White Lilies Events

Which colour scheme is for you? - part 2

2009-11-23T13:07:00.008Z

Continuing from last week, today we'll look at flowers for four colours: purple, yellow, white and red.

Purple

This is a colour very popular with royalty, clergy and psychics ... and symbolises a dramatic, flamboyant personality.
Flowers to match a purple wedding theme are Lisianthus (eustoma), allium, liatris, phalaenopsis, orchid, anemone, African violet, streptocarpusYellow
Yellow is a bright and cheerful colour that stimulates memory and symbolises summer, the sunshine and holidays.
For a yellow theme, you can use: sunflower, solidago, achillea, daffodils, oncidium, orchid, begonia, hibiscus.

White
White flowers often appear more expensive than the coloured version of the same flower.
Adequate choices would be Longiflorum lily, gypsophila, stephanotis, gardenia, peace lily.

Red
The colour of passion, red grabs attention and points to an assertive personality.
You can choose roses, geranium, anthurium, celosia, amaryllis, poinsettia, kalanchoe.

For more ideas on flowers visit www.myweddingflowerideas.co.uk or read Wedding Flowers Magazine. I particularly like this magazine, as at the end there are 4 pages with flower names and images. Enjoy!

Little Miss Wedding - stylish wedding ideas and inspirations for UK brides

2009-11-18T09:00:00.001Z

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique, but sometimes it seems rather hard to find inspiration, as most of the blogs seem to address only the US market.

Today, we are happy to present an interview with Emmie from Little Miss Wedding, a blog presenting unique wedding ideas and suppliers especially selected for British brides.

Ladies, enjoy and do not forget to visit Little Miss Wedding.

1. Littlemisswedding.co.uk is rather unique on the British wedding market. What determined you to write a blog presenting ideas to make the wedding day special?

I organised my wedding last December myself and found that little of any interest on the internet to help me. I decided that there was a niche in the market for a UK focused site that listed/ reviewed good value, reliable suppliers that can offer something a little bit 'unique and boutique'. I wanted to set up a site that gave readers ideas, tips, advice and a directory of reputable suppliers. LMW is about showing couples how to have fun whilst planning their wedding, encouraging couples to involve family and friends, helping couples to find those one off suppliers (that are out there but are sometimes difficult to find) and offering ideas and inspiration so that people getting married can have the wedding that they really want without it having to cost the earth.

2. Is this a hobby or a full time job?

At the moment it’s a hobby. My full time job is in online/ digital media - my experience in online marketing and media is what made me decide to set up an online site focused on weddings.

3. For inspiration, I like following the posts on Style me pretty, JL Designs and also the design boards from Helen Carter. Are there any blogs/websites that you like in particular?

I like Style me Pretty too (I think everyone does), Green Wedding shoes is a good one (which my hubbie found for me). I like to focus on the UK market so I follow UK brides that are getting married and blogging about their preparations, such as http://ourdaybydesign.blogspot.com/ (infact Gaynor the bride to be is going to start guest blogging on LMW soon). I also like to follow photographers blogs as I love looking at all their wedding pics and getting inspiration from there.

4. Looking back at your posts, is there a decorative idea that you loved so much you would like to incorporate in your wedding day?

I am still to post about a lot of the little decorative ideas that I had at my own wedding, but I do love the night sky lanterns that I have posted about on LMW. Had I had a wedding in the summer in the countryside I would have let these off into the night sky in the evening - so romantic. Unfortunately this wasn't really an option in central london. I also love the table decorations and vintage milk bottles used for table names that I featured in one of my posts (taken from Planet Mithi's blog) - she is really creative and her blog is a fantastic source of inspiration.

5. This year we’ve seen many vintage inspired weddings and a growing tendency to being environmentally friendly. What trends do you see for next year?

Ooh I don't know - I think vintage inspired weddings will still be popular, and I think that you are right in that people are beginning to think more about the environment when planning their wedding, which is why I like florists like Planet Flowers that use seasonal and locally sourced flowers and foliage. I think with the recession we'll see more and more people looking for bargains, ways to cut costs, save money and involving their friends and family in a true DIY wedding. That is why I try and post about suppliers that don't cost the earth and DIY ideas that brides can use to make things themselves. I know lots of people getting married next year and they are all looking to see where their friends and family can help out and save them money.

