Wednesday 24 October 2012

Day 9 - Fun & Games!

Looking to keep your guests entertained? Look no further than these vintage style games...

1) Keep the older folks happy with these dominoes
2) Swap cards are great to keep the little ones entertained!
3) These toy skittles are a favourite for me!
4) Or set up an egg and spoon race with this cute little set.
5) These garden draughts are perfect for summer weddings.

Just remember, it's not the winning that counts. Oh wait a minute, yes it is!

Love Mrs Terrence X

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Day 8 - Tree of Love

I decided to blog about the 'Tree of Love' wedding theme for today's inspiration.

I stumbed upon the tree decorations where the bride and groom asked their friends to bring along heart decorations to attach to a tree. I loved the hippy vibe and so the search continued.


There are loads of ways that you can include the tree theme into your big day, through the invites to the place settings  which are perfect favours too.

I also love the guest book tree of love. This could be a great DIY project - ask your guests to write a short note or a few words of wisdom for you. Or the last fingerprint guest book could also be a great conversation starter and an interactive attraction for your guests.

With love

Mrs Terrence X

Monday 22 October 2012

Day 7 - Centrepieces

Yes I know that I've broken my promise to blog every day for 10 days, but I hope you won't hold it against me...on day 7 of my blogging journey, I bring you 5 ways with centrepieces.

Now I think that centrepieces are quite an important focal point of the table. Don't forget that guests are going to be staring at these for a while over dinner, but on the other hand, should you spend ridiculous amounts of money on them? Well if you're pretty minted then I'd say why the hell not, but here are a few potential DIY ideas...

1) I love the idea of using vintage books as a centre piece. If you wanted to go that extra centimental step, you could raid your grandparents library for their favourite books to really add that personal touch.

2) If you're looking for a dramatic centrepiece then look no further than these tiered candles. Having one of these on each table will add such atmosphere to your reception.

3) I have been to a few weddings in my time, but I have never seem a goldfish centrepiece. Very original and can act as favours too - just as long as your guests remember to take them home with them at the end of the night!

4) Mason jars are so versatile and are as cheap as chips. Use these jars to display previous family weddings or messages from the bride and groom!

5) I'm sure that heaps of people have used this idea in the past, but retro sweets in glass bowls/ornaments are really easy to put together yourself and great for guests to tuck into while they're waiting for their dinner.

Happy planning

Love Mrs Terrence XX

Thursday 11 October 2012

Day 6 - Save the date

Thinking of a few ideas for save the dates....do any of these catch your eye?



1) Cocoagraph.com can personalise your save the dates on chocolate. Just make sure that your guests make a note of the date before they eat the chocolate bar.
2) Or send your friends and family a tea towel with weddingteatowels.co.uk
3) Your guests can huff and puff their way to your details with this save the date balloon
4) How about arranging your engagement next to scrabble letters and photograph from above and printing on card?
5) But anything with real 'tying knots' for save the dates makes me smile.

Happy planning

Love Mrs Terrence X

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Day 5 - Something blue

Today I'm looking at your 'something blue'. It's one of those small traditions that are sometimes forgotten or thought about at the last minute.

You can have SO much fun with this and really make it a feature of your day. Would love to hear from anyone who have used these ideas...


1) Simply adding a blue ribbon to the ankle is a fabulous focal point for photos and perfectly hidden if blue isn't your favourite colour but you're a sucker for tradition.
2) A blue clutch could also be a great accessory for your big day.
3) Personally I love the blue headpiece. This shade of blue is subtle enough not to take away from your dress.
4) Bridesmaids wrote personal notes on the sole of these shoes for their bride.
5) Or, add an elegant touch to your look with these sapphire earrings

If anyone of you lovely bride would like to submit images of the 'something blue' theme, send them through and I'll upload.

Love Mrs Terrence X



Tuesday 9 October 2012

Day 4 – Vintage hankies

Today I’m looking at vintage hankies. They can be quite inexpensive depending on where you shop and hopefully won't break the bank, but I guess that depends on the amount that you want/need.
Hope you like my ideas below!

1)      It’s the first time that I’ve seen vintage hankies made into bunting. These create double sided bunting and saves a lot of time cutting out triangles.
2)   I love this idea of a ring cushion. I know that it’s quite an American tradition, but it makes for a great photo.
3)      You could wrap your flower bouquets with pretty hankies and can always be recycled afterwards.
4)      Provide a basket of vintage hankies for your guests and place at the entrance of the ceremony.
 5)      Decorate the back of each chair with hankies – it adds a touch of colour and it so simple to create. And if the speeches get too much, your guests can always pinch them to blow their nose.

Hope you like what you see.

