Your Special Day - Bridal

Bridal Under Garments (Underwear advice for the bride)

2011-08-20T23:44:00.002+01:00

It is essential that your under garments :

Fit correctly
Feel comfortable
Are flattering

Best Wedding Under garment Options:

Bras - Seamed or seamless convertible bras are the most versatile and will ensure you get full value out of your purchase. If you don't like the idea of attachment tabs then a full strap or strapless model might be your best choice.

Corsets and Bustiers - Provide shape and support be they traditional ribbed or modern seamless models., For your comfort we recommend that your bustier or corset incorporates light weight smooth fabrics that won't compete with your wedding dress or create any uneven contours.

Pants - Seamless panties, boyshorts or a Thong will eliminate the vpl (visible Panty Line)

Save more decorative under garments for your honeymoon.

It is essential that you try your under garments with your wedding dress to ensure that nothing shows where it shouldn't and and that everything that should be covered it. It is also advisable to wear the underwear for at least a couple of hours before the day of your wedding, in case you need to make adjustments. After all you will want to feel comfortable and confident that your under garments are not going to slip down or ride up.

Wedding Anniversaries - Gifts by year

2011-08-05T18:46:00.016+01:00

Wedding Anniversary gifts and what to give when. The 6th of August 2011 is the first anniversary of our store so we thought we would take this opportunity to list the years of marriage and their associated gifts. Most people can name some - Silver, Ruby Golden but what about all the other years. Specific gifts are given for specific years Choose from traditional or modern gifts.

1 cotton, clocks

2 paper, china

3 leather, crystal

4 fruit ,appliances

5 wood, silverware

6 sugar, wooden

7 wool, copper

8 bronze, linen or lace

9 pottery, leather

10 tin, diamond

11 steel, jewelry

12 linen, pearl

13 lace, furs

14 ivory, gold

15 crystal, watches

20 china, platinum

25 silver, silver

30 pearl, diamond

35 cora,l jade

40 ruby, ruby

45 sapphire, sapphire

50 gold, gold

55 emerald, emerald

60 diamond, diamond

65 blue sapphire, blue sapphire

70 platinum, platinum

Photo Credit: Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1st Anniversary

2011-08-02T19:25:00.000+01:00

Not long now.............
Saturday 6th August is our 1st Anniversary
1 Day ONLY sale
All in store veils and tiaras 1/2 price
All gowns reduced some by 50%
1 day only Saturday 6th August book your appointment now to avoid disappointment...

1 day sale

2011-07-31T20:17:00.000+01:00

Saturday 6th August is our 1st anniversary and appointments are going fast......Hurry and book now !!!!
One day ONLY sale.............

Saturday 6th August 1 day sale....

2011-07-29T10:51:00.000+01:00

Its our 1st Anniversary on Saturday 6th August and we are having a massive 1 day ONLY sale...
All in store jewellery, veils and tiaras 1/2 price.
All gowns reduced by upto 50% ONE DAY ONLY !!!!
Don't miss out....
Book an appointment now....
ONE DAY ONLY......
Saturday 6th August

1st Anniversary!!!!!!!

2011-07-11T16:04:00.001+01:00

It's nearly our 1st Anniversary and what an eventful year it has been.....

We've had highs and lows..(definately more highs..)
We've had 'Bridezillas' (not a lot,,thank goodness)
Lots of happy customers which is what it is all about.........
From prom,communion, bridesmaids, men and not forgetting the Brides....

I've even been snowed in at the shop....lol...
My daughters been a bridesmaid......
My other daughter had yet another baby (number 3 ALL girls)....
Why are they all girls this is going to cost me a fortune....lol..

To all my customers past, present and future hope to see you all again soon even if you just call in to say 'Hi' and lets make the next year even better.......

There will be special in store offers on Saturday 6th August to celebrate our 1st year . Watch this space as they say and I will let you all know what they at the end of the month...

