Bride's Spy

50s style with a pop of 80s neon

2012-01-18T00:31:00.001-08:00

We first met the lovely Sonia from stylish blog WantThatWedding when she visited our stand at The Luxury Wedding Show last year. She loved our new shrug and cape collection and wrote a lovely post on them after her visit.

So, when she recently tweeted that she was putting together items for a 50s themed styled shoot with an 80s twist we gladly offered to make some suitable fun pieces to accessorise the shoot. The resulting images shot by the amazing Kat Hill from Kat Hill Fotographie are a colour popping feast for the eyes!

Who would have thought that these two decades would look so stylish together. Inspiration for any neon loving brides?

We will also be running a competition in conjunction with WantThatWedding to win the silk and diamante bow comb (with optional birdcage veil) used in this shoot, so check back soon for details!

More images from the shoot on Want That Wedding & Rock'n'Roll Bride

{IMAGES} © Kat Hill Fotographie

Producer & Stylist ~ Sonia at Want That Wedding

Assistant Stylist ~ Home Grown Bride

Photographer ~ Kat Hill Fotographie

Venue ~ One Marylebone

Hair ~ Jo at Lovehair

Make-up ~ Gemma Sutton

Hair Accessories ~ Kelly Spence Bridal Accessories

Wedding Dresses ~ Kitty & Dulcie & Oh My Honey

Wedding Shoes ~ Rachel Simpson & Paradox

Flowers ~ Jamie Aston

Furniture ~ Velvet Living

Cup Cakes ~ French Made

Pom Poms ~ Paperpoms

Neon Accents - A Sneak Peek

2012-01-16T09:33:00.001-08:00

We were delighted to be asked recently to create some fun accessories for a fab neon-inspired shoot, organised and styled by the lovely Sonia from stylish blog Want That Wedding.

Here's a sneak peek (check out our candy pink birdcage veil!):

More details tomorrow…

{IMAGE} ©Kat Hill Fotographie 2011

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 12

2011-12-24T01:19:00.001-08:00

15% off any order. Order must be placed & paid for today (24/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'DRUMMERS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 11

2011-12-23T01:12:00.001-08:00

10% off all shrugs & capes . Orders must be placed & paid for today (23/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'PIPERS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 10

2011-12-22T01:21:00.001-08:00

15% off all tiaras (excl. side tiaras) . Orders must be placed & paid for today (22/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'LORDS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 9

2011-12-21T01:22:00.001-08:00

15% off all birdcage veils. Orders must be placed & paid for today (21/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'LADIES' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 8

2011-12-20T03:50:00.001-08:00

15% off all vintage hair accessories. Orders must be placed & paid for today (20/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'MAIDS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 7

2011-12-19T01:50:00.001-08:00

15% off all non-vintage jewellery. Orders must be placed & paid for today (19/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'SWANS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 6

2011-12-17T01:11:00.001-08:00

Free UK & worldwide shipping. Orders must be placed & paid for today (17/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'GEESE' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 5

2011-12-16T01:08:00.001-08:00

15% off all non-vintage side tiaras/bands. Orders must be placed & paid for today (16/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'GOLDRINGS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 4

2011-12-15T01:06:00.001-08:00

15% off all non-vintage combs. Orders must be placed & paid for today (15/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'CALLINGBIRDS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 3

2011-12-14T01:16:00.001-08:00

15% off all vintage jewellery. Orders must be placed & paid for today (14/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'FRENCHHENS' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 2

2011-12-13T07:07:00.001-08:00

15% off all hairpins. Orders must be placed & paid for today (13/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'TURTELDOVES' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts - Day 1

2011-12-12T05:30:00.001-08:00

15% off all veils (excl. birdcage veils). Orders must be placed & paid for today (12/12/11). 'Like' us on Facebook & quote 'PARTRIDGE' when placing your order.

12 Days of Christmas Discounts!

2011-12-10T02:30:00.001-08:00

Are you feeling Christmassy yet? If not, how about 12 days of Christmas discounts to get you feeling festive!

'Like' us on Facebook to get a different discount code each day, starting 12th December, to be used against a purchase from Kelly Spence (each code is valid for one day only).

Lauren Lauren?

2011-11-22T12:14:00.001-08:00

Can't stop looking at this amazing wedding portrait of Lauren Bush & David Lauren! I thought it was an old vintage picture at first glance.

