"In My World....Everything Would Be Nonsense."

I have come across many variations of the Alice in Wonderland theme and the subtle hints of this classic tale are so easy to incorporate. The theme is very easily adaptable, too, and can easily have twists of kitch or vintage. This theme is suited perfectly to Brides and Grooms who wish to add a certain playfulness to their day; couples who don't take themselves too seriously and would prefer a more relaxed and fun atmosphere. There is no room for grown-up seriousness here, but plenty of room for being a little creative and being very hands-on!
 From playing cards to keys, tea cups to croquet, there are a million ways to add a bit of Alice.
Here are the very best Wonderland accents I have discovered so far!

www.marthastewartweddings.com

Pocket Watch Ring Box
Isn't this amazing!? It's so easy to DIY too! Cheap vintage style pocket watches can be found on eBay for just a few pounds. Go all Mad Hatter and remove the timepiece (although using a mallet to do so might just be going a step too far...ditto using mustard on it!) and line the inside with velvet. Voila, a very simple but very unique ring box!



Playing Card Bunting

Another project that is so easy and so cheap, but amazingly effective. Simply punch holes into a pack of playing cards, thread string or ribbon through the holes and then tie lengths of patterned or coloured ribbon between each card. This would look gorgeous as a top table swag, too!

Eat Me / Drink Me Tags

No Alice themed Wedding would be complete without these. There are hundreds of variations of these tags, from flags on cocktail sticks and simple tie on tags like these, to drink stirrers and jar labels, which would make a gorgeous addition to any Candy Buffet. Tie tags to teacups, glass stems and stick in cupcakes and on straws in glasses. There are lots of printables available on www.Etsy.co.uk; you can get an entire printable suite including invitations for about twenty pounds.

www.facebook.com/not2shabbyboutique

Wonderland is nothing without a Mad Hatter and a Tea Party, and while I'm sure there will be more than one Hat wearing Crazy at every wedding, you'll need the whole package for authenticity.

These gorgeous Vintage Teaparty Treats can be found at the Not2Shabby Boutique. With the Tea Cup candles as little as £6.50, they would make lovely attendant's gifts or table decorations as the candles can be matched to your colour scheme. The Cake Stands start at an incredibly reasonable £8, and the cupcake candles work out less than £1 each...perfect for favours as they are scummily scented too!   

You have a completely free reign to go as crazy as you like with this theme; since craziness is at the heart of the tale. For more inspiration, Google 'Alice in Wonderland Wedding Cakes' to be delighted and disbelieving at some of the awesome creations!

I hope I've provided a little inspiration...and I apologise for leaving my beloved blog abandoned for so long, but with a Wedding coming up in just a few short weeks, this Fairy Godmother has been running low on Fairy Dust by the time the evenings come!

Until Next Time....

A Very Happy Unbirthday To You!

The Enchanted One xoxo

The Budgeting Bride - Minimoons

I don't know if you've heard, but the economy is pretty dire the world over. We're currently knee deep in a recession, but why should we let that kill any hope of romance? We shouldn't. Exactly. Because some famous band once said 'All you need is love...love is all you need.'
If that is the case, then save your cash by taking a 'Minimoon' instead of adding thousands to the budget by going abroad. There are some stunningly romantic places to be found wherever you are; in this instance, I will base that theory on the UK, but I am sure this is also the case for my Bride-to-be readers in other countries including Russia, Japan, Germany, Australia (G'day!), South Africa and Canada.

1.Cost
A major reason to consider the Minimoon is of course the cost. No flights, airport taxes, parking, luggage fees, travel insurance transfers and EVERYTHING else that leaving the country entails, your trip will be a lot less bank breaking and a lot more pocket friendly.

2. Less Hassle
Let's face it; you've been checking daily for the appearance of grey hairs and frown lines since the planning commenced, and to add planning a holiday on top of that could have you rocking in a corner and singing your 'Happy Song' repeatedly. Booking a cute cottage in the country will be less time consuming and less stressful, leaving you free to focus on the intricate details of your big day.

3. Passport Confusion
With the aforementioned hassle comes the fun of rushing to get your passport sorted. Do you travel in your maiden name? Of course you want to travel as the new Mrs, it IS your Honeymoon after all, and why wouldn't you want to make your first holiday together as a married couple 'official' on your passport?
Well, the beauty of taking a Minimoon means you don't have to worry about changing your passport on top of all of the other little things that will be niggling weeks before the big day.