6. Are there any tips you would give a bride wanting to make her wedding day unique? (eg: where to get inspiration from in terms of website, magazines, hobbies; who to turn to for advice etc)

Well check out my site :-) and also just search the internet for other wedding blogs and sites (including the ones that we have mentioned above). The beauty of the internet is that you can search for exactly what you want, its all free, and there is lots and lots of information out there that is up to date and relevant. Magazines can be good but I prefer the internet as there is no cost and you can choose what you read, rather than a magazine where they choose the content which might be completely irrelevant to your needs. Getting adviceand ideas from married friends(and friends of friends) is always good too.

Thank you, Emmie! We'll keep following your posts :)

Which colour scheme is for you? - part 1

2009-11-16T08:30:00.001Z

Choosing a theme for the wedding day has become one of the main concerns of a bride-to-be.

There are many ways to choose a theme, but one of the simplest is choosing colours that you like. The following two Monday posts focus on presenting a selection of flower recommendations according to the colour theme you choose.

Green
If you like green, you are caring, home loving, responsible, you like nature and may support ecology.
For your green wedding theme, you can use bells of Ireland, guilder rose.

Pink
As a pink lover, you are feminine, unthreatening and calming.
The best flowers to match a pink theme are: carnation, sweet pea, Guernsey lily, azalea, and hypoesies (polka dot plant).

Blue
Blue is the sign of a restful, calming, cool, relaxing person.
Flowers to help bring to life a blue wedding theme are delphinium, cornflower, agapanthus (nile lily), campanula, iris, hydrangea.

Photo credits: www.myweddingflowerideas.co.uk

Lingerie ... oh-la-la - tips on choosing your wedding day lingerie

2009-10-15T14:40:00.009+01:00

It is my considered opinion that lingerie can help us feel beautiful and happy with ourselves without having to undergo surgical operations or torturing diets.

Today we have a special guest on our blog: Sarah from Elizabeth Wells who has kindly agreed to share some of her knowledge when it comes to lingerie. Ladies, enjoy :) and feel free to visit her website for some ideas ;)

1. What it is more important when choosing the lingerie: the body shape or the style of the dress?

Both are important when choosing your lingerie. You dont want something that will show under your dress, you also want to choose something that will enhance your figure so that you feel at your best. Some brides want to enhance their chest as much as possible, others want to feel pulled in with the help of shape wear.

2. What type of lingerie do you recommend according to a bride’s body shape? (pear/apple/athlete/petite etc)

I would recommend thinking about shape wear, particularly around the tummy. This could be in the form of a sassy basque, a corset designed to be worn under a dress or the high waisted knickers. This is important for some women as the tummy is a real area of worry. If you feel secure and comfortable you will enjoy your day, rather than holding your tummy in!

The key is feeling secure and comfortable - this is why its a great idea to come and be fitted and to try options you may not have considered before. Remember your lingerie fitter is an expert in her field and may have some great ideas & tips for you. For example it may be a lot more comfortable & practical to go for high waisted knickers and a strapless bra than a basque.

3. What type of lingerie do you recommend according to a bride’s dress? (A line/princess/siren etc)

If you need a strapless bra I would recommend the half cup bras from my shop as these give a great shape to the bust, the ones in EW also have the added advantage of being gorgeous bras! The fuller cups can tend to pull you down if you're wearing them for a long period of time.

The knickers are important - you do not want visible panty line! The thigh & slimmers are also a good idea if you want to suck things in & keep everything streamlined. If you do this its common for the brides to buy some fancy knickers for the wedding night. An all in one body is a great idea as the dress skims over everything, you can wear pretty bridal lingerie - just remember to whip the all in one off before you seduce your new hubby!

4. In your experience, when should a bride buy her wedding day lingerie? Is it important for a bride to bring the lingerie to the fittings for her dress?

To be sure you should ask your dress fitter. I think it is useful to buy the lingerie to wear for fittings - this way you can be sure your whole outfit sits together beautifully.

5. Could you give us your top 5 tips when choosing lingerie for the wedding day?

1 - Be properly fitted & try all the options

2 - Be comfortable in what your wearing, you'll be in it all day

3 - Buy some sexy undies for the night - if your wearing shapewear you may be put off getting undressed!

4 - Take your undies with you to your dress fitting

5 - Buy a garter at the same time! EW's garters are all handmade in Nottingham 100% silk and all individual & unique - why would you want a mass produced garter!?