Every time I look at it I see more detail on that incredible hand-embellished dress (designed by the bride's new father-in-law of course!).

{photo} Normal Jean Roy for Vogue

Kelly Spence & Benjamin Adams

2011-11-17T13:55:00.001-08:00

I just received a copy of the new Benjamin Adams by Paradox brochure, packed with gorgeous pictures of their glamourous new shoe collection and perfectly paired with Kelly Spence vintage combs and jewellery!

{IMAGES} Paradox
1. Charlize shoes with KS vintage comb VINCO69, necklace VINNE03 & bracelet VINBL4
2. Fox shoes with KS vintage comb VINC039
3. Lamour shoes with KS vintage earrings VINEA5
4. Salma shoes with KS vintage earrings VINEA7, necklace VINNE06 & bracelet VINBL4
5. KS Vintage Comb VINC039

Luxury Brides

2011-10-29T03:25:00.001-07:00

The studio is finally back together after the busy weekend at The Luxury Weekend Show! Looking forward to catching up on missed episodes of Downton Abbey tonight! In the meantime here are some pictures of a few of the lovely brides who dropped by our stand to try some of our new pieces. Thanks to the wonderful ladies at Elle au Naturel for the amazing hairstyles!

...and don't forget to 'Like & Share' our new Facebook page by the end of the month to receive a 10% discount voucher.

{Images} - 1. Bea Hairpins & Gloria Flat Veil, 2. Honoria Crystal Side Band & Romilly Lace Veil, 3. Baroness Veil, 4. Octavia Crystal Comb, 5. Original 50s Vintage Hat

You like?

2011-10-17T14:49:00.001-07:00

We have finally set up a Facebook page! 'Like' us before the 31st October and receive a *10% discount voucher! Click here to go to our page.
*voucher valid for one transaction. Cannot be used with any other discount. Valid until 31/12/11

Luxury Wedding Show

2011-10-12T15:17:00.001-07:00

We are delighted to be among a hand-picked selection of experts invited to take part at the ultimate in luxury wedding shows, the aptly named Luxury Wedding Show London.

This brand new show takes place on the 22-23rd October at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery on the Kings Road, Chelsea.

This very exciting and über luxurious show boasts the finest hand-picked selection of wedding experts, where planning the big day is a luxury in itself. All visitors receive; a premium goody bag worth £30, a glass of Pommery champagne to enjoy during the catwalk show, reserved seating at the catwalk show and access to over 100 hand-picked experts.

Come and visit us at Stand 804 and receive a free mini hair trial with top hair & beauty stylist Antonia Krieger from Elle au Naturel. Quote KSWEBLUXE to receive a 10% discount on any order placed with us at the show.

Click here to book tickets

Veil Sale!!

2011-09-21T06:09:00.001-07:00

Beat the price rise!* 10% off all veil orders placed by Friday 23rd September!! Quote VEILSALE2011 to get your discount!

*Price increase on synthetic veils from 24th Sep

{IMAGE} © Alakija.com - KS customer Irene wearing cathedral length Aspen veil

Royal Wedding - The Bridesmaids

2011-05-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Pippa Middleton may have become an internet sensation due to a certain 'asset' but surely part of the credit for her meteoric rise to fame must surely go to Sarah Burton for creating such a beautiful maid of honour dress that showcased her fantastic figure. Her dress was made of a heavy ivory satin-based crepe with a perfectly draped cowl front and with the same ace trim and gazar and organza covered buttons as the bride's dress.

He hair was beautifully styled by a hairdresser from the Richard Ward salon in Sloane Square into a half up style and perfectly finished off at the back by a cascade of lily-of-the-valley to match the bride's bouquet.

If you are looking for the same delicate look but with a hair adornment that can be treasured for years to come and not thrown away, try our freshwater pearl Lucinda comb.

Pippa, like her sister, wore some specially designed drop diamond earrings made by Robinson Pelham.

The Duchess of Cambridge's smaller bridesmaids were dressed in beautiful satin gazar ballerina length dresses created by Nicki MacFarlane. Nicki is a fellow exhibitor at the Designer Wedding Show and so we have known her exquisite designs for many years. Nicki and her daughter made the dresses to echo the bride's dress by using the same fabrics and lace but with crisp box pleat skirts, generous petticoats and wild silk gold sashes.

The two page boys were impeccably turned out in scarlet & gold uniforms in the style of that worn by a Foot Guards officer at the time of the Regency (the 1820s) with insignia from the Irish Guards, whose Colonel is Prince William.

Royal Wedding - The Tiara & Jewellery

2011-05-04T14:29:00.001-07:00

Catherine Middleton's "Something Borrowed" was HM The Queen's Halo Scroll Tiara.

This tiara is one of the lightest of Her Majesty's tiaras and has somewhat of a reputation as a starter tiara within the royal family and so was a perfect introductory piece to be lent by the Queen to the newest royal.

The Cartier-made Scroll Tiara was purchased in 1936 by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother), three weeks before he ascended to the throne following his brother's famous abdication. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday in 1944.

The Queen has never worn the tiara in public but has loaned it to her sister Princess Margaret and her daughter Princess Anne who both wore it as young princesses.

Kate's wedding earrings were a gift from her parents who commissioned them from Robinson Pelham. They are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre. Inspiration for the design came from the Middleton family's new coat of arms, which includes acorns and oak leaves. The earrings were also made to echo the tiara.

(next...bridesmaids)

Royal Wedding - The Veil

2011-05-03T11:38:00.001-07:00

Although Catherine Middleton's wedding dress has already entered iconic status, one of the most exciting parts of Kate's outfit for us here at Kelly Spence was THE VEIL.

And it seems we are in good company! Karl Lagerfeld, broadcasting live on France 2 television said, " She is very elegant...The lace is very pretty. I like the veil a lot!" (via WWD)

So what was so special about the veil? It was no surprise that Kate's veil was made of pure silk but what set it apart from past royal veils was that she and Sarah Burton firstly chose not to use the traditional voluminous crisp silk tulle but in line with her own pared down elegant style opted for one of our particular favourite veil fabrics, a very soft fluid silk tulle. To show this exquisite fabric off to its diaphenous best the veil was also made in a completely flat style with no gather. We have long been an exponent of flat combed veils and Kate showed off the wonderfully ethereal quality that such a style creates beautifully, especially when combined with this most delicate of silk fabrics.

Kate is of course a history of art graduate and may have even drawn inspiration from the famous veiled statues of the 19th century Italian sculptors Strazza & Monti when choosing the fabric and style of her veil.

The blusher was extended to elbow level to again accentuate her tiny waist and the edge was trimmed with the same hand embroidered lace flowers as on her dress.

The veil was firmly anchored in her hair just behind her tiara, possibly with an extra wide comb and/or hairpins at the sides to ensure that when lifted back by her father after the long walk down the aisle, it did not fall in a narrow column as is the tendency of this fabric but fell delicately over her shoulders to reveal her sparkling, princess-worthy 'something borrowed'.

{We are one of the only veil specialists in the UK to offer a full range of veils made to order in this most exquisite of luxury fabrics, at last given the royal seal of approval by the elegant Duchess of Cambridge}

(next...tiara, jewellery & bridesmaids)

Royal Wedding - The Dress

2011-05-03T02:05:00.001-07:00

When Catherine Middleton married HRH Prince William on Friday, months of speculation about her dress finally ended as she stepped out of the Phantom Rolls Royce VI onto the red carpet of Westminster Abbey in a breathtakingly elegant gown designed, as hotly tipped, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

The Official Royal Wedding Website tells us "Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing. Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterises Alexander McQueen’s work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress."

It is surely no accident that the dress bore more than a passing resemblance to that of another fairytale princess in waiting, Grace Kelly.

Who can blame Kate for using as her inspiration one of the most famously elegant and certainly the most timeless of wedding dresses? Even her bouquet echoed Grace Kelly's modestly sized posy, also of lily of the valley.

The lace for her dress was worked by the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace incorporating symbolic Rose, Thistle, Daffodil & Shamrock motifs. Hands were washed every 30 minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine; needles were renewed every 3 hours and only short lengths of thread were used, each no longer than 30 cm. Also, to maintain an even appearance, no securing knots were used as it was important that the back of the work looked as neat as the front.

Sarah Burton added subtle signature McQueen touches to the design of the dress such as victorian style corsetry with padded hips to emphasise Kate's tiny waist and a beautiful folded bustle detail along with a modern v neckline, pleated skirt and 2.7m train to perfectly blend the traditional and the contemporary and so create an iconic and inspirational gown that will undoubtedly stand the test of time as much as that worn by her muse 55 years earlier.

