So – you’re not into formal. You’re not keen on having a sit-down dinner at your wedding reception and in any case, you’re trying to DIY as much of your big day as possible.

Why you should have a wedding dessert table

You’re a friend who’s a fabulous baker who’s said she’ll make you some gorgeous cupcakes. Somebody else who’s going to create a homemade cordial. Another has been investigating the possibilities of cake pops.

If that’s the case, then you should be seriously thinking about dessert tables. If you haven’t come across a dessert table – or sweetie table before – then basically it’s a beautifully presented confection of a buffet table featuring cakes, macaroons, chocolates, sweets, lollies, soft drinks.

Your sweet-toothed guests can drift over and help themselves to wickedly indulgent sugary delights and indulge as much as they wish.

Presentation is the key to getting dessert tables looking absolutely right. You could have a retro look, with old fashioned sweeties like sherbert fountains, liquorice whirls, candy sticks (try Swizzles of Matlow for some vintage looking ideas.)

A site I think creates absolutely stunning displays of dessert tables is Amy Atlas Events - well worth a look for some jaw-dropping inspiration.

You’ll need to think about accessorising your table with candy striped paper bags, old-fashioned sweetie jars and scoops – try Wedding of My Dreams for these. Think about special cupcake wrappers, doilies and cake stands too. A lot of items like cake stands are available for hire - you don’t need to splash out and buy a load of stuff you’re unlikely to use again.

Another aspect to consider is your colour scheme – pinks, purples, yellows, greens – or a rainbow of shades. Depends on what you’ve decided on for your wedding day – but it’s fun to make that colour co-ordination work through to as many levels as you can.

I liked these images shot by Melanie Speed Photography  for Ava Event Styling   of a homemade dessert table. The violet and purple shades are a good choice – giving an elegance to the occasion and all the goodies look delicious.

So you need to think about who you could rope in to help you create your dessert tables. Maybe a friend would like to offer his/her services as a baker instead of a wedding present?

One thing is for sure, a homemade wedding dessert table is the ultimate in personal styling and will make sure your wedding reception is unique to you. And isn’t that what all brides are aiming for?

Photo credits: Multi-coloured candy table by Amy Atlas Events. Candy stripe sweetie bags via Wedding of My Dreams.  All other photography by Mel Speed Photography. 

There’s nothing like a bit of celebrity wedding gossip and the forthcoming Brad and Angelina wedding is a story I’m following with keen interest – particularly the latest info that Angelina is keen to have something of an ethnic wedding, reflecting the heritage of her Ethiopian, Cambodian and Vietnamese adopted children.

The American couple are said to be tying the knot in their French chateau in August (how romantic will that be!) and it’s sure to be a visually stunning day. I can’t wait to see the photographs.

But in the meantime, Angelina’s ethnic plans have been made me think about ethnic-inspired weddings and traditions. I’ve done a bit of research and discovered the following fascinating facts about ethnic weddings. If you’ve more to add please leave a comment or a suggestion as I’d love to share your thoughts with my readers.

Some Ethnic Wedding Traditions

1. At a Cambodian wedding, the ceremony traditionally takes place over three days and nights and the bride undergoes 10 dress changes. If this happens, can’t wait to see all the outfits Angelina decides upon; she’s bound to look fabulous in them all in any case.
2. Red is the dominant colour in a Vietnamese wedding. It’s considered lucky and auspicious for a ‘rosy’ future. Also at a Vietnamese wedding, the bride’s mother grooms her daughter’s hair with several combs the night before – with the third comb thought to bring good fortune for the future.
3. At an Ethiopian Christian wedding ceremony the bride and groom pass through an arch of orange candles. A traditional Ethiopian marriage ceremony held by the Oromo sees the bride greeting the groom at the entrance to her home while beating drums – to prevent him from entering until he pays his dowry! Can we see Brad doing this I wonder? With his celeb friends like George Clooney and Matt Damon?
4. A wedding in France brings the famous Croquembouche wedding cake - a sugar spun confection of the lightest pastry that makes a dazzling centrepiece. (Did you see the episode in Desperate Housewives where Bree has to try and add the finish touches to one?)