Thank you, Sarah, for your helpful pieces of advice :)

White Lilies Events featured on youandyourwedding.co.uk

2009-10-14T17:16:00.004+01:00

We are happy to be featured in the article "Stretch you wedding budget" on youandyourwedding.co.uk with one of the 10 tips to help you manage your wedding budget wisely. Have a look at it and feel free to share your thoughts on it :)

Honeymoon destinations by month 6

2009-10-12T21:04:00.005+01:00

Finally, the recommendations for honeymoon destinations for the last 2 months of the year: November and December. You can enjoy winter snow as well as winter sun.

November
Caribbean: A favourite destination at this time of the year thanks to the many romantic islands you can choose from from.
Thailand: Discover the rich Thai culture: markets, palaces, forests ...
The Galapagos Islands/Ecuador: Explore the jungles and mountains and enjoy the friendly wildlife.
December
Zanzibar: Great winter sun with vast, white, empty sands and stunning unspoilt vegetation
Vienna, Austria: Culture lovers will definitely love Vienna's grand architecture, music, art and opera.
Canada: Enjoy the great skiing that Quebec, Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia offer.

Photo credits:
Vienna: City Pictures
Canada: Discover holidays

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

Honeymoon destinations by month 5

2009-10-05T21:25:00.004+01:00

Autumn is the season of weddings and wedding fayres, but also of some blissful honeymoon destinations. Read on to see what September and October has to offer!

September
Mauritius: Enjoy this paradise island with its paradise hotels, beaches and food.
Norway: Take advantage of the trees in bloom, long days and mild weather.
Borneo: Adventure lovers can explore the rainforests and climb Mount Kinabalu

October
Bali welcomes you with its soft, white sandy beaches!
New England, USA: Unwind amongst stunning autumnal displays
Dubai is the place where the sun never fails to shine

Photo credits:
Mauritius: Mauritius Paradise Tour
New England, USA: The Telegraph

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

Honeymoon destinations by month 4

2009-09-28T17:06:00.011+01:00

Half way through the list of honeymoon destinations by month are July and August with locations to help you make the most of your summer.

July
South Pacific: Unwind on picture-postcard beaches while the rainfall is at its lowest.
Italy: Enjoy the fantastic Italian cuisine in the country's heartland of romance: Florence, Venice, Tuscany and the lakes.
Tanzania: Nature lovers will certainly enjoy the awesome zebra/wildebeest migration that happens now.

August
Seychelles: A devine scenery with white sands, marine parks and buried treasure for you to discover.
Vietnam: The climate and temperature are ideal for exploring cultural and natural delights.
Namibia: Come here to witness the highest concentration of wild animals in Etosha National Park.

Photo credits:
Fiji: Pacific travel guides
Tuscan cuisine: La Rogaia
Etosha National Park: Travel to Africa

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

Vintage wedding decoration tip

2009-09-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

I would like to share this little table arrangement as I think it is really delicate and pretty. And ... it can also be a great money-saving tip.

For a vintage look for your reception, why not use your granny's teacup collection to decorate the venue. It can help save at least for two reasons:

you don't have to hire vases ... you already have the cups
the flowers that can be used should be cheaper, as the stem required for the arrangements is short (one florist once told me that the longer the stem and the richer the bud, the more expensive the flower is)

This lovely arrangement was made by Buds and Bows in Worcester. I highly recommend them as they've helped me when I was let down by someone else when preparing for a wedding fayre.

Honeymoon destinations by month 3

2009-09-21T21:14:00.006+01:00

Today we'll continue with a little bit spring and a little bit of summer: May and June. These two months can offer options for both luxury and nature lovers.

May
Mexico: The Yucatan Peninsula welcomes you with its hip resorts, white sandy beaches and Mayan ruins
Crete: Explore this beautiful Greek island amidst colourful spring flowers under a balmy weather.
Montana, USA: Stay on a ranch, go riding or camp out under the starts. Watch Hallmark's "Straight from the heart" for a glimpse of what awaits you.

June
Cote d'azur: Mix with the jet-set in St Tropez, then stargaze in Cannes and Monaco
Across Europe on the Orient Express: Revel in romance, luxury and great scenery.
Alaska: For the Northern Lights, getting back to nature and even going salmon fishing.

