Keeping Those Cards Safe!

Cards. The one thing you are always guaranteed to get when you get married. But what to do with them and where to keep them safe during the nights festivities, especially if you have asked for vouchers? There are so many options available from the simple to the unique, whether you want to make it yourself or hire one out. Here are some great options to think about.

Hire

Hiring a postbox can be a great idea. Firstly, they always are a great feature for anyone's big day. And secondly, you don't have a big postbox laying around the house for ages (unless you want it and I will discuss that later). From replica Royal Mail boxes to bird cages, you can get such a vast variety of options!

DIY

Of course the other option, and the one I chose, was to do it yourself. Not only will it be more personal to you, but it makes a great keepsake box for the day as well. It doesn't necessarily mean a cardboard box however!

Weekly Round-up! (15th to 20th July, 2013)

Well it's been a hot week hasn't it! With myself busy organising my own wedding, its been all go. And as the country is on baby alert for Prince William and Kate, over at Evissa HQ we are on our own baby alert as Gemma (finally!) takes some time to rest up before her new arrival. But we still keep bringing you all the latest from the wedding world. Here is what you missed this week!

15th July

On Monday, I brought you one of my favourite childhood films, A Nightmare Before Christmas, and showed some great ideas on how to incorporate this fantastic, family fun film into your big day.

16th July

On Tuesday Araminta was getting romantic with roses. The ultimate sign of love and perfect for a wedding in any season, she shows some great ways to bring the love from the bouquet to inspirational tips.

17th July

Wednesday was all about Vera Wang. Not only one of Araminta's favourite designers, but one of mine as well, the collection is a mixture of traditional and modern styles, and is simply stunning. I looked at one myself, but the £6,000 price tag made my bank account cry. A girl can dream....

18th July

Rhiannon was with us on Thursday bringing some fantastic ideas for the wedding rings. With a mixture of unique, antique, simple and intricate, it's sure to get your mind racing with ideas!

19th July

Of course, Friday meant tie for another great supplier. This week we had Doodle Me A Tree with some great tips for planning your wedding, as well as links to the site to find out more on how to wow your guests with a unique entertainment experience.

20th July

On a dreary Saturday, Rhiannon was back with something to bring a little hop back in your step as she was talking alternative arrival drinks!

Alternative arrival drinks!

Stop thinking just champagne for drinks hour and mix it up a little!  Why not try creating a cocktail between you and your partner for a little personal touch? 

   Summer wedding?  Alcoholic frozen cocktail shots - lots of little pots of sorbet tasting drinks!  Pimms? Always a crowd pleaser!

    There are loads of fine micro brewers round the UK not,  a keg of a specially picked out ale may be just the ticket for non wine drinker.

    On a budget? Its all about the taste not what it costs you! There are lots of good cavas around that would please even the pickiest drinks.  I promise they won't judge you for it! Get the best you can afford not just a cheapest champagne.

**Featured Supplier** - Doodle Me A Tree

Today we have Andy Fisher and his company Doodle Me a Tree. The ‘Doodle Me a Tree’ concept is based on a very simple idea – when writing or drawing anything, your hand may be the tool that moves the pen, but it is your mind that is actually expressing itself…and it is speaking volumes about your personality, values, attitudes and beliefs! Here is Andy with his advice on planning your wedding.

The cake has been iced, the reception venue booked and the chauffeur is polishing your carriage even as we speak…is there anything you've forgotten?

It is hard to believe that Suzie and I have just celebrated the 7th anniversary of our own wedding day because it seems only yesterday that we were asking ourselves that same question!  We saved the pennies where we could – I did the calligraphy for all the place names and my wonderful wife found some innovative ways to reduce the costs for our honeymoon, but there were one or two areas where we didn't want to compromise.  We scrimped and saved to ensure that we had the best photographer we could afford and we made sure that we had provided our guests with entertainment that would make it a day to remember for everyone who attended.

A wedding is a curious event when you think about it; two families and sets of friends are thrown together for a ceremony, a meal and an evening of revels and yet they will be lucky to spend more than a few minutes in your company.  You and your partner are the social glue that connects this gathering of loved ones together and yet the vows, family photographs, seating plans and the sheer number of people in attendance means that you cannot possibly give them all the time and attention you would like to ensure they are enjoying themselves – after all, this is supposed to be your special day, right?   Don’t worry if you feel conflicted about this state of affairs, you are not alone!

It is likely that there will be lulls and waiting time, nerves, and even some social awkwardness on the big day but, in my experience, much of this can be relieved by engaging the services of professional entertainment.  Now I should put my cards on the table at this point because I am someone who performs at private functions including weddings and so I of course have a vested interest in what I am saying!  However, that doesn’t mean that my advice is any less true and my guidance is more than just an extended pitch for future business…although I do have a few spaces left in my diary should you decide to get in touch!

