were perfect blue skies from start to finish, and they held their champagne reception on the lawn - bliss! I'm loving Victoria's stunning Ritva Westenius Couture gown and her cathedral length veil, plus her elegant pearl ear rings courtesy of W&W Private Jewellers. Stealworthy details include the herbilicious napkin bundles, the luggage tags, and the cute peg display for place cards and hats. Victoria chose family-style, long tables rather than round ones, which makes for a much more informal dining, and the airy marquee was decorated with stephanotis, white roses and orchids. Truly a stunning affair, all photographed by the talented Patrick from Butler Madden Weddings. For further suppliers don't miss Victoria's answers to the Before the Big Day Bridal Questionnaire below the pics.

The Before the Big Day Bridal Q&A - Victoria was kind enough to fill in our questionnaire, aimed at helping other brides with their planning process. Feast your eyes on her answers for helpful hints and tips from someone on the other side of her big day!

Where and when did you get married?
The New Forest, on 12th June 2010

What was your thinking behind choosing the venue and the decoration of the reception?
We chose our local church followed by a reception at our family home. We wanted an informal, relaxed wedding with a rural and rustic feel.

Did you have a theme, colour or motif in mind?
We chose a green and white colour theme.

Who made your wedding outfit (dress, veil, shoes and accessories), and how did you come to that decision? I picked a Ritva Westenius Couture gown, after visiting half a dozen bridal boutiques specialising in more floaty materials / Grecian style dresses rather than strapless / corseted dresses. I ended up falling in love with the material of this dress and increasing the lace! I teamed the dress with gorgeous pearl ear rings from my husband's company W&W Private Jewellers who come highly recommended!

What about your husband’s outfit? Where was it from?
He wore a traditional morning suit - I've no idea where it was from, but at least he got a completely new outfit, waist-coat and tie included!

And how about your bridesmaids’ outfits?
My mother made three green dresses for young bridesmaids

What type of cake did you go for, and how did you come to that decision?
We had a traditional 3-tier fruit cake made by friend and wedding guest, Lucy Till, who I'd highly recommend.

Did you have any favours? What were they? Was there any particular reason why you picked them?
No, we didn't have any favours, because my opinion is that bought favours can be naff and they're a slightly American tradition (wrongly or rightly). Couldn’t think of anything homemade that represented ‘us’, so preferred not to have favours!

Who was your florist, what flowers did you choose, and how did you come to that decision?
We had a local (& extremely knowledgeable) florist called Jill Stagg {01590 616201}, and we picked a selection of white flowers particularly stephanotis, orchids, roses amongst greenery. We had an amazing floral archway at the church entrance, and the flowers on the marquee poles were particularly gorgeous. Family members helped out with the arrangements on the tables.

Who was your photographer and how did you choose them?
We chose Patrick Butler-Madden, because he's a friend, but also a fantastic photographer. We researched his previous work and met with him to discuss our requirements, to make sure he was the right decision. On the day he was really professional and unobtrusive, and photographs were fantastic – highly recommended!

Did you enjoy planning your wedding?
Yes - it was a great opportunity for some family time as everyone was involved with various 'jobs'.

What advice do you have for brides planning their big day?
Enjoy being engaged – it's a special time. Then just do a couple of 'jobs' each weekend rather than a mad rush months in advance or near the end. It shouldn't be a stressful exercise or chore, so aim to approach it in a relaxed manner!

♥ Want more countryside wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about more church wedding ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

3 Bridesmaid Gifts You'll Love

Whether you choose to have many bridesmaid's or just a maid of honor, showing them how much you appreciate all their help and their love throughout your life is always a sweet sentiment. You don't absolutely have to get your girls a gift, but if you are planning on doing so the following are three great options from Junghwa, Mama Blue Designs, and Lulu Bug Jewelry.

(photo credits from left to right: personalized clutches, silver necklace bridesmaid set, rhinestone and leather bracelets)

Vintage Make-Do-&-Mend Style Wedding Garlands

Add a touch of vintage chic to your wedding with these crocheted flower garlands. Make it bespoke by picking the colours, and Emma Lamb will handmake them for you from Scottish wool. Unlike paper garlands, they'll last forever. The only difficulty is choosing the colours, with several beautifully named shades to choose from, like buttermilk, mustard, moss green, damson, mocha, russet and fuschia.

♥ Want more vintage wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about more wedding decoration ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

Girl + Boy = Love

I found this a couple of weeks ago, and every time I see it makes me smile.

