Friday 27 August 2010

Second Place! - Top UK Wedding Tweeters


Since I started going on Twitter more and more, it has become some what that when Friday's come around, you need to be there, with bells on to see where abouts you have landed in Easy Wedding Search's Top 100 Wedding Tweeters.

It is a lot of us business-like people, all tweeting about business and the things that are happening on our day to day lives, and business lives, and helping each other out where needed, and generally growing contacts and networks which means that we can then build up good relationships with people, so that if our customers and clients need a particular thing for their Wedding, we can point them in the right direction.

My first Week on the Twitter List, I entered at No. 49.
The Week after I was in the 30's.
Week after I was in the 20's
Week after I was No 14.
Then No 7
Then No 4
And this Week, I am in the coveted No 2 spot that Alison from Plans and Presents Event Planning has held all along the time that I have been going up the list. It was a joke that I was after her spot...and now I have it.

Overwhelmed I have to say, but she has been quiet on the tweeting front this week - so no doubt she'll be back with avengance for it next week.

Visit here to see the top 100 - and why not join us on twitter and say hello :)



Tuesday 24 August 2010

Wedding Wednesday: Money as a Wedding Gift...


A recent poll conducted by Wedding Magazine found that almost half (45%) of couples would prefer their guests to give them money as a wedding gift.

In the 1980’s it was almost unheard of to ask for money as wedding gift but by the 1990's people were starting to come round to the idea and cash became the second most sought after wedding gift, with kitchen and home-wares taking the number one spot.
Couples living together before marriage has become the norm rather than the exception. Currently in the UK, more than three quarters of couples live together before marriage. Therefore, it is understandable that most people no longer have the need or desire to set up a gift registry with a department store in order to buy household goods. Newlyweds are more likely to spend their money on a dream honeymoon, home improvements or even paying back some of the cost of their wedding.
It is easy to see why money has overtaken old favourites such as kitchen equipment and towel bales as the most favourable wedding gift. It is important to note, though, that this isn’t by any means a new phenomenon. In fact, only 20 years ago, we were starting to see that money was creeping to the top of the wedding gift list. Cash is most certainly king for wedding gifts nowadays and this trend definitely looks set to continue.

 
My partner, Chris, and I are the creators of http://www.starweds.co.uk. We came up with the idea in May 2009. Chris and I attended five weddings last year and gave money as a gift at each one. We found that there was no safe and/or easy way to do this, so we developed the innovative idea of StarWeds.
StarWeds is the sophisticated and hassle-free way to ask for money as a wedding gift.
We provide:
• A personalised wedding website where your guests can contribute money:

- Choice of themes

- Online guest book

- Your own blog

- Personalised web address

- Directions to your venue

- Countdown timer

- And much more

• Beautiful customised invitation inserts to tell your guests about your site.
• Your guests can contribute via quick, easy and secure payment methods on your wedding website (i.e. credit/debit card via PayPal, cheque or balance transfer).

 
Our service is completely hassle-free for both the couples and the wedding guests. Guests don’t need to worry about whether or not there will be a money box at the wedding, or which of the bridal party they should give their money gift to for safe keeping, they don’t need to stress about sending money in the post or if sending a cheque, whether to make it out to the bride’s maiden name or married name. Also from the couple’s perspective, they won’t need to spend all day at the bank cashing in lots of cheques and cash. We simply send one cheque with all the contributions from their guests.



Please visit http://www.starweds.co.uk/, and if you would like to view a sample of the personalised Wedding website, then please visit http://www.starweds.co.uk/sample.









Blue Lights Photography would like to thank StarWeds for their Contribution to Blue Lights Photography Blog

Saturday 21 August 2010

Supplier Saturday: Cards by Sophie

Cards by Sophie was set up by Sophie Ellis-Waring after planning her own wedding and struggling to find modern wedding stationery at an affordable price.


Sophie has since developed her own range of wedding stationery, including fourteen stylish, contemporary designs. All of Cards by Sophie’s stationery is made by hand for that special touch. Each design can be customised to the couple’s needs, for example, colours of ribbons, handmade paper or Swarovski crystals can be altered to match the exact wedding theme and colours. There are no set rules, all stationery is available in a range of sizes, and you can create your own wording on the inside and outside of each card.
Cards by Sophie is proud that all of their wedding stationery is unique to each client, and therefore you won’t find it anywhere else!