Photo credits:
Montana, USA: pixdaus.com
Orient Express: wunderground.com

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

Sunflower-inspired wedding theme

2009-09-15T18:43:00.007+01:00

This theme uses mainly yellow, green and brown as colours. And if you are out of season, you can successfully replace sunflowers with gerberas.

Honeymoon destinations by month 2

2009-09-14T15:32:00.005+01:00

If you are planning for an early spring honeymoon, here is what Brides Wedding Planner recommend for March and April, our next two months in the series of post presenting honeymoon destinations by month.

March
Australia - The heat is moderate, allowing you to enjoy both the cities and the beaches
Southern Spain - March is carnival time here: flamenco and fiestas for a truly entertaining honeymoon.
Oman - This Middle Eastern gem has unspoilt beaches, friendly people and pleasant temperatures.

April
Southern Thailand - Take advantage of the dry season and bliss out on one of the islands
Costa Rica - Go eco-crazy in the many national parks for now it is not too wet
Botswana - For wonderful water-based safaris in the sunny Okavango DeltaPhoto credits
Flamenco: andalucia.com
Okavango Delta: okavango-delta-safaris.com

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

"Orchids" on a budget

2009-09-10T16:55:00.007+01:00

Orchids and any exotic flowers are much more expensive that any other flowers. But if you still want an exotic feel for your reception, why not use tulips instead? They are much cheaper and can still be brought from Holland.

I found this idea on mayra, a foreign lifestyle site and I thought it was really clever as it might work perfectly within a limited budget while still offering the wow factor ;)

All you have to do is buy some tulips and slightly turn towards the outside the petals, like in the picture below. You suddenly have "orchids" on a budget (chuckle)

Photo credits:
Mayra

Honeymoon destinations by month 1

2009-09-07T18:23:00.008+01:00

Today we'll start a new series of posts. Theme: honeymoons :)
After all the excitement of the wedding day, you will want to spend some time relaxing somewhere you both dreamt of going. However, not only the location is important, the time you go there can make a difference.

Earlier this year, Brides Wedding Planner presented a list of honeymoon destinations by the month which was the most recommended to visit them. We'll start with January and February.

..............................................................................................................................................

January
Philippines' 7000 islands offer plenty of choice to find your dream beach
Morocco - Discover souk life and North African exoticism on a just-right-f0r-sightseeing weather
Sweden - Enjoy a winter wonderland, even stay at an ice hotel, if you so desire!

February
Maldives - The rainfall is at the lowest and with only one resort per island you will enjoy complete privacy
South Africa - The sunny and dry weather now offers the best safari opportunities
New Zealand - the great summer here is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors on North or South Island.

Photo credits:
Philippines: Asian travel guide
South Africa: african reptiles and venom
Sweden: Etsy

Acknowledgements:
The recommendations and information presented are extracted from Brides Wedding Planner 2009. All rights reserved.

How a wedding planner can help you - part 7

2009-08-31T21:04:00.003+01:00

Hello and welcome to the last part of the series presenting the ways in which wedding planners can help you! Today we'll focus on what wedding planners are best known and … feared for: full wedding co-ordination.

Full wedding planning is the service by which the planner takes care of all the aspects involved in the organisation of the wedding according to the specifications of their clients. This consists of putting together all the little bits and pieces presented in the earlier posts:

source suppliers, negotiate prices and keep regular contact with them, thus acting as a link between you and the suppliers you choose to hire
help you choose a theme and create a design to decorate the venue
be there on the wedding day to make sure everything is ok
advise you on the best way to do a certain activity
act as a reality check for all your ideas and plans

A good wedding planner will never take over your wedding. They should help you bring to reality the vision that YOU have for YOUR wedding day … after all it is your wedding day. And if you're not happy with the service they provide, well ... you are more than entitled to give up their services.

Not everyone needs a wedding planner. But if you're not sure you need one, do go and speak with some. Yes, some, not one!!!! If you really need one, then you must feel comfortable with them and the way they are. If they are going to plan your wedding, that will require in average keeping in contact for about 12 months! So you would like to hire someone you get along easily with :)

You can find wedding planners at wedding fayres, in published or online directories like The Wedding Planner or White Wedding Pages or have them recommended by someone who has already used their services ;)

***

All in all, for the past 7 weeks I tried to shortly present the types of services a wedding planner can offer. The list does not aim to be exhaustive ... but at least it can give you an insight into how you can benefit from these services.

