Something heartfelt for your Wedding Thank You Card.

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Saying thank you is a must! - All the time!

But saying thank you after your wedding is especially important. Ideally your thank you cards should be sent within 3 months of your wedding. If you have a summer wedding and want to be economical with the postage, sending your thank you cards out with your Christmas cards, is, I suppose, ok too... after all it is customary to send a Christmas Card to every guest who attended your wedding too.

When I came across this Thank You Card I thought it had such a lovely message that I wanted to share it with you all.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

In this instance the bride and groom have obviously chosen to place the Thank You Card on the table, which is nice, but little auld me, would still be inclined to send a thank you card after the event as well. I think they are more appreciated. You could still use the above wording, with just one or two minor alterations.

Have you chosen your Thank You Cards yet?

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Tuesday's Wedding Cake Fix

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Today { as with most days :) } I don't know how anyone would eat this wedding cake? Seriously, its far too delicate and precious to be eaten.

Don't you think?

Source: brides.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Gorgeous Hair Inspiration for your Flower Girls

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I think this 'do' is adorable, stylish and a total must if you are searching for a nice hair style for your flower girls.

What do you think?

Source: shedoeshair.blogspot.com via Pascale on Pinterest

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Can you wear white to a wedding?

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This Wedding Planner says a big fat no!

While guests might have become a little braver of late and yes, it is true, we are seeing more white { on guests } at weddings, but that doesn't make it ok  { unless the dress code calls for it }!

Want to know more... so did many E! Online Readers .... and here's a little article quoting 'little auld me' on E!

Lindsay Lohan and Pippa Middleton Did It! So Can Anyone Wear White to a Wedding Now?

Read more: http://uk.eonline.com/news/lindsay_lohan_pippa_middleton_did_it/259647#ixzz1VrjQx3Qf

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Monday's Wedding Cake Fix: Bare Cake!

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Lately I've featured alot of elegant cakes... my friend calls them the 'perfect' wedding cakes... but remember we're not about perfect wedding days here, we're all about fabulous weddings here.

By no manner or means does this wedding cake look perfect but it sure does look fabulous!

I love the unfrosted look, fruit and flowers! What do you think?

Source: weddingjoy.tumblr.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Friday's Wedding Photo Fix

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Yes... this is a slightly new addition to the blog post line up... but I collect, pin and file all these great wedding photos and I never know quite how or when I'm going to show you them so here it is, Friday's Wedding Photo Fix!

First up is this real cutie! The { not so } secret kiss!

Source: vangelisphotography.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Simple, Nature Inspired, DIY Centerpieces

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This I love!

So simple to create, absolutely beautiful with the effects of flowers, nature and candle light!

Imagine the twists you could do on this;

Painted branches, colourful flowers, scented candles; you could excite all the senses!

Source: theknottybride.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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When is the most expensive time of year to get married?

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This question popped into my inbox last night from Sinead in Kells and its a question my brides often ask me.

Unfortunately there is no 'set' answer.

Traditionally a Friday & Saturday in the 'High Season' { May to October } was considered the most expensive time to get married with venues often offering mid week and 'out of season' rates to couples who chose to marry Nov - Apr { excluding Dec }.

But now weddings happen all year round and while more do happen during the 'summer' months there is no longer such a difference between a high and low season.

Another major 'cost factor' to consider are flowers. Flowers do get dearer in February & March for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. This is because growers deliberately grow less then there will be demand for in the run up to Valentine's Day and Mother's Day so they will get a better price for them at auction. While their main focus here is Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, this of course has a knock on effect to any floral related occasion that will happen during these months. { Most flowers are bought wholesale, through auctions, in the likes of Brussels and shipped around the world to flower shops or other wholesale units }

Christmas and News Years brings with it its own extra staffing and overtime costs, so you may find that across all suppliers extra 'seasonal charges' and expenses are incurred. And again some blooms can get a little pricer here too, as can cakes unless you've ordered well in advance!

So I suppose if you were to take all the above into consideration marrying in January, April and November are probably the 'cheapest' months with a mid week wedding giving you the most negotiating power. Therefore making December, February & March and May to October, on a weekend, collectively the most expensive time of year to get married.

{ Of course local, regular, ad hoc, sporting and religious events in your area or country can also have an impact on your wedding costs; any demands placed on resources generally results in a price hike! } 

If I had to chose just one single day that was the most expensive to get married on? { Well that is a toughie } But I would imagine, in the majority of areas, its possibly New Years Eve.

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A Wedding Planners Rant: I'm not Franc!

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Yes this is a totally over dramatic image :)

Can I have a little rant today?

{ Thanks }

I don't know if there are other Irish Wedding Planners out there who get this, but I do, all the time... you meet someone, inevitably the conversation turns to;

'What do you do?'

'I'm a Wedding Planner'

'Oh how exciting... Just like Franc!'

Ugh! Makes my blood boil! Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure Franc { aka Peter Kelly } is just lovely, I've met him on one occasion and he seemed perfectly nice. I'm sure he works very hard, he produces a lovely wedding and I am sure his brides are very happy with him.

Me, as a Wedding Planner, not really feeling the love towards him { actually maybe its him and his show }. You see I am a Wedding Planner... I plan weddings. His show, while entertaining, inspiring and fun, is { over dramatised} TV... its not truely representative of what I do... in that, if things are continually going wrong for me, I'm running around like a blue arse fly, suppliers let me down, time frames go out the window etc etc I HAVE NOT DONE MY JOB PROPERLY!

As I said I am a Wedding Planner! { i.e. I plan weddings }

Of course I have 'those days' nothing seems to go right, everyone is late and occasionally 'bad things' can happen at a wedding. { But thankfully I have planned, with a great back up plan, for that.}

As I said, his show is fun, exciting and at the end of the day { of course } everything works out great but the show doesn't work for me, in that, it paints my profession in a somewhat negative light - that I don't like. I work hard, I plan and prepare for each wedding and couples pay me so that what happens in shows like Franc's doesn't happen on their wedding day.

But of course sensation sells and the drama does keep you hooked; maybe { some } reality might just be too boring for TV? : )

Ps if anyone wants to offer me a TV show I'll only be too happy to dramatise it up and go for the first Drama Queen/ Wedding Planner Oscar ; )

{ Yes I know that is totally hypocritical, but I did say this was a rant; not a careful considered, logical post! : ) }

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A Wedding Planner's Top Tip: When a discount is not forthcoming...

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Source: google.ie via Bláithín on Pinterest

Don't despair, consider this an advantage!

Yes, we all love a good discount! In fact, most brides expect it now... we are in a recession after all; at least that is what we're being continually told and I'm sure you've read in blog,after blog and magazine after magazine; always ask for a discount.

 - If you don't ask, you'll never get. It's true.

But let me shock you; you can ask me for a discount... but I wont give you one. I charge what I charge. And I don't discount. And yes, I am worth it. Now if you have a specific budget and would really love to work with me I can tailor a package to your price range, but I don't give my services away for free.

Those that do, more power to you. If you are 'happy' to discount, go for it.

I'll shock you a second time.

For every wedding planning client I worked with, I ALWAYS look for discounts; in fact its a personal guarantee of mine that I will save my client's money when I plan their wedding { often this is my fee and more }. I bet you are thinking to yourself, {how and} why do you ask discounts of others if you are not prepared to discount yourself.... like I said earlier, some are 'willing' to discount, and I am 'willing' to accepted that discount! :)

So what do you do, if like me, your wedding vendor or venue refuses a discount? You, use it to your advantage.

If you are paying a 5 star price, you should receive a 5 star service, if you don't get it, you now have a bargaining tool! As soon as the product/ service becomes sub par, give a warning, if it happens again, explain, you continue to be unhappy, and look for a discount then.

Some times, some things are worth paying for. If discounts are important, quality perhaps isn't a priority for you... those who refuse to discount, often realise their own value and quality and are proud of it.

Accept the price & quality { if a discount isn't forthcoming}, expect the best and use it all to your advantage {if you need to.}

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What is it like to be married?

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Shortly after I got married a friend asked me what it was like. Did I feel different. Was our relationship different. I found it difficult to put words on my answer. I did feel different. Our relationship was different. But yet it wasn't.

This however, sums it up I think!

Source: None via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Wedding Cake Fix: 3 Stuning Wedding Cakes for Tuesday!

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I know I normally just pick one wedding cake and show you something stunning in the week... but will I couldn't just choose this week so you are get three for the price of one!

Each wedding cake is utterly decadent, simply stunning and utterly gorgeous; don't you agree?

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

Source: cottonandcrumbs.co.uk via Bláithín on Pinterest

Source: sosnweddings.blogspot.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Jenna & Drew's First Look Photo's Before the Wedding Ceremony

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Are you having a 'first look' with your hubby {to be} before the ceremony?

I'm torn between the belief 'its bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony' and the absolutely priceless and intimate moment of that 'first look', captured here, so beautifully by Casie of The NEW Casie {kay-cee; KC} Photographics with her bride and groom, Jenna & Drew.

I love the way Jenna 'sneaks' up on Drew and the utter love and devotion in his eyes when he sees her for the first time!

Who would like to know a little more about the gorgeous Jenna & Drew? Well they were so kind to answer a couple of questions about themselves and their wedding plans.

1.  How did you and your husband meet? 

 We met while working at a retail store when we were starting out in college.  Drew decided he wanted to go into the Coast Guard and I stayed in school.  3 years later we met up with each other and the rest is history.

2.  How did you decide on a theme/the colors, etc. for your wedding? 

It was very easy, we both wanted a fresh clean spring look.  We looked through a couple of wedding mags and saw a picture with blues and yellows and both liked it.  That picture kept us focused on the whole look that we were going for.

3.  What made you decide to go with The First Look? 

We didn't want our guests to have to wait between the ceremony and reception.  Plus we wanted to have fun pictures with our wedding party without feeling like we were rushed for time.  It also allowed us to give eachother our gifts without having to have a messenger (Maid of Honor/Best Man) to give the gift to the other.

