My Wedding - Cocktails

This is where I tell you all about planning my own wedding. After all, if I'm publishing all these Real Weddings, it's only fair I share my trials and tribulations. Read the rest of my wedding diary here.

Our wedding is in about six months now, and we've finally got round to picking a caterer. Now that may sound super-late, but apparently in France everything is booked much later, and they're happy to take bookings with only a couple of months to go. Anyway, I've discovered that I'm a desert and drinks kind of gal. Starters and main courses don't really float my boat, but once we get onto the puddings and cocktails, I feel inspired! We've decided to have a couple of signature cocktails, so we've got to pick a design and name. Here are a few that I've caught my eye.

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Wedding Night Knickers

Normally it's a bit naff to have your name printed on knickers, but when it comes to gorgeous silk wedding lingerie, it's a complely different matter. Check out these gorgeous bespoke, embroidered panties from Lipstick Effect. Discovered by Lipstick's founders, Zoe and Polly, they're the perfect addition to your honeymoon wardrobe.

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Real Wedding: Erin & Jeremy

If you haven't discoverd the wedding e-zine Utterly Engaged, you're missing out. Although since I've snaffled a gorgeous rustic wedding from their collection for your viewing pleasure, don't worry too much.... Erin wasn't actually that detail obsessed, but her sister took on plenty of projects on her behalf, and created a truly gorgeous affair. Inspiration came from Erin's love of baby's breath flowers, earth tones and vegan foods, and their big day was a truly eco-friendly wedding. And if you think going green means sacrificing style, check out the gorgeous One Love pictures below.

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Real Wedding: Kerry & Ross

Is there anything better than an English summer wedding? Especially when the sun is shining and the lawns are newly mowed! Kerry and Ross celebrated their big day at the gorgeous Babington House in Somerset, and made full use of the house, garden and picturesque chapel. Kerry chose some seriously bold colours for her theme, and I'm loving how the red and turquoise pop. You have to be brave to pick brights for your palette, but it makes for the best pictures. Don't miss the tablescape - the combination of the turquoise vases, favour boxes, rich red roses and corrugated place markers is genius. Huge thanks to Anna Rosell for her inspiring pictures.

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Hilarious Wedding Cakes

It's not often that wedding cakes make you laugh out loud, but that's exactly what I did when I saw this sheep cake by Love to Cake. I then forwarded the picture on to my mother and best friend, and they laughed too. If you have anything to do with sheep, then you have to have this cake! If not, then get in touch with the lovely baker, Louise Hill, and ask for your own design. My mum has suggested her cat is happy to model. P.S. Louise is an award winning cake-maker based in London, and she also makes cupcakes.

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We ♥ Sample Sales

♥ The Bridal Designer Sale are holding their next sample sale at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November 2010. They'll be offering up to 70% off exquisite wedding gowns from leading international designers, including Amanda Wakeley, Caroline Castigliano, Christiana Couture, Galit Levi, Lyn Ashworth, Max Chaoul, Oleg Cassini Icon, Sharon Hoey, Toi Creazioni, and many, many more… Book your free tickets.

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Spell it out

If you're thinking vintage, and you want to add a personal quality to your wedding, use these gorgeous monogrammed wood-and-metal pedestals from Anthropologie. They're reduced to less than half price (£12), and they're available in A-Z online. I'll be buying G xx N. What would you spell out?

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Real Wedding: Melissa & Justin

If you're considering a rustic wedding, then look no further - all your inspirational needs will be met in this gorgeous countryside affair. From the top of the blissfully decorated barn to the bottom of Melissa's heavenly Monique Lluhlier gown, every detail is perfect. I'll be copying the white parasols, type-writer stationery and brown paper placemats - what about you? Don't miss the cute rustic bottles and fabulous vintage mirror wall!
Gorgeous photographs published with thanks to Jack Wittbold from Sarah Yates Photography.

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