Hope it is of help,

Alina :)

Frozen snowflakes column

2009-08-26T14:40:00.001+01:00

This post is related to the recent one on winter weddings decoration ideas.
When I saw this swan column with frozen snowflakes from Ice Fantastic, I couldn't but think that would integrate perfectly with a winter wedding.

Basically, you can have almost anything frozen and for different purposes: table centre piece, candle holder or simple decoration item ... and not only for winter weddings.
Check out Ice Fantastic's product gallery for some more ideas.

Photo credits:
Ice Fantastic

How a wedding planner can help you - part 6

2009-08-24T18:36:00.009+01:00

As announced last week, today we'll be looking into wedding day management.

Having exhibited at some wedding fayres and talked to brides-to-be, I have come to the (obvious!!!) conclusion that brides-to-be really want to be involved in every aspect of the organisation of their wedding. And there is nothing wrong with this, after all, it is your wedding!!!

However, your wedding day is just one day. It flies quicker than you think and you wouldn't want to miss it by worrying if the cake has arrived in time or the chair bows are all tied up. You and your groom should really spend it celebrating your love together with your dear ones.

This is exactly what a wedding day management service aims to do. You will meet the wedding planner more or less a month before the big day and hand over the contact details of all the suppliers you've hired. You will also talk about how you want the events to unfold and create a schedule for the day. Afterwards, the planner will:
- contact all the suppliers and inform them about the schedule
- keep constant communication with both you and the suppliers
- be present at the reception venue
- co-ordinate the decoration process
- co-ordinate all suppliers: making sure they arrive in time, have a designed area to do their job
... in a nutshel, make sure everything run smoothly, according to the plan (or troubleshoot any problems in case there are any).

So do you really need a wedding planner on your wedding day?
It's your personal choice ... but 78% of the brides having just come through their wedding had wished they had had professional help even if for the wedding day itself (national survey results cited on UKAWP's blog)

Photo credits:
Style me pretty

Winter decoration ideas

2009-08-21T08:15:00.003+01:00

This may seem a strange topic to address in August ... but, for those who are having a December or January wedding, this is the time to look for ideas on decorating the venue.

Brides's September/October white issue has some fantastic decoration ideas for a white winter wedding. In addition to this, it also presents how you can it yourself ;)

My favourite is this gorgeous picture of marshmallow snowflakes and sugar stirrers for the after dinner coffee.

I also find really nice the idea of using painted pine cones as place cards holders. Here are some ways of incorporating pine cones into the decoration of your venue :)

For more ways of using white for your special day the current Brides issues is the perfect stating point.
Enjoy the reading!

Photo credits
Brides, September/October 2009

How a wedding planner can help you - part 5

2009-08-17T18:50:00.003+01:00

Another important aspect of your wedding are your guests.

You've chosen a date, found the venue, defined a theme and started working on all the elements that would make your day special. But in order to share your joy and happiness with those dear to you, you have to let them know when and how you're getting married.

RSVP management is important for a series of reasons. First of all, the exact number of guests will be asked by the caterer and by the venue when arranging the reception room. It is also essential when putting together the seatting plan and ordering any favours.

However, this does not imply only sending the invitations and waiting for your guests to arrive on the day. You should:
- keep clear records on who has answered and who hasn't,
- chase after late respondents,
- keep track on what special requirements are mentioned,
- be able to respond to any enquiry the guests may have.

For a bride enjoying the creative parts of the organisation process, but not necessarily looking forward to the administrative aspects, a wedding planner can do all these. They can also advise on how to design the information pack you send to your guests in order to make it easy for them to reply in due time.

These are some thoughts on RSVP management. Stay tuned for next Monday's post when we'll be looking at wedding day management!

Photo credits
Post box: unicornkiosks.com
Envelopes: 1001chineseinvitations.com; thepulpstudio.com

Short wedding dresses

2009-08-17T13:00:00.000+01:00

One of this year's trends is short wedding dresses. According to You and Your Wedding experts, short wedding dresses are a good choice if you want to show off great legs or are having a chic city wedding.

Here are three choices: the first with a fresh summery feel (Ritva Westenius), a '50's inspired second (Candy Anthony) and a lace third one for a more lady-like look (Stephanie Allin).

Photo credits
Brides Magazine

How a wedding planner can help you - part 4

2009-08-10T18:00:00.009+01:00

Welcome to our 4th post on how a wedding planner can help you!