Thanks

Ann

Royal Couples first public appearance

2011-06-08T01:46:00.001+01:00

The newlyweds Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will be attending the 10th ARK Gala Fundraiser at Kensington Palace on the 9th June 2011. They will be the guest of honour and it will be their first public appearance since the wedding.

Hollys Wedding

2011-06-06T15:37:00.002+01:00

Holly in a very elegant lace gown...

Krisis Wedding........

2011-06-06T15:35:00.000+01:00

Krisi looking stunning in her Stevies Gown.......

Oh and what a gorgeous bridesmaid...(Well she must take after her mother....lol..)

June Wedding

2011-06-01T12:00:00.001+01:00

June is the most popular month for weddings.

Originally June was associated with Juno, Roman goddess of marriage. In later times around the 1500 's June was considered a good month. To get ready or May spring harvest celebrations, many folk took their annual bath. In June the bride smelt better than other months, also there were plentiful flowers to mask body odours. (This is where the tradition of the bride carrying flowers originates)

Another benefit of the June wedding was if the bride got pregnant she would still be able to help[ with the fall harvest and once the baby was born would have recovered enough to help with the spring harvest.

June Weddings were held for very practical reasons and is still considered to be lucky.

If you're getting married in June - Congratulations
We hope you have a beautiful day and a long and happy marriage

Wow what a proposal

2011-05-24T17:07:00.003+01:00

This must be one of the best proposal's ever. The to be brides reaction can be seen in the bottom left of the movie :

Victoria Day

2011-05-23T18:35:00.001+01:00

24th May is celebrated in honour of Queen Victoria and the reining UK Monarchs official birthday.

Queen Victoria who was born 24 May 1819 and married Prince Albert on 10 February 1840 when she made it fashionable again for brides to wear white on their wedding day., she choose to wear white instead of silver which was the bridal traditional colour for a Royal Wedding. They had nine children (5 daughters and 4 sons). They had been married for 21 years when Prince Albert died. Queen Victoria died 40 years later on 22 January 1901.

Communion Gowns

2011-05-09T12:35:00.002+01:00

Catherine Middleton's Wedding Dress Photos link

2011-04-29T13:10:00.002+01:00

Had a quck look online and found these images, Fashion, Telegraph.co.uk to be the nicest.
Close up photos - LIFE Royal Wedding Photos Up Close

Best video BBC

Beautiful weather, beautiful bride, beautiful wedding

Congratulations to Kate and William

Catherine Middletons Wedding Dress designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen

2011-04-29T11:30:00.001+01:00

Miss Catherine Middleton’s Wedding Dress was designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. Kate and the dress are both gorgeous.

Beautiful English Cluny and French Chantilly lace ardorn the upper bodice and long sleeves, the close fiting bodice features a deep V neck, the full box pleated skirt is made of ivory satin. Wow factor - the train which is over two meters long. The lace incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

" The dress is made with ivory and white satin gazar. The skirt echoes an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats. The ivory satin bodice, which is narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian tradition of corsetry and is a hallmark of Alexander McQueen’s designs. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops. The underskirt is made of silk tulle trimmed with Cluny lace. "

Catherines is wearing for a minimum jewellry - The Cartier ‘halo’ tiara, sapphire and diamond stylised oak leaf earings with a pear shaped diamond set drop with a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre. Kate is carrying a simple shield shape cream bouquet which includes myrtle, lily-of-the-valley, sweet William and hyacinth. Her hair is half up and half down.

Miss Philippa Middleton’s - Chief Bridesmaid, short sleeved full length bridesmaid dress " was also designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. It is of a heavy, ivory satin-based crepe, with a cowl front and with the same button detail and lace trims as the Bride’s dress".

The younger bridesmaids dresses (4) were designed by childrenswear designer Nicki Macfarlane and are ballerina length, ball gown style with box pleated skirts in white satin gazar with ivory overlays.

Wonder if many brides will now be damending trees in the aisles on their wedding day.

Source - The Official Royal Wedding Blog

Alexandrer McQueen

The Royal Wedding Live Feed

Royal Wedding

2011-04-28T12:15:00.001+01:00

Well tomorrow is the Royal Wedding !!!!!!!!
Sorry but we won't be online
I need to see the DRESS !!!!!