So, who knows what ethnic wedding traditions Brad and Angelina’s wedding will bring? We’ll find out in August, which is said to be when they’ve set the date.

In the meantime, don’t forget to share your own ethnic wedding traditions with us!

(Photograph of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie via Marie Claire)

Today I’ve three free tickets you can win to attend the fabulous Spirit of Summer Fair held at London’s Olympia from 16-19th May 2012.

If you’re looking for ideas for your wedding, you’ll find plenty of inspiration there. There are masterclasses on flower arranging, cooking with chocolate, cupcake baking … and you’ll enjoy wandering around looking at all the gorgeous items on display.

Stuck for wedding list gifts? Just browse through the stalls for some alternative must-have treats – everything from bedding through to pretty tea sets, personalised glass bowls to garden furniture.

To win your ticket, just leave a comment below stating in why you’d like to win a ticket to The Spirit of Summer Fair. Three winners will be picked out on Tuesday 15th May and notified immediately.  Good luck!

Photo credits:  All images via Spirit of Summer website.

Today we have another guest blog – this time about why Scotland is a great place to get married. If getting married in Scotland is something you’ve been thinking about, then read on because there are some fabulous venues that will quite steal your heart away.

Anyway, today’s blog on getting married in Scotland is contributed by expert Scottish wedding planner Alison  Tinlin, who runs Plans and Presents.

Here’s what Alison has to say:

“A lot of the time people see a wedding planner as the domain of the rich and famous and this is mainly down to media perception. Yes, a lot of celebrities use planners but a planner can be for any person with any budget. My job is to work with clients to get exactly what they want, at a price they can afford, and with contacts in the wedding industry obtain discounts so that any costs occurred by hiring a planner are offset. Services can be from as little as venue and supplier sourcing through to full planning , or the very popular option of On The Day Co-ordination.”

Right let’s get looking round at some fabulous Scottish wedding venues.”

Best small and intimate venue

Venue: Balgonie Castle

Location: Markinch Fife

Approximate capacity for weddings: Up to 58 guests

What makes it unique?

The atmospheric medieval barrel-vaulted Great Hall of Balgonie Castle is the oldest and finest preserved hall in Fife, if not central Scotland. It makes the perfect candlelit venue for an unforgettable civil wedding, wedding reception, banquet or party. Together with the 14th Century chapel it’s one of the most romantic places in Scotland.

Other venues worth considering: Hoscote House, Glengorm Castle, The Lodge on Loch Goil

Rustic venue

Venue: Kinkell Byre

Location: Set of converted farm buildings that can be adapted to suit weddings of any size. The Byre is situated in the grounds of Kinkell Farm, a spectacular setting overlooking the beautiful coast of St. Andrews

Approximate capacity for weddings: Approximately 300

What makes it unique?

A charming and versatile function space that is fully customisable to weddings of any type.

Other venues worth considering: Aswanley, Aberdeenshire

Most impressive venue

Venue: Brigadoon

Location: Alloway, Ayrshire

Approximate capacity for weddings: Up to 200 guests

What makes it unique?

The original inn on the site was built in 1827 and was later replaced by a hotel which was sympathetically restored by the Costley Group. Its inherent Scottishness makes it an absolute winner.

Other venues worth considering: Lochgreen House- Ayrshire, Cameron House – Loch Lomond, The George – Edinburgh

Most unique venue

Venue: The Caves

Location: Edinburgh

Approximate capacity for weddings: Up to 130 day and 450 evening guests

What makes it unique?:

This unique venue makes up the substructure of Edinburgh’s 18th Century South Bridge and is made up of vaults and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s just totally different from the norm.

