Win! Amazing Pocket Wedding Planner Book

Have you ever seen such a pretty book? And it's not just a pretty face - the newly released 'Pocket Wedding Planner' by Elizabeth Catherine Myers, is packed with helpful wedding hints. Elizabeth is an experienced wedding planner, and she promised to save you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds on your wedding day.

With chapters on choosing and booking your wedding venue, planning and organising the drinks and catering, wedding photographs and flowers, plus advice on choosing the bride's and bridesmaids' dresses, it'll become your wedding planning bible.

And you can win a copy thanks to Before the Big Day! All you need to do is Like Before the Big Day on Facebook, and leave a comment below with your wedding date, and I'll pick a winner at random on Saturday 14th April at midday.

♥ Want more wedding competitions? ♥ Or how about shabby chic wedding ideas? ♥

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Real Destination Moroccan Wedding: Claire & Richard

If you're wondering how to make your wedding stand out from the crowd, have you considered a destination wedding? I've fallen for the idea of a wedding in Morocco - the flights are cheap, the wedding costs reasonable, and you're pretty much guaranteed good weather. Gorgeous couple Claire and Richard celebrated their wedding in an exquisite tropical garden in the Palmeraie area of Marrakech. I'm loving their fuchsia pink theme, the exotic birdcages {echoed in their wedding stationery} and the Moroccan decorations. With lanterns, rose petals, orange trees, billowing curtains and giant candelabra, it all looks so romantic. Guests drank traditional mint tea {yum!} and enjoyed a surprise performance of local 'Gnawa' musicians and acrobats, including some very spectacular fire-breathing. Huge thanks to Andreas Holm for taking such beautiful pictures, and to Boutique Souk for their fantastic wedding planning and design ideas.

♥ Want more destination wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding theme ideas? ♥

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Pretty & Easy to DIY Feather Wedding Detail

Bit of a wedding mini-trend for you. Have you considered adding a feather detail or motif to your wedding day? I'm loving these two details from a Natalie and Grey's wedding, which was featured on the Etsy wedding blog. Also loving their use of kraft-paper bags, simple doilies, pegs and twine - all fantastic DIY bride supplies! Check out Natalie's treasure-hunting blog and handmade Etsy shop.

{Photo Credit} Kenny Simmons Photography, assisted by Melissa Henderson.

*Update* I've just found more fabulous feather wedding inspiration via Pinterest & Style Me Pretty. Looks like this mini-trend might be getting bigger!

{Photo Credit} Bows and Arrows

♥ Want more feather wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about vintage wedding ideas? ♥

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Elegant French Wedding Dresses by Delphine Manivet

After months of angst, I finally chose Delphine Manivet as my wedding dress designer, and I couldn't have been happier. Her gowns are made to measure, and exquisitely cut, with a playful modern edge. My wedding dress is called the Anatole - check out the pictures from my wedding day to see how it looked! Delphine's new collection has something for every bride, from slinky wedding dresses, to slightly poofy dresses, lacy gowns, cute mini-wedding dresses, and even wedding shorts. If I had my time again, I'd be very tempted to surprise by guests by wearing the outfit in the last pictures {on the right}. Which is your favourite?

♥ Want more destination dress ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding theme ideas? ♥

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Fun Origami Wedding Favours & Wedding Cake Toppers

As soon as a spotted these fun origami wedding accessories, I knew I had to feature them on Before the Big Day. There's something super adorable about the hearts and stars, and as a wedding blogger, I feel inspired just looking at them! They'd work brilliantly as cupcake decorations, or topping cocktail stirrers. Alternatively scatter them like confetti on your wedding dining tables, or place on neatly at each place. If you were feeling extremely extravagant, you could given throw them as confetti! Created by Coppleshop and sold on Etsy, they're a super-green wedding detail, because you can make them out of recycled paper. Learn how to DIY your own 3D origami wedding hearts, and 3D origami lucky stars.

♥ Want more DIY wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding cake topper ideas? ♥

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Engagement Ring Tips for Boys

I have a secret to admit. I looked at wedding blogs before I got engaged. I know, less before the big day, and more before the proposal. However, I reckon I'm not alone.... So if you're not quite engaged, then it might be worth leaving this page open on your laptop, for your boyfriend to spy.... Buying an engagement ring is a big deal for a guy - not least because after his home and his car {bicycle?}, it's likely to be the most money he's spent at one item. So here are some fabulous Engagement Ring Tips for the man in your life, all thanks to our amazing wedding blog jewellery expert, Savannah from BL&T Fine Jewellery. Check out her other posts.

{Photo Credit} Sakura Photography via Modern Weddings

{Savannah} My Engagement Ring Tips for Boys

1. Think about your future wife's character? Is she outdoorsy and active? Yes? This means you'll want a practical engagement ring i.e. don't go for a massive rock, and choose a low setting.

2. Does she like larger jewellery statements? Yes? Think about a big rock. If you haven't got the budget for a massive diamond, read my posting on How to Buy Your Engagement Ring on a Budget

3. Listen and log any previous hints {has she mentioned liking a friend's engagement ring?}.

4. If you can do it yourself and not involve your future wife, you'll find it easier to keep the budget where you want it.....plus it's more romantic!

5. Think about engaged or married friends – you don’t want to buy a similar ring.

♥ Want more wedding jewellery ideas? ♥ Or how about real wedding ideas? ♥

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BHLDN Siren Wedding Dress Collection

If you're a regular reader of Before the Big Day, you'll know about my slightly {ahem!} unhealthy obsession with BHLDN. It's a fabulous online wedding boutique from the same brand family as Anthropologie {another obsession}, and it's full to the brim with wedding inspiration and ideas. So imagine my excitement when I stumbled across their new Siren collection. It's romantic, vintage and mysterious at the same time, and perfect for brides planning their autumn and winter weddings. Enjoy!

♥ Want more vintage wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about wedding dress ideas? ♥

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Gorgeous Rustic Wedding Details You'll Love

If you don't want your wedding to be pretty and feminine...after all it's his wedding too, add a few of these rustic wedding details. I'm loving these gorgeous products from Etsy seller Blue Pearls - their use of natural fibres, like linen and string, fits right in with the eco-wedding look that is so hot this season. This fabulous rope wedding ring pillow is stunning, and I love the craft paper cutlery bags - perfect for a picnic-themed big day, or a nautical themed wedding.

♥ Want more rustic wedding ideas? ♥ Or how about vintage wedding ideas? ♥

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