Hope you enjoy 'The Wedding'

See you soon

Royal Families

2011-04-06T01:19:00.000+01:00

How many active Royal families are there. I didn't know either, luckily the wikipedia page of Royal Families has a list of all the current Royal families Besides members of the British Royal Family expect to see Belgian, Greek, Malaysian, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Saudi Arabian, Omani and other foreign Royal family members.

Royal Wedding Street Party

2011-03-20T18:34:00.002Z

Follow tradition and organize a street party. If you are planning on closing the street to traffic or having live entertainment or recorded music (dj) you will need planning permission. If you and your neighbours set up BBQs. tables in their driveways, garages or front gardens then there should be no paper work necessary, but do check with your local authority. To gauge interest, print out a flyer outlining your ideas along with a contact email, (set up an email account just for street party use).

If you decide to give your wedding a theme also provide outfit suggestions. A theme can be as simple as everyone sporting button holes or wearing red white and blue. Remember also that no street party is complete without bunting.

Food can be as simple or complex as you like, although with the wedding being at the end of April something warm might be appreciated as the weather may or may not be warm.

The adults might not care but a nice touch is to give souvenirs to the children (include your street name so that is is unique - badges, flags, balls, candies (Fox's Royal Wedding Glacier Sweets), balloons, books (Little Miss Princess and theVery Special Wedding), and encourage everyone to take and share their photos. Have a competions for the kids - get them to design a royal wedding commemorative paper plate.

Set up a free free blog website, so attendees can contribute and easily find street party details. The blog will also provide a central location for everyone to post comments about the day, post photos of their childrens artwork and download or share pictures from the street party with their family and friends.

Photo Credit:
Image: Rosen Georgiev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Royal Wedding Route in 3D

2011-03-16T22:40:00.000Z

See the route to the Royal wedding

Read Original article - Google maps royal wedding procession route in 3D

Wedding Dress Shapes vs Body Shape

2011-02-27T16:57:00.000Z

A wedding dress is a major investment financially and emotionally. A bridal gown that may look fab on the hanger might look drab on you, leading to frustration and the belief that you might never find "the dress"

Knowing what style to look for to suit your body type will definitely speed up the search and your over all feel good factor.

Hourglass - 36, 26, 36

Choose any wedding gown style you like, providing you are at least 5 foot 4 inches tall.

Classic Hourglass - 36, 25, 36

To show off your shape with a figure following wedding dress style ie mermaid, sheath or column wedding dress, or drop waist style wedding dress or skirt and corset. The goal is to feel comfortable in your chosen dress - so if you think it looks too sexy for a wedding it probably is - try for a shapely fit but an elegant style. Also, avoid cap sleeves as they will reduce the effect of the dress.

Rectangular Figure - 36, 29, 36

Choose an A Line , Empire or Princess style wedding dress, as these will bring focus to the upper portion of your body - face, neck, arms, whilst also giving shape to the waist. Then all you need to decide is which to aspect to feature, either sleeves or neckline to keep draw the looker away from your problem area.

Pear Shape - 34, 24, 36

Empire Line Wedding Dress Style

Hips that are 2 inches or more fuller than the waist and bust need balancing and focus brought up the body. To produce balance try off the shoulder and short sleeved A-Line or Empire Line waist wedding dress designs.

Full Bust - 38, 26, 36

To balance the upper body wedding dresses that feature a full skirt and a sweetheart or v neckline will be the most flattering. Details at and below the waist will create a focal point away from the bust.

Petite

To give the illusion of height choose a long flowing gown that allows the fabric to fall in long graceful pleats, add detail at the back of the dress and vertical stitching at the waist line. An Empire line wedding dress will work well as will A-line shapes providing the skirt sits close the the body and does not flare out excessively.

