Be an Easter Entertainer

One of the lovely stories we have in the latest issue is our Easter Entertainer story - a guide to help newlyweds plan the perfect party. The photographs were taken by Shona Henderson - her unique, vintage style lends itself to this pretty garden setting.





If you're planning a bit of an Easter gathering, do have a look at our free downloadable stationery - there are invitations and tags to make any setting complete.



Posted by Jane Cameron

We ♥ Giveaways

Fake moustaches always add a little something to your wedding day, whether as wedding favours, or just as hilarious props to liven up your pictures. Add a little top-lip fabulousness to your celebrations thanks to this amazing giveaway from Something's Hiding Here. They're offering two moustaches to one happy reader for free! All you need to do is leave me a comment at the end of this posting. I'll pick the winner on Tuesday 6th April at 10pm.

Mapping It Out

When was the last time you did some colouring? Not for a while? Well it might be time for you to take a trip down to WH Smith, because there's nothing nicer than a hand-drawn wedding map. It's more than just a way to let your guests know how to get to your big day, it can act as a favor, keepsake, and a save-the-date. Whatsmore, you can add places of interest and recommended restaurants for guests who are planning to stay the whole weekend. Not the artistic type? Hire one of these lovely Etsy designers to do it for you.

Product Credits - {top collage from left} Trial by Cupcakes, One Lonely Apricot {bottom collage from left} Wonderland Papers, Calligraphics

Top Toppers

Until you get engaged and start planning your wedding, I can pretty much guarantee, you won't have given a second thought to cake toppers.Well with your big day fast approaching, this is the moment to pick a pair. Be warned! Most cake accessories are horribly cutesy. The secret to a stylish topper is to select one that represents you both as a couple, without revealing that you call each other squirrel-nutkins in the privacy of your home. Why not try these home-made Etsy lovelies on for size.....

Product Credits {from top left} - Flower Bower Couple: Lollipop Workshop, Paper Sculpture Couple: Concerta, Love Topper: Blue Butterfly Design, {from bottom left} Love Birds: Goody Devi, Kissing Fish: Blue Butterfly Design, Gay Paper Sculpture Couple: Concerta, Wooden Couple: Together Forever

A Prestige Venue

A wedding in St Paul's Cathedral is always going to stand out from the crowd, and Sarah and Paul were lucky enough to say their vows in the OBE Chapel, before hosting their reception in the Andaz Liverpool Street. It just goes to show how sometimes it's worth going the extra mile, or spending a little bit more money, to get a truly spectacular venue. Sarah decided on hot pink as her signature colour, but used it sparingly, letting the location speak for itself. Brides planning a winter-wedding should take note of her gorgeous dress and stole, which completely steal the show, without compromising on warmth! Many thanks, as ever, to Marianne Taylor for her gorgeous photographs.

Daily Fix

I'm excited today to learn there is a new Australian accessories label hitting our shelves. Filling the gap where shoes are either fashion forward but un-wearable, or comfortable but lack style, Stillier have launched its premier Classic collection this winter, drawing inspiration from old world glamour and 50s movie stars. The Classic palette features neutral tones including dove greys, nudes and blushes, brightened up by injections of grape, cerise and terracotta. Complimenting these winter hues are a selection of signature I Heart peep toes, quilted pumps and embellished flats. Using carefully hand-picked materials including calf leathers, suedes and exclusive pony skins, each shoe is meticulously finished with extraordinary attention to detail. The colours are simply gorgeous and would make such sweet wedding shoes for you and your maids. Visit www.stillier.com.au to view the collection and find out more about this new and exciting Australian label.







Posted by Emilie Harrison

Wed-Web Mentions

Here at Before the Big Day, we’re glowing in the limelight of several wed-web mentions, starting with the amazing Brides Magazine. Shopping Editor Astrid Joss, has been kind enough to blog about us, recommending BBD as a fabulous resource for Wedspiration. Check it out here.

One of our favouite photographer teams from the USA are the gorgeous girls at Simply Bloom. We love featuring their stunning pictures, and they've given us a lovely mention on their own blog right here.


Meanwhile, we're building up a happy relationship with the team over at Beautcamp Pilates. I've long been a fan of their classes, and with my own wedding fast approaching, I'm relying on them to get my figure picture-perfect. Look out for the Beautcamp Bridal package, hopefully coming soon. In the meantime, check out my mention here.

Real Wedding: Tamara & Adam

A gorgeous sophisticated urban affair for you today. Tamara and Adam celebrated their boutique wedding in Manhattan, with an exclusive group of only 35 guests. In this post-credit crunch world, more and more couples are choosing mini-weddings, where only the nearest and dearest make the guest-list. It guarantees a more personal big day, and there's nothing stopping you having big drinks party for your friends on another night. But first things first, check out these pics for stealworthy ideas! I'm in love with Tamara's Manolo Blahnik shoes, and her cute birdcage veil, the lace overlay of her dress.....in fact her whole outfit is stunning. Check out the signature cocktails that the couple chose for their big day, such a clever idea, and you can colour-code them according to your theme. Another fab idea to copy is their park-life ceremony, which super-saves on floral arrangements, and even music, if there's birdsong! Huge thanks to Karen Wise for her gorgeous pictures.

Tamara & Adam's fabulous vendors:
Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Flowers: Blade Floral Design
Day of Planner: The Boutique Group
Cake: Silk Cakes

Note It

If manners are your thing (if not they should be!) then you'll know it's of utmost importance to send thank you cards to all guests who attend your wedding. You're not just thanking them for the lovely gifts they've given you but you're also thanking them for making the time, whether they travelled long distances or not, to be there to celebrate your special day. Afterall, a wedding would not be a wedding without your friends and family. It's also important to remember thank you notes don't have to be long winded, nor do they have to be expensive. Take for example these cute little cards that turned up on my desk last week. A pack of 10 with matching envelopes will only set you back $12.95, with the matching pen a super affordable $4.95. In regards to note cards it's the thought that counts so don't forget. I always remember if I haven't received a thank you card and I'll always be thankful when I do. The hiPP note cards are available in a variety of colours from Myer and selected independant retailers nationally. Visit www.hiPP.com.au for more details.





Posted by Emilie Harrison

Napkin Numbers

These napkins are definitely a unique way to display your table numbers and could double as a favour for your guests. I found them whilst over at the decor8 blog. They are by Heather Lins Home and are really eye catching. You can buy them in numbers 1-10 or 1-6 and start from $120USD.





Napkins are a great way to add colour and/or design