(next...veil, tiara & jewellery)

Princess style at charity shop prices

2011-04-26T01:05:00.001-07:00

Dream of finding a stunning wedding dress from one of the country's top designers at a charity shop? This week your dreams could come true!

Head down to one of 6 specially selected Save the Children shops, including Mary Portas' Living and Giving London shop in Westbourne Grove and snap up one of the gorgeous dresses donated by designers such as royal favourite Stewart Parvin, Matthew Williamson, Jasper Conran & Jenny Packham for a fraction of their original price.

{IMAGES} 1 - Stewart Parvin, 2 - Charlotte Balbier, 3 - (Mary Portas) Save the Children

Edible Works of Art

2011-04-14T15:10:00.001-07:00

After my last 2 posts I have become a little obsessed with the thought of making lots of scrumptious and pretty royal wedding themed cakes, cookies & sweet things for our street party.

I bought one of these delightful crown cookie cutters from Accessorize...

and while doing a bit of research on how to decorate them I came across these absolutely incredible cookies from SweetAmbs

and these ones...

Amazing!! Such perfection in something gone in a single bite. I don't think I could bear to eat something so beautiful!

Street Party Style 2

2011-04-12T05:12:00.001-07:00

I just came across these delicious looking marshmallow pops on the fabulous Lobster & Swan

How street party perfect would these be with red, white & blue sprinkles!

And so simple to make!

Street Party Style

2011-04-12T03:39:00.001-07:00

Royal Wedding Fever is taking over the nation! Flags and bunting seem to be in every other shop window and every news programme has an update on the forthcoming nuptials!

As celebrations and street parties are being planned, why not take style inspiration from al fresco wedding receptions:

Soften the traditional red, white & blue with vintage china, old tablecloths, candles and lots of garden flowers...

Try organising an oh-so-fashionable dessert bar...

complete with themed cake pops, cookies and cupcakes...

If you plan on partying into the evening why not add a bit of twinkle to your bunting with some fairy lights...

...and finally how about some fun posters!

Are you planning a street party?

{IMAGES}
1&2 - PROJECT WEDDING
3,4,5&6 - SWEET & SAUCY
7 - GOOD TO KNOW
8&9 - PROJECT WEDDING
10&11 - CREATIVE REVIEW via RACHAEL GIBSON

Designer Wedding Show 2011

2011-02-21T09:57:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who visited us at this year's Designer Wedding Show last weekend.

We had a fantastic (but tiring!) 3 days and as always, loved meeting so many of our wonderful customers!

Big sellers at the show were our genuine vintage and vintage inspired headbands and combs

as well as Felicity hairpins, Lucinda comb and delicate Mother of Pearl designs from our made to order range.

We also debuted our new collection of luxurious cashmere & silk shrugs and capelets as well as our show-stopping Swarovski crystal encrusted Ava illusion capelet.

Thanks also to Antonia from Elle Au Naturel for being our resident hairdresser and giving our customers some utterly gorgeous vintage inspired hairstyles!

{Images 2&3 by CreativElla}

Vintage Style Inspiration at The Globes

2011-01-18T06:49:00.001-08:00

40s style seemed to be the hot look at the Golden Globes this year.. Sharp shoulder pads, long sleeves, high necks and cut-away backs reminiscent of the type of liquid dresses worn by war-time screen goddesses such as Lauren Bacall and Veronica Lake.

Could these sleek silhouettes be a foretaste of vintage influences for bridalwear 2012?

{IMAGES} Angelina Jolie in Versace; Lauren Bacall 1944

Anne Hathaway in Armani; Veronica Lake

Leighton Meester in Burberry

Scarlett Johannson in Elie Saab

Royal Engagement Fever

2010-11-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

At last, after months of speculation, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced that they are to marry next year.

But what kind of wedding dress will the future Queen Catherine wear and who will she choose to design it? No doubt she will follow royal tradition and choose a British designer, perhaps celebrity favourites Alice Temperley or Jenny Packham or classic English designer Phillipa Lepley?

William proposed with his mother's iconic sapphire engagement ring and while Kate said yesterday that the late Princess Diana was 'an inspirational woman' she is unlikely to walk down the aisle in a quite so voluptuous gown as the then Lady Diana did in 1981.

If her engagement dress is anything to go by, her tiny waist could be accentuated with a dress something along the lines of this design from Suzanne Neville's 2010/2011 collection.

