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Beach Theme Wedding Invitations

I've exhibited at a couple of lovely wedding fairs recently and met some fantastic couples. At the Avisford Hilton wedding fair last Sunday I was asked to create a beach themed wedding invitation - I went slightly mad and came up with three today to send out!

My personal favourite of the three is this A6 size pocketfold invitation in Natural card which has a beautiful gold sandy finish to it (photos really don't do justice to this card!), and topped with a diamante starfish. Inside the invitation wording is printed on Treasury Gold paper and I've used a rope knot across the middle of the printing.

© Lilguy.co.uk

This A5 beach hut invitation took ages to design, despite it looking simple! Getting all the stripes in the right place took a huge amount of patience (the back of the card is printed with stripes too).

A very simple A5 invitation on Damask Blue card with the invitation wording printed on seashell vellum.


If you're having a beach or sailing themed wedding why not have a look at the mood board I created too.What theme are you having for your wedding? Leave me a comment below.....
Wedding Stationery Sussex

Speech Training For Wedding Parties

Brighton's award-winning improvised comedy company, The Maydays, has launched a new improvisation package tailored to wedding parties, with the aim of instilling in participants greater confidence and creativity, the key to a memorable wedding speech. In addition to regular performances at various top UK venues (including regular appearances at Brighton's famous Komedia) and comedy festivals, the energetic, high pedigree comedy company now offers perspective-altering tuition to grooms, best men, fathers of the brides or brides themselves, to help prepare them for one of the most important speeches they will ever make.

Wondering how improv - which is by its very nature is unscripted - can help with a speech which is carefully written, re-written and rehearsed? Helen Urquhart from the Maydays says "improv training is perfect for wedding parties preparing for speeches as it enables participants to build their confidence in public speaking, as well as boost creativity by learning the dark art of standing in front of people and making things up on the fly. It also hones the technique of starting with nothing to go on for the speech but nonetheless producing something great. And if the worst comes to the worst and you forget your words, well then you're equipped to just go with it!"

The fun two hour sessions take place at Brighton's Vine Street Studios, a spacious luxury loft apartment decked out in a funky New York, post-indusrial chic style in the heart of the fashionable North Laine, which can also be hired as weekend accommodation, sleeping up to 16.

Prices for wedding party tuition start at £240.00 including two Maydays and exclusive use of Vine Street Studios for two hours. This includes a welcome drink upon arrival.

You can contact The Maydays via their website, and you can find them on Facebook.

Top Ten Tips For An Unforgettable Hen Party From The Adonis Cabaret

Who better to get the Top Ten Tips from than a self-confessed hen expert who organises hen parties for 35,000 hens a year and who really knows his hens from his ducks....

1. Who to Invite

Now this can be a nightmare before you even start! Usually left to the maid of honour - is she expected to invite ancient Auntie Ethel? Or the old school friend that no one but the bride can stand?

If you think people will clash, split the day into different sections - the tranquil safe spa day (ideal for the mother in laws and party prudes) and the wild party in the evening that you know the bride will love! Or if there is an extreme divide, consider having two hen dos - there is nothing worse than having one or two people that don't join in the fun, or worse, ruin it for everyone else.

2. Save The Date

Choose a day or weekend at least a week before the wedding and do not under any circumstances hold the hen night the night before the wedding. Plan well in advance so that you can maximise the numbers who are able to attend. This is the bride's big night so make sure all her best friends can be there.

3. Budget

Cash is kind and money can be a real deal breaker for some. Make sure you set a realistic budget for your intended guests whilst retaining the feel of making a special effort for the bride. It can be a difficult balance and may well effect the 'who to invite' list above and the 'location' below. But don't settle for the "I'll pay you later" - this only leads to resentment when you find out that that friend just splashed out on new shoes!

4. Location

Do your research! We have seen all varieties of hen dos, from a night a someone's house or at the local pub, to international city breaks in Europe and beyond. Marbella is a top destination this season and there are some amazing deals out there at the moment. A hen night is often an excuse for some quality girl bonding tie and therefore location can be key. But wherever you decide, make sure you check out the best places to go (and the places to avoid!) before setting off. It may sound silly, but if you choose to go abroad then check that everyone has a valid passport - you don't want any tears at the airport!

5. Collaboration

I know this could lead to a minefield of arguments but try to involve the other guests. Don't be so vague as to ask "right girls, what are we doing?" because this will result in a barrage of conflicting ideas, but let them know your plans and see if they can add anything to it. Remember, there will always be someone who doesn't agree, but you can never please everyone. Go with what you feel the bride will want.

6. Plan Your Activities

Most brides want their hen dos to involve a good party and probably a little bit of naught drinking. The most popular evening activities are comedy clubs, drag cabaret, strip shows and then - most likely - onto a nightclub. Adonis Cabaret, for example, puts all of those brilliant activities together in one venue, to make it easy for you and give you just the right mix for everyone. But also consider day time activities, a girly spa day, beauty treatments or afternoon tea to make the bride feel really special.