4. No Delays
There's nothing worse that checking the departure board to see the word 'DELAYED'. You've barely slept from excitement and nerves about the wedding, barely slept from the buzz of the Wedding Day and now you're stranded at the airport indefinitely with a long flight ahead of you. Paradise? Not so. No ash clouds or curtailment can keep your from enjoying your Minimoon!

5. £s
No fumbling with a calculator to figure out conversion rates and foreign currency; you know right away whether you're buying a bargain or not! Who really needs to be doing math calculations when all you want to do is relax with your new Husband?

Check out some of these gorgeous Minimoon ideas!


The Old School House, Cornwall

Built in 1876, this attractive cottage has a plethora of rustic charm. Huge shuttered windows, a log burner, the beach as your garden and a local pub not too far away, this gorgeous little place could be perfect for a romantic minimoon.

Prices start from £331 for a week - click here for more information

Nant Las - North Wales

This small, comfortable cottage lies in a secluded woodland setting on the National Trust's Dolmelynllyn estate within the Snowdonia National Park. A bijoux little cottage ideal for romantic getaways, it was built in the 19th-century as an observatory, housing a telescope for nearby Dolmelynllyn Hall. The scenery is spectacular and varied; nearby and easily accessible by footpath, is Rhaiadr Ddu, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales

Prices start from £353 for a week - Click here for more information

Tintinhull House - Somerset

How about being Lord and Lady of the Manor for the week?

An elegant 17th century house that overlooks the most delightful formal garden. Part of the house has been used to create a four bedroom holiday property which retains much of its original features, such as leaded windows. You can explore the rest of the house during the opening hours. The kitchen is dominated by a huge Aga and an open fire is the centre piece of the sitting room.
Tintinhull Gardens is available as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies. They offer a picturesque setting alongside the intimate Summer House which overlooks the peaceful Pool garden.

Prices start from £1019 - click here for more information

With all these gorgeous gems nestled in our beautiful countryside it's easy to understand why more and more couples are opting for a homestay honeymoon instead of leaving Old Blighty! For tonnes more beautiful holiday cottages, head to www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk.

Until Next Time...

Search for hidden and unexpected gems!

The Enchanted One xoxo 

Vintage Rose

I feel a little neglectful of my blog; however, since my beloved laptop died an untimely death last week and the blog site seems sketchy at best in terms of an error preventing me from actually writing any text, writing has proven to be difficult. However, I aim to please, and so here I am endeavouring to fulfil the appetite of Brides-to-be the world over by providing more food for thought. Today's post is a theme idea; Vintage Rose.

With feminine touches and an antique feel, this fabulous theme has endless possibilities. Flowers obviously play a large part in this theme as suggested by the name. Use roses wherever possible; in your stationery, your cake, and naturally, your bouquet. There are hundreds of variations of shades of pink, and as a general rule there is a shade of pink to compliment most other colours. A dusty, blush or nude shade of pink would suit this theme best. Colours that best complement these shades are dove greys, parchment beige-creams, ivories and golds; however there are many more possibilities.

Think Antique when dressing this theme; there are lots of clever ways to fake authenticity today. With Vintage and Shabby-Chic being an increasingly popular trend, vintage Wedding Fairs are beginning to pop up all over the country, offering ideas and inspiration for the vintage-loving Bride; however do be aware that due to it's popularity, the words 'Vintage' 'Antique' or 'Shabby Chic' will automatically bump up prices thanks to the current desirability. With a little bit of clever bargain hunting at your local car boot sale though, you can begin to uncover forgotten and unwanted treasures that will lend themselves perfectly to your theme. Look out for mismatched floral china, glass cake pedestals, and pearls and lace in abundance.

Clockwise from top left: Blush - Bourjois Paris, Bridal Garter - KrumpetsDesign on Etsy, Cake - Leslea Matsis Cakes, Rose and Pearl Chair Sash and Centrepiece - Pinterest, Shoe clips - Etsy, Rose Garland - eBay, Fabric flower bouquet - Cultivar on Etsy, Rose Lipstick - YSL, Nude Nail Polish - Paul & Joe, Rose Quartz Drop Earrings - Kendra Scott, Summer Garden Wedding Invitation - Imagine Wedding

I absolutely love this theme, it has a really romantic and dreamy feel to it. Follow it through to your Bridesmaids by choosing mismatched dresses in shades of pink and parchment, and stick to a relaxed and boho-vibe hair style to avoid anything looking too 'done'. Make-up should be natural and flirty; think blushed pink cheeks and full feathery lashes, with eyes in shades of mink and taupe. There are endless possibilities for the perfect dress for this theme, too; anything from a slinky column sheath in blush tones to a powder-puff tulle princess gown in antique cream or a stunningly dramatic taffeta masterpiece, the sky really is the limit!

