Interesting Additions

Wedding receptions can become a little predictable - the drunken uncle in the corner, the bridesmaids making a den under the top table, the ushers trying to do the Moonwalk.  Bring back a bit of brilliance to your big day with a few of these ideas, starting with a personalised picture booth.  Add a fancy dress box (fake moustaches, plastic lobsters) and you'll have them queuing out the door.

Give flagging guests a sugar rush with sweet treats like ice-cream and candy-floss trikes, plus the ever-popular chocolate fountains from Ideas Box.

@ Website for the Weak @

The Vintage Wedding List - Most of us have moved out from our parents' place by the time we get married, and that's what makes a wedding list seem slightly superfluous.  It's not like you haven't already bought cutlery and crockery, plus everything else that clutters up our cupboards.  So if you're not ready to exchange your old toaster for a new one, then register with the Vintage Wedding List.  It's one way to guarantee you'll start your married life surrounded by beautiful hand-picked pieces.

BBD Theme: Burnt Orange & Blue

Like what you see above?  Try it yourself, by adding some of the products below to your big day.

Product Credits - Tie: Me and Matilda, Purse: Davie & Chiyo, Corsage: Calico Garden, Love Bird Print: Yumiyumi, Cup-Cakes: Crumbs & Doilies, Napkin Flowers: Paper Platypus, Cufflinks: BSidesMetal, Butterfly Stationary: Ashley Pahl, Paper Flowers: The Gilded Bee

Is It Wrong?

That we love this cake from the Fairytale Cake Company?  It reminds me of how many inspirational cake designers I spotted at the National Wedding Show - you could see their stands from a mile off, thanks to the hoards of hungry brides snaffling free samples.  Don't miss my feature next week, when I'll be trying to fit all the latest trends into one article. Believe me, you'll never think of settling for plain white, plus three tiers ever again!

           

Wedding Frenzy

Wow, what a day!  I've just returned from an EPIC five hours at the National Wedding Fair.  Two huge thumbs-up to the stand-holders there, I've never seen so much wedding passion under one roof. Loved-loved-loved the catwalk show and inspiration session - just 2 two words of advice, go hungry (tonnes of tasty wedding samples, mmmmm), and wear flat shoes - Earls Court 2 is enormous!  I'm bursting with ideas, so stay tuned for more Before the Big Day inspiration coming soon.  And check out all the booty I lugged home!

♥ Wednesday's Little Bit of Romance ♥

Soppy is not sexy, but I couldn't help myself - this little bottle of romance it just too delicious. It's a Mini Message in the Bottle. Written inside is "I Love You", but you can have any missive you like - just get in touch with The Card Tree, and start spreading the love!  Whatsmore, all readers of Before the Big Day free can get postage - just mention the blog as you check out.

Fabulous Favours

If you're thinking of using blue as your accent colour, take a look at these fabulous ideas for wedding favours.  We can't think of a better way to gift your guests!

Product Credits - Popcorn Stickers: Jessica's Design Shop, Personalised Fans: Baumbirdy, Ice Breakers: A Remark You Made, Calligraphy: Lisa Ridgely ; PinWheel: Shana Dreher, Enjoy Bags: Par Day

@ Website for the Weak @

Cox & Cox - We've gone ga-ga over their Too Have and Too Hold ribbon, Heart Coffee Biscuits, Confetti Cones and Chinese Fortune Sticks.  Don't miss their Wedding Sample Box - full of Favours, it's refundable against orders of £150.