Other venues worth considering: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh

Best modern and stylish venue

Venue: 29 Glasgow 

Location: Glasgow City Centre

Approximate capacity for weddings: Up to 120 day guests, 140 evening guests.

What makes it unique?

29 occupies two floors of a stunning 19th century blonde sandstone building in the hub of Glasgow’s vibrant cosmopolitan capital. The area is internationally renowned for its spectacular architecture, contemporary shops, museums and art galleries. From outside it looks small but inside it is cavernous with a multitude of events areas, simply outstanding.

Other venues worth considering: Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow

Top choice for budget weddings

Venue: The VU

Location: Bathgate

Approximate capacity for weddings: Suites for 85, 120 and up to 200 people

What makes it unique:

Set on the waterfront, with stunning panoramic views towards the west over Ballencrieff Reservoir. It’s like you could be in the middle of nowhere but it’s not far from civilisation and it’s a very adaptable venue.

Other venues worth considering: Brisbane House Hotel, Largs

For that countryside feel…

Venue: Lunga House

Location: Argyll

Approximate capacity for weddings: Up to 100

What makes it unique?

Lunga House and Castle offers the freedom to add the detail that clients want; the chance to host a two night exclusive castle party with personality. Ceremonies can be held in the gardens and you are very near the shore, a beautiful location.

Other venues worth considering: Crear

Your personal favourite for getting married in Scotland?

Venue: House for an Art Lover

Location: Set in the grounds of Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, this Rennie Mackintosh-inspired building (which was voted one of the 50 best wedding venues in the UK by the Independent newspaper) is a stunning wedding venue.

Approximate capacity for weddings: 110 for day, and up to 130 evening guests.

Why is it your favourite? It’s just a little oasis of calm in a bustling city with distinct and inherent Scottishness in design.

Thanks so much Alison! If you’d like to get in touch with Plans and Presents because you’re thinking about getting married in Scotland, here is all the contact information:

Website: http://www.plansandpresents.co.uk
Email: alisontinlin@plansandpresents.vpweb.co.uk
Phone: 07969 690 832
Blog: mrspandp.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/plansandpresents
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MrsPandP

Tissue paper pom poms are fun and easy to make and look really effective when used as decorations for wedding receptions or interiors.  Today’s guest blog is by Gail at seventyoneseventyone Design who gives full instructions on how you can make these inexpensive DIY wedding decorations.

Instructions for making tissue paper pom poms

You will need:

Tissue paper (in any colour you choose) , florists wire, string, scissors.

You need eight sheets of tissue paper to make a pom pom. You can make them any size. In this demonstration I have used four large sheets of tissue and cut them in half.

Start by making a fold in the tissue about an inch deep; then fold the tissue paper backwards and forwards in a concertina shape. You will end up with a folded strip. Fold the strip in half to find the centre and tie your wire around the centre to secure. Also tie some cotton or string around the centre to hang your finished pom pom.

Cut the ends of the tissue in a rounded shape or cut off to a point for a different look.

Then carefully start separating the layers of tissue to form your pom pom shape.

Fluff your pom pom up to get a nice rounded shape.

That’s it. You can now hang your gorgeous pom poms and be the envy of all who visit.

Thanks Gail at seventyoneseventyone design for this great idea. If you’d like to contribute a guest blog to Wedbits, please contact me!

It’s May and yes, the weather could be better (when will it stop raining?) but I’m already loving the long, lighter evenings which make me think of romantic summer wedding celebrations that continue into a warm, balmy night.

So, how can you make the best of your summer wedding? Embrace all that the summer months have to offer?  I’ve been looking at wedding blogs and Pinterest (one of my favourite mood board sites – more about this in a day or so) and getting some ideas together for you. None of them take that much time to organise and most are inexpensive.

If I was holding a summer wedding, this is what I’d do:

• Set up some outdoor (or tented) chill-out areas .  Your guests will enjoy relaxing, chatting and gazing up at a starlit night. You’ll need bean bags for everybody to loll about on and might like to consider a terracotta firepit to keep summer chills at bay.
• Light your guests’ way with pretty lamps and candles in jam jars. Remember you can hire a lot of this type of accessory – you don’t need to splash out and buy. Or check some of my DIY wedding blogs for decorations with candles.

• Think about accessorising your bridesmaids with parasols. They don’t need to be all one colours – think rainbow shades, pastels or clashing reds and pinks. Parasols look wonderful in wedding photographs, make a great bridesmaid gift and of course, stop shoulders becoming sunburnt.
• On a hot day your guests will get thirsty, so make sure there are plenty of soft drinks on offer – maybe an old fashioned cloudy lemonade or that great pick-me-up, a proper cup of tea.
• If you’re having a DIY, homemade kind of celebration, then what about ditching the DJ and holding a barn dance instead – in a real wedding barn. Scatter hay bales around for seating, hire a caller and watch your guests enjoy a hoe down!
• Think about decorating the trees around your venue.  Use balloons, hurricane lamps or make some tissue paper pom poms.
• At a summer wedding, you don’t necessarily need a formal sit down dinner inside. Why not have a buffet, so your guests can mix and mingle, or organise a hog roast with an ice cream van for dessert (both great ways of keeping your costs down).
• Put out croquet sets, giant Jenga and chess sets so guests can enjoy outdoor games.

If you’re already married, how did you organise your summer wedding? Have you got any ideas that worked particularly well that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear your comments.

Photo credits: Parasol image via Style Me Pretty.  Lanterns via G Lily Hire.

Think summer wedding colours and what  springs to mind?

To me it’s bright blues, sunshiny yellows, aquamarine seas. Golden sunsets, trees in full green leaf, and roses in bloom.

In fact, if you’re planning a summer wedding, then your colour palette choice is wide open (although I’d probably avoid dark browns, rich deep reds and purples – in fact anything which could look a little heavy – save that for a fabulous winter wedding).

Why not let your summer colour schemes be dictated by your choice of flowers? If you’re carrying traditional cottage garden type blooms like roses, daisies and peonies, work that in.

If you haven’t really decided yet, then it’s time to do a bit of playing with a moodboard. What’s a moodboard? Well, it’s a place where you put together all your ideas – all the images you love that inspire you so that you can sit back and have a really good ponder.

Dessy has a great moodboard style tool which is easy to use and you can create your own styleboard to get you going.

Here are some wedding colour theme moodboards that have already been created – pulling together ideas for wedding cakes, bridesmaid dresses, accessories, shoes …. All very different but all inspirational.

This vintage blush wedding is pretty and delicate with the subtlest shades working together.  It’s in complete contrast as a colour scheme to this vibrant hot pink, orange and green beach wedding – which I also love but for completely different reasons.

It all depends on your personal style on your wedding day and how you want to display it.

You’ll find all these wedding moodboards in the Dessy Styleboard Gallery and it’s really easy to create your own.

If you’re thinking about summer wedding colours it’s a great place to start!

I think a black and white wedding theme is utter perfection. It’s timeless, classy and relatively straightforward to put together.

This wintry wedding discovered on Style Me Pretty is inspirational. What could be more sophisticated if you’re having an evening reception than dressing your bridesmaids in a chic dark grey, with black shrugs? Black and grey might not be the first colour that springs to mind when you’re considering your maids but you have to admit, it really works here.

The dark shades contrast beautifully with the bride’s traditional white wedding dress and the whole look is tied together with the cream bouquets.  Of course, a black and white wedding theme also lends itself beautifully to your wedding stationery and invitations.  Just write in black ink on a quality stock card and you’ve a classic invitation. Use black ribbons as accents on white, or white ribbons on black.

Don’t you just love these winter wedding flowers? Creamy white roses and orchids with winter berries adding a seasonal accent.  And the groom’s buttonhole is simple perfection against the black of his stylish tuxedo.