Love Mrs Terrence X

Monday 8 October 2012

10 day challenge - Button it.

In day 3 of my 10 day chalenge, I give to you '5 ways with button holes'.

A random selection and not a flower in sight. I love button holes - they're such a great way to add personality and to tie in with your theme. So, from the top...

1)  This Skull Button Hole is so fun. A bit on the gothic side, but such an individual statement.

2) These felt flags are great if you're a bit crafty and adding a DIY touch to your big day.

3) Or why not ask people to wear badges instead of button holes. You can personalise them with people's roles or nicknames and are a great conversation starter.

4) For the musicians amongst you, guitar picks can be created into button holes with some thin wire and a bit of patience.

5) This photo brooch is utterly charming and a great way to remember relatives or friends that can't share the day with you. View here to see these in more details.

Hope these have given you a few ideas. Stay tuned for tomorrow's update.

Love Mrs Terrence X

Sunday 7 October 2012

10 day challenge - Doilies

It's day 2 and I'm still going strong...today I'm bringing you '5 ways with doilies'. Now I know what many of you might be thinking, but take a look at the pictures below and you might be pleasantly surprised. They are so versatile, can be found in a variey of shapes, sizes and colours and are super cheap. Traditionally they have been found underneath your nana's tea cup, but I hope that I've inspired you with a few new ideas for them.


1) These wonderful chair decorations that I found from http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com could be the perfect way to add a few touches to a vintage or rustic wedding.

2) Colourful pom poms can add an injection of colour into your reception area. And these are really easy to make yourself. Visit Inthetreehouse.com for your step by step DIY guide

3) I wish I had of found these doilie cones when I was getting married. They are simple but beautiful and could be used to pop your favours in too.

4) Make sure that you allow yourself a bit more time to send out your invitations if you're making these doilie envelopes from scratch. Personally, I don't think that they would survive if you posted them so make sure you get some strong glue. Check out how to make these yourself.

5) Use doilies to hand make these favours. Want to make them? Find out how

Thanks to the following sites for images: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com http://www.inthetreehouse.co.uk http://sweetsimplejoys.com http://creativecollectiveblog.com craftyliciouskaren.blogspot.co.uk

Saturday 6 October 2012

The 10 day challenge - those pesky kids!

Hello all,

Have you noticed how shockingly bad I have been at posting on my blog? It's not from a lack of inspiration let me tell you, it's pure laziness. Anyway, I've set myself a new '10 day' challenge. Each day I am going to present '5 things to do with'...

DAY 1 - '5 Things to do with those pesky kids'

Deciding to invite children at your wedding can be a tricky decision. They can look lovely in pictures (the cute ones at least), but they can make so much noise and it can really impact on the fun for your guests. If you do decide to have children I would thoroughly recommend having a few tricks planned to keep them entertained.



1) My favourite idea is the 'doorway puppet theatre'. These can be puchased online, or are really simple to make. I found this one with instructions on how to make your own DIY version from Countryliving.com You could always match the colour of the material to your colour theme.

2) This 'Alphabet Doodle Pad' is a great way to keep kids enterained throughout the service. Each pad comes with 26 tear out sheets so perfect for the ushers to hand out at the same time they're giving out order of services.

3) I-Spy with my little eye, something beginning with 'D!' Marthastewart.com has created these downloadable templates for 'photo scavenger hunt'. A neat idea for children who are 7-12 years. Don't forget to provide a disposable camera for each child.

4) Keep the kids entertained throughout the speeches with these colouring in tablecloths. It might keep them quiet while the groom has his 5 minutes of glory.

5) The all time favourite party bag! Stock up on the childrens favourite treats and place them all in a party bag. They can even decorate the bags themselves.jellyandblancmange.co.uk have such a great range to choose from.

Hope these have given you a few tips, and at least you won't hear noise when you're looking at your wedding pics.

Love Mrs Terrence x

Please find the direct links to the images above.

http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/doorway-puppet-theater-0609

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226645/i-spy-conversation-starter-game?czone=inspiration%2FDIY%2Ftemplates-and-clip-art

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/yoyome/product/my-wedding-alphabet-doodle-pad

http://www.thepodcompany.co.uk/colour-in_tea_time_table_cloth.htm

http://www.jellyandblancmange.co.uk/acatalog/Paper_Party_Bags.html#a730

Tuesday 31 July 2012

The original blonde bombshell

I couldn’t let the 50th anniversary of the hugely iconic Marilyn Monroe pass without a quick mention. This legend was the most stunning and photographed lady of her time and I had to take this opportunity to look at her wedding dresses.

