Weddings With Macmillan

It was whilst speaking to a future bride at The National Wedding Show at the weekend that I became aware of Macmillan's collection of Wedding favours and accessories and they really caught my eye. What a fantastic way to be able to both support the fantastic Macmillan Charity and also perhaps remember those who could not make it to your day.

My favourite item in their range are the place cards with flower seeds favour packet hidden inside. Each placecard, edged with pretty detail, comes with a small packet of 'Love in a Mist' flower seeds inside for your guests to take home and plant.  I think this is a Wedding favour guaranteed to touch the hearts of many of your guests. (10 place cards and seed packets per pack. £9.95)

 They also have a great activity book to keep Children entertained. (£6 each)

For their full Wedding range visit the Macmillan Website.

The Little White Book of Honeymoons!

I have always loved the Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique Hotels brand and I have been a member for years (all be it only the free membership service!).   I also personally found the process of booking our honeymoon a tricky one, so when The Little White Book of Honeymoons, their brand new mini guide to the most wonderful honeymoons in the world, arrived on my doorstep I was inspired. 

This little gem gives you the inside scoop on the hottest, hippest and coolest destinations in the world, and how best to enjoy them.  Each suggested honeymoon package featured is made up of various fabulous Mr & Mrs Smith boutique hotels with flights, transfers included... taking all the stress away from yourselves! If you fancy having a peek for your honeymoon just register your details here and a free copy will arrive in the post.  Or perhaps arrange for it to be sent to your fiance... I have to admit, I have just left it on my husband's desk!

Interview with 'The Headmistress' Milliner - Samantha Cousins

My history/training...
I studied costume design at Wimbledon School of Art and begun my career in film and television. I have been working on period and fantasy films and television dramas for several years, which has led me to work around the world with many personalities.  Millinery was something I was taught whilst at college and before starting 'The Headmistress' label, I took further training with Rose Cory, the royal milliner.

I was first inspired to become a designer...

Since I can remember, I have always been making things and using my hands.  I begun to pursue millinery further after making some head pieces for a friends 'nautical themed' hen weekend.  I enjoyed collecting the materials and making them so much and everyone loved them.  My friends said why don't you start selling them, so this was when I started to explore the idea further.

I am now inspired by... 

The work I do (in film & TV), being always surrounded by beautiful period costumes and fabrics. The outside world, fashion, art, photography and different cultures.

My designs appeal to...

People who want something different and want to stand out from the crowd.  Lovers of the vintage look.

My favourite designer is...
Edith Head, who was the famous Hollywood costume designer of the 1950's and Alexander McQueen.

My studio is...
My place of sanctuary, where I can retreat to, reflect and be creative.

My best designs/ideas have come from...
Nostalgic everyday objects, things that remind me of my childhood.

Every bride should...

Be true to themselves, not be afraid to step out of the box and venture away from the conventional.

'The Headmistress' Product prices start from... £80

Available at...

http://www.theheadmistressboutique.com/ Or find me at, Belles Vintage Wedding Fair in The Old Spitalfield's Market on Saturday 26th April 2014.  You can also sign up to the mailing list, to receive news and info on when and where my next pop up shop will be.

Phase Eight

If you are looking for the perfect destination Wedding dress you must take a look at the new collection just launched by Phase Eight. Romantic styling makes the most of delicate beading and vintage inspiration with fabulous lace details.

Bridesmaids dresses also feature in their collection with long draped maxis and fit-and-flare styles in pretty pastel shades of pink and duck-egg blue.  My absolute favourite is this dress...

I love the way that you can personalise the sash to suit your wedding colours.   Visit Phase Eight for more information.

Wedding WOW Factor!

When I got married the journey that I made to the church with my father is a very strong, emotional memory that I hold from my wedding day... and one that I will keep forever.  Many brides often leave transport until the last minute in their planning, but perhaps this blog post will change your minds.

Weddings by Driven offer an unbeatable Wedding transport service to really make you look and feel very special on your big day.  They have an amazing fleet of luxury cars to choose from, both vintage and modern.

Choosing the right car for your big day is important. It will depend on your personal priorities but here are some points to consider...
1. Your dress... will you be able to sit back comfortably and reflect en route? And just how graceful your exit will be?
2. The length of your journey... vintage cars are just wonderful, but if you have a long way to go perhaps a modern vehicle would be more comfortable and practical?
3. The season... air conditioning for a hot summer wedding is a must to avoid make up disasters... or perhaps a soft top as a weather permitting option.
4. The timing... make sure you allow enough time to avoid any stress, as well as a time allowance for some photographs.

For more information see Weddings by Driven.

Bride de Force at The National Wedding Show (plus giveaway!)

Here at Bride de Force we have some very exciting news to share with you all... Bride de Force will be at all of the upcoming National Wedding Shows this season! We really hope to see as many of you there as possible and hopefully help you with your Wedding planning.

Featured on the 'Big Day Top 10 Tips Stage' Bride de Force will share '10 top tips on how to plan a stress-free wedding',  covering all aspects from how to plan ahead of time and research, to the art of delegation and how to manage your budget.

You can also come and see us at the Bride de Force stand, where Hannah will be on hand to meet you one-to-one and discuss any of your Wedding worries or help you finesse your plan for your perfect day. *

We really hope to see as many of you there as possible and hopefully be able to help you with your Wedding planning too! Enter the Give away below for a chance to win one of 8 pairs of VIP Tickets and book your one-to-one slot now (see below for details).

GIVE AWAY... 
We have 8 pairs of VIP tickets, including a special goodie bag and a consultation time slot with Bride de Force to give away**

All you need to do to enter is:

1. Be a follower of our blog

2. Enter a comment on this post including whether it would be London, Birmingham or Manchester National Wedding Show that you would prefer to visit.

3. Don't forget to include your email address OR Twitter username so that we can get in touch if you win. 

Only one entry, per person, per day please. Any more will NOT be counted.

DISCOUNT...
The National Wedding Show are also offering a 24% discount to all of our readers... just add the code BDF at the check out.

*Booking a one-to-one slot with Bride de Force. There is limited availability with the time slots, allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. You can pre-book a slot by simply purchasing a ticket to The National Wedding Show here then email your request with your booking ticket reference and the date and location of the show you will be attending to: nationalweddingshow@oceanmedia.co.uk. The team will be confirming the booking on 10th March 2014. Alternatively a small number of slots will be available on the day, but please arrive early to avoid disappointment. 
**This giveaway is open internationally and will be open for one week, closing at midnight GMT Thursday 13th February 2014. The three winners will be announced via twitter.

THIS COMPETITION GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.