Bride's Spy friend Peta Hunt, fashion director at You & Your Wedding Magazine, thinks that she may even choose a demure, high-necked, hand-embroidered lace dress. Perhaps like the one worn by Grace Kelly for her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956?

or this one by designer Justin Alexander?

We think her style indicates she might opt for a simpler dress but maybe with a heavily laced veil - gorgeous! Whatever she chooses we are sure she will look fabulous and every inch the elegant princess.

.....and when she is ready to choose her hair accessories we will be here waiting! ;-)

Rosie Rocks!

2010-10-19T12:48:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Bride's Spy friend, the über-talented Rosie Parsons who has just been named Cosmopolitan Bride Photographer of the Year!

Heavenly Heels

2010-10-09T12:29:00.001-07:00

These shoes look lighter than air.....surely your feet would never hurt in such cloud-like creations!

Valentino S/S 2010 pret-a-porter via Lovely Room via Snippet & Ink

5 Vintage Beauties

2010-08-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

VINC046 - £148
VINC089 - £152
VINC090 - £142
VINC091 - £142
VINC092 - £164 SOLD

Latest Vintage Hairbands

2010-05-06T12:17:00.001-07:00

Catch them while you can!

VINBA01 - £330
VINBA02 - £375 SOLD
VINBA03 - £250
VINBA04 - £325 SOLD

Bank Holiday Weather

2010-05-02T12:08:00.001-07:00

Sometimes an overcast day can be a beautiful thing!

{photo} - Amy & Stuart Photography

tweet, tweet

2010-04-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

Some of our new birdcage veils...

Vintage Latest

2010-03-15T07:10:00.001-07:00

As the 2010 wedding season is now in full swing our vintage hair accessories and jewellery are flying off the shelves! Consequently, we are having trouble keeping the website up to date with all the latest glittering beauties before they are sold!

So, for all you bridal vintage vixens and aspiring hollywood starlets, here are the latest in our genuine vintage hair accents.....and don't forget they are all one-offs, so when they're gone, they're gone!!

{TOP ROW} VINGR7 - £120, VINGR6 - £50, VINGR5 - £50, VINGR4 - £50,
{2ND ROW} VINCO87 - £158, VINC086 - £145, VINC084 - SOLD, VINCO83 - £158,
{3RD ROW} VINCO82 - £160, VINCO69 - £158, VINCO68 - £145, VINCO67 - £155
{4TH ROW} VINC057 - £142, VINC055 - £138, VINCO40 - £145, VINCO39 - £130
{BOTTOM ROW} VINCO38 - £123, VINCO34 - SOLD, VINCO33 - £135, VINC030 - SOLD

Sale!

2010-02-02T09:26:00.001-08:00
Apologies for the delay in posts - we have been busy preparing our new 2010 collection to be launched at The Designer Wedding Show, 12-14th Feb!

In the meantime, we are offering 10% off all orders placed this week. We also have been having a spring clean ready for the new collection and have some sample veils at discounted prices, some of which have never been worn.

Drop us a line for details!

sneak peek

2009-11-24T11:52:00.001-08:00
Ok, so the new website is taking a little longer than planned! So, for all you patient brides here's a sneak peek at just a few of the many gorgeous 'new' vintage pieces that we have acquired, including....

beautiful bracelets...

stunning earrings...

& fabulous necklaces!

But if you can't wait until the new website goes live to get your hands on one of these genuine vintage lovelies or want some more info about them drop me an email!

Romantic Perfectionist?

2009-11-13T13:48:00.001-08:00
Your perfectionist side draws you to a crisply sculpted dress with clean lines and beautiful paper-like folds but your romantic side wants ethereal draping and delicate lace.

What is a girl to do? Well, try heading over to Pronovias and perusing dresses from their new 2010 collection including the elegant Megara a perfect combination of feminine and modern.