How cute is this mustache and lips cake banner from Ann Kay Designs?

(photo credit: Ann Kay Designs Etsy Shop)

DIY Stitch Your Wedding Stationery

Sewing and stationery go hand-in-hand with these gorgeous DIY greetings cards. Create your own mini-heirloom by stitching a personal message and sending it to a friend. The brainchild of graphic designer Laura Trimmell, she promises they're super-easy to sew - just like connect the dots. Each 'Curious Doodles' pack includes five cards and matching envelopes, so you can share the love far and wide.

♥ Want more wedding stationery ideas? ♥ Or how about more DIY wedding ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

Introducing a New Section!

One of the things that readers are most interested in are DIY projects that they can use for their wedding. That's why I took a few days off of blogging to work on a brand new section of The Handmade Wedding blog!

You can now find a list of 101 wedding DIY projects available for you to look through in my tabs section! I hope that you all enjoy looking through the fabulous DIY projects I've compiled from throughout the web that include pinwheel printouts from Oh Happy Day and a lace doily candle holder project from Spirello.

I'll be adding more DIY projects to this list every once in a while, and wanted to ask: What kind of DIY's are you most interested in? Let me know, and I'll do my best to find relevant ideas!

Happy planning everyone! And happy Monday!

Real Winter Wedding: Christa & Jason

With all the sunshine we've been having recently, it's easy to forget the winter, but this gorgeous wedding will bring the crisp cold back into your life! Christa and Jason got married just as the snow started to melt, and check out its timeless, vintage feel. Huge brownie points to Christa for choosing a unique feathery headpiece rather than a veil, and isn't her flower-girl just the cutest? I want a pair of white fluffy ear-warmers for this winter too! What's more, I've been forecasting the return of the pomander for winter weddings, and Christa was right there ahead of the curve with these pink and lilac beauties. Fabulous inspiration for winter brides. Big love to Simply Bloom for these gorgeous pictures.

♥ Want more winter wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about more feathery wedding ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

One Kings Lane for Wedding Gift Registry

Joe and I photographed an awesome wedding this past weekend (photos to come). It reminded me why I love weddings so much. Michelle and John are an amazing couple, and throughout their big day there were stoked to tie the knot. To anyone that has gotten married recently, congratulations! Marriage is an amazing and wonderful thing.

I'm going to be working on finishing the DIY page today! And I hope you all will love it.

Meanwhile, have you hear of One Kings Lane? It's a sales event online shop that offers home decor finds at a discounted rate. Some of my kitchen photography is being featured on their site at the moment, and it made me think that they might be a great place to register to. You can't really register to general items since the sales only last three days, but using the Gift Registry 360 tool you can add their gift cards to your wedding registry. They offer tons of great items from kitchen decor to living room art professional framed.

Autumnal Bridesmaid Dresses Inspiration

With autumn fast upon us, and the leaves changing, I'm finding wedding inspiration in seasonal colours and vegetables {think pumpkins and squash, rather than turnip}. Just take a look at the divine colour of this bridesmaid dress by Coralie Beatrix. It's called Moroccan Blood Orange, which is almost as good as the names Farrow & Ball give to their paints. This so-called Octopus wrap dress is completely convertible, with a million different styles, so your bridesmaids can wear the gown according to their personal style. At just over £50, they're a steal, leaving you plenty of extra cash to buy an incredible flower crown.

♥ Want more bridesmaid ideas? ♥ Or how about more autumn wedding ideas? ♥

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Before the Big Day - the Best UK Wedding Blog.

Marie Antoinette Wedding & Hen Party Inspiration Shoot

This glamorous Marie Antoinette style wedding inspiration shoot is right up my street! Organised by the lovely Gemma Longworth of Buttons & Roses Events & The Button Boutique to promote their event styling business, it makes me want to host an up-market hen party for all my girlfriends. Combining pink champagne, cupcakes and a fascinator craft workshop, it's the perfect bonding opportunity. I adore the vintage china by Victoria Rose Vintage Crockery Hire, and the glamorous pearl strewn flower arrangements would work perfectly at a wedding. If you're a real fan of DIY, you could even theme your wedding around crafting. Take a look the jars filled with cotton reels - they'd look fabulous as table displays at your wedding reception. If you'd like a similar look for your wedding day or hen party, do take a look at the Buttons & Roses Events website. Gorgeous pictures by Lucy Greenhill Photography.