A Midsummer Night's Dream Theme - The Details

When it comes to the big day, it's the little details that make it really special. When running with a theme, whether it be all out or just subtle inspirations, those little details will be what tie the whole day together and bring the WOW factor.
It helps to think about your photos; imagine your photographer capturing those thoughtful touches that will all too soon be the memories of one of the best day of your lives together, and you'll begin to have an understanding of the magic that a little imagination and thought can bring to your special day.

This theme is all about rustic charm, romance and beautiful lighting; and of course wouldn't be complete without infinite twinkly fairy lights. (Digging through the Christmas decs, anyone?)
Think jam jars with candles (I'm so obsessed with jam jars, I know!) on the tables and hanging from branches draped in soft glow fairy lights, rustic bird cages wrapped with ivy and roses and filled with pillar candles (the LED pillar candles are the safest option) and my personal favourite idea- rustic bird tables also wrapped in ivy and filled with LED pillar candles would make stunning floor lanterns. Hang wicker hearts around your venue too for a homemade feel.
No rustic style wedding is complete without beautiful rustic signs. How stunning are these ones from Go Jump in the Lake?

They can be yours! Buy them here in Go Jump in the Lake's Etsy shop.

Continue your theme by keeping your food really rustic too; How about a buffet style Barbeque? Have wicker baskets and vintage crates containing cutlery, condiments and napkins on the buffet table. Alternatively, you could go for an all-out quintecentially British summer picnic; fill wicker picnic hampers with a quiche, cold cuts, salads, a selection of cakes and scones, fresh fruit and finger sandwiches, a bottle each of red and white wine and put a basket on each table. This way, you have the formality of a sit-down dinner without it actually being formal. With a little imagination, this option could not only work out to be very budget friendly, but can also be gourmet. Check out some catering companies for inspiration:

Smoked salmon and lemon cream sandwiches
Brie and grape sandwiches
Mini prosciutto and asparagus mini frittatas
Potato salad with herb and lemon dressing
Sausage rolls with cranberry and sage
Chocolate and Banana muffins
Summer fruit berries
Bottle of mineral water

This 'posh picnic' is being charged at £25 per head, but by having a basic finger buffet catered, you could collect hampers (Ebay!) and pack them yourselves, adding your own ideas along the way.

Then of course, there's the Wedding Cake. A 'Naked Cake' will lend it's perfectly to the theme and would look stunning as the centrepiece of a dessert table. You could even make your own cake by filling sponges with cream and fresh fruit (you could cheat and buy them from a supermarket, too!) and simply stack. The more imperfect, the better! Cover the layers with summer berries to add colour and that all important homemade opulence.

You could ask ten or so of your wedding party / guests to each make their favourite dessert and gather all your lovely homemade desserts together on one table, placing your wedding cake in the middle.

I hope this had provided plenty of inspiration and ideas you can take away for your own wedding!

Until next time...

Be creative, be inspired, be yourself!

The Enchanted One xoxo



I do not own the copyright to these photographs.

A Midsummer Night's Dream Theme - The Designer Dress

Those who know me will know that Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream holds a very special place in my heart; A ten-year-old me played Frenemy to Puck and first-in-command to Queen Titania in a made-up character role for a Primary School adaptation of the Play.
As balmy summer evenings draw (hopefully) near, it's no wonder the minds of Brides-to-be begin to wander to rustic forest charm and the romantic enchantment of an open-air evening soiree.
This week, my Blog is going all-out Midsummer Night's Dream Themed, starting this evening with The Designer Dress.

It's no secret that I am a little obsessed with Alfred Angelo; and this stunning new gown from the Private Collection is absolutely no exception. The aptly named Juliet (different play, same genius writer) is opulent and indulgent with an adornment of rhinestones and crystal beading, with sequins and pearls decorating a beautiful sweetheart neckline. The satin with lace overlay provides a soft and romantic feel to the gown, which is fit for any Fairy Queen, and celebrates the beauty of femininity with it's fit and flare structure and silhouette enhancing lace-up back.

 

Find a stockist here

 

A short and sweet blog tonight; Sunday is supposed to be the day of rest, after all!

 

Until next time...

 

Have hope, have faith, have fun.

 

The Enchanted One xoxo

 



The Weirdly Wonderful!