Here Sophie gives us a rough guideline to Ordering your Wedding Stationary
 
 
 
What to order when – your quick guide to wedding stationery



Once you've got engaged, all the preparations can seem rather daunting in the excitement. Help is at hand for your wedding stationery. We find that the questions we're most often asked are when to order stationery, and whether it all needs to be ordered at once. Here's our handy guide:

1. First stage: Order Save the Date cards as soon as possible after you have fixed your wedding date: usually at least 9 months to a year before your wedding. These cards are a great idea if your wedding is at a popular holiday time or mid-week - make sure your most important guests aren't busy elsewhere. Don't worry too much about colours at this stage – just choose something you love. You can coordinate later!

2. Second stage: Order Invitations, RSVPs and pocketfolds. We recommend sending out invitations at least 2 months prior to the wedding. You'll also need to allow enough time for your stationer to make the items (we ask for 4-6 weeks). Once you've found a design you like, choose a colour theme. Your stationer should send out a proof showing all of your details in your chosen colours. This way you'll be sure all the details are correct before the order is completed. Consider having Pocketfolds; they contain not only the invitation but an RSVP and information card for details of hotels, directions etc. tucked inside – we love making life simple!

3. Third stage: Order on the day items. You can do this much nearer the wedding. These items include menus; order of service; place cards; table cards; table plan - anything that will be used on the big day itself! We suggest making on the day items to match your invitations to follow your theme through. We know how long it takes sometimes to finalise things such as details with the vicar, caterer and your final guest list. We usually request wording for order of service and menus around 8 weeks before the wedding and details for table plans, place cards, table cards, etc. 4 weeks prior to the wedding.

4. Fourth stage: Order favour boxes and thank you cards. You can actually order these at the same time as any of the previous steps - many of my clients have purchased these at the same time as the invitations! Leave the thank you card inserts blank if you want to write your own message, or we have some standard examples that you could try out. Both thank you cards and favour boxes can match the rest of your stationery too.

5. It easy to order in several stages, meaning minimal fuss and the chance to evenly spread payments before your wedding! If you prefer to order everything at once, your stationer may provide the items in stages: we prepare your order in two batches - the first batch includes the invitations and RSVPs, the second includes all of the 'on the day' items. Of course, we give you plenty of reminders as to when we need your information!

Having set out our suggested timescales, we realise that it's not always possible to stick to them. Don't worry – we can often help out if you've got a tight timescale. Just ask us for advice, we love to help!

For more information and a free sample, please visit the Cards by Sophie website at http://www.cardsbysophie.com/ or contact Sophie on 07795 212115.

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Wedding Wednesday - Why Use a Make-up Artist

Today on Wedding Wednesday we have – Why you should use a Make-up Artist on your Wedding Day.
This Article is written by Katy, a Make-Up artist with over 14-years experience

Why use a Make-up Artist on your wedding day?

I’m sure that’s a question many brides-to-be have asked themselves. Or indeed, been asked by their fiancĂ©/mother/mother-in-law?!

“You do your own make-up every day? Why get someone in to do what you already do yourself?”

I’m going to take you through all the factors of bridal make-up and explain the hows and whys.

I’ve done the make-up for more brides than I can count. Each one had an individually designed look. Some wanted dark smoky eyes, others wanted soft, barely there neutrals and everything imaginable in between. The one factor they all had in common? They all wanted to look their absolute best. The wedding day is the one day when looking perfect is imperative!

So you need to take into consideration these aspects;

Longevity- This make-up needs to last all day. And night!
You don’t want to be touching up your eyeshadow and re-concealing half way through the day. Good make-up artists have tricks a plenty up their sleeves when it comes to achieving that long stay finish. I always pay close attention to the skin and address any underlying issues before I even touch it with base! Then there’s setting the make-up without looking dry and powdery, stopping the eyes from creasing, liner from smudging.



Photography- Flash photography can have a huge effect on the make-up you wear.

It can change what looks like a natural make-up into a ‘nothing at all’ look! That smudge of kohl pencil and quick coat of mascara won’t stand up to the job. Without enough definition around the eyes, they’ll disappear (not literally, just photographically!). The art is having enough on so your features are defined but not so much that you feel over done. I have a technique where I press liner into the roots of the lash; this gives the right amount of depth just where it’s needed. Plus, it’s waterproof, of course!

When it comes to foundation, having a base on that doesn’t reflect well can lead to a washed out complexion. I’m a stickler for ensuring the skin looks as flawless as possible without even looking as though there is any make-up on. A make-up artist will have a variety of shades in his/her kit, that way, if you’ve had a spray tan or used a self tan at home, your face will match your body exactly. There’s nothing worse than your face looking like it’s stuck onto someone else’s body!

I painstakingly custom blend the foundation on the day to get the perfect shade and texture. Also, be very careful not to use light reflective products, unless they’re being used for clever highlighting and contouring, they can reflect back a white tone, especially around the eyes and can be spotted a mile off.