Today I'll be talking about suppliers because your beautiful wedding day is the result of the co-ordinated activities of many different people. Invitation provider, cake maker, caterer, venue, florist, photographer are some of those involved.
.......
You can find suppliers in a variety of ways:
- at wedding fayres
- have them recommended by some close friend or relative
- see their advertisement in directories
- sometimes, from the list of recommended suppliers the venue works with

However, no matter the method, it sure takes a quite significant amount of time. And if you do not have the time nor really know where to start, that's where the wedding planner comes into action.

A wedding planner can:
- recommend a supplier for one or more services
- search the supplier for you, based on your requirements and specifications

Just like in the case of consultations, before recommending or starting a search, there should be a talk about the vision you have for your wedding day, requirements and budget set for a specific service. Then, the wedding planner should present a report with their recommendations and the reasons for the choice presented, so that it is you who makes the final decision of who is hired.
And lastly, but not the least, the wedding planner will make sure the services fit the theme you've chosen for your big day ;)

Photo credits
Invitation: Your RSVP
Cake: English Cheesecake Company
Flowers: brides.com

Outdoor activities to entertain your guests

2009-08-08T17:00:00.000+01:00

After so many rainy days, today it is really sunny and lovely outside. That is why I tought to share some ideas on outdoor activites to entertaining your guests on the big day.

How about a treasure or mystery trail to keep guests busy while you're having your photos taken? Treasure Trail organise treasure trails in different cities around Worcestershire and Herefordshire. But also are able to create bespoke trails to suit your requirements.
You can work with Amanda and design a trail which contains little pieces of information about your story (how you met, how he proposed ...) and these lead guests to find out something that no one knows about the two of you. The winner can get a simbolic prize, a bottle of wine ... or whatever fancies your imagination ;)Want some more action and adrenaline for your wedding day?
Marksman Leisure offer laser shooting entertainment for both indoor and outdoor events in the West Midlands. You can choose from a variety of activities: laser tag, indoor target shooting, laser clay pigeon shooting ...
And do not worry about damaging the suit, because everything is accompanied by protective equipment.Lastly, but not the least, why not consider some garden games for a wedding with an English tea party theme: giant jenga towers, chess games, croquet sets and much more. You can collect them or have them delivered, hire or buy them ... the choice is yours.
Check out Eccentrically English for an ideea of what you can find.

Photo credits
www.marksmanleisure.co.uk
www.eccentricallyenglish.co.uk

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ...

2009-08-06T21:14:00.011+01:00

... and a sixpence in her shoe"

According to http://www.somethingoldsomethingnew.co.uk/ this was a good luck saying dating back from the Victorian era.

"Something old" symbolises continuity, the link between the bride and her family, in particular with her mother or grandmother.

"Something new" stands for optimism and hope of a happy married life.

"Something borrowed" should be taken from a happily married woman in order to bring some of her happiness into the new marriage. This also represents that all your friends will be there for you on your wedding day and to give support when you need it in the future.

"Something blue" for fidelity, love and faithfulness.

And the lucky silver sixpence to ensure a life of fortune :)

Photo credits
www.alisonbynum.com

How a wedding planner can help you - part 3

2009-08-03T17:42:00.003+01:00

Today I'll continue with something that can be related to last week's post: choosing a theme.

We all want our wedding day to be unique. And one way of achieving this is creating a theme for that day.

Choosing a theme shouldn't give you headaches, it should be something that is personal for the two of you. It may as simple as a colour scheme ... let's say blue and white; orange, green and brown ... in pastel or bolder shades. Or it can be based around a hobby that you have, an artist that you like, a place you both loved or dream about going on holiday.

The wedding planner can talk with you and help you shape that theme. In addition to this, they can also give some ideas on how to bring that theme to reality. For example, if you both like an artist, maybe you can name the tables with your favourite songs from that artist. For entertainment, you can hire a tribute act band or if the two of you are courageous, why not singing a song together!!! That is bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests ;)

It's the little details that can really make your special day ... special. Talking to a wedding planner can start you think about it and come up with things that would make it unique and unforgetable for both you and your guests.

Watermelon inspired design board

2009-08-01T21:00:00.000+01:00

Each of us looks forward to a season for different reasons.
I am always looking forward to summer because of watermelons. I love the smell, the taste, the colours that they have.

Enjoy this mood board inspired by the colours of the watermelon:

Photo credits:
Dress: www.net-a-porter.com
Decorative motif: www.americanhomestencils.com
Bouquet : www.brides.com
Red umbrellas: www.theknot.com
Jewellery: www.shopruche.com
Lantern: www.lunabazaar.com
Cocktails: find.myrecipes.com
Cupcakes: www.weddingbycolor.com

A gift for your groom

2009-08-01T01:00:00.001+01:00

In line with the previous post, this one is also inspired by Cosmopolitan Bride. I simply had to share this idea of a love token designed by Rob RyanThis beautifully crafted key is so heart-touching and sweet. I definitely agree with the Cosmopolitan editors that it would make a really romantic gift for your groom on your wedding day.

Photo credits:
Cosmopolitan bride, Aug/Sept 2009

Something about me

2009-08-01T00:19:00.011+01:00

This post is a little personal ... :)

I am a huge fan of Michael Buble, I love his voice, it's so calming and soft.

And while I was flipping through Cosmopolitan Bride, in the classified directory I found a young artist specialising in doing a tribute act to Michael Buble: Kai McKinzie

Tributes acts are a nice idea for entertainment. And this guy here will without a doubt come to sing at my wedding ... honestly :)

Photo credits:
http://www.michaelbuble.com

How a wedding planner can help you - part 2

2009-07-27T18:00:00.003+01:00

Welcome to the series of posts explaining how a wedding planner can help you organise your special day!

Today I'll be talking about the first and simplest way in which a wedding planner can help: consultation.

You can use a consultation for at least two reasons:

ask for information about specific tasks on organising your wedding
help you decide which wedding planner to choose, if you think you need one's help

However, no matter the scope of the consultation, there should always be a period at the beginning of the meeting when the planner asks you about your wedding plans, vision and preferences. A good wedding planner will not start giving advice without knowing what you're looking for.

Most wedding planners offer free consultations. Others may give a free consultation if you want to hire them for full co-ordination, but charge for giving specific advice on a certain topic.

I know what you may be thinking: but there are so many directories and free advice on planning ... why should I pay someone to tell me what I can read for free????
Well, it is true that you can find a lot for free, but it is also true that these are general pieces of advice. Asking a planner gives you access to a piece of information that is tailored to your needs. And sometimes, all you need is an objective from-the-outside opinion to motivate you and sparkle that briliant idea on how to ...

I strongly believe that a good piece of advice never does harm, so don't be afraid to ask for one :)

Delicate flower bouquet

2009-07-22T21:00:00.008+01:00

I really like this bouquet. It's not because I made it (blowing my horns now :P ), but I do think it is lively, delicate and to some extent also stylish.

I made it for the fayre I went to on Sunday and I used carnations bought from Flowers of Worcester and roses from the Co-op.

It can lighten up a room or can be a lovely part of a table centrepiece with only around 4GBP plus some time invested in actually tying the flowers together.

How a wedding planner can help you - part 1

2009-07-20T18:45:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was at a wedding fayre in Malvern. It was the first event of this type where I took part as exhibitor and I was really excited about it.

But since it's July, I wasn't really expecting too many attendants. Nevertheless, 70 bridges enjoyed spending a couple of hours looking through what was on display.

However, I was also surprised by the fact that most people think a wedding planner can only organise the wedding from start to end and nothing more.

Don't get me wrong, we do love organising a wedding entirely. It creates a special bound with the couple as we're with them all the way through the big day. However, wedding planners can also help you in other ways, like:

sourcing suppliers
creating a design for the decoration of the venue
choosing a theme for the wedding
doing the RSVP for your wedding
management of the wedding day
simple consultation

In the following Mondays I will describe these activities one by one, and hopefully show that wedding planners are not only for the rich and famous. A wedding planner can help you in more ways you can think of ;)

So stay tuned for our Monday posts :)

Wedding fair at The Abbey Hotel in Malvern on 19th July

2009-07-13T14:00:00.002+01:00

White Lilies Events will be exhibiting at the wedding fayre organised by "I Will" Wedding Magazine on the 19th July at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern.
The fair will be featuring many local wedding suppliers, so it will be a great opportunity to get lots of ideas for your wedding. The Abbey Hotel itself is a lovely venue ...

Come and see us, share your wedding plans, get personalised tips for your special day, register for a free consultation and enter our special draw to win a free management of the wedding day package.

Hope to see you there!