Today's blog inspiration was quirky and unusual details; 'in' jokes, thoughtful touches and details full of personality. If you are a couple who doesn't take themselves too seriously, make sure your wedding reflects that; you don't want have memories of a wedding that just didn't feel like you.
So, in celebration of a little silliness, I have compiled a list of my favourites so far...

1) The Diary Room
Think Big Brother, unless if like me, you can think of nothing worse! Feelings aside, a video recording of well wishes is a fun and thoughtful way to bring your guestbook to life, and will be something to watch back and laugh at for years to come; especially since the drink flows as the night goes on!

2)Weddington Boots
Festival or Country Fair style wedding? Outdoor venue? Chance of rain? Hello, Britain! Embrace Old Blighty's unpredictability with a pair of Weddington Boots from www.weddingtonboots.com. With prices starting at just £39.99, you can also have your boots customised! What's not to love?

3) Midnight Snacks
A little slice of relived youth with an heir of sophistication, midnight snacks are a brilliant way of wrapping up your reception and ending the night on a high note. Remember the excitement at midnight from your childhood sleepovers? Treat your guests to a little bit of that! You could have takeaway food delivered (pizzas, Chinese food) or serve up some little treats of your own. I love the idea of milk in champagne flutes and a giant cookie! Keep it gourmet by having everything in miniature, or go 'all out feast' with bacon butties or burgers and chips. Instead of having this as an extra expense, you could divide you evening catering into two.
Pictured below: Mini chip cones, mini burgers and fries with ketchup, chocolate dipped strawberries, milkshake shots and brownie bites, mini cheese toastie with mini mugs of tomato soup (LOVE THIS!), gourmet hotdogs, chocolate fondue with fruit and cookies, macaroons.

 

 

4) This is a divine idea for a vintage style wedding; table runners from old photos. Make copies of your favourite old family photos, laminate them and stick together. Who needs centrepieces? You could also do this for place settings.

5) Bucket 'o'shoes
The music is playing, everyone is dancing in their seats because their fabulous new shoes are murder.
I give you; A Bucket of Shoes. Genius. They could also double up as favours for the ladies; think coloured flip-flops or soft slippers in small, medium and large...now imagine the comedy photos!

 

 

Let me know if you have any quirky ideas of your own!

 

Until next time...

 

Have fun, make memories, enjoy life.

 

The Enchanted One xoxo

 

 

 



Please note: I do not own the copyright to these photographs.

TREND ALERT: Roaring Twenties

With the Art Deco period gaining increasing popularity thanks to TV shows such as Downton Abbey, Boardwalk Empire and the release of Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby, it's no wonder the Roaring Twenties is quickly becoming a trend amongst Brides and Grooms-to-be.
With a passion (or obsession, whichever which way you choose to look at it) for all things vintage and retro, I couldn't resist putting together a little 20's inspired Bridal look.

 

 

Dizire Cinder Dress - Bl^nk London
Original Ruby Deco Ostrich Feather Headband - Notonthehighstreet.com
Mimi Satin T Bar Peeptoe Sandals -  Notonthehighstreet.com
Embellished Wrist Strap Clutch - Accessorize
Baroque Stud Earrings - Accessorize
Zigzag Chain and Brooch Collar - Accessorize
Bespoke Ostrich Feather Deco Heirloom Bouquet - Judi B's Flowers

I absolutely adore this dress; it is a direct reflection of designer Diana Irani's love for 1920's Hollywood Glamour, with an essence of contemporary wearability. At just £179, it is an absolute steal, but don't be fooled; this gown is 100% Silk Chiffon, so the quality hasn't been compromised. To. Die. For.
I fell a little bit in love with the Ostrich Feather Headband, despite the budget-busting price tag at a hefty £348. However, there are lots of more subtle headbands out there in varying designs for a fraction of the price.
The Bag, Earrings and Collar Necklace are all from Accessorize, and are very purse friendly with prices ranging between £8 and £15. The embellished clutch is a stunning statement piece, and the beauty of highstreet accessories is their wearability. In this day and age we are all about recycling; even the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan, and these particular accessories I have chosen because they are wearable and affordable, so you definitely get your money's worth! Well, what's good enough for the future Queen...
The T-bar shoe is making a big comeback with this trend, so once again they are a multi function fashion investment. At a slightly more costly £155, they are certainly not an expense to be sniffed at, but the beautiful Deco diamante detail works perfectly with the 20s theme and compliments the look. Life is short; buy the shoes!
The crowning glory of this look is the Bespoke Ostrich Feather Deco Heirloom Bouquet. It has been lovingly crafted using artifical foam roses, which unlike silk will maintain their shape and will last forever. This crowd pleaser will surely be a talking point and is guaranteed to create some serious Bouquet envy! Each Bouquet by designer Judi B is a completely unique commission and is finished with thoughtful details such as a 'something blue' ribbon bow hidden underneath the Bouquet and a sterling silver 'made with love' charm. This particular Bouquet features ostrich feathers, a pearl wrapped handle and a plethora of beautiful jewellery and brooches. What's not to love? Prices are on application, with a guide price for this style of Bouquet around the £75 mark.

Hopefully this has given all the Brides-to-be considering a Deco theme plenty of food for thought!

That's all from me...until next time

Be inspired, be desired, be yourself!

The Enchanted One xoxo

Cheap VS Cost Effective

Never be fooled into thinking that quality is worth compromising on. There is a huge difference between something being cheap, and something being a great deal and there are tonnes of ways to save money when planning your big day that do not involve cutting corners. After all, no one wants to pick up the pieces of a heartbroken Bride with poor Wedding photos; there are some things that are irreplaceable and it's worth remembering that memories of the special day are one of those things.

6) Hire a Wedding Consultant
This might sound like a shameless marketing ploy, but I genuinely believe that hiring a Consultant is one of the very best ways to save money. Although the initial outlay may be higher, a good Consultant will not only pass on supplier discounts and any commission received for a recommendation (you can make sure this is written in your contract), but they will also have a wealth of quality contacts under their belt. A Consultant wouldn't recommend a supplier they didn't have complete confidence in, as a poor supplier could reflect badly on the recommending Consultant.
In short, you are more likely to get a talented DJ or reliable Marquee Hire Company for less than you would without a Consultant, with the added bonus of liaising with suppliers so that you don't have to. A quality Consultant will practically pay for (His or) Herself in discounts and contacts; plus nothing curbs the urge to spend quite like having your budget managed by a professional.

7) Save Pounds on Gowns
Remember the Wedding rule of three from my previous blog? As soon as the W word comes into play, prices triple. Consider buying your Wedding dress off the peg; Elliot Claire has an absolutely stunning range of evening gowns that could easily be worn as a Wedding Dress for a fraction of the price, so if you are looking for a dress with a twist, you could be looking at around the £200 - £300 mark for a gorgeous gown like the one pictured below.
This is certainly true of Bridesmaid dresses. There are so many alternative choices available now that purchasing your Girls' dresses from a Bridal shop is an unnecessary cost. Places like Quiz Clothing, Littleblackdress.co.uk and Debenhams have stunning dress options (think embellished Maxi dresses, for example) that can be worn again for an extra special occasion.

Elliot Claire Grey Empire Waistline Dress - £235.00 Littleblackdress.co.uk 

8) Multi Function
If you are considering a Candy Buffet for example, you can give each guest a cute mini gift bag or jar of sweets as a favour, instead of paying extra for additional favours. If you are really clever, you can also use the favours as place settings. Pot plants are popular centrepieces for vintage and country-garden themed weddings and double up as lovely gifts for the Wedding party.

9) Get your Group-on
Check the Getaways section of Groupon for Honeymoon options. There are often great bargains to be had on luxury 5* spa hotels at a fraction of the regular price, so take full advantage of these offers. Don't forget to mention when booking that you are Honeymooning Newly-weds; it can often mean a free upgrade on champagne on arrival. Once again, ask what the Hotel can offer for free; A free candle-lit dinner in a 5* resort can mean a saving of over a hundred pounds in spending money.

10) Don't buy what you don't need
It might seem obvious, but it's worth remembering this rule when booking your Photographer. Don't feel pressured into booking a set package; ask for a tailored quote to include only the services you want. Forgoing an engagement shoot and photobook can save hundreds, and a USB or CD of images means with an hour or so to dedicate to PhotoBox or Snapfish, you can create your own Coffee Table style photo album for a fraction of the cost. There are always friends who enjoy doing this sort of thing; so you could even have someone else do it for you!

Visit again soon for more insider advice, tips and tricks of the trade. Until then...

Stay positive, stay true to yourself, stay tuned.