My point is this – whether you decide to book a live band, a magician, a fireworks display or a troupe of fire-eating synchronized swimmers, it is worth giving some thought to the ways in which you can smooth out the social kinks that will be an inevitable part of your special day.  A professional act with experience performing at weddings will know how to set your guests at ease, fill the organizational gaps that can suddenly open up and bring a smile to face of even the most socially shy of your cousins, while never forgetting that you are the stars of the show.

So how do you go about booking the right act for your wedding?  Well, word of mouth is always hard to beat so if you have a recommendation from someone you trust, that is definitely worth exploring further.  Next, you could search online or get in touch with your friendly wedding planner to see who they might suggest, although this might throw up who is most Google savvy or who has spent the most on marketing rather than necessarily who is best suited to your needs.  You could also consider local entertainment agencies that tend to screen out less capable acts over time in favour of the ‘audience pleasers’ who ensure them a better return on their investment.

Once you have a short list of interesting leads, approach each in turn and make sure you meet them or at least talk to them directly on the phone.  Trust your instincts here – are they asking the right kinds of questions?  Do they seem flexible (and not just the contortionists) and willing to adapt their services to meet your needs?  Can they provide good, reliable references and testimonials?  Do they sound professional and well organised?  Don’t be pushed into committing to an early booking in exchange for a discounted rate and if you can meet them face to face, this would be time well invested.  At the least, ask to see a show reel or footage of their act; most performers these days should be able to provide this kind of material. Finally, don’t be afraid to discuss costs and ask for a clear idea about precisely what services are being offered.  Do they charge by the hour or is there a flat rate for the day?  Is the performer fully insured and are there any additional expenses that might be incurred?  Remember that you are the client and you must be sure that you make the right choice for you and your guests so only commit when you are really happy with your choice.

Is entertainment essential to the success of your wedding?  Of course not!  Your loved ones will be patient and enjoy the day simply because they love you and are happy for you.  If your budget doesn't stretch to afford Cirque De Soleil, please don’t lose sleep over it – and if it’s a choice between me and a the photographer, go with the fat photo album of memories every time – we still get so much pleasure looking through ours, even seven years later.  However, if there is something left in the kitty, it might well be worth giving someone like me a call.  After all, being the centre of attention all day and all night can be exhausting!

You can find out more about what Doodle Me a Tree at:
Website: http://www.doodlemeatree.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoodleMeATree/info

Diamonds are a girls best friend

Here are a selection of my favourite rings! They may not be to everyone's taste as I love the unique and antique!  I love the idea of having something nobody else has/ the history behind an old love story that comes with old rings!

My favourite idea at the moment is the sound wave rings. Each you and your partner record your voices saying 'I do' (or something similar) which is then turned into a sound wave ,which then gets engraved into your ring.  Completely personal!  Totally adorable!

Vera Wang

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite wedding dress designers; Vera Wang.

I just adore her style, her dresses are so simple yet wonderfully elegant and timeless. Her Autumn 2012 collection broke the mold with some stunning black wedding gowns while her Spring collection for 2013 brought an amazing selection of deep reds and plum coloured dresses. Wang's collection for Autumn 2013 has opted for neutral tones yet she proves again that she can always make stunning dresses.

Wang has designed wedding gowns for celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Kim Kardashian, Uma Thurman, Avril Lavigne and Sharon Stone.

I'm going to show you my top three from each collection including her Classics collection;

Autumn 2012 

Spring 2013

Autumn 2013

Classics

I wonder what her next collection will be? No doubt it will be gorgeous!

Roses Are Red

Rose are red, violets are blue.... This old poem is a classic! And it reminds me how red roses are the epitome to romanticism. The symbolic gesture of love; a single rose. Or a grand gesture of love; a bouquet of a dozen red roses. For a striking wedding theme why not combine a elegant cream or ivory with rich red roses. This can look so effective if done well. I've collected some photos of red roses to give you inspiration. 

The obvious place to start is with the bouquet. From here you can go to red rose wedding cakes, 
table decorations and petals scattered down the isle. If you really want to push the boat out why not wear a red rose inspired wedding dress or waistcoat?

Or would you flip this colour theme on its head and go for white roses? Or pink? Any would be stunning as long as they're scented (those are my favourites anyway!).

Nightmare Before Christmas Wedding Fun!

After a weekend of watching fabulous films, it got me thinking, how awesome it would be to have a wedding themed around a film you and your partner both love. And of course, when it comes to love films, there is no better than A Nightmare Before Christmas. A sweet tale of love between Jack the Pumpkin King and Sally. Now, not only do I love this film because it serves its purpose over two major holidays, but it is sweet, fun, spooky and creative. Giving all you creatives brides and grooms more space to really push the boat out for your big day!

Here are some great ideas to get you on your way!

Weekly round up!! 8th-13th of July

And the good weather just keeps on coming! Are we actually getting a summer?! I bet we are all wishing we had our wedding during this! Although I'm not sure the dress would match my red peeling nose- oops!
Anyway here is a weekly round up and I really hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as we all enjoyed writing them :)

Monday 8th of July

Michelle brought us some beautiful and practical beach dresses, and those feet accessories! Lovely! 