The look- We, as women, are super critical when we look in the mirror!


It’s hard for us to be objective when it comes to our own faces. That’s why we so often get stuck in make-up ruts. A make-up artist looks at you differently.

I look at my client and I see the beauty in her face. I see what I want to enhance and emphasise, as opposed to what I want to cover. This gives a fresh take on styles and colours that you may have never thought of. A good make-up artist will bear what you do every day in mind and create you a look that combines your own style with new ideas. The idea is not to make you look like someone else, just a more polished, perfect version of you! Don’t be afraid to show clippings from magazines of make-up that you’ve seen. Sometimes it’s easier to show than to describe. That’s what trials are for!



Time- Don’t underestimate how manic the morning of your wedding can get!

I like to take the bride off into another room to do her make-up. This gives her a break from the mayhem and lets her focus on the most important thing, herself!

It’s one of the things my brides always comment on, how relaxed they feel by the time their make-up is done. Between myself and the hairdresser, we get the bride ready first and then it’s time for the bridesmaids, mother-of- bride and everyone else! Then, when everyone is done, I return to the bride.

By this time, she’s hopefully had something to eat and drink. It’s time for a small sip of champagne and the last touch ups. I put her lips on last; check the bride has her touch up items in a little bag. I then have a look at her back, shoulders and arms for any blemishes that need camouflaging, get those covered and sealed and wait for the dress to be put on.

Finally, I take a picture on my digital camera to check there’s nothing reflecting badly with the flash. Then I show the bride so she can see how amazing she looks.

Contact Katy via
Website: http://www.makeupbykaty.com/
Email: katy@makeupbykaty.com
Blog: www.makeupbykaty.blogspot.com

Saturday 14 August 2010

Supplier Saturday: Introducing The Bridal Jewellery Boutique

The soon to be launched Bridal Jewellery Boutique has one of the most exquisite collections of wedding jewellery and bridal headbands online.

Owned by mumpreneur Kerry Brearley. Kerry’s focus is to provide her customers with a speedy and efficient service and as such all items of jewellery are held “in stock” and ready for immediate despatch.

This is what sets The Bridal Jewellery Boutique apart from most other online wedding jewellery suppliers who require between two to four weeks notice for handcrafted pieces. Kerry is aware that modern brides often lead very busy lives and don’t always have the luxury of choosing their jewellery months in advance of their special day.


The Bridal Jewellery Boutique provide luxury couture wedding jewellery and accessories for the modern, fashion conscious bride with the focus being on vintage inspired designs and simple sophistication. Our beautiful range includes sparkling Swarovski headbands, elegant pearl pendants and much more.

They also provide a range of bridal accessories such as handbags, garters, and handcrafted ring cushions and a selection of gifts and jewellery for the best man, bridesmaids and flower girls. All items are gift wrapped in luxury branded packaging for that extra special touch.

Kerry recommends that you choose your accessories after choosing your dress rather than vice versa.

“If you opt for a Cinderella style ball gown that is adorned with sparkling crystals or one that has a busy vintage lace pattern, it would be wise to go for very simple, contemporary accessories. Maybe a delicate crystal or pearl necklace and simple headband or comb in your hair. To go for anything more ostentatious would be overkill and would detract from the beautiful presence of your dress”

“On the other hand, if you opt for a classic, simple style then you can really go to town on your accessories from choosing the biggest, sparkling tiara you can find to an extravagant statement choker or cuff bracelet”.

Contact Kerry Via
Website: sales@Bridaljewelleryboutique.co.uk
Email:    sales@Bridaljewelleryboutique.co.uk
Tel:        01253 507302

Post:       We do not have shop at this location and this address is provided for the purpose of
               correspondence

The Bridal Jewellery Boutique,
Kildare Road,
Bispham,
Blackpool,
FY2 0LR

Friday 6 August 2010

Its Nice to Say Thank You!

I think its nice to say Thank You when someone does something for you.

Whether you were expecting it or not.

But I have found something that brightens up any day...

And thats when someone says Thank You to You.


I was utterly delighted to recieve a Thank You Card from Zoe and John from when I did their Wedding Photographs on 3rd July 2010.


Any Thank You I get, whether from a Bride, Groom, Mum, Auntie....the list goes on - is special to me. Someone has taken their time out to say it.

Whether its an Email, Phone Call, Text or Card...its so nice to be appreciated - and know our Hard Work wasnt in Vain.


"To Adele

Thank You for being so amazing, right from the start you've gone way beyond your job title. You have made our day so special.

Lots of Love

John and Zoe

xx

x"


When was the last time someone said Thank You to you?

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