If you’re planning a winter wedding you’ll need something to keep you and your maids warm. A luxurious fur shrug like this one does the job beautifully, but you might like to consider coloured pashminas for your maids – and they’ll love using them afterwards so they make a great gift too.

If you’re looking for grey bridesmaid dresses, you’ll find an extensive selection at Dessy – in full length, cocktail length and tea length styles with a variety of necklines.  Here’s a similar dress to the ones worn by the bridesmaids here.

You’ll find the rest of this gorgeous black and white wedding on Style Me Pretty. Photography by Snap! Photography. Enjoy getting your monochrome inspiration!

Your hair on your wedding day really is your crowning glory and how you wear it is key to the look you’re going to create.

To help you with some top tips I asked Style Director Frankie Pullen  at top hairdressing salon Daniel Galvin for some advice on wedding hair.

How to decide whether to wear your hair up or down

Leaving your hair down can be beautiful but remember that unless your hair holds a style really well, by the end of the evening you’ll simply look like you do any other day of the week.  Putting it up means you’ll be able to hold that preened, manicured look more easily.  Half-up is also a nice idea – we can add more hair and loads of body to slim your silhouette.

How to put a tiara on a short hairstyle and then attach a veil

This really does depend on where the veil sits best – some of them are supposed to be on the crown, and some at the front of your head.  Put the veil on first, and then the tiara so that the positioning is exactly right.

How to put a tiara on a long hairstyle and attach a veil

Backcomb the hair to give yourself a cushion which will act as a stabiliser for the veil & tiara.  Also it’s key to ask the vendor of the veil & tiara which style they suit best as there are so many different types which complement different looks.

If wearing a veil, what sort of hairstyles work? Long veil vs short birdcage veil

Long veils are for the timeless bride – her dress is traditional and her hair is well kept.  Beware if you’re wearing a long veil and your hair is down, as it may get all caught up together and start to look unkempt.

If you’re wearing a short birdcage veil go for a more edgy, contemporary look.

Some suggested hairstyles that would look good with a veil

Classic hair ups and half-ups with plenty of oomph go with a long veil, whereas I would suggest a modern look, such as a side chignon, a bob or a funked up twist on a finger wave…

How to make your hairstyle stay after you have taken the veil off – should you change it or just tidy it up?

Get your hairdresser to backcomb underneath the veil so that it acts as ‘scaffolding’ and then when you finally take the veil off run your hands over your hair.  It won’t be squashed or look unkempt because of the support underneath.

Great advice from the Daniel Galvin salon here. Enjoy trying out new styles before your wedding day – it’s definitely a time when experimenting with wedding hairstyles is in order.

Photo credits: All images via Daniel Galvin salon.

A trip to the famous Chelsea Flower Show in May is sure to inspire your wedding flowers and here’s how to win some free tickets in this competition run by Jacques Vert who are famous for mother of the bride outfits.

A special day for the bride’s mother

Watching her daughter glide down the aisle looking beautiful in her bridal gown is sure to bring a proud tear to any mum’s eye. With all the effort you’ve put in, she’ll also want to be looking her very best and Jacques Vert have outfits for mother of the bride and groom that are up to the minute and very stylish.

To celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary, they have launched a new occasion wear collection which is pretty, elegant and up-to-the-minute for mums. Team with a fascinator, chic heels and a smart clutch and the mother of the bride is dressed to impress.

Why the Chelsea Flower Show is a must-see for brides

If you love flowers and you’ve never been to the Chelsea Flower Show then you’re in for a real treat. Held in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, you’ll see blooms of every description, just about every type of rose there is, plus some inspirational themed gardens. It is a fabulous day out – even more so if you can win a free ticket for Saturday 26th May.

To enter, all you need to do is name the Jacques Vert 40th anniversary occasion wear collection here.

Closing date is midnight on 10th May 2012 so don’t delay! Good luck!