Tuesday 9th of July

Who doesn't want a little bit of the royal wedding in their big day?! Aramintas living decoration allow you to have that and be eco friendly!

Wednesday 10th of July

Who doesn't have a pair of wacky tights in the back of their wardrobe?  I loved some of these designs! It seems Araminta has found a pair just right for you no matter what your theme!

Thursday 11th of July

I took a look at seasonal themed weddings,  I think I'd like a mix of every season but if I had to choose, I love the vibrant orange Autumn.

Friday 12th of July

Embarresed about asking for gifts you actually want/need?  Look no further than Michelle's post with the cute little poems! I think the second one is the best!

Saturday 13th of July

Araminta lets us delve into her favourite cake designs. Ombre has moved from being enviable hair to enviable cake, and looks gorgeous doing it!

So that's it for this week,  I hope you found some inspiration or even just enjoyed what you read. I'm now going to find some sun, this is England,  its not going to be here long :(

Araminta's Favourite Cakes

Today I'm bringing you a small selection of some of my favourite wedding cakes. These are the cakes that I find the most beautiful. They won't be to everyone's taste but they certainly are to mine. Generally I like simple cakes, understated but elegant. Less is more...

I love gold, I love ombré (inside and out), I love real flowers, I love coral, I love Art Deco and I love nature... Use any one of these things and its likely that it will be a cake I would buy.

So without further ado here are my top cakes; 

Asking nicely!

Not everyone wants a huge gift list full of toasters and teapots, and it is becoming more and more popular to ask for money or vouchers towards honeymoons and other treats. Many think this is greedy, but at no point are you demanding a gift, just asking that if guests want to give a gift, it is something that will be of use, versus an appliance put in the garage for years to come and eventually sold on Gumtree!

The big question is... how do you ask without sounding cheeky? Well here are some great little poems to include in your invitations!

As you are aware, we have already

set up home together, and have many of the items 

that would make traditional wedding gifts.

Therefore a gift of money towards our new life together

or vouchers from

Argos ~ Marks & Spencer ~ B&Q

would be greatly appreciated.

A wedding post box will be at the reception

on our special day for any messages, vouchers, money and cards.

                                                    For a couple of years we’ve lived in sin,

We have a toaster, a kettle and a stainless steel bin,

Saucepans and towels we have many,

Corkscrews and flannels we don’t need any,

We just want you with us on our special day,

But if you insist on a gift anyway,

We hope you don’t think we’re being funny!

But we’d really appreciate a gift of money,

We’ll put it all together and buy something that’s best,

As a reminder of our day and our wonderful guests.

                                                     More than just kisses so far we share,

Our home has been made with Love and Care,

Most things we need we've already got,

And in our home we can't fit a lot!

A Post Box we thought would be great,

(But only if you wish to participate),

A gift of vouchers, or even money,

Will be greatly appreciated (though a little funny)!

And once we've replaced the old with the new,

We can look back and say it was thanks to you!

We are sending out this invitation

In hope you will join a celebration

But if a gift is your intention

May we take this opportunity to mention

We have already got a kettle and two toasters

crockery, dinner mats, and matching coasters

so rather than something we have already got

We would appreciate money for our honeymoon pot

But most importantly we request

That you come to our wedding as our guest

                                             In a wedding invitation, you usually find some lists,

For venues, menus and hotels, and also for the gifts

But this one is unusual, it comes in a different way,

As we're not asking for presents, but for something else today

Now please don't think we're selfish, or that this comes from greed,

But we've lived together for a while, so there's not that much we need

We would appreciate help though, to send us on our way,

And allow us to have our honeymoon, in a land quite far away

So now the point of all this rhyme, the thing that we would like,

Isn't towels, toasters or microwaves, but pounds and pence alike

And now you know the reason, behind this cheeky accord,

Please help to give us memories, of a dream honeymoon abroad

We've got appliances galore,

it's not our first time as spouse;

What we'd really appreciate

 is cash toward a house.

Seasons bliss!

Morning! I hope your all enjoying the weather!  Seems to improve everyone's mood doesn't it?  Summer has to be my favourite time of the year...Although every season has its beautiful points, here are some of my favourite seasonal ideas.. but why stick to one? Mix and match to create an all year affair! 

It's Time To Flash A Bit Of Leg

Now I hate to be the person to say this and I'm really not a pessimist.... but it won't be long before the evenings start to get a bit cooler and we have to wrap up a little more. And those of you planning autumnal, wintery or spring weddings take note; it's all about the tights! I've seen some beautiful ones around, they can be subtle or the can make a statement. They can be neutral or they can be colourful. They can be plain or be covered in patterns. There is so much choice out there! I love that it can be a way of individualising your bridesmaids or making a statement of your own. Today I'm going to share with you some of my favourites.