4.  Would you recommend The First Look to other brides?  Why/Why Not?  

We would definitely recommend the first look to everyone! It allows you to just take a breather and just be with your significate other without anyone else (except your photographer--which you dont even realize is there).  It is a great moment for just you and your partner to just relax.  We were able to goof around once the first look and the first moment together that day was over.  It brought a calmness to the rest of the event.  Walking down the aisle wasn't hard and I was able to really enjoy my man at the other end of the aisle and everyone around us as well. 

5.  What was the most memorable part of your Wedding Day and why? 

The time between the ceremony and the reception.  Our event took place in a hall full of windows were you could see out to the cocktail hour but our guest couldnt see us.  We were able to just be silly with out immediate family and our wedding party and then get the party started.  Our whole event went exactly as we wanted...all of our loved ones were there laughing and having fun.  The food was great, our DJ was awesome and our photos came out  wonderfully! By the time the day was actually here the decorations and the cake and all the little details didn't seem to matter at much, all we cared about was that everyone had fun and it was a fantastic party!

And here's a quick look at some of the details for Jenna & Drew's special day!!

Big, big, big thank you to Casie and of course Jenna & Drew for allowing me to share this gorgeous wedding and amazing first look photos with you all.

Casie is an amazing Photographer who I know through TWIPS and you can check out all Casie's details, other amazing weddings and follow her work through all the links below.

Casie Shimansky

The NEW Casie {kay-cee; KC} Photographics 

TheNameIsCasie.com

Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Blog ♥ Website

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Starting the Kim Kardashian Wedding Watch!

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This will probably give you all {another} reason to role your eyes at me but I can't get enough of Kim Kardashian and her family! { And I have no idea why! } Despite the utter beauty and opulence of their lives I should baulk and shake my head at the absolutely idiocy that goes on, but I don't, instead I tune in and watch... watch alot! { It's not Sky + so I'm not that obsessed, but still :) }

Source: celebuzz.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

And needless to say with Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kris Humphries, { nice of her to stick with the K theme} coming up in a matter of weeks, I'm hooked even more! Especially now that the rumour mill is alive of reports of a live televised ceremony. { Not that I am surprised! Kim is after all a media whore,  I mean that in a nice way, - I do.}

Reports are flying around that, despite not actually having chosen a venue Kim K's guest list is pushing in excess of 1,000 guests!{ All of whom must sign confidentiality agreements. } Kris { Kim's mum} is reportedly 'doing all the work' { earning her lucrative 10% I bet} and has become a one woman wedding planning machine! { I expect though she has hired some super duper Wedding Planner, I am, 'ahem', busy that day... of course they wanted me ;) }

No doubt where { or indeed when } Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries tie the knot it will be an affair to remember and we'll all be ooing and awing over the details. { At least I will! }

{ And yes, I am uber jealous at the size of her engagement ring :) }

 

Source: stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com via Corrine on Pinterest

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Great Guest Book Idea: A Guest Book Quilt

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In the past I've brought you guest book jenga, guest book trees, guest book books, guest book bottles... in fact a whole host of different & ususual guest book ideas... but this... this I think I love the most!

Introducing you to the Guest Book Quilt!

Source: offbeatbride.com via Jenny on Pinterest

So ladies and gents, get creative, get stretching, get some fabric pens and have something to truly treasure through the years!!

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6 Ways to include those who have past in your wedding.

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When I got married there were a number of close family members and friends who I had wished could have spent that precious day with us, but sadly they had passed either before we had even met or during our engagement. I know I'm not the only who, or who that, this will happen to. With this in mind here are 6 ways you can include treasured family & friends in your wedding ceremony.

1. Acknowledge them before the ceremony.

Before my own wedding ceremony two of my cousins lit a large candle that had been placed to the right of the altar and read a short poem that included the names of our friends and family that were no longer with us.

2. Tie their pictures to your bouquet.

Particularly poignant for parents or grandparents.

Source: blog.i-do-weddings.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

3. Have members of the Wedding Party wear their photos.

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

4. Include photos of you and them in the wedding reception.

Source: None via Bláithín on Pinterest

5. Add a family tree to your Ceremony Booklet.

Source: designspongeonline.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

6. Wear something of theirs on your Wedding Day

Source: kenziekate.blogspot.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

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Dress inspired Wedding Cakes!

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Who likes a good wedding theme? Who likes to take a wedding theme to extreme?

Would you take your wedding theme so far as to match your wedding dress, or your bridesmaids dresses to your wedding cake? If they looked like this I think I might!! Would you?

Source: bellethemagazine.blogspot.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

Source: bellethemagazine.blogspot.com via Bláithín on Pinterest

{ Total side note, I know, but I remember when I was little, probably 4 to 10 {ish} I had lush long brown hair, it was my crowning glory. I was very proud of it. I also had about a gazillion 'scrunchies' - do you remember them, those fabric {large} hair bobbins? Anyways, I had one to match every outfit. Well this, and I'm not entirely sure how, reminds me of those scrunchies. }

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