Ask the Expert - Helen Carter Weddings

2009-10-24T04:21:00.000-07:00
Following my interview on the Helen Carter Weddings Blog I thought it would be great to reciprocate by hearing from Helen about Wedding Planners and getting some of her top tips for planning a stylish wedding:

1. Why should a couple employ a wedding planner and how should they choose one?

There are many reasons why a bride and groom may choose to hire a wedding planner. I could ramble on for hours about the different things we can do, but instead I thought I’d highlight the main benefits or our services:

1. Saving time and stress. Planning a wedding, no matter how small and informal, requires a huge amount of time, effort and organisation. Organising so many different things and keeping on top of the arrangements can leave even the most organised person feeling stressed out. A wedding planner will do all of the legwork on your behalf, leaving you with the more fun aspects of planning a wedding, and by taking care of the organisational side of things you can relax with the knowledge that everything will be meticulously planned in plenty of time

2. Reassurance. We spend a lot of time researching and matching suppliers with the requirements of each individual client, and only recommend suppliers that we fully trust to provide an exceptional service on the day

3. Saving money. We keep a close eye on your budget throughout the planning period to ensure that your wedding doesn’t break the bank. We also know the little tricks that can help you make the most of your budget, and can advise on less costly alternatives if something is out of reach. Because we establish close working relationships with our suppliers, we can often negotiate discounts or special rates to save you money. In some instances, a client may actually save the same amount as the cost of their planner, effectively meaning their services haven’t cost any extra!

4. Impartial advice. A wedding is a very emotional time, and it’s easy for anxieties and little niggles to turn into major dramas. We’re used to dealing with all sorts of situations, so we can offer objective and impartial advice on dealing with family dilemmas and wedding etiquette

5. Running the show. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be worrying about whether everything’s going to go to plan. A wedding planner will take care of everything on the day – we’ll decorate the venue, liaise with your suppliers to make sure everything is exactly as you want it, deal with any little hiccups with the minimum amount of fuss and make sure everything runs on time

If a bride and groom are thinking about hiring a wedding planner, then I would recommend first researching planners in their local area. I’m a member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (www.ukawp.com), and they have a members’ directory of professional planners which is searchable by county.

Once you’ve made a shortlist of prospective planners, visit their websites to find out more about them and the different services on offer. You don’t have to hire a planner to organise your whole wedding if you don’t want to, and there are lots of choices available. For example, in addition to full wedding planning I also offer partial planning, venue and supplier sourcing and wedding day management. Give the planner a call to discuss what you are looking for and what they can do for you – a good planner will tailor their services to meet your needs. Arrange to meet them as this will give you the opportunity to ask plenty of questions about their work and find out whether they are right for you. You will be working closely with your planner for many months, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them.
2. How did you get started in the wedding planning business and what do you love most about your job?

I first became interested in becoming a wedding planner after planning my own wedding, but it took a few years before I took the plunge and launched my own business. I used to be a biological scientist for a pharmaceutical company. I know this sounds like a massive career change, but being a scientist in a corporate environment actually requires similar skills to being a wedding planner – you need to be super-organised, you’re planning experiments weeks/months ahead, you work with lots of different departments, and you’re constantly researching new ideas and theories. In the end it was a fairly straightforward transfer of my skills into a more creative role. I love pretty much everything about my job and I definitely wouldn’t go back to my previous life! It’s an immense privilege for me to be so closely involved in a wedding and for a bride and groom to trust me with the biggest day of their lives. Probably the best part is seeing everything come together on the day after so many months of hard work – I always have to keep my tissues handy because it’s virtually guaranteed that I will shed a few happy tears! 3. What are your favourite current wedding trends?

I still like vintage styling, even though it’s been around for a couple of years, but I’m loving the move towards outdoor weddings, which we’ve started to see more of this summer and I think will become more popular over the next couple of years. It’s quite difficult in this country to have a proper outdoor wedding, both because of legal restrictions and the weather, but it’s a great challenge to work with! I love English country garden and rustic styling, and I really enjoy incorporating natural elements into a wedding design. There are also some quirky trends over in the States that I’m excited to see are starting to feature in English wedding designs, like photo booths, sweet stations and photography accessories, like moustaches on sticks and giant balloons. 4. In these financially trying times, what are your top tips for maintaining a stylish wedding on a budget?

1. Be flexible with the date. Venues often charge higher rates during peak season (i.e. June-August) and for weekend dates. Opting for an off-season or week-day wedding date could save you several hundred pounds. There are also some great late venue deals around at the moment, so you could grab yourself a bargain if you’re happy to get married fairly quickly

2. Cut your guest list and consider alternative catering options. The catering for your wedding will take up the biggest portion of your budget, so the bigger the guest list the bigger the bill! If you’re going to have a large guest list then invite only close family and friends to the main part of the day, as this is where you will have the greatest outlay on food and drink. Also think carefully about how you can minimise the cost of your catering. A buffet or barbecue will require fewer waiting staff and so will be less expensive than a served meal. If you prefer a waited service, why not serve canapés as a starter, or cut out dessert and serve your wedding cake instead along with tea and coffee?