I hope this has given all you lovely readers lots of inspiration. I promise not to leave it so long next time!

Until then...

Live well, laugh often, love much.

The Enchanted One xoxo

Do yourself a Favour

If the concept of providing dozens and dozens of favours has you (and your Budget) breaking into a cold sweat, fear not; I have compiled a list of brilliant and unusual favour ideas that come in at less than £2 each. With these simple and beautiful ideas, Favour Fever needn't be an issue, and the best part is that they can double up as place settings with the addition of a simple name tag.

Save a Fortune
Fortune Cookies are the best thing about having a takeaway; my inner child gets excited for that mystical piece of paper...share this excitement with your nearest and dearest by providing each guest with a Fortune Cookie. They are just £13.99 for 100 cookies from good old eBay...that's a blinding 14p per guest.


Scented Soaps
Everyone loves Smellies; so why not treat your guests to a bath time delight with a gorgeous scented soap favour? With a lavender scent for the ladies and an olive scent for the gents, you can get these lovely soaps in individual brown card boxes for a bargain £1.50 each from a fabulous Not On The High Street shop called 'The Wedding of My Dreams'.

Shop Here -The Wedding Of My Dreams

Antique Style Key
Perfect for a vintage theme, these cute little keepsakes can be strung with colour coordinating ribbon and labelled with a cute play on words; Lock Me in Your Heart, Key to My Heart, Key to Happiness, Key to Success etc. The possibilities are endless, and at £1.40 for 60 of these little beauties from eBay, they work out at 2.5p each!

Shop Here -eBay

Individual Jam or Honey Pots
If you've ever stayed in a hotel or guest house with individual jars of jam or honey, you'll appreciate what a cute touch they would make as a favour. Morrisons offer mini Rowse honey jars and locally made jam at 4 for £1...simply add your own labels et voila! Super low cost favours that are still gorgeous and thoughtful. Have a variety of different expressions on the labels; think 'Spread the Love', 'Meant to Bee' and 'Love is Sweet', and have one expression per table for the extra cute-factor.

Bombs Away
There is a fabulous lady on eBay called Laura who makes beautiful handmade soaps and bath bombs.
These gorgeous mini heart shaped bombs come in several fragrances including bubblegum and coconut (yum!) What's more, they are vegetarian friendly and aren't tested on animals, so you can be a friend to the furries and save a bundle! At £15.79 for 50 including P&P, the work out just over 30p per guest, andyou can choose different colours and fragrances to combine too!

Buy Laura's handmade creations HERE!

I hope you've enjoyed my inspiration station....check back soon for more money saving ideas!

Until next time...

Live life to the full, Laugh until your cheeks ache and Love like you've never been hurt!

The Enchanted One xoxo

Beat the Budgeting Blues

I'm such a bargain hunter; You will usually find me hunting for treasure in Charity shops, Car Boot Sales and on Ebay. I once picked up a vintage Laura Ashley tea dress for about two pounds, and from that moment I was completely hooked.
With my passion for all things Bargain and Bride, I am going to share even more money saving tips and tricks to help you on your way to your dream Wedding. (Check out my posts The Beginning and the Budgeting Bride and Cheap vs Cost Effective first!) The smaller your budget, the more fun you can have brainstorming creative ways to keep costs minimal. Read on to be inspired...

11) Be Spontaneous
If you can hold your nerve, are incredibly organised or have the assistance of a Planner, you can grab a bargain last minute package deal on your dream venue and save a fortune. For example, my beautiful September Bride got a massive £7,000 saving on her Wedding Package by booking just nine weeks in advance. Make lists, get help, write EVERYTHING down. It can be done!

12) Print your own Invitations
Long gone are the days where you have to allocate hundreds of pounds to your Wedding Stationery. Providing you have a big pack of quality card stock, a decent ink jet printer (or know someone who has) and a couple of hours to spare, you can very easily print absolutely beautiful invitations in the comfort of your own home. Etsy is an encyclopedia of fabulousness; just type in 'Printable Invitations' and be prepared to be 'wowed'.

This gorgeous set includes everything you see in the picture and is fully customisable for a bargain £16.97 Shop Here at LilyCielBridal



13) Altar in the Afternoon

Choose the latest available time (Usually 4pm in UK) and you can then avoid having to have a Wedding Breakfast and a Buffet. This way, you can eliminate one or the other; a BBQ option or Hog Roast could have both bases covered here.

