Real Homespun DIY Wedding: Sam & Wade

This wedding is packed to the brim with DIY ideas and shabby-chic inspiration. Gorgeous bride, Sam, is a style pro, so she was bound to put together a truly exceptional wedding, and this one is a wonderful combination of eclectic styles. I'm loving Wade's gingham shirt and red bow-tie look, and Sam's bridesmaids' individual plaited hairstyles. The guests all sat on fabric-covered straw bales for the ceremony, which took place under a tree, chalked with the bride and groom’s initials. Other fabulous wedding details include the flower girl holding a balloon and a butterfly jar instead of a usual basket, the photo-rosette boutonnieres, and the hanging bottle vases. Also the vintage quilt-style tablecloth and the typewriter guest book. Plus {yes there's more!}, Sam's sparkly pink Christian Louboutins, Badgley Mishka ruffled wedding dress and Wade's cool moustached socks. Wow! Literally every wedding detail was personalised. Fantastic pictures published with thanks to the ladies at Simply Bloom Photography.

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From Soft to Sculptural Wedding Dresses

In my quiet moments, while other people might watch TV, I like to look at wedding gowns (mock me if you like, it won't stop me!). And there's no one better at making dresses than Amanda Wakely. She does creates several collections each year, and I just adore these wedding gowns from her 'Morocco Collection'. From soft to scuptural, there's no shape she can't do. Which one's your favourite?

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Elegant Vintage Style Wedding Dresses

If you're a vintage bride looking for a whimsical dress, it can pretty hard to find your perfect wedding gown. Often brides get lucky at a vintage fair or on eBay, but there is another way. Online marketplace Etsy showcases hundreds of independent wedding dress designers, many of them with a gorgeous vintage aesthetics. It's a great place to pick up a unique gown, handmade by someone with true passion. My most recent discovery are these gorgeous wedding dresses by Rowan Joy. They have an ethereal, bohemian grace, and would make any bride look elegant. Each one is made to order in Edinburgh, and usually require three months, so get your order in quick! *Update* Rowan has very kindly offered all Before the Big Day brides 10% off if you mention the wedding blog.

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Real French & English Wedding: Abigail & Huw

Enchanté! That's my attempt at a French description of this exquisite English wedding, with plenty of gorgeous details from across the Channel. Abigail and Huw live in Hong Kong, so they hired Anne-Laure from Et Voilà Weddings to organise their church wedding near Bristol, with the wedding reception in Abbie's parent's garden. I'm loving the quintessentially English rose theme to this romantic wedding day, which all stems from Abbie’s father's nickname for Abbie; Rose Bud, referring to her beautiful rose colour lips on the day she was born. So sweet! The tables were all named after roses, the details are all dusky pink, and Abbie even wore a rose in her hair and on her dress. Other fantastic wedding ideas to steal include the romantic mini-tent chill-out area in the garden, and the live music from a harpist and flutist. Beautiful pictures published with thanks to the very talented Giorgia Bertazzi.

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Real Golden Autumn Wedding: Sheryl & Nick

Autumn is famous for its golden light, and this fab couple almost glow with happiness in these pics of their big day. Sheryl and Nick chose a beautiful afternoon in October for their wedding, and celebrated in style, in a gorgeous garden ceremony. Inspiring details include Sheryl's bouquet of berries and blooms, plus her choice of rich red for the table cloths. The happy couple also used cake flavors instead of table numbers or names, and encouraged guests to dive in instead of doing a formal cake cutting. Don't miss Sheryl's stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring - no wonder she looks so happy. Huge thanks as ever to Jessamyn Harris for her first-class photographs.

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Super Wedding Stationery from Boutique Designers

For me it's always a toss-up between keeping the invitations to your big day simple and elegant, and going for something really creative.  I think I'd lean towards something snazzy - after all, you only do it once!  Try a few of these cutting-edge stationers on for size....

Product Credits - Top Collage: April Ink, Middle Collage: EvaPaul, Bottom Collage: Dahlia Press

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Real Brights & Gerbera Wedding: Lauren & Chris

Check out the colour palette at this wedding! Lauren and Chris celebrated their big day this summer in brilliant and bight style. I'm loving how bold they were - using hot pink, acid green and bright yellow takes some confidence, but they carried it off to great effect. My favourite touches are the bright pink petals lining the aisle up to the arbour where they said their vows, and of course, the vintage-style sweet shop with monogrammed takeaway pouches. Don't miss the pic featuring their invitations, cleverly designed to tie in with the bridesmaids' gerbera bouquets. Huge congratulations to Simply Bloom for their fabulous photographs.

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Say it with Wedding Cake

We're a HUGE fan of cupcakes here at Before the Big Day, and that probably explains the extreme excitement over our latest discovery. Yummy Card is simply the best invention since sliced bread, although it involves cake not bread. To be precise, it involves both a cake and a card. For the princely total sum of £9.50, you can send an individual, personalised cake PLUS a card anywhere in the UK via First Class post. Is it just me, or does that seem almost too cheap? I'm going to be sending them to everyone I know before they put the prices up! P.S. They also do Yummy Card wedding favours, although you'll need to give them a call to figure out logistics.

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