His and Her Rustic Wedding Vow Books by Scrappy Seahorse

May 27, 2016

Can I just say that I LOVE this bridal boutique feature?? Most brides and grooms pull out a piece of paper, a small note card, or (more often than not) a cell phone with their wedding vows typed on them. But to me, I prefer something a bit more polished. And that is why these His and Hers wedding vow books from Scrappy Seahorse are just perfect for your wedding ceremony!

They're compact and will look great up there as you say "I Do" so if I have a vote, I would say to choose these. And if you want an added bonus, they make a great keepsake :) Head on over to their shop to see this design!

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His and Her Rustic Wedding Vow Books by Scrappy Seahorse

How to Word Your Wedding Invitations

May 26, 2016

We get a lot of questions regarding wedding invitations and "How do I word my wedding invitations?" is probably the top question couples need help with. And so, we've asked for some help from The Bride List vendor Laurie Louis to help you out with that!

Written with love, by Laurie Louis

THE HOST LINE

The first line of the invitation is where you list who is hosting the wedding. In past traditions, the bride’s family has always hosted the wedding. Today, you are finding more and more that both sets of parents are included in the host line or in some cases, the wedding couple hosts the wedding, themselves

THE INVITATION LINE

This is where you actually invite people. Traditionally, “the honor of your presence” is used to denote a religious service while “the pleasure of your company” is used in a secular one, but you can use whatever works best for you. This is where your stationer can come into play with help on wording or you can check out different websites on Google for examples for different wording.

THE ACTION LINE

What are you inviting people to do? Traditionally, with the bride’s parent’s hosting, this line may read “at the wedding of their daughter.” In some cases, it may also say “as we celebrate the marriage of.”

THE NAMES

This line explains itself…the couple. But whose name goes first? Traditionally, the bride's name goes first. If there are two brides or two grooms, you can put them in any order you would like. If you are including last names, you may want to go in alphabetical order or you can put them on the same line. In the past, invitations have listed the first, middle and last name of the bride and groom. More and more invitations are only listing the first names, especially if both parents are the hosts and their last names are listed. You can also be less formal and only list the first and last name.

THE INFORMATION

This is the line of the invitation that generally is the same for each invitation. It needs to include the time, date and location. The address doesn’t have to be listed if it’s easy to find or a known landmark.

THE PARTY LINE

What happens after the wedding ceremony, if anything? Use this line to help fill your guests in on what to expect. Will there only be cake and punch, will the need to eat beforehand, or will you provide dinner and dancing. If your reception is not at the same place as the wedding, please think about including the address in your party line or on a separate card. Your party line is also the place to have fun. You can be as serious or as whimsical as you want.

Now that I have totally overwhelmed you with all the different parts to an invitation, please remember that these are just guidelines and your wedding invitation is your own. Talk it over with your family, your spouse and your stationer so that you can come up with the wording that fits you and your spouse perfectly.

A Traditional Chinese Ceremony + An Elegant Castle Reception

May 26, 2016

Alison and Ryan chose the spectacular location of Sudley Castle for Part 2 of their wedding celebrations, part 1 of which was a traditional Chinese affair, hosted by Alison’s parents in London’s China Town, a few months earlier.

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful English countryside, Sudeley Castle is steeped in English history - King’s and Queen’s of England have walked upon the original Tudor Parterre, including Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey & Elizabeth I. Alison and Ryan fell in love with the stunning location, which was perfect for their elegant English wedding day. 1,200 of gorgeous grounds, a medieval banqueting hall, picturesque views over the Cotswold’s and having been voted “The most romantic castle in England” what better place to hold a wedding!
The day was “Planned for Perfection” by luxury wedding planner Jane Riddell, who had once worked with Alison at a local hotel – Alison had always promised, that when she tied the knot, Jane would plan her wedding day and so when Ryan popped the question, a call to Jane was made, as promised!

The beauty of the castle grounds set the tone for the day, pretty pastels, blush pinks and gold were in abundance and even the brides dress was blush pink, with a diamante belt – just perfect for a castle wedding…

Alison and her bridesmaids hired one of the cottages in the grounds of the castle for the weekend and spent an exciting morning getting ready with hair stylist Kat and make up artist Di Macdonald. The location of the cottages meant that Alison and her bridesmaids were able to walk to the church across the grounds for the blessing. Meanwhile, Ryan and his groomsmen arrived at the castle in a fabulous vintage bus with wedding guests and then enjoyed a sneaky tipple on the terrace to calm their nerves before the blessing.
St Mary’s chapel was dressed beautifully inside and out, by the team from Lilyfee Floral Designs Team, not only did the church look heavenly, the scent as guests entered the church was divine.

After the ceremony the guests showered the couple with rose petal confetti as they made their way out of the chapel, before enjoying a Champagne and Canape reception in the Queen’s garden and on the Mulberry lawn whilst children were entertained with the many treats that Alison and Ryan had provided for them. Guests made their way through the Great Hall and were welcomed with mini bottles of Champagne and beers, as well as Mr & Mrs Mills sun glasses and personalized fans – perfect for a hot Summers evening in the Cotswold’s.

A stunning floral framed table plan designed by the lilyfee team/ directed guests to the tables in the pavilion, which complimented the pretty pastel high table flowers. A delicious dinner was catered by Wesley House Events, who are the recommended caterers at the castle and
Curtis and co cakes designed a beautifully hand crafted bespoke designed blush wedding cake, which guests enjoyed later in the evening.
After dinner, fun and laughter ensued with speeches from the father of the bride, the groom and had enjoyed their first dance .Local band DUKE took to the stage and the party really started! The sides of the pavilion were opened so that guests could wander onto the candlelit terrace and enjoy the stunning views over the estate.