Sash Belts by Percy Handmade

Who doesn't love a bit of handcrafted inspiration?  And that's what these bridal sash belts by Percy Handmade are!  Each piece is handcrafted from satin, chiffon or silk with ribbon detailing, beading and handcrafted rosettes.  A fabulous way to add a unique touch to your bridal gown.

Record Sleeve Wedding Invitation

Fabulously fun and memorable wedding invitations from Ello There, these perfect invitations for music lovers, record collectors and lovers of all things vintage come custom printed with your details and choice of colours.  The full range includes wedding invitations, save the dates, weddings posters (pictured) and silhouettes.

Retro Wedding Theme

Some of the most unique and glamourous wedding ideas can be found simply by looking back to fashions and trends of days gone by. Art Deco 30's, rock’n’roll 60's, and I gotta tell you I love them all. Here’s some tips for incorporating some retro into your day.

• Along with feather boas, flapper dresses, and long pearl necklaces your retro theme should incorporate some well thought out music. Take the time to look back at what decade appeals most to you, and research it to discover dress styles, music choices, dance steps, decor, and other snippets of information. It will help as you make decisions on colours, cake style, menu, decorations, favours and everything you need to include in the event.

• Polaroid cameras and photos are definitely retro, and they're making a 'new age' come back because, unlike digital or 35mm photos, they develop instantly. When they're combined with notes from all your friends and family the instant photo guest book becomes a memento filled with memories that will last forever!

• Set the tone right from the start with invitations that reveal your retro theme.

• Treat your guests to retro style wedding favours such as love beads or peace sign jewelry. Perhaps even a custom-made CD of classic rock tunes. For a 30's theme, linen handkerchiefs for both men and women can add a personal vintage touch, or DVD copies of your favorite old black and white films.

• Consider a cocktail dress or Jackie Kennedy-style sheath with a white pillbox hat and a netted veil. Before you spend big bucks on a gown, trawl vintage dress shops, flea markets or thrift shops. Your dress can even be custom designed using vintage fabric and old patterns. A shorter wedding dress is definitely the way to go and of course the perfect opportunity to shoe off some fabulous shoes. Opt for peep toe, pastel colours and anything with bow details. With your jewelry try to continue the theme by accessorising with chunky pearls and beads in pastel tones and don’t forget to ask any relatives or friends if they have vintage pieces for your something borrowed.

• Flowers are key in creating retro chic so add a flower corsage to your hair or dress.

• Ribbons and hair bands needn’t be teamed with oodles of hairspray. Think soft waves and curls, but if you do decide to opt for a more structured look, chose a style with height such as a small quiff or mini beehive.

• Invest in or hire some floral crockery and napkins.

• Research, research, research!


Happy planning,

Black Meringue Magazine

A new wedding magazine has hit the shops but this one if far from your average glitzy love fest.

Black Meringue caters for the alternative wedding market with features that veer far from the traditional. Instead, you'll find it chock full of catering for vegetarians, colourful gowns, risque features, old wives' tales deconstructed, cakes with a difference and ways to express your love from painting voices to tattoos. At last a magazine for the darker side of weddings!

Bridal Exhibitions

For those of you heading home for some last minute inspiration and preparation before the day, here's a list of Sydney and Melbourne's bridal exhibitions for the diary.

Melbourne

May 2010 at Crown Melbourne
August 2010 at the Royal Exhibition Building
January 2011 at the Royal Exhibition Building

Sydney

May 2010 at the Royal Hall of Industries
August 2010 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
January 2011 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre

For further info visit http://www.ultimatebridalevent.com.au/

Alice in Weddingland

Alice in Wonderland, the film that’s got everyone talking and me pondering on a theme.  Could a quirky Alice in Wonderland themed wedding be for you?  It excuses all sorts of randomness, a wonky cake, mismatching decorations and colour.  Oh how you could throw yourself into this one!!

An afternoon tea party in a garden or countryside venue is a great place to start.  Dress tables with mismatched vintage china.  Tiered cake stands and glass punchbowls will make perfect containers for your floral tablecentres, and why not use playing cards as place cards?  Decorate chairbacks with over-sized bows and fresh flowers.  Drinks should, of course, include an assortment of teas or serve cocktails in pretty floral teacups.  For those essential finishing touches to decorate your tables, head to Harvey Nichols where you’ll find a wonderful assortment of goodies, all inspired by Alice and her friends.  To announce your wonderland wedding send a whimsical wedding invitation to the Mad Hatter’s tea party and to top off your event a Mad Hatter cake will definitely make a statement.

A little bit of pink inspiration

When I clocked this precious pink and white candy and dessert buffet designed by Sugarcoated Events, I fell in love. Fab spread for a wedding, shower or any kind of party! Inspirational!!