Real Wedding - Karthica & Tim

At the start of September, we planned a wedding at a privately owned barn in Essex. We had been planning the wedding since December 2007 so it was great to finally see the end result after lots of wedding preparations. We also got to know the couple really well during the planning meetings and telephone/email exchanges!

Here are some photos that we took on the day. More professional shots to come.

The civil ceremony was held outside:

The entrance was decorated with a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp and orchids:


The colour scheme was hot pink and orange. The tables had alternative tall and short flower displays with gerberas. All the flowers were created by the ultra talented Marion of Poppies Flowers

We created a chilled out seating area for guests using sari material and cushions:

Here is the email we received from the bride just before she headed off on honeymoon:

"Thank you so much for all your help in and preparation for and at the wedding. Everyone has been commenting as to how well organised everything was and we all had such a fantastic time! We really did have the best day ever and a lot of that is down to you and your team."

And the beautiful bouquet we received on the day as a thank you!

Inspiration - All things floral

I recently received a Cath Kidston brochure in the post. The brochure was full of inspirational ideas and many would be ideal for a countryside marquee wedding.

Here are a few suggestions of items that could be used for a wedding and then kept afterwards:

Tea light holders at £2.50 come in different colours:

Glass lanterns at £7 per lantern in green and pink:

Floral Gingham Paper Napkins at £3.50 for a pack of 20:

Or how about these pretty pink purses for thank you gifts for your bridesmaids from at £12 each:

Multicultural Weddings 3 - Decor and Theming

Deciding on the décor and theming for a multicultural wedding is where you can be the most creative. If you decide to have two wedding ceremonies such as one religious and one civil, you could choose two different colour schemes and decors for them in keeping with the two cultures.

Many couples having a Hindu ceremony feel that they need to go for the traditional red and gold colour combination for their outfits and the mandap. If you want to use these traditional colours for the ceremony, then consider using a different colours for the reception. A wedding we organised last year had a red and gold colour scheme for the Hindu ceremony and then a white and gold scheme for the Civil ceremony and reception.

Here are some photos of the wedding:

We advise clients to start by getting the invitations designed to ensure you have a mix of the two cultures and to set the tone for the wedding right from the beginning. Decide on a symbol or theme that you can use throughout the wedding. Peacock feathers and jewel tones such as purple and turqoise are very popular.

Another idea is to consider getting a logo designed using both the bride and groom's initials. This can be unique to your wedding and can be used for different aspects of the wedding from invitations to menu cards.

Inspiration - Country Living Magazine Spring Fair

I visited the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair on Friday at the Business Design Centre on Islington. The show was full of inspiration with all things country inspired - perfect for marquee weddings with bunting and long tables with seating.

Here are a few of my favourite finds:

A Wire Card/Memo Holder in the shape of a Heart that holds 18 cards. Two or three of these would be a perfect way to display your seating plan from Flutterbyes.

Mini Hanging Heart with Bubble Votive from Nature's Harvest. Would be perfect for hanging in trees outside where guests could relax and chill out in the evening.

Stunning jewellery and accessories from Ginta Siceva. Perfect for bridesmaids that are wearing black dresses and the jewellery can be made in a range of colours.

Inspiration - Outdoor Bunting for Weddings

I recently came across a company that designs, makes and hires out bunting for wedding and events called The Big Beautiful Bunting Company. They have a range of designs including a lovely silk heart shaped pendant - perfect for a Valentine's Day inspired event
and also some that would look great at a marquee country inspired wedding.

Here are some photos: