How to save money on your real wedding flowers

Most of us love real flowers, but wedding flowers can be very expensive here are a couple of tips that will help you keep the price down.

Use only a few of the more expensive blooms and use lots of cheaper blooms to fill out your arrangements.

One of the best tips is to only use flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding. As out of season flowers can cost phenomenally more than ones in season.
With this in mind I am puttng together lists of flowers available by season At the end of this post You will find the Spring list Next week I will be listing summer.

A good florist will help you with these tips, if they do not mention this. Then inform them that this is what you want or look for another florist.

Spring

Agapanthus -- Also known as African lillies, These are large very striking flowers.
Anemone -- available in a wide range of colours, these are delicate blooms
Anthurium -- Very exotic, Waxy looking blooms
Aster -- These are like daisys on very straight stems
Bouvardia -- clusters of small, tubular flowers.
Calla Lily -- Available in white and some other colours. although some colours are not in season throughout the year

Bouquet features mokara, cymbidim orchids, lisianthus, scabiosa, freesia, calla lilies and lily grass.

and was made by Fresh Cut Floral Design

Carnation -- These are great as they are long lasting
Cherry Blossom -- very delicate blossoms
Cornflower -- Not just blue as you might expect, you can get pinks. lilacs and even reds
Chrysanthemum -- If you want show, then these large blousy flower heads are for you
Cymbidium orchid -- With up to  12 flower heads a stem, you get a lot of blooms with these orchids.
Delphinium --Mostly available in Blue lilac and white but pink and yellow are also available tall flower spikes
Forget-me-not -- tiny blue flowers on short stems.
Freesia -- Various colours are available. highly scented flowers
Genista -- A variety of bloom masses of tiny flowers on straight stems Available dyed in many colours
Gerbera -- Daisy like flower, Wide variety of colours great for contemporary events
Gloriosa -- Very dramatic flower
Heliconia -- tropical flower.
Hyacinth -- Variety of colours and beautiful fragrance
Hydrangea -- Variety of colours, Large heads of flowers
Iris --Not long lasting. but popular bloom
Lily -- lilies are available throughout the year, but not in all colours.
Lily of the valley -- Has a lovely scent, tiny white bell flowers. Tends to be pricey
Lisianthus -- popular and used as an alternative to roses and available in various colours.

Lisianthus bouquet image from www. bouquetweddingflower.com

Muscari Also known as Grape Hyacinth, Can be seen in 1st image
Narcissus -- Including daffodils , Nothing screams spring more than these beautiful flowers
Nigella -- Delicate. flowers, very papery. Also called Love in a Mist
Oncidium Orchid -- small yellow flowers along the stems.
Phalaenopsis orchid -- large flower, perfect for a wedding bouquet.
Phlox -- popular country garden flower.
Ranunculus -- delicate, papery flowers. Wonderful for romantic weddings.

Ranunculas bouquet image from www. bouquetweddingflower.com

Rose -- needs no explanation! Available in almost every colour.
Stephanotis -- individual white, waxy flowers. Make wonderful buttonholes and bouquets.
Sunflower -- striking flower usually in yellow.
Sweet pea -- short lived. Wonderful colours and scents.
Sweet William -- country garden flowers
Tulip -- a very popular cut flower with many different varieties.

If your looking for inspiration for bouquets take a good look at www. bouquetweddingflower.com

I hope that you find this series of posts  informative and useful.
If you are getting married in the North West, and need help with finding wedding flowers, or other wedding planning help
please visit us at http://www.rattytattydesigns.co.uk/
or feel free to ring 01270 215625 to book an appointment

Mothers Day Card

Having trouble with my photography today. Couldn't get the box and card to photograph the same > Don't know what Im doing wrong oh well.

Here is a card I have designed for Mothers Day for a potential Client. Im hoping she will like it especially as it looks much better in real life.

A5 Bespoke card and Box with Bespoke verse. £8.00 postage and packaging £1.50

Cupid, Cupcakes and Candelabras

Here is the ad we are going to be running in various places it has our soon to be launced new website address on it, so don't go there as we are not quite reeay yet LOL

Based on the Hollywood film flyers of the 1940's we hope you like it.
Any comments appreciated

present and poor website http://www.rattyattydesigns.co.uk/ or just  save time and call me Rattytatty (or Tracey Allen if you prefer) on 01270 215625

1st images from shoot

 Well this is the 1st image from the wedding shoot. All the models are not professionals we thought that this represented what we all do, which is taking you the bride and groom and making you the stars of your own show.

 The photographer SteelOrchid http://www.steelorchid.co.uk/ have done an amazing job considering the day was so overcast that even the rooms lighting was badly effected. So hats of to you both Chris and Mike for providing us with stunning images and these are just taster shots. 

 

This was taken in the Bridal suite at Haslington Hall. http://www.tailormadevenues.com/haslington-hall.html

 The amazing dress Bluebell and the jewellery in this shot was provided by Cheshire Bridal Wear http://www.cheshirebridalwear.co.uk/. A stunning fantasy of a dress, I think you'll all agree, we used this dress in one of our Black and White themed shoots based on a 30's 40's Hollywood masked ball . The mask we used for this shoot was the amazing filigree mask "Katherine" provided by http://www.masqueboutique.co.uk/.  You can see it in more detail below.

Earrings were models own.

Make up and hair by Vickie Quinn 07894 584847

Same dress, tiara and necklace also by Cheshire Bridal Wear "Yvonne" Heirloom bouquet by http://www.tiny-gems.co.uk/

Hair and make up by LA Hair and Make-up contact through http://www.totalpamper.co.uk/

We did another black and white shoot with this dress "Whitney" also from Cheshire Bridal Wear, Fascinator was also provided by them.  A very different look and you will have to wait to see other images to see what we did with it .This image was also taken in the Bridal Suite at Haslington Hall

We set up one table as an example of how we would have dressed the 1930s slash 40's Hollywood feel table , more images and details still to come . The stunning arrangement was provided by Acer Florists website is http://www.flowershopfrodsham.co.uk/ and the amazing candelabra "Windsor" is from http://www.muniquedesigns.com/

Much much more to come over the next few days



Rattytatty Designs (Events) Photoshoot a very public thank you

Well we had the photoshoot on Sunday and I can't wait to share all the images with everyone however until they are edited I would like to say

thank you so much to all the companies below

Without you all Sunday  would have fallen flat in a very big way

 http://www.tailormadevenues.co.uk/haslington-hall.html  The venue was amazing everyone loved all the rooms thanks so much for giving us th run of the whole venue

http://www.steelorchid.co.uk/ Chris and Mike what can I say. Above and beyond the call of duty. You were on your feet from 9 am till 5pm and no sign of flagging. Images I got a quick look at were astounding. Can't wait to see them all

 http://www.joanbleasephotography.co.uk/ Joan another above and beyond the call of duty. It was a pleasure to work with you. I can't wait to see your images as well although am worried about any images you caught of me running around madly

http://www.cheshirebridalwear.co.uk/ Oh Julie, Your dresses were all amazing and i know the models loved dressing in them

 http://www.flowershopfrodsham.co.uk/  renamed Acer flowers. Jan Everyone was so impressed with your beautiful flowers especially that showstopper of a centerpeice to go with Munique designs amazing Candelabra

 http://www.scrumptillious.co.uk/ Helen Loved your black and white cake. Great job probably good job it wasn't real else we would have eaten it LOL

 www.mummys-yummys.co.uk Oh karin The torture we all went through smelling those beautiful cupcakes all day. They smelt truly devine

 http://www.landjformalhireltd.co.uk/ Colin your formals were stunning , you were great to work with and Im not surprised your recomended at Peckforton Castle great quality great price

 http://www.smoochrings.co.uk/  Malcolm your rings were all stunning, I didn't want to send them back Lol

 http://www.totalpamper.co.uk/  Ann and Lorraine  you both worked tirelessly and if my feet were anything to go by yours must have been so painful. Great job with the make up and hair on your models

Vicky Quinn again above and beyond don't know how you three kept at it for so long. You also did a great job of hair and make up and I couldn't have done it without the three of you working so hard

 http://www.muniquedesigns.com/ Kevin . Wow in real life your candelabra was even more impressive than on the site. Great products amazing prices

 http://www.tiny-gems.co.uk/index.php Sarah your bouquet was so beautiful I actually changed shoot idea to use it more often.

http://www.masqueboutique.co.uk/ Tanith your masks were even better in real life and I loved using them in the shoots. I know the models enjoyed wearing hem I caught them playing with them after the shot finished

Plus all the fantastic models

James Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant model. You did a fantastic job and I know the photos will be stunning

Holly Thanks for sticking it out despite feeling under the weather with very good reason. Your shots with James looked fantastic from what I have seen

Jess otherwise known as Spotty , because of the dress. Sorry for not remembering your name LOL you were fantastic full of smiles

James Ah Thanks for running for coffees whilst waiting for your shoot to start . Your images will be ace you looked great in your formals

Louise Well you and your sister were both fantastic both in the dresses and generally helping around the shoot Both your images look great

Clare What can I say when I saw your images at the beginning of the shoot I knew that we were in for a stunning day with amazing results

Ashley Thanks so much to you and Vicky for stepping in and assisting before and after shoot as well as being a fantastic model, fun to be around

Vicky Its always a joy to be around you and you always make me smile and laugh, you looked amazing and also big thanks for all the extra help

Beckie I know that you don;t like make-up and you put up with make up all day for the shoot plus helping out too. You are so modest I Can't wait to see your face when you realise how beautiful you are.

Madison and Sarah Thanks to Sarah for letting us use Madison in the shoot and really saving my bacon. I know some of the images of you and Madison together are beautiful

Plus a hugh big extrodinary thanks to Bindi for being a true friend and stepping into the breach with an extra car for shifting all the items in a huge military manouver

Despite a few minor hiccups, the 4 year old model taking ill the night before at 10pm didn't have a 4 year old for shoot, rapidly replaced with the help of twitter and Madisons wonderful Mum @SarahBySarah at approx 10.15

Loss of my assistant due to car breaking down. and a couple of other minor hiccups. I think that all in all the shoot went amazingly well. I don't think you all realise just how fantastic you all were and how much you all achieved over the last couple of weeks, and especially how much you acheived on Sunday.

Sunday was a bit like having 6 weddings in one day, you all excelled yourselves and Im really proud to say that I have worked with all of you. I would happily recomend each and everyone of you to any of my clients,

Give yourselves a huge pat on the back

I feel a bit like the Bride at the time I knew more or less where everyone was and what they were doing. But I now can't remember my own name LOL

Thank you, Thank You, Thank You

Keep an eye on this space amazing photos coming soon

#BizTrain Networking Event NW and 4N

I 1st fell in love with networking at 4N#. Plus reading Brad Burtons GOYA, if you don't know what GOYA stands for its Get off your Arse, a truly brilliant business book . I suppose Networking appeals to the part of me that believes that kindnesses are rewarded, that honesty and hard work pay off, and that determination and dedication are things to be proud of.

I wouldn't give up my 4N breakfasts for love nor money. They are fun and Ive learned so much from attending them. Ive made great contacts who I'm happy to pass work too, Ive only been a member for about 5 weeks. So I'm not expecting the referrals to come flooding in yet, but already Ive met loads of great people I'm happy to work with. Plus had loads of free advice that's saved me loads of money. Want to join 4N start here or join me at one of Crewe's meetings dates and booking info here

Ive always wanted to help people, I'm that person that old lades ask to reach things from the top shelf in supermarkets. I was also a member of Join Me. A group based on the idea of Pass it on. That you could make the word a better place by being nicer, kinder, and doing random good deeds secretly.

So I decided that I would like to do something to combine my organisational skills, with my love of networking and help an under supported Charity.
Missing People http://www.missingpeople.org.uk/

So I decided to GOMA and organise a quarterly business tweet up with extras.

Its called BizTrain You may wonder why,  2 reasons well the biz bit is obvious , but the train well a train is a vehicle that takes you and others to your destination. Plus it also tied in nicely with Virgin Training Academy venue

So we're going to have free workshops and a speaker. A charity auction, food,  and a laugh.

We will both get  to meet loads of great businesses, and also meet up with many of the local tweeters who make tweeting such a joy  . Can't wait to meet you!
It will be held on the 23rd Feb at Virgin Trains Training Academy.
You can book Here
http://biztrain.eventbrite.com/

The speaker is an inspirational lady called Sally Inkster @DivaDressing from Diva Dressing
Shes going to show you how your clothes can work for your business.

We have excellent workshops
from
Amanda Daniels @koogar  The creative director of Koogar Digital Marketing  "What your brand says about your business"

 and from Mhairi Gordon @CoachMhairi who specialises in Business coaching start up creative businesses "Your business workout."

Plus if you want to talk to me at any time during the event on how you can get more from your twitter account. I'm quite willing to help where I can.

If you'd like us to send an Invite to a company you'd like to work with but aren't sure about approaching directly. If they attend we will introduce you and your business to them. The rest is up to you.

As soon as you sign up. Ill tweet a bit about your business, inviting people to come and meet you!

Hope to see you there. and help you promote your business to my followers.

Booking link http://biztrain.eventbrite.com/

Id like to finish with a big thank you to Brad Burton @BradBurton for showing me that business can be done the way I hoped. Honestly fairly and by building friendships, and for his great book Goya buy Paperback here and new Kindle version here

So what has Rattytatty been upto over Christmas

Well, other than having a truly fantastic Christmas, loads of fantastic food, and a brilliant cocktail party with great friends. I have also been working. Completing a set of wedding stationery for a client ,  Her wedding dress is a shade of Oyster, Bridesmaids are in purple and the ring is white gold. So these are the colours I used to design the set

Wanting to keep the tables fairly uncluttered we went for a 3 sided tall thin combined table number and menu

Unfortunately the photos of the table plan didn't come out very well. But I am getting some photos from the venue so I will replace this image at a later date.

If you'd lke to know more about our stationery please visit us at

http://www.rattytattydesigns.co.uk/stationery

I also have designed 4 sets of stationery for Haslington Hall's, Haslington  open days which are on the

15^th January 19^th February and 12^th of March.

Three of the sets I have designed are shown below. Sorry for the poor lighting on the photos.

This set was based on the theme Easter. Love the yellow and orange gingham check. The favors have yellow mini eggs in them bedded in iridescent orange cellophane nests

The black and white set features an image of Haslington Hall drawn by our Artist. The set was designed around the Tudor buildings front.

This set was designed to go with gold candelabra and gold beaded mat, cream table cloths  and chair covers adorned with gold chair bows.

I was then inspired to create a Gold and Cream paper bouquet to finish the set.

If you want to know more about our event management and venue dressing services

please visit

http://www.rattytattydesigns.co.uk/

Can't wait till I get photos, of all the complete sets adorning the tables of my clients wedding. and Haslington Halls open days

Why a professional photographer, and why you should insure your event.

Two pieces of information that will help you get great wedding photos, but not fall foul of the expensive traps used by some companies.

 Don't rely on friends and family to photograph your wedding, do get a professional photographer.
They know exactly what to do to get the pictures you need, they are used to getting people to stand in the right place for the all important group shots without to much hassle .They understand the light conditions and have the right equipment to ensure great pictures on dull and overly bright days.

The day only happens once, make sure you have the day recorded properly.

Check out the reputations as  bad professional photographers do exist. Also look for a photographer who offers you a CD of your images, not a DVD to music, but a CD of printable images and the right to print them. This will enable you to send photos to anyone you want, and put them on Facebook or get a professional or friend to make you a scrapbook and will save you a lot of money if you plan to use a lot of photos.

Photographers  I recommend in the North West and who fit my criteria  are Steel Orchid
Lawrence Clift Photography and George and Gleyns Dawber  all offer CDs of your images. all take excellent photos and both record your wedding whilst remaining unobtrusive. Steel Orchid however will if required dress in gothic outfits if that suits your wedding theme.

I was asked recently what was the most money saving advice I can give to a bride and groom, in fact it also goes for anyone planning a large event.
                                                            

Insure your event!!  With weddings and events costing so much, you have to ask yourselves could you afford to pay for it twice. If the answer is no, or you wouldn't want to, then you really should insure your event.

What would you do if the bridegroom broke his leg at his stag doo, or your Mum or Dad are taken ill, close to the wedding ? Or if you find yourself in hospital a few days before the wedding.

There are many things that can go wrong including flooded venues and snow blocked roads but  if you are adequately insured it will mean that you can make your alternative plans without undue stress or worry.

For a £30,000 event it should cost you less than £180.00 to insure it
. 

My recommendation for a wedding insurance company in the Uk  is Ecclesiastical  mainly due to the fact that when a large wedding list company went bust a few years back, Ecclesiastical had the best record for paying out claims.

Check out reputations of event insurance companies before you decide which one to use.

The way a business should be run!

Today my partner and I went on our traditional, Christmas shopping trip to Bury Market. One of our traditions is breakfast at Katsouris Delicatessen. 
Whilst eating my breakfast I decided to write this post and discussed it with my husband.
Its always very busy at Katsouris, but no matter how long the queue. it always surprises me how quickly we are served, not only that, but once we are being served, other staff members, come and check we are being served.
2 full English breakfasts with 2 sausages. 2 eggs, 3 bacon,  beef mushroom, beans. 1/2 inch slice of Bury black pudding. 3 slices of toasted ciabatta and 2 coffees comes to the grand total of £10.45. Not just great value, but each item on that list is great quality. Its fantastic food.

Everything we have ever tried at Katsouris has been the same, from the stunning cakes and deserts, to sandwiches and items from the deli. Great quality and value throughout.
We take our traditional seats outside. yes outside in winter. They have gas heaters, and almost as soon as we are seated, staff come and turn the heater near our table on. Its always been warm enough, but this year we noticed an improvement in our surroundings , they have put in screens to protect you from the wind.

Our breakfast as always arrived quickly, and were perfectly cooked. However the manager apologised for how long we waited, as he felt it wasn't as quick as it should have been.

Every time we have been a member of staff always wanders by and asks if the food is OK. As soon as you finish your breakfasts, the plates are cleared so you can sit and enjoy your coffee.

Empty tables are cleaned almost instantaneously.

I always believe in giving praise where praise is due. I told the manager the breakfasts were even more outstanding than the last ones we had. (and that in my book was no mean feat)

 I also believe that we should all point out less than adequate service, when it happens, as how are companies to improve if no one says, That's not good enough. However there just were no issues. From start to finish it was as always a lovely experience.

I don't know how much the staff are paid, or how they are treated. I have seen the manager remind staff who aren't busy to check this or that. So I know that they are expected to work, at delivering a perfect service. The staff always seem friendly and smiley when you talk to them, and when you don't they are quietly, unobtrusively and efficiently tidying up around you.

I noticed today that they had a sign saying they did outside catering, Now normally I would get refs for outside caterers before using them for an event. But if I get an event booking near Bury and they need great food and great value. I wouldn't hesitate in going to Katsouris.

Its definatly not an accident that everything is always excellent, you have to push to keep improving, like they have, and to keep service quality so good. I do not doubt that they run every aspect of the business to the same high standard, so Id recomend them without hesitation.
So why this blog.

I was thinking, that Katsouris represented what I believe a good business is about. Giving great service, great quality and always striving to improve and if that wasn't enough giving it at a great and more than fair price. It is one of the reasons why I started my business, to offer the same values to my customers, as Katsouris do to theirs.
So all you companies struggling out there, losing customers. Nip to bury market, have a breakfast, and if you watch carefully you'll recieve a free lesson on how to run a business and how to keep your customers happy.Ensuring, that people like me tell others about your fantastic. value, quality and service.

The most expensive wedding mistake.

This may seem a strange post, from someone who makes a living from people getting married, and thinks that marriage is brilliant. Being very happily married myself.

But and it is a big but,

Someone recently asked me what was the most expensive wedding mistake, and I replied honestly. Marrying the wrong person. Is by far the most expensive mistake you can make both financially and emotionally.

Which made me realise, that in the past your priest or vicar, would at some level question your commitment to marriage and your partner, these days that rarely happens. The wedding industry as a whole wants you to get married.  Your families and partner wants you to get married. Before long you get carried away and the event becomes more than just a celebration of your relationship. In some cases it can become the driving force, the money and effort invested almost forces you to go through with your wedding, despite having serious doubts.

I personally know three people who knew on their wedding day and for months before, that the marriage was a big mistake, but felt obliged and under pressure to go through with it.

As a wedding co-ordinator its not my role or right to influence your matrimonial decisions.

However I do feel that some impartial advice now, before you start on your journey together could stop you making the most expensive wedding mistake.


Here are some questions that may help you decide, if you have serious issues in your relationship.

Does your relationship make you happy most of the time? We all have little hiccups, but if your relationship makes you unhappy most of the time. Then you really need to question if you should get married.

Do you trust your partner to be honest and faithful in your relationship? I’m not saying that you can trust anyone 100%. In fact if you do, then you’re more likely to take your relationship for granted. I’m asking if you feel that they are basically honest with you. If you know that they are not, then you really should question why you are marrying them.

Do you trust yourself to be honest and faithful in your relationship? Again I don't believe we can trust ourselves 100%. We all do stupid things occasionally and wonder why we did them. I am asking
Do you already regularly lie to your partner, have you already been unfaithful? If the answer is yes, then you really need to think through your decisions to marry.

Forget the great things about your relationship for a moment. Great things about a relationship rarely are the reason marriages break up. It’s those things that you can't stand, the things that irritate you, the things that make you unhappy, that break up relationships. Can you live with those for the next 20 years, if the answer is no, chances are you won't change them, and will have to live with them. So you need to sit down and work out why you are continuing along this path.

Do you feel superior, or inferior to your partner? Do you feel that you are doing your partner a favour getting married, or that they are doing you a favour marrying you? I'm not talking about the feeling that you are lucky to have found that perfect soul mate. I am asking if you have respect for your partner, if you think they are inferior to you, before you marry, then it won't be long before you take them for granted.
If you feel inferior to your partner, is it because they make you feel stupid, or is it something that you feel anyway. You need to work out why you feel inferior, and make sure that you put this right. Otherwise you may become a doormat or suffer from jealousy, always waiting for your partner to find someone, who is his or her equal.
Unless these issues are addressed, then the marriage is doomed to be very rocky, until they are addressed.

If either you or your partner are violent in your relationship, that issue really needs addressing before you even consider getting married.

If you have ready through this blog, and none of these questions have any relevancy in your relationship, then congratulations and you will have a long and happy relationship, as long as you remember, that honesty and respect, are the cornerstones of happy relationships.

If you read through this blog and one or more of those sections were recognisable. Before you book your wedding venue, or caterer, you need to work on that issue.

If your venues booked, and your caterer is booked, and reading those sections made you feel sick with worry, and brought on the feeling of complete panic. Then you really need to think about stepping backwards,

Going through with the wedding knowing that it’s a complete mistake, may seem the easier thing to do at this moment. But if you really feel that you’re making a huge mistake, in the long run it’s much easier and less destructive to get out now.

If you need to find a councillor try here http://www.pinkfridge.com/lal_marriagecounselling/premarital.htm

I would really appreciate any comments from people who made the most expensive wedding mistake, about any other worrying signs and if they feel that this is a useful post.

For those of you who made it through the questions unscathed, I would be more than happy to work with you on creating the perfect engagement party or wedding for you the very happy couple.

Rattytatty http://www.rattytattydesigns.co.uk/

Christmas planning service launched with local radio ad and free gift search for 3 lucky readers

Hi

Its been a brilliant week with our Christmas planning service launching with a local radio ad on This is the Cat radio



Finding the perfect Christmas presents

Beautiful sterling silver  flower cuff designed by Julia Foggin and available at The Jewellery Room

We know that finding the perfect presents can be a time consuming and highly stressful obstacle course.  We offer a Personal christmas shopper service, to help you obtain the perfect gifts.

Now as part of our launch we are offering to find 3 lucky readers some perfect presents.  1 will recieve a full online personal shopping experience and two will recieve1 perfect gift suggestion each. So if you have an awkward person to buy for or just really really want to get it spot on let us help.

Comment below and we will contact 3 readers for their budget details and a few details about their recipients and we will find you the perfect gifts available online, so that no matter where you are, you can purchase them and solve your Christmas present dilemmas.

We look forward to helping you impress at Christmas

1st 25 comments , We'll find you the perfect gift.

Christmas is approaching and we at Rattytatty Designs are offering a selection of Christmas Planning Services to take away the stresses of Christmas.

We can Decorate your house. provide you with a Chef on Christmas day, write and despatch your Christmas cards and also provide you with a Christmas shopping service. 

Now to get ourselves warmed up and raring to go we are going to accept Christmas Shopping challenges from you our readers. If your having problems selecting a gift for someone. just leave a comment stating the recipients age, gender, any personal style preferences, ie classic, modern and the budget for the gift. We will select 3 options for you complete with where you can purchase the items.

We will provide selections for the 1st 20 comments

Look forward to meeting the challenges

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Voodoo wedding ideas

Rumours abound about a December voodoo wedding for Robert and Kristen. However there are a great many hints that this is not to be the case. Either way the stars of twilight make a lovely couple.

If you are inspired by the rumours to consider a voodoo wedding yourself but don't want it to look like this

there are aspects of a voodoo wedding you can incorporate into your wedding.

Colours have a great importance in voodoo. So you can base your wedding  on the most providential colours.


The colours most apt for a voodoo wedding are

Blue represents love in Voodoo
White positive energy and good karma
Purple Spirituality
Green Tranquility

Invitations and stationery
For off the peg stationery you can follow the voodoo colour scheme.
But in reality only a bespoke stationer can provide you with a subtle set of stationery that has some obvious referance to Voodoo. Interlinked snake initials for instance

What should you wear

This is one of the dresses that I feel would compliment a Voodoo themed wedding . Available from Light in the box 

You can stick with a traditional style wedding and keep your accessories subtle or if  you want something a little more edgy and adds a bit of the carnival atmosphere found in voodoo add this blue feather jacket available from Miss Selfridge

and these blue shoes

available at endless,com


your bouquet needs plenty of blue, purple and green

I liked this one suggested on  dotcomwomen.com

Table settings White linen . Cobalt blue runners, Centrepieces to match bouquet. For the voodoo touch add good luck voodoo dolls as place cards Tagged with Name and what the colour should bring the owner alternate white doll with purple hair, purple doll with white hair.
As favours you could add Voodoo bottle spells  you can buy a how too book http://best.voodoo-spells.ever.com/

So  avoiding the Disney style voodoo wedding doesn't mean that you cannot reflect and embrace voodoo into your wedding. It just takes perfect planning

How can an Event planner give you a perfect Christmas

How can an Event planner help with Christmas.

Many Event planners can offer, or find you, specialised services to help you have a stress free Christmas.
Everything from decorating your house or business inside and out, including in some cases full fake snow cover for your garden, plus removing it all afterwards, to designing personalized Christmas cards, writing and despatching them .


Providing personal Christmas shopper with wrapped gifts at the end, so no mad dash around the shops, or getting tangled in tape.


Planning all your Christmas catering and providing a chef, and a waiter if required. This includes the cleaning up after.So you can enjoy, your Christmas dinner party, or your Christmas Day not having to worry about whether your turkey is cooked or sorting out the remnants of Christmas dinner. 


You can let your Event planner organise those aspects of Christmas you hate and save the bits you enjoy for yourself.

Take our Jobs you hate Christmas survey, no personal details are collected, we want to ensure we have every task that minimises your joy of Christmas covered.

CHRISTMAS JOBS I HATE

Christmas decoration ideas

Well Christmas is fast approaching and I thought I would put together some mood boards for Christmas 

so here is my 1st mood board for Black silver and red Christmas

Tree

Use loads of  beautiful black and silver and charcoal coloured baubles. Then add 1 red bauble you really love but use a lot of them. Use 2 strings of lights 1 bright white one red  .Black Tree and baubles all from Christmas time uk

Table decoration

Have a black undercloth and place an openwork batternburg lace table cloth over the top . Use Red christmas wreathes as table centre. with 3 different sizes of church candles in black . Use silver chargers, and black crockery, and red napkins.
I will be posting another idea on Thursday
Tracey

Rattytatty Designs (Events) a Poem

For those people who wonder what an event planner can do for them 

So what does Rattytatty do?

From finding a venue so sublime,

to food good enough for the queen to dine.

Finding you the perfect dress!

Delivering events without the stress!

She gives your perfect day that special touch,

that makes it look as if you spent too much.

Keeping everything on time, in budget.

She really is a priceless nugget!

So what does Rattytatty do?

Why, she designs events, just for you!

Hope you like the poem

Wedding fairs in the North West Saturday and Sunday

Whilst contemplating what "Your Great Event" should feature on Fridays I thought that last minute suggestions for Bridal fairs would be a grand idea . So I have selected a few in the north west.

Saturday 9th October


One fair
 Cheshire

New Blossoms Hotel

St John Street, near the historic town clock, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1HL 12 pm till 5

Elegance Weddings and Events invite you to their Autumn Wedding Fayre. At The Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, St John Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1HL.  Parking 5 minutes walk away at the Pepper Street, NCP Car Park. Two fantastic fashion shows 1pm & 4pm. Entrance £2.00

Telephone: 07969 619051

Sunday 10th October

Cheshire

Mottram Hall

Wilmslow Road , Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire , SK10 4QT

Additional information:

Catwalks at 1pm and 3pm

Contact Weddinglink: 0161 925 4289

Telephone: 0161 925 4289

Hartford Golf Club

Burrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 3AP 11am till 4

Additional information:

Elegance Weddings and Events Invite you to their Autumn Wedding Fayre, at Hartford Golf Club, Burrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 3AP 

Telephone: 07969 619051

Greater Manchester

Lancashire County Cricket Club

ld Trafford, Talbot Road, Manchester, M16 0PX  11 till 4

  Additional information:

Confetti Queens wedding fair

Telephone: 0161 212 1490

Ramada Manchester Piccadilly

Ramada Manchester Piccadilly , Portland Street , Manchester , M1 4PH 12 till 4

  Additional information:

The Gay wedding show
For more information you can visit us at www.gayweddingshow.co.uk

Telephone: 01932 571286

Merseyside

The Orangery at Heaton Hall

Middleton Road, Manchester M25 2SW Sunday 10th October 12 noon - 4pm

£1 entrance fee on the day. Free tickets available HERE

Free Event mood board for 3 lucky winners

So I am launching a bit of a competition, I will designs mood boards worth £180 for 3 lucky people who comment on this post, if you are planning an event just  comment below. The 3 winners will be drawn using a random number generator. Please ensure I have your e mail adress so I can contact you for information about theme, colours  required and your budget.
1st name drawn will have a mood board designed within the week, second will be the next week and the third will be in the following week.

So if you want a gothic wedding, a corporate launch party, anniversary or christening or something really off the wall comment and you may get some free ideas for "Your great event"

This is the mood board from  Launching Your Great Event post. all details of suppliers can be found in that post.
To find out more about our event planning services visit us at Rattytatty Designs

Launching "Your Great Event"

Hi all Tracey Allen here

I am The Event and Wedding planner, and on this blog I am going to share mood boards for events, some helpful advice, and links to great sites full of brilliant event and wedding related products.

Anyway,  as most weddings are planned upto a year in advance, here is a mood board for a winter wedding .

If you don't want to go for the full winter theme, snowflakes etc,  but want your wedding to reflect the feeling of winter . Go for white with tones of cool blue.Add loads of crystal for that icy feel . 

Wedding dress EdenBridal 
Aisle decor Decorate my wedding

Iced rose and tealight tablecenter Glacial Art
Bridesmaids dress Light in the box

Bouquet yourweddingcompany

Invitations Bride and groom direct 
Cake Traceys Cakes  Not me I should add.

Tiara Princess Sparkle 

Shoes John Lewis

Silver organza bags k2-accessories_07

Blue foil chocolates ebay slion*22eller 

Chairbows Ebay seller weddingaccessory2009

Hope that my mood board has been of interest. If you used the mood board for a 100 guest wedding with 10 tables it would cost £3070,00 without shipping or delivery.

                                                            ...................................

I was asked recently what was the most money saving advice I can give to a bride and groom, in fact it also goes for anyone planning a large event.
                                                            

Insure your event!!  With weddings and events costing so much, you have to ask yourselves could you afford to pay for it twice. If the answer is no, or you wouldn't want to, then you really should insure your event.

What would you do if the bridegroom broke his leg at his stag doo, or your Mum or Dad are taken ill. close to the wedding. There are many things that can go wrong including flooded venues and snow blocked roads but  if you are adequately insured it will mean that you can make your alternative plans without undue stress or worry.

For a £30,000 event it should cost you less than £180.00 to insure it
. 

My recommendation for a wedding insurance company in the Uk  is Ecclesiastical  mainly due to the fact that when a large wedding list company went bust a few years back, Ecclesiastical had the best record for paying out claims.

Check out reputations of event insurance companies before you decide which one to use.
                                                                                                      ...........................................................

If there were one other peice of advice that I,would give to all brides and grooms  it is about wedding photography,it won't save you money but can make a huge difference to your memories of the day.

 Don't rely on friends and family to photograph your wedding, do get a professional photographer.
 They know exactly what to do to get the pictures you need, they are used to getting people to stand in the right place for the all important group shots without to much hassle .They understand the light conditions and have the right equipment to ensure great pictures on dull and overly bright days.

The day only happens once, make sure you have the day recorded properly.

Again check out the reputations as  bad professional photographers do exist. Also look for a photographer who offers you a CD of your images, not a DVD to music, but a CD of printable images and the right to print them. This will enable you to send photos to anyone you want, and put them on Facebook or get a professional or friend to make you a scrapbook.

Photographers  I recommend in the North West are Steel Orchid
Lawrence Clift Photography and George and Gleyns Dawber  all offer CDs of your images. all take excellent photos and both record your wedding whilst remaining unobtrusive.

So thats my 1st post I would love to have your feedback. and  I will take suggestions as to what you would like my future posts to cover.
Tracey Allen