Wedding Dress Hunt - Rachel Gilbert

Eight months and 13 days. That's how long I've got until my own wedding day. So it's probably time I started looking for a wedding dress. I have to admit what while I'm excited about the stationery and decor of our big day, the dress-thang doesn't really get me going. I think it's fear of the unknown, and a determination to not spend more than one thousand pounds - I mean, is that even possible?? Plus, I'm yet to find a single dress designer in the UK that presses my buttons. I'm guessing if I feel this way, then there must be other ladies out there with the same conundrum, so I'm going to go in search of the best frocks, for you and for me. My first discovery is Australian designer Rachel Gilbert. She's long been a favourite of mine, and {fab news!} Net-a-Porter have just started stocking her dresses. Check the pics out below, and tell me what you think, plus, if you've got any designers to recommend, please do leave a comment!

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Real Wedding: Ginny & Devin

If you're planning a vintage wedding, you're going to L-O-V-E the inspirational details in this gorgeous event. Ginny was the bride, and she went table-decor crazy, using an eclectic mix of personal touches. Each tabletop was decorated with different bright blooms, vases, tin cans, glass jars, papers, and even paint brushes still holding onto their perfectly artsy paint stains. My favourite detail has to be the polaroid photo wall, but I'm loving the fancy-dress moustaches and floral table cloths. One of the most important things on Ginny and Devin’s wedding day was their son, Liam, who chose to wear a super-cool superhero outfit. His friends followed suit, and just check out how cool they all look in the pictures! All these fabulous photographs published with thanks to the talented team at Simply Bloom.

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New Season Shopping #3

In celebration of the new season of autumn shopping, all this week, I'll be gathering a selection of the best online stores, so you can be the first to snaffle their stock!

Not On The High Street - Now I'm sure you've all heard of this fantastic boutique, that does exactly what says on the tin! It's packed with original items you can't find on the high street, and they're constantly adding more gorgeous products. This season is no different - check out their new products below - and don't miss their wedding list service. My fav? The personalised labels on the champagne - a brilliant idea to make your big day that little bit more special.

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New Season Shopping #2

In celebration of the new season of autumn shopping, all this week, I'll be gathering a selection of the best online stores, so you can be the first to snaffle their stock!

Papermash - If you're a regular reader of Before the Big Day, you might have spotted that I'm a bit of a stationery obsessive. It's just not paper, it's everything from sticky tape to notebooks and special hole punches. Smashing site Papermash takes stationery to a whole new level! The shop includes a collection of vintage and retro items, plus tape from as far afield as Japan and special DIY tutorials. Check out the items below - they're perfect for the creative brides among you.

For more fantastic wedding shopping ideas, click here. Love Before the Big Day? Never miss a posting with free updates. 

New Season Shopping #1

In celebration of the new season of autumn shopping, all this week, I'll be gathering a selection of the best online stores, so you can be the first to snaffle their stock!

Cox & Cox - One of my favourite online stores has a lovely new season of goodies! If you haven't discovered Cox & Cox yet, check out their site, as it's a treasure trove of wedding inspiration. Here's a small selection of their latest offerings - I've got my eye on the vintage baubles to number my tables.

For more fantastic wedding shopping ideas, click here. Love Before the Big Day? Never miss a posting with free updates.

Real English Orchard Summer Wedding: Steve & Sarah

Sarah's parents hosted Steve and Sarah's big day in a marquee in their Worcestershire orchard, just steps from their local church. As the bells rang in celebration, the happy couple walked their guests back for a champagne reception.  A delicious three-course sit-down meal was followed by speeches from the three Best Men, and a sparkling fireworks display. The happy couple took inspiration from their surroundings, and added gorgeous apple-themed detailing to their reception.  Tables were named after traditional English varieties, the cake was decorated with apples and blossom, and place cards were printed in Granny-Smith green - just gorgeous! Huge thanks to Steve and Sarah for letting us publish their gorgeous photos, taken by Chloe Hall.

BBD Theme: L♥ve London

If you work in London, you might not think it's the most romantic place to celebrate your big day.  But if you start seeing the city through tourist's eyes, you'll start to change your mind.  Just think of all those gorgeous old buildings that you could use as a grand venue, and the stunning vistas over the river - perfect for dramatic shots of the two of you post-ceremony. 

Imagine mocking up tube tickets as Save The Dates, rocking up in a Routemaster bus, and using the A-Z to identify tables.  There's almost too much London iconography out there.....  Here's a little collage to whet your appetite.  And if you'd like more ideas for venues, then check out Your London Wedding magazine.

Photo Credits - London Eye & Wedding Day Bus by Nikole Ramsay
Product Credits - Tower Bridge Cushion, London Cushion, Box of London Biscuits & London Taxi-Toy: Not on the High Street, London Car Set: Cox & Cox

Sparkle & Hay

One of the best things about wedding blogging is the sense of community. Ever since I started, and it's coming up to a year now {wow!}, I've been endlessly impressed by the kindness and enthusiasm of other wedding obsessives like myself. Some of the girls are still planning, while others caught the bug designing their big days, and have stuck with it thanks to a love of all things creative. Erin of the fab blog Sparkle & Hay is still in the early stages, and I discovered her blog after Style Me Pretty featured her amazing Save the Dates. I quickly discovered we have very similar taste, and we now regularly check out each other's sites for inspiration. I simply adore her Save the Dates, and Erin and her husband-to-be, Dan, have very kindly agreed to let me feature them here on Before the Big Day so you can see them too! Designed alongside Lucinda Wesson of Chocolate Creative Design and pictured by Anna Sawin, they hint at the wedding to come, with clues created to inspire the senses. Exactly what a Save the Date should do!