Marilyn Monroe married to Joe DiMaggio in January 1954 at San Francisco City Hall. Marilyn opted for a demure pencil skirt and wool sweater with a fur collar, a far cry from her glamorous Hollywood image.
When Marilyn married her second husband, playwright Arthur Miller in October 1956, she wore a simple empire line satin dress with elbow length sleeves and a short veil. This dress could easily suit the modern bride today.

Happy reading – love Mrs Terrence x
Many thanks to

Sunday 8 July 2012

Lovely lavender

Well after making a batch of lavender shortbread biscuits yesterday, I got thinking about ‘lavender’ as a theme for a wedding. I’m not sure if I’m channelling the inner granny in me from an early age, but I have a strange love for lavender.
As I searched the web for some lovely ideas to share with all you budding brides, I found some absolute treasures. Lavender doesn’t have to stick with its reputation for being old fashioned – lavender can be used in so many contemporary ways. Check out those ‘bride’ stitched converse for a start, they look wicked!
The lavender bauble that I found puts such a twist on the stereotype. And I know what you might think when you see bauble...but don’t just confine these to Christmas. With a touch of imagination, these would look great as centre pieces or could be used as decorations throughout your venue etc. Baubles don’t just have to hang off Christmas trees!
The lovely ladies at Maidstomeasure.com have these beautiful ‘Bella’ dresses that would make the perfect addition to any lavender themed wedding. They look so flattering and are uber elegant.
Visit krissys-creations.com for your how-to-guide on how to make these lavender macaroons which will add vibrancy and instant colour to your day. My sweet tooth has a big soft spot for macaroons at the moment.
Keeping on the sweet theme, I used a traditional shortbread recipe that I found online for the lavender shortbread and substituted the caster sugar for my home made lavender sugar that I made for our wedding favours (few months on and they’re still looking and tasting good!). And here’s a top tip for you when making your own; when you’ve cut out your shapes, don’t place them too close together as you’ll end up with one massive piece of shortbread. Oops.
Take a look at my guide on how to make lavender sugar which is idea for wedding favours - http://mrs-terrence.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/do-me-favour.html
Here are a few other lovely ideas that you can do with lavender - sprinkle buds on the steps of the venue – as everyone walks over them, it will create a beautiful aroma. Or, you can easily make your own confetti by buying lavender buds and placing them in large baskets for people to grab a handful.
I hope these have given you a few ideas on how to incorporate this versatile flower into your day. Would love to hear from any lovely bride who would like to submit a wedding to the blog!

Love Mrs Terrence x

Many thanks to Maidstomeasure.com, notmassproduced.com, everything-lavender.com, blog.carriedavenport.com, krissys-creations.com and elizabethannedesigns.com for images.


Sunday 1 July 2012

Love, set, match

As Wimbledon season is upon us, I thought that I’d take a look at a few tennis themed wedding ideas. Now, I know that a tennis themed wedding isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but at least it’s different and a few subtle references and a few drapes of yellow here and there will go a long way to making it easy to achieve.
Let’s start with the obvious...tennis balls! Now, there are heaps of really great things that you can do to personalise tennis balls for weddings...save the dates and place settings to name just a few! There are heaps of bespoke printing companies that will print these for you online. If you’re in need of 100-200, the cost will be about £1.35 or so, but you could always write the details yourself if you have the patience and nice handwriting.
Most brides couldn’t pull off a full blown yellow gown, but could add a dash of colour with these yellow Manolo Blahnik Rita Half d’Orsay shoes – loving that leopard print lining!
If you hate your bridesmaids, then put them in garish yellow and they probably won’t turn up to your wedding. If you love your bridesmaids, I would highly recommend these bridesmaids dresses from Maids to Measure. The yellow is a lot softer and more subtle and is more likely to suit the majority of skin tones.
But don’t just think about the use of the colour yellow and green - it might look a bit too OTT after a while. There’s a lot that you can do with vintage wooden tennis rackets to add to the decoration for your wedding. I found these cute tennis rackets that have been converted to mirrors that looks stunning and original, and you could always arrange your wedding jewellery over a racket and ask your photographer to take a few snaps.
Another place to add a delicate addition to the theme is with centre pieces – you don’t need to have giant tennis balls on every table to make a statement. Don’t forget, less is more.
Hope you like these suggestions and would love to hear from anyone who has had/planning a tennis themed wedding who would like to be features on my blog.
Love Mrs Terrence x
Thanks to Luxurate.com, Maidstomeasure.com, womenstennisworld.com, weheartit.com, athome.kimvallee.com, colonialsoldier.com and goodtoknow.co.uk for images.

Tuesday 26 June 2012

It' only rock n roll, but I like it

Next month marks the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones. Now, I couldn't let this milestone go by without taking a look about these beautiful ladies and their rock n roll wedding dresses!