Tall

Most gowns will suit you, avoid Empire style wedding dresses as they can appear to sag. However, if you would like to reduced your height, a full ball gown style skirt with horizontal detail (ruching, ribbons) coupled with a bodice with a v point at the waist and off the shoulder sleeves should be a suitable choice.

Plus Size

Empire and A-Lines dresses with a sleeve are the best option. The cut of the dress focus the eyes to the front panel, the sleeves will provide support and cover fuller arms and a sweetheart or v neckline will draw attention to your upper body.

TIP - When trying on wedding dresses always try them on with your wedding shoes and the under garments that you will wear on your special day.

Royal Wedding Invitation

2011-02-24T16:45:00.000Z

So what does a Royal Wedding Invitation contain :

Image credit - abc news

Top 5 Wedding Plan Websites

2011-02-16T15:35:00.000Z

Congratulations to all the new Valentine Day engaged couples. It's only now the excitement has died down, that you realise how much work is involved in planning a wedding.

Here's our top 5 Online Wedding Plan and checklist websites :

Wedding Dress Shapes - Princess, Ball Gown

2011-02-14T21:11:00.000Z

Princess or Ball Gown Wedding Dress shape
Features :

Fitted bodice
Large bell shaped skirt

See also
Wedding Dress Shape - A Line
Wedding Dress Shape - Column

Valentines Day Wishes

2011-02-13T21:53:00.000Z

Valentine's Day is the number one most popular days to get engaged. Next most popular days are Christmas, New Year's Eve the bride-to-be's birthday.

Most purchased item - Valentine Cards, followed by flowers, food, drink, clothing, jewelry.

So whatever your plans we hope they go well and it's a night to remember.

Wedding Dress Shapes - Column

2011-02-11T14:02:00.000Z

Column Style wedding dress

Features :

Fitted body
Straight Skirt

See : Wedding Dress Shapes - Princess Ball Gown and Wedding Dress Shapes - A Line

Sally in a taffeta gown by Victoria Kay...

2011-02-07T21:24:00.000Z

One very happy bride and groom...

Three Wedding Trends for 2011

2011-02-04T01:27:00.000Z

1. DIY Weddings - Saving money, adding personal touches and incorporating your likes and interests into the wedding theme are all possible when you are in charge of your own wedding planning.

2. Eco Friendly Weddings - Green weddings using recycled paper for the invitations and programs. Using local businesses for services. Catering with locally produced goods. Car pooling. Asking guests to donate to charities instead of giving wedding gifts.

3. Vintage Accents - Antique and ornate paper and fabrics. Photo booths. Going away outfits. Photos with sepia and antique crackle finishes. Swirls, scroll work, calligraphy and italics.

Not only are these three wedding trends for 2011 kind to your wedding budget, they allow traditional and modern elements to blend effortlessly with each other.

Best Month for your Wedding

2011-01-30T21:56:00.000Z

The results of our survey -

Which month did you pick for your wedding ?

- are in

Most picked Month was

Which was quite fitting as June was named after Juno (Iuno) who was a Roman Goddess, the protector of women and the goddess of marriage. Making a June a popular month for weddings, a tradition that still exists to this day as June is considered lucky.

Not just for prom!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-26T11:12:00.001Z

Emily did't have a prom..So for her 21st she wanted to be the belle of the ball..Doesn't she look lovely

Blue is the Color

2011-01-25T23:37:00.000Z

This year blue is being tipped as the hot wedding colour. More specifically navy blue for the reception, bridesmaids dresses, groom, evening wear, invitations.

If you are using blue to adorn your tables or wedding cake try pairing it with white, silver, yellow, gold or chocolate brown. For blue flowers think Delphiniums, hydrangeas, lilies and bluebells.

If you are having a traditional white wedding dress you can always add blue shoes, if you aren't able to find the exact shade, buy white shoes and have them dyed to match your bridesmaid dresses.

Find out about wedding dress colors and if it is a lucky colour for your special day.

Prom Gowns

2011-01-24T16:00:00.001Z

Prom Gowns

Long, Short, full skirt, straight skirt.

School Proms as all about you

Wedding Dress Shapes

2011-01-23T23:09:00.000Z

An A-Line wedding dress shape style is also called a Princess Line.
Features :

Shaped Bodice
Hugs the Waist
Skirt flows out forming an A shape

See : Wedding Dress Shapes - Princess Ball Gown
and Wedding Dress Shapes - Column

Communion Gowns

2011-01-22T15:06:00.001Z

Communion gowns and all the accessories (bags, shoes, tiaras and veils) are for many girls their first all important white dress

Her first Special Day

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T19:11:00.001Z

Happy New Year.............
Congratulations to all you newly engaged couples........
I would just like to remind all you brides to be that, gowns including bridesmaids dresses can take up to 6 months to arrive at a store..
Many bridal stores will not sell their stock gowns.So make sure your order well in advance.
Have a great year and thanks for your support of this blog so far.....

Coloured Bridal Gowns

2010-12-12T11:25:00.002Z

Today bridal gowns are available in many colours you can have burgundy, blue, purple, black and of course ivory or white, you name it you can have it.

The burgundy wedding dress below shimmers black and has black flowers on it but you could have it in any colour combination you wish what about bright pink with lime green flowers. Alternatively a coloured cloak can add a splash of drama.

So come on girls be adventurous choose your favorite colours and stand out from the crowd.....

Photo Credit:
Image: Dynamite Imagery / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Burgundy Wedding Dress

2010-12-09T18:30:00.001Z

Burgundy Wedding Dress with Cloak

Wedding dress colours - luck and unlucky colours

Royal Wedding Rings

2010-12-06T00:48:00.001Z

The Queen Mother back in 1923 began a tradition regarding royal wedding rings. Clogau St David's mine in Bontddu in North Wales supplied the nugget of gold, from which the royal wedding ring is made.

To date the wedding rings of the Queen, Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, The Princess Royal, Diana the Princess of Wales all had the gold for their rings supplied by the mine, it will be interesting to see whether Kate Middleton also has her Royal Wedding ring made from this rare Welsh gold.

Photo Credit:
Image: Paul Martin Eldridge / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Make your own Wedding Invitations

2010-11-30T19:09:00.001Z

Well girls
Wanting to make your own invitations why not try Ideas In Paper
for all your paper needs............

The Little Black Dress

2010-11-30T02:28:00.000Z

Originally attributed to Coco Chanel in the 1920's this dress is an essential item for every women.

The classic little black dress is simple but well tailored. Because it is easily accessorized, the dress can be dressed up or down as the occassion dictates. By not following current trends ( not a mini, midi or flamboyant) the dress maintains it's timeless quality. The cut and fabric are important factors.

Black was always worn to represent mourning. The introduction of color to the movies helped to increase the popularity of black - It was easier to color match. World War II saw a resurgence of black dresses due partly to the number of fallen soldiers and the lack of coloured fabric.

Audrey Hepburn made the little black dress famous with her role as Holly Golightly
in Breakfast At Tiffanys.

Which month is best to be a bride

2010-11-21T01:19:00.000Z

According to this traditonal rhyme some months are better to be a bride than others:

A January bride will be a prudent housekeeper and very good tempered.
A February bride will be an affectionate wife and a tender mother.

A March bride will be a frivolous chatterbox, somewhat given to quarreling.

An April bride will be inconsistent, or forceful but well-meaning.

A May bride will be handsome, agreeable and practical.
A June bride will be impetuous and generous.
A July bride will be handsome, but a trifle quick-tempered.
An August bride will be agreeable and practical as well.
A September bride will be discreet, affable and much liked.
An October bride will be pretty, coquettish, loving but jealous.
A November bride will be liberal and kind but sometimes cold.
A December bride will be fond of novelty, entertaining but extravagant.

See which the best month to get married also

.

Brides on a budget part 2.......

2010-11-15T15:54:00.001Z

If you still don't believe that the cheap imitations are rubbish (and that is putting it politely) check out this web site with clips of fake v original

www.bridestv.co.uk

Buy from a bridal store to avoid dissappointment.

Brides on a budget...............

2010-11-15T15:20:00.002Z

For all you brides on a budget please don't fall for the cheap internet sellers that will get you that 'Perfect Gown'
There are too many brides disaster stories out there .. Before you get your bargain dress from the internet check out this web site. www.bridesaware.co.uk

The above website was created to warn ‘Brides to be’ of the disasters that could happen when a Wedding Dress is purchased from an unauthorised Internet Wedding Dress seller. Many Brides' dreams have been turned into nightmares after a Wedding Dress or Bridesmaids' Dresses have been purchased from unauthorised sellers on the Internet and the Dress has arrived damaged, 2nd hand, faulty, the wrong colour or size and not even the correct Dress! Some sellers don’t have a refund or replacement policy, therefore the Bride is left with a Dress she can not wear for her big day.

Some unauthorised Internet sellers don’t explain to the Bride that she is also responsible for the Duty and VAT charge on the Dress when it arrives in to the country. The Dress will arrive COD (cash on delivery) and will not be passed over by the courier until the charge has been paid. COD charges can be up to £80 for one Dress. If the Bride has ordered Bridesmaids Dresses too then she can expect a very high COD charge.

By ordering a Dress from an authorized Bridal store. The Bride and even her Bridesmaids can receive the personal attention that she deserves and reassurance that if a situation arises, the store will take full responsibility to correct matters without the Bride worrying.

When a Dress is purchased from a store any alterations that have to be made will normally be carried out by the stores Seamstress. Most Bridal stores will not alter a Dress if not purchased from their store. This will cause a problem for the Bride if she bought the Dress from the Internet as it will then be worthless and not wearable for her Wedding. A Bridal store will also be pleased to press and box a Dress after the Wedding but won’t if not bought from their store. The after sales service is just as important to a Bridal store as selling the Dress to the bride.

We welcome and encourage comments from Manufactures and Bridal Stores who have any disaster stories about Internet Wedding Dress buying that they would like to leave on this website for Brides to read. If you are a Bride with a disaster story to tell then you are welcome to leave a message on here too.

Your new home!!!!!!!

2010-11-12T22:32:00.000Z

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD

After the wedding the bride must enter the new marital home through the main entrance. It is traditional for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold when they enter for the first time.
The reason for this is uncertain. One explanation is that the bride will be visited by bad luck if she falls when entering. An alternative is that the bride will be unlucky if she steps into the new home with the left foot first. The bride can avoid both mishaps by being carried. A third explanation is that it symbolises the old Anglo-Saxon custom of the groom stealing his bride and carrying her off.

Hindu's have a similar tradition. The bride is carried by her new husband so that she does not touch the threshold when entering her new home.

Bouquet.

2010-11-12T22:30:00.001Z

Bouquet - an arrangement of flowers carried at a ceremony.

After the reception the bride throws her bouquet back over her shoulder where the unmarried female guests and bridesmaids group together. Tradition holds that the one who catches the bouquet will be the next one of those present to marry.
A parallel custom is for the groom to remove the garter worn by the bride and throw it back over his shoulder toward the unmarried male guests. Again the one who catches it will be the next to marry.

Photo Credit:
Image: Sharron Goodyear / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Shoes

2010-11-12T22:28:00.000Z

SHOES

In the past there have been a number of customs involving shoes which were thought to bring good luck. The best known, which is still upheld, is to tie shoes to the back of the newlyweds' car. This has evolved from the Tudor custom where guests would throw shoes at the newlywed couple. It was considered lucky if they or their carriage were hit. (I wouldn't call it lucky if I was hit would you.)

Less well known is for the bride's father to give the groom a pair of the bride's shoes to symbolise the passing of responsibility for the daughter to her new husband. A variation of the custom is for the groom to tap the bride on the forehead with one of the shoes to assert his dominance. (oh really!!!!).

The custom of the bride throwing her bouquet over her shoulder, was originally performed by her throwing one of her shoes over her shoulder.

Wedding Cake...very nice...........

2010-11-11T19:42:00.001Z

Wedding Cake or Cupcakes ?

Cutting the wedding cake is now part of the ritual celebrations at the reception. The couple make the first cut together to symbolise their shared future.

Cakes have been associated with weddings throughout history. The Romans shared a cake during the wedding ceremony itself. This was not the rich fruit-cake we enjoy today. It was a plain confection made from wheat flour, salt and water. The Fijians and Some Native American tribes still incorporate cake in the wedding ceremonies.

In Britain early cakes were flat and round and contained fruit and nuts which symbolise fertility.

In the past the custom was to throw many small cakes over the bride in a
similar way in which we throw confetti today.(Think of the dress!!!) A modification of this custom was to crumble cake over the brides head and in some versions to break the cake over the Bride's head.(You could knock her out, poor girl) In Scotland Oat Cakes were used for this purpose. This was done to promote fertility.
In Yorkshire a plate holding wedding cake was thrown out of the window as the bride returned to her parental home after the wedding. If the plate broke she would enjoy a happy future with her husband but if the plate remained intact her future would be grim. (I never did this!!!)

Another old English custom was to place a ring in the wedding cake. The guest who found the ring in their piece of cake would be ensured happiness for the next year.

The shape of the modern three tiered iced cake is believed to have been inspired by the spire of Saint Bride's Church in the City of London. It is said that unmarried guests who place a piece of wedding cake under their pillow before sleeping will increase there prospects of finding a partner and bridesmaids who do likewise will dream of their future husbands.

The top tier of the cake is often kept by couples for the christening of their first child. (Not if it's a sponge cake I hope!!!)

Photo Credit:
Image: Rosen Georgiev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Confetti or sweets.....I know which I would rather have...

2010-11-11T19:33:00.000Z

Confetti, Candy, Cakes and Sweets

Confetti is Italian for sweets which in Italy are thrown over the couple as they emerge from the Church in that same way we use paper confetti. Raisins and nuts may also be used.

Before the use of paper confetti the married couple were showered with flowers, petals, rice or grains. This was to bestow prosperity and fertility on the couple.

Bridesmaids and More Maids

2010-11-11T19:30:00.000Z

Bridesmaids were dressed in a similar way to the bride for the same reason as the origin of veil. The bridesmaids were considered lucky, as it was thought that they would act as decoys, to confuse evil spirits and thus protect the bride. So the more bridesmaids you had the more favourable the wedding omens.

Snow is good - Let it snow on your wedding day

2010-11-10T23:20:00.000Z

ON THE WAY TO THE WEDDING

When the bride is ready to leave the house for the wedding ceremony a last look in the mirror will bring her good luck. However returning to the mirror once she has began her journey will result in bad luck.
Seeing a chimney sweep on the way to a wedding is thought to bring good luck and it is still possible to hire one to attend wedding ceremonies. Other good luck omens when seen on the way to the ceremony include lambs, toads, spiders, black cats and rainbows.

Seeing an open grave, a pig, a lizard, or hearing a cockerel crow after dawn are all thought to be omens of bad luck. Monks and nuns are also a bad omen. This may be because the are associated with poverty and chastity. They are also thought to signal a dependence on charity by the newlyweds.
Bad weather on the way to the wedding is thought to be an omen of an unhappy marriage, although in some cultures rain is considered a good omen. Cloudy skies and wind are believed to cause stormy marriages. Snow on the other hand is associated with fertility and wealth.

Veil or not................

2010-11-10T23:15:00.000Z

The Veil :

Traditionally, brides have been thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits and many of the customs and traditions associated with weddings are to provide protection. The veil was originally worn by Roman brides. It was thought that it would disguise the bride and therefore outwit malevolent spirits.
The veil became popular in Britain in the eighteen hundreds. In this country it is associated with modesty and chastity.
In some Eastern ceremonies the bride is veiled and the groom is not allowed to see the bride's face until after the wedding ceremony.
In some Jewish weddings there is a ritual where the groom ensures that the bride is his intended before placing the veil over her face.