7. That said, don't go overboard

It always seems that there's not enough to fill the day but once you are all together catching up and gossiping, time soon flies. (We have experience of this first hand - get a group of girls together and you can't get a word in edgeways!). Be flexible with your plans. If the group seem to be happy, don't rush off to the next activity just for the sake of it.

8. Communication

This seems really nerdy, but how many rows do you think are caused when groups are drunk and lost in a strange city? It is not long until everyone will really start to panic. Make sure everyone knows when and where to meet on the day. Perhaps send an itinerary out beforehand and exchange mobile numbers. Once you are all there, establish a meeting point just in case anybody gets separated fro the group & mobile batteries die during the evening.

9. Pace yourself

This is especially important if you are out for the whole day or weekend. You don't want the bride (or anyone else) to be legless by lunch time and not be able to enjoy the evening shenanigans. So make sure you factor in some down time for eating and hydrating with soft drinks or water.

10. Finally, relax, enjoy the day and have fun!!

You can get full details of Adonis Cabaret on their website, you can also follow them on Facebook

Quote of the Day

'A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.'

Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer


To all you classy and fabulous girls out there! Who's your inspiration? Please leave a comment below.

Quote of the Day

'Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.'

Billy Sunday, 1880's American athlete  

When I was a child our family always went to church on Sundays. I don't go now (although if I were to go once a year it would be to the midnight service on Christmas Eve for the carols and warm feeling of a happy congregation!), but I do think that it's possible to live a good life and be kind to people without having to visit a church once a week to prove it. What do you think? Please leave me a comment below.

Quote of the Day

'So many books, so little time.'

Frank Zappa

As an avid reader I'm with Frank on this one! Any whilst I love the feel of a real book to read I love my Kindle app on the iPad as you can buy a book without leaving the house! My favourite authors are Peter James, Kathy Reichs, Karin Slaughter, Karen Rose, Tess Gerritson and Jerrilyn Farmer - who are yours? Please leave me a comment below.  

Quote of the Day

'This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them - are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.'

Marilyn Munroe

The Wall from Tobi Hannah

THE WALL COLLECTION

The Wall collection celebrates what the Tobi Hannah brand is all about - thinking differently and individuality. The name and campaign are inspired by Pink Floyd's album of the same title and in particular by the song - Another Brick In The Wall.

Tulle is definitely a recurring theme throughout the collection, used in ways to create a delicate sheer effect on dresses. The introduction of silk crepe adds luxury and there is also a fair amount of lace but again, very delicate to give an authentic vintage feel to the dresses.

The 2014 collection message is clear - don't just be another brick in the wall and another typical bride. Embrace your personal style.

Wall Halterneck

Wall Back

Wall Strapless

WALL Strapless or halterneck brocade tea length wedding dress with sweetheart neckline, full tulle skirt and thin sash with bow detail at waist.

Epic

EPIC Strapless satin short wedding dress with structural tulle on skirt.

Hattie

HATTIE Tea length wedding dress with short sleeves, v neckline, beaded collar and optional beaded sash.

Waterfall

WATERFALL Lace short to long wedding dress with square neckline and scalloped hem.

Hope

Hope

HOPE Lace tea length wedding dress with sheer three quarter sleeves.

This is just a small selection from The Wall Collection and I recommend you go over to the Tobi Hannah website to view the rest of these gorgeous wedding dresses! You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Freya Rose and The Great Gatsby

Yesterday I blogged about GoHen for inspiration for your hen/stag dos with their new Roaring Twenties package. I personally love the styles of the '20s & '30s and I'm so pleased that that era is so much in vogue at the moment. If you're having a vintage style wedding then check out these beautiful shoes from Freya Rose.....

The 'Great Gatsby' is getting greater!!

With Baz Lermon's highly stylised take on this famously classic tale imminent on our screens, Freya Rose celebrates the elegance, drama and sophistication of the 1920's by choosing some of her favourite decadent designs.Freya Rose's innovative and artistic designs resonate roaring 1920s style. This era always has been and will continue to be an increasingly important draw of inspiration. Beautiful materials, intricate bead work and fine detailing are always considered in Freya Rose designs.

'Vivian' Shoe Clips by Freya Rose RRP £75.00

Freya Rose: " The 'Vivian shoe clip' is a gorgeous art-deco inspired clip made from Mother of Pearl and Swarovski Crystals. They jazz up any shoe, are a decadent addition to any outfit and always make an impact!"

'Leah' Shoe by Freya Rose RRP £380.00

Freya Rose: " 'Leah' is a classic open toe sling back in Ivory Duchess silk satin with the Exclusive Freya Rose's signature Mother of pearl mosaic heel. Beautiful hand made duchess silk flower, embellished with swarovski, parisian lace and ostrich feather. This is a gorgeous shoe for someone wanting a classic toe but not having to compromise on details!"