3. Get the most from your flowers. Using flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding will be far less expensive than out of season blooms. Your florist should be able to advise on what will be readily available, as well as less expensive alternatives if your favourite flower is out of season. Also think about where your arrangements could be used – I would recommend spending the main portion of your flower budget on decorating the reception space, as this is where you and your guests will spend most of the day. Ceremony arrangements, like altar flowers or pew ends, can often be re-used to decorate your reception room (for example, on mantelpieces or tied to the back of chairs)

4. Call on friends and relatives. If you know people that have particular talents, ask them to help with your wedding. For example, maybe your aunt could make your wedding cake or a friend could do your make-up on the day. Involving friends and family adds a very personal touch to you celebration, but do make sure they are happy to help and are comfortable with what you want them to do.

5. Try some DIY. You can easily spend a fortune on all sorts of pretty decorative accessories, but with a little thought and effort you can create a beautiful reception space without breaking the bank. Tea lights are an excellent way of transforming your venue, and only cost a few pounds if you buy in bulk from somewhere like Ikea.

If you’re the creative type, consider making your own wedding favours, like biscuits or jam. Not only will it save you money but it’s also a nice personal touch for your guests, and you could even double them up as place settings by attaching a name tag to the jar, box or bag. Alternatively, try making your own place cards instead of purchasing them from your stationery designer. You can be quite inventive and co-ordinate them with your wedding design – for example, you could write names on pebbles for a seaside wedding, or pin name cards into apples for a rustic theme.

{IMAGES} - STEPHEN SUTTON PHOTOGRAPHY FOR HELEN CARTER WEDDINGS

I dream of Vera

2009-10-15T11:49:00.000-07:00
If you dream of walking down the aisle in a gorgeous Vera Wang gown but didn't want to take out a loan to do so, head down to Selfridges in London this weekend for their Sample Sale. There will be up to 75% off on Fri & Sat from 10am-9pm, Sun 12-6pm so sharpen up your elbows ladies and prepare for your dreams to come true!

{PHOTO} - VERA WANG

Top Tips

2009-10-03T03:09:00.000-07:00
I was delighted recently to be asked to do a guest blog post on the Helen Carter Weddings blog. You can see my 'Ask the Expert' interview here.
Helen is a wedding planner based in SE England. Keep your eye out for a reciprocal interview with Helen soon!

coming soon....

2009-09-25T08:57:00.000-07:00
Vintage headbands & hairgrips....

....birdcage veils....

....& beaded flowers

Mini me

2009-09-25T04:07:00.000-07:00
I have long adored the work of Kathy Scott. Kathy hand makes the most beautiful cake toppers that you have ever seen! Forget plastic figures or cutesy love birds, these are sophisticated designer toppers for couples who don't do 'off the peg'!Kathy uses pictures of the bride & groom and their outfits to create miniature works of art in raw silk. Kathy incredibly reproduces every detail including dress design, hairstyle, veil and tiara resulting in an amazing & unique (signed and numbered) work of art that will not only make your guests gasp in wonderment but can also be kept as a permanent 3-dimensional reminder of your special day.

September Inspiration

2009-09-22T13:21:00.000-07:00
Today I am loving these images from photographer Katya de Grunwald Makes me want to put on a cashmere cardigan and design lots of vintage headbands!!

1920s Vintage Teaparty Wedding

2009-08-25T08:13:00.000-07:00
Our friend and hugely talented photographer Rosie Parsons recently posted images from a gorgeous 1920s wedding she shot in Wales. The images ooze vintage sophistication so we couldn't resist sharing some with you...

I love how all the guests got into the spirit of the day by dressing up in dapper & flapper style!

See more of the gorgeous details here

al fresco glamour

2009-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00
I absolutely adore these images of chandeliers used outdoors. I'm not sure how practical it would be here in the UK but if you were guaranteed a warm, dry evening for your outdoor reception I wouldn't hesitate!!...