Alina :)

Celebrate your love!

2009-07-12T19:49:00.007+01:00

Today I was at a wedding fayre and on the flyer I took from one photographer, mb photography, I found a list of milestones for your wedding:

1st - paper
2nd - cotton
3rd - leather
4th - flowers/silk
5th - wood
6th - sugar/iron
7th - wool/copper
8th - bronze
9th - pottery
10th - tin
15th - crystal
20th - china
25th - silver
30th - pearl
35th - coral
40th - ruby
45th - sapphire
50th - gold
55th - emerald
60th - diamond

In a world so concerned on paying the bills and meeting targets and deadlines at work, you can easily forget why you love your partner or how much you love each other.

Whether it is a lavish party organised by an event co-ordinator or just a romantic dinner between the two of you,
take a moment to celebrate your love!

Venue tips: the quality of service

2009-07-10T10:50:00.007+01:00

The idea of writing this next tip was generated by the attendance to a breakfast networking event.

The venue was absolutely gorgeous, the surroundings breathtaking. To be honest, I also enjoyed the breakfast served. However, on the way back, the friend accompanying me confessed that she was really disappointed with the service. She is a vegetarian, and by the time she was served, all the others had already finished their breakfast.

Certainly, you want to make sure you find the ideal location for your big day. However, you should also pay attention to the details of the service provided on the wedding day. Whether the catering is provided by the venue or by an external catering company, do make sure you discuss how the service will be provided, not only the menu or how beautiful the area is.

Here are some tips:

ask where the food is prepared and how long it takes to be brought at the table. This is most important if you're serving hot food. You do not want the dishes to arrive cold at your guests' table. Having to carry the dishes through long corridors until they reach the guests won't help too much.
ask how many waiting staff they will hire for the day. The number of your guests will influence the number of waiting staff needed. Five waiting staff will under no circumstance be sufficient for a 100-guest function. Another important factor is the type of meals you decide to go for. A buffet will undoubtly require less staff than a seated meal.
think also of the possible dietary requirements your guests have. If you have any vegetarian guests, like my friend was, how will they be served? Will they be served after all the others have been? When will their meal be prepared: the same time as the normal menu or after everything else is finished?

Paying attention to these small details will allow your guests enjoy the day as much as you do :)

Happy planning,
Alina :)

White Lilies Events on Twitter

2009-07-07T22:28:00.007+01:00

White Lilies Events is also on Twitter.

You can follow us at http://twitter.com/LiliesEvents.
Take a look at who's following us or who we're following ... Maybe you can find some useful ideas from there, too ;)

Alina :)

Seaside themed wedding

2009-07-06T11:31:00.003+01:00

Summer is here and most of us contemplate the idea of spending some days at the seaside. But why not bringing the sea at your wedding?

Here are some ideas on how to define your seaside inspired wedding theme:

1. Decorating the venue
Simply using a blue and white colour scheme can give you endless possibilities. Just take a look at the lovely board belowYou can also incorporate sea inspired elements, like stars and sea shells. A bowl with sand, a candle and little seashells can be a perfect table centrepiece.
2. Catering
Simple dishes like fish and chips can be delicious and integrate perfectly with your theme.
Canapes are another solution. These look really tasty ....
And how about some cocktails that match your blue and white colours ... You can even come up with a cocktail especially designed for the two of you!
3. Cake
No wedding is complete without a cake.
You can choose a classic cake or a more modern one formed of cupcakes which can be given to guests as favours. And you can still have the pleasure of cutting your cake with a first layer of proper cake ;)

Or you can be bold with colours and shapes. Here are two interesting examples ....

Hope these little ideas are of help ...

Wish you a great week,
Alina :)

Photos credits:
Decoration items: www.polyvore.com; www.sandiegoweddingblog.com
Canapes: www.magnumevents.eu
Cocktails: www.cocktailtimes.com
Cakes: www.sweetfiscakes.com; www.sedonaweddingcakes.com; www.squido.com; www.mariannecreativecakes.com.au

Welcome to White Lilies Events' Blog!

2009-07-02T12:37:00.001+01:00

A warm welcome to our blog!

We aim to present little pieces of advice and ideas that we hope will be useful. And also give you a glimpse of how we, at White Lilies Events, can help you. :)

The blog will soon be followed by a website presenting our services. In the meanwhile, keep an eye on our posts.

See you soon,
Alina :)