- The Enchanted One xoxo

The Beginning and the Budgeting Bride

I've been a qualified Wedding Consultant for about a year now, but my planning days started long before then. I helped a colleague plan her Wedding when I was just 17, rescued a Bride a year later following a hair and make up disaster and Bridesmaid dresses that didn't fit on the day, and pacified a very nervous Bride marrying her Policeman fiancé just after I turned 20. It was only when I brought the first of my two gorgeous children into the world that I started looking at Wedding Planning as a full time profession. Armed with passion, determination, dedication and a willing to work my slightly-larger-than-desired post-baby bum off, I made it my mission to build up my very own company. Alas, Enchanted Occasions was born, but before it managed to take it's very first wobbly steps, there was another special delivery from the Stork and I recently welcomed Baby Enchanted number two into the world. Whilst I enjoy these precious few months with my newest addition, I have decided to keep in touch with my beloved Wedding Industry by writing this blog, and hopefully providing answers and offering advice for those burning questions and niggling situations.
So, here goes nothing. Hopefully a witty and well-rounded nothing...

Cut your wedding budget without cutting corners

The question I am most frequently asked, and most enjoy answering is "How do I keep my Budget low without compromising the overall quality of the day?"
Answer: Easy.
Everyone has a creative friend, and this is the time to exploit her (or his!) talents! With a bit of love, and DIY, it's very easy to keep costs low whilst adding the bonus of lots of beautiful and personal details to your special day. Combine this with the ability to beg, borrow and steal, barter like a professional and compromise in a few places, your dream Wedding can cost a lot less than you'd expect.

1) Don't choose the obvious.
Getting married from late spring through to early autumn will automatically mean higher prices as this is 'Wedding Season' so prices peak. A hearty banquet and roaring log fire can make a November wedding just as romantic as a Sultry Summer Soiree. Choosing to get married off peak can save you above and beyond fifty percent.

2) Don't use the 'W' word!
As soon as you mention the word Wedding to suppliers, the rule of three comes into play; the price triples on everything. It's worth avoiding the W word until you have a price agreed; instead say celebration, event, gathering, soiree etc.

3) Haggle.
Remember the above rule and you will remember that suppliers have got plenty of room to give you a good price and still make a profit. If you are booking a venue, mention that the price they are offering might stretch your budget a bit too much and ask if that is their very best deal. If there is absolutely no wiggle room, ask instead if they might include extras in the price; think spa treatments, canapes, guest rooms, welcome drinks for free, a waived corkage fee etc. Then, depending on the answer you get, tell them you'll have to go away and think about it as you can't be sure your budget will allow. Nine times out of ten, a supplier or venue would rather get a sale than not. The same goes for Dress shopping; once you've found your dream dress, take note of the designer and style. Shop around. When you know the lowest price, you can go back and haggle. Again, it's worth asking if shoes / veil / alterations can be included in the price. If you aren't very good at haggling, you are bound to know someone who is. Take advantage of a pushy Mother-in-law or forceful Aunt. You probably wont have to see these people again post wedding, so you've nothing to lose and pennies to save!

4) Get Creative.
Table centrepieces needn't be expensive; for example there is a million possibilities for the humble mason jar. Even with a simple tealight inside, a group of mismatched mason jars on an outdoor buffet table can add a touch of magic to an evening reception. Google others a plethora of ideas from lanterns to vintage style vases, all incorporating this simple idea. The beauty of it is, if you ask well enough in advance, people can save you their jars and so your centrepieces can often be close to free!

                                                           Image courtesy of Weddings.craftgossip.com


5) Ask about corkage.
A lot of venues don't charge corkage and it works out a whole lot cheaper to take full advantage of this. It means you can provide your own alcohol for the meal; work on the ratio of 60:40 of white wine to red, half a bottle per person, and a glass of bubbly each for the toast. A standard bottle will serve six glasses, and a good Cava will often stand up just as well as Champagne.
Instead of serving welcome bubbly, Bucks Fizz will allow alcohol to go further. Equally, a refreshing cocktail like Pimms means bulking out the booze with lemonade and fruit. It's just as classy, and a British classic, so no one will ever suspect it as a cost cutting strategy! Sangria is another refreshing drink and works all year round.

Sangria recipe:
1 part red wine
1 part orange juice
3 parts lemonade
Slices of orange, lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish

Pimms Classic recipe:
1 part Pimms or alternative
3 parts lemonade (depending on strength preference...I think four parts lemonade is gentler on taste buds!)
Chopped strawberries, apple, and cucumber, slices of lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish


Come back again soon for more budget saving tips!

Stay happy, stay savvy, stay tuned.

- The Enchanted One xoxo