{TOP ROW} - OUTDOOR RECEPTION, ONCE WED, BRILLIANT EVENT PLANNING
{2ND ROW} - ONCE WED, ONCE WED, OH HOW CHARMING
{3RD ROW} - ELIZABETH ANNE DESIGNS, ISA'S LITTLE WORLD, BRILLIANT EVENT PLANNING
{BOTTOM ROW} - BRILLIANT EVENT PLANNING, HAPPY HOUR BRIDE, CHANDELIER IN VAN

New Vintage Preview Part 2

2009-04-01T05:05:00.001-07:00
{TOP ROW} VINC077 - £144, VINC078 - £135 SOLD
{MIDDLE ROW} VINC079 - £90 EACH OR £155 FOR PAIR SOLD, VINCO81 - £165 SOLD
{BOTTOM ROW} VINBR18 (BROOCH) - £160, VINC080 - £160 FOR PAIR

New Vintage Preview Part 1

2009-03-31T08:28:00.001-07:00
At last! Here are the first few 'new' vintage pieces that you have been waiting for! First come, first served! More tomorrow......

{TOP ROW} VINC068 - 5.4CMX6.2CM - £145, VINC069 - 5.2CMX5.3CM - £158
{MIDDLE ROW} - VINC071 - 7.7CMX6.7CM (GOLD COLOURED) £146, SOLD VINCO72 - 3.6CMX6.2CM - £140 SOLD
{BOTTOM ROW} - VINCO73 - 3.3CMX6.2CM - £138 SOLD, VINC074 - 4.7CMX4.7CM - £138 SOLD

The Shopaholic's Top 1000 Websites

2009-03-20T03:01:00.000-07:00
We are delighted to have been listed in Patricia Davidson's new book 'The Shopaholics Top 1000 Websites'.
Budding Rebecca Bloomwoods can get their copy at Amazon.

{PHOTO 1} - SHOPAHOLICS TOP 1000 WEBSITES - AMAZON.CO.UK
{PHOTO 2} - ISLA FISHER IN CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC, TOUCHSTONE PICTURES - ALLMOVIEPHOTOS.COM

Chartula Studio

2009-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Once again our stand at the DWS was opposite the delightful Chartula Studio.
Charlotte & Jay of Chartula create some of the finest wedding stationery available. They designed the wedding invitations for Penny Lancaster & Rod Stewart as well as Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

My personal favourites have to be the Fleurette and Fairytale patterns, both incorporating the bride & groom's initials intwined in the most incredibly intricate laser cut designs. Are they not the most amazing & romantic invitations you've ever seen?

{PHOTOS} - CHARTULA STUDIO

Peggy Porschen

2009-03-12T06:45:00.000-07:00
Apologies for the delay in posting, I have been rather bogged down with post show orders and enquiries!
So, as promised I am going to tell you about some of the other fabulous professionals at the Designer Wedding Show this year.

First up is the lovely Peggy Porschen. Not only does Peggy have the perfect name for a cake maker she also makes the most perfect cakes! Her confections had delighted the taste buds of many a celebrity; she made edible faberge eggs for all the guests at Elton John's white tie and tiara ball as well as Stella McCartney's wedding cake. Peggy makes everything from the full on four tier wedding cake with polka dots and paper whites to miniature cakes for each guest adorned with vintage style roses as well as the cutest cookies in the shape of a wedding dress. We love Peggy's cakes, don't you?

{PHOTOS} - PEGGY PORSCHEN

Designer Wedding Show

2009-02-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we were exhibiting once again at the fabulous Designer Wedding Show in London.

This is our 5th consecutive year at the show and it is always a very tiring 4 days but I do love it, as I get to preview our new collection and spend lots of time chatting one to one with excited brides about their weddings and in particular their options for hair accessories, jewellery & veils. Thank you to all who came by our stand, I hope you enjoyed the show as much as we did!

I also try to take the opportunity at the show to catch up with fellow exhibitors in other areas of the wedding industry, all talented designers often at the top of their field. Over the coming weeks I will be showcasing some of these designers for you and taking a sneak peek at some of the trends for 2009, so say tuned.....

{PHOTO 1} MINIATURE TEA ROSE CAKE - PEGGY PORSCHEN
{PHOTO 2} EVANGELINE COMB - KELLY SPENCE
{PHOTO 3} FLEURETTE INVITATION - CHARTULA STUDIO

For better or worse

2009-02-21T07:31:00.000-08:00
Well, after more than a year of procrastination I have finally got round to writing a blog!

I have been working in the wedding industry for 10 years but this is my first foray into blog writing so please bear with me through the teething phase! I hope you enjoy reading it and can perhaps glean inspiration for your own wedding from my musings and observations.
{PHOTO} KIRSTEN HAIRPINS FROM KELLY SPENCE