The choice is yours as to whether you wear a veil or not...

There are many different lengths and styles now that will match your wedding dress and your venue.

Winter wedding flowers

2010-11-03T01:56:00.000Z

It is traditional in winter for the brides bouquet to consist of evergreens and berries. But many bridal flowers are available year round - but some are even winter blooms, but which are suitable winter wedding flowers ?

Flowers for a Winter Wedding

There are some great tips and help with winter wedding flowers in this article. Their advice about the bouquet, buttonholes and even the wedding reception venue is very welcome . I really liked that they also list what flowers should be available for November to February brides. Much nicer than looking in a book only to find that the florist can't get them. However, your flowers should keep better, in the cold.

Thanks to Arena Flowers who are based in London, W3
for guiding us in the right direction.

Best Month to get Married ?

2010-10-30T00:08:00.000+01:00

According to an old English rhyme :

Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true.
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know.
Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man.
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you will go.
Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bread.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see.
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember.
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.

With a special mention for Lent - Marry in Lent, live to Repent.

The rhyme suggests there is more than one best month to get married. I'm sure each culture has their own wedding omens, lucky months, days and wedding dress colours. I'd love to hear what's lucky for you.

273 Brides - Set the Guinness World Record

2010-10-27T18:53:00.000+01:00

Pleased to say that the Guinness World Record for most people, dressed as brides in one location is now held by the Windfall World Record Brides. How many brides were there - 273 brides - what a sight that must have been. Congratulations to everyone concerned - you made the event a great success.

I can't help wondering, however, just how big would a Wedding Cake for all those brides need to be ....

Windfall Brides World Record

2010-10-22T15:26:00.000+01:00

This Sunday, 24th October, at the Sheraton Centre, Toronto brides - from all nationalities - will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most people, dressed as brides - yes even the men, in one location.

A $20 registration / participation fee applies.

As well as being part of a unique gathering, registrants will have the opportunity to buy a wedding gown at the amazing price of $20 or $30 for two - what's not to like about that.

Full event details can be found here - Windfall World Record Brides. The day is also to promote awareness of Windfall Basic's anti-poverty programs. A great cause and a fun filled day for all involved.

We hope they break the world record for brides and that their fundraising is as successful as our recent Brides At Work day, in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Wedding Dress Colours

2010-10-06T22:15:00.001+01:00

Most brides today marry in ivory. Wedding dress colours have changed over time.

Although the tradition was to marry in white which was started by the rich in the sixteenth century. The tradition was given a boost by Queen Victoria who chose to marry in white instead of silver which was the traditional colour of Royal brides. Before the white dress brides wore their best dress, often incorporating their lucky colours. The colour was a matter of preference. The following is a traditional rhyme offering advice on dress colour:

Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.

A green dress is thought to be unlucky unless the bride is Irish. The old expression that a woman has a 'green gown' was used to imply promiscuity, the green staining being due to rolling in grassy fields.

Just remember it is entirely up to yourself as to the colour of your gown............

Bad Luck - Wedding Dresses

2010-10-06T21:47:00.000+01:00

To avoid bad luck take note of these superstitions:
It is thought unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding dress.(I made mine and have been happily married for 27years)
It has long been held that green is unlucky for a wedding dress or any of the bridal party.
It is also unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before she arrives at the ceremony.
The bride should not wear her entire outfit before the wedding day. Some brides leave a final stitch on the dress undone until it is time to leave for the ceremony when the outfit is completed.

Payment Plan

2010-10-04T17:35:00.001+01:00

We know a wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses and accessories count for a considerable amount of your wedding expense.

Love the dress, but can't find all the money in one go. Take advantage of a payment plan, spread the load.

New Location

2010-08-27T19:00:00.001+01:00

Everything is really hectic. We have just moved to our new premises
so we're taking the opportunity to do a full inventory. Oh joy, even though we imagined a hundred time where everything was going to go, it's still taking ages to achieve everything.

Oh well at least the signs up.