14) Budget- No Budging!

It might sound obvious, but make a budget and stick to it. Make a list of necessities and another list of extras - Sit down with your fiance and rank your priorities. Don't forget that you will need to allow for Giving Notice of Marriage (currently £35 each payable at the registry office) and the Registrar (around £350-£400) if you are planning a civil ceremony.

15) Making Up

Bag a free makeover at a department store or beauty counter and then buy the products. Not only will you then have the tools to recreate the look on your big day, but you'll also know how to apply them like an expert and avoid being made up in a way that just isn't you. The best part? You'll have gorgeous products you can use again and again.

16) Highstreet Honey

I've said it before and I'll say it again; hunt the highstreet. Just look at some of the accessories New Look has to offer! These beautiful 'bits of bling' as my Mum would call them start from as little as £2.99...Loose change in the grand scheme of things!

Shop New Look

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

Go treasure hunting!

The Enchanted One xoxo



Love for the Highstreet

And this afternoon, I give you The Highstreet Dress.
This little beauty from Phase Eight incorporates floor sweeping elegance with stunning floral embroidery, and the high neckline and cap sleeves lend themselves perfectly to a Vintage themed Wedding. The dress has a feel of a bygone era, combining timeless beauty with contemporary simplicity and is accented with a pearl beaded waistband, flattering panelling and all over Organza. The large flower embroidery is simply stunning and is a beautiful contribution to any summer wedding.

Buy it here

At a very reasonable £550, this could easily be mistaken for top end designer and no one would ever guess that it's from a Highstreet store.

Buy it Here



 This stunning Carlotta Bridal Gown from Monsoon is a pleasantly surprising find. Monsoon have a fair selection of Gowns for a Highstreet chain, and not only that but they are unbelievably priced. At just £299 it's an absolutely steal, and perfect for a Budgeting Bride. Once again, this is a Dress that wouldn't look like an impostor next to a Designer Gown; with head to toe luxurious lace, intricate scallop detail to the ¾ length sleeves and hemline and set off with a hand-embellished waistband of diamante and pearl. The Dress also features a scooped back and neckline, accentuated with a trimming of pearls and silver beading.

As I mentioned in my previous money-saving posts, it's well worth checking the Highstreet for your dream dress; TK MAXX have a Bridal Boutique with designer gowns from big names like Valentino for a fraction of the Recommended Retail Price, and since they generally only carry a limited stock it's unlikely that you'll see the same dress again on the Highstreet. With up to 81% off brands like Hollywood Dreams, you can certainly get your money's worth. Even Newlook has jumped on the bandwagon with their new range of Bridal accessories. With the savings you could make on the Highstreet, you'll have enough change left over to treat yourself to a pre-wedding Spa day or to put towards a gorgeous Honeymoon. Don't forget to check Groupon first!

Until next time...

Keep bargain hunting!

The Enchanted One xoxo

Serendipity

Cinderella would have some serious shoe envy.

Not even your fairy godmother could conjure up shoes as fabulous as this; after all, not only are glass slippers wildly impratical for the clumsy and uncoordinated *ahem* but I imagine they aren't terribly comfortable either.

And so I present to you...Figgie Shoes. Choose your own perfect wedding shoes, send them to this ridiculously talented lady with a bit of a story and some inspiration and bibbidy-bobbedy-boo...custom designed one of a kind Wedding Shoes that are not only beautiful and personal, but that also tell a story. I am so seriously obsessed with these shoes that I may have to commission a few pairs for the fun of it.
A classic black and white design starts from $250 (Canadian Dollars), but bear in mind that prices may vary depending on your own personal design. Get jealous below...

These are just a few of my favourites, but there are so many more that I came across and drooled over on Flickriver. Deborah Thomson, the artist behind Figgie shoes started accidentally after painting wedding shoes for a friend. Have you heard the word Serendipity before?

ser·en·dip·i·ty  (srn-dp-t)

n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties

1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.

3. An instance of making such a discovery.

What better way to describe such a talent? I discovered Figgie Shoes a long time before I became a Wedding Planner and showed them to everyone I possibly could. The question I was most frequently asked was "How on earth did you find something like this? What kind of random Google searches must you do to make these discoveries?" Well, the same way Deborah created Figgie Shoes is the same way I discovered them.

Serendipity.

Until next time...

Keep Googling, keep discovering

The Enchanted One xoxo

I do not own the copyright to these photos

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 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