'Audrey' by Freya Rose RRP £375.00

Freya Rose: "'Audrey' has to be my most 20's inspired design. It is an exciting and sexy peep toe shoe with a T-bar and a hidden 1.5cm platform. It has the most exquisite art deco style embellishment leading up the foot, using a variety of swarovski crystal and beads hand worked to create an art-deco geometric print. 

'Audrey' is the result of a collaboration with designer Debbie Carlisle. Anybody with magpie tendencies will pine over these beauties."Freya Quotes " The roaring 20s was such a beautiful time. It was the first time women could move freely in their clothing - the perfect blend between style and function. Everyone still recognises the style   because it is everlasting. I love pulling inspirational details from this explosive time and incorporating them into my designs, allowing a twist of contemporary modern design with the secrets of times gone by."

For more beautiful shoes visit the website. Freya Rose can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

GoHen

Have you planned your hen or stag night yet? I recommend popping over to the GoHen website for some inspiration.

The countdown is on for upcoming Baz Luhrmann film The Great Gatsby and in celebration GoHen have created a fantastic themed hen party package called 'Roaring Twenties'. The film, which is based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, centres around 1920's culture and a time of great sophistication and celebration, themes wound into the pre-nuptial package offered by GoHen.

The plot focuses on main character Nick, a World War I veteran who takes a job in New York and rents a small house on Long Island. His new abode turns out to be next door to the lavish mansion of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who hosts extravagant festivities. What ensues is an exploration of social connections, forbidden passions and sublime, elegant parties across the great manor house.

The beautiful writing and suave storyline have influenced the innovative hen package created by leading hen party organisers GoHen. Their new ‘Roaring Twenties’ package takes place in the striking city of Oxford and involves hens spending a night in a 4 star hotel with spa and leisure facilities. Typical of Tom and Daisy’s civilized teas in the book the group will indulge in afternoon tea, including a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones served with tea or coffee. This is followed by an afternoon session of Burlesque Dancing, where the group will be taught a sultry, show-stopping dance in-keeping with the many ballroom dances orchestrated by Mr Gatsby. In classic celebratory style the package is topped off with VIP nightclub entry; hens will be treated like royalty and given an unforgettable experience.

GoHen’s Oxford Account Manager Danielle said, “Our wonderful new Roaring Twenties package is perfect for any hens who love the vintage, 1920’s theme and want to recreate a piece of the famous novel. We’ve found the most classy, chic activities on offer and paired them with the fabulously elegant destination that is Oxford to create a hen package that’s a real all-round, group pleasing experience!”

GoHen, as part of StagWeb Ltd, have been organising unbeatable events since 2002 and benefit from 11 years experience in this specialised market, including significant buying power, higher value events, client protection, event creativity, dedicated account management and systems support. With packages from as little as £35 and as varied as cocktail making, inflatable games, life drawing and the Somerset Games, with GoHen you get a dedicated account manager to take charge of all elements of planning, invites, budgets and itineraries. With years of experience and ABTA bonding for added reassurance, the GoHen team really deliver the best in celebration weekends.

To find out more give GoHen a call on 0845 130 5225 or visit their Roaring Twenties package. GoHen can also be found on Facebook  and on Twitter.

Melanie Potro New Collection Launch and Sample Sale

Melanie will launch her new collection of Wedding Dresses, Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaid outfits from 25-27 April. 

Be the first to view and try on an array of couture Wedding, Bridesmaid and Mother of the Bride gowns.

A Sample Sale will be held on 28 April from 12-5pm.

Both events will take place at: 33-35 St John's Square, London EC1M 4DS

For more details and to book an appointment, please email bride@melaniepotro.com or call 07775 806084.

Wedding Stationery Sussex

Floral Inspiration

Another great blog I've come across recently is the lovely Style Me Pretty blog, and today I've been browsing through the Galleries section, which you can filter by categories my choice has been Flowers today to brighten up an otherwise fairly dull day!

Flowers can help to decorate and 'lift' your reception space. We had very tall glass vases with beautiful blooms in our chosen colour scheme with trailing ivy, and the water was tinted to match, which gave the whole marquee splashes of colour. And at the end of the day we gave the flowers to various guests so that they didn't go to waste.

Wedding Stationery Sussex

Colour Schemes for your Big Day

Have you chosen a colour scheme or theme for your big day, or are you struggling to make a decision? There are some inspiration/mood boards here on the blog that I've either put together or featured in on other blogs, or why not take a look at this fabulous blog that I discovered today called The Perfect Palette - whether you're looking for strong colours or something softer you're bound to find inspiration here, such as this gorgeous Aqua + Emerald combination.

http://www.theperfectpalette.com/

Wedding Stationery Sussex