I love this picture of Ron Wood and Jo Howard from '85- she looks bloody gorgeous and I reckon we'll be seeing Daisy Lowe in something similar in a few years.

Bianca Jagger is an absolute legend for pulling off this much boob in her wedding suit in '71. And what better way to drink champagne than straight out of the bottle?!
 

Mick Jagger is looking less rock n roll and more Prince of Bel Air in his wedding to Jerry Hall in '90 in Fiji. Over 20 years on and this number is still looking like a classic wedding dress...minus the massive flower maybe.
 
Hope this gives you a bit of rock n roll inspiration when finding your wedding dress! 
 
Cx
 
 
 

Sunday 24 June 2012

Rain, rain go away

Now, one thing that can't be overlooked when planning a wedding is an umbrella! Come rain or shine, you need to be covered. Sunburn or a sopping wet dress aren't the best looks to be rocking on your wedding day.

Now, I've been searching for a few little treasures to give you a bit of inspiration.

This white vintage parasol from Freepeople.com looks absolutely stunning! Even if this is used for a prop for a pre wedding shoot, this is my eyes is a must for a beautiful sunny day.

And I've found this great little site called umbrellaboutique.co.uk - this umbrella is a bit on the pricey side but hey, it's nice to look! It makes a change from white or ivory.
One of my favourite high street shops is OliverBonas.com - these navy blue heart frill umbrellas are cute, afforable and adds a bit of colour to your pictures.
 And don't forget to buy a brolly for the boys too, you don't want a groom with a flat quiff.


Thanks to Freepeople.com, umbrellaboutique.com, Oliverbonas.com and Bellaumbrella.com for images.

Thursday 21 June 2012

Vintage inspired headband

So, my wedding dress has been dry cleaned and currently in a dust bag draped over a chair in the corner of my room and I've finally got round to buying a storage box ready for it's new home in the loft. It feels like it's the end of the party!

I doubt I'll have the occasion to wear such a beautiful, over the top gown again, but it was fun while it lasted! One piece of my outfit that I can't wait to wear again is the vintage inspired headband that I wore on the day. For me, it really finished off my look and I'm so glad that I bought it! Althought it was a bit pricey (for my budget!), I absolutely adore it.




I bought my headband from Gillion Million; check out her website - http://www.milliondesign.com/ The craftmanship really shows in her work and it was super comfortable all day! I wish I had another excuse to buy another one!

That's certainly too precious to make its way into the loft!

Cx

Saturday 19 May 2012

By Invitation Only

Now in my opinion, the wedding invitations are one of the most important elements of the wedding! It’s the first contact that you have with your guests that allows you to set the tone for the day. Are you having a formal affair, casual, or having a theme? As your day will be fast approaching, it’s time to get your wedding guests really excited!
We wanted something really fun and against the norm of the traditional copy that everyone else seems to have (don’t get me wrong, I love tradition and there’s nothing wrong with the traditional copy, but I fancied something a bit different). I loved our invitation copy and thought I’d share it with you...
Because you have shared in our lives
through your friendship and love,
we Russell Terry & Claire Doyle
together with our parents
invite you to share the beginning of our new life together
when we exchange marriage vows on Saturday....
It meant the world to me that my dearest friend designed the invitations for us.  If you would like a bespoke, individual and truly creative wedding invitation, please visit www.theinvitationatelier.co.uk – Sarah Archard is simply wonderful.

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Do me a favour!

I've been to so many weddings where the favours are disregarded as soon as the waiter tops up the wine glasses, or trampled on by the end of the night! How much do the favours really count towards your guests entertainment, and after dessert is anyone still interested?

I wanted something a little different and something that would tie in with our vintage theme and these lavender sugar favours were the perfect touch. They were super easy to make and if any were going to get forgotten at the end of the night, I really didn't mind.....I just made heaps of tasty cupcakes with them.

Where to start?
Get yourself some jars...small baby jars are the perfect size
Sugar
Lavender
Wax discs for freshness
Cotton material
Pinking scissors
Ribbon

I found this wonderful lavender field in Banstead, Surrey and I bought 3 bunches (about £10) and I dried them for 10 days. Once dried, I took the buds off and measured 1 tablespoon of dried lavender to 1 small cup of sugar. After mixing well, I distributed the contents into clean, dry jars. I bought wax discs that are used for making jam to make sure that they kept fresh. I placed the wax disc over the neck of the jars, and then placed the cotton material over the top and fixed in place with a piece of ribbon. I used pinking scissors to stop the material from fraying and finished off the jars with labels with recipe ideas. You can also use vintage style papers to add guest's names to the favour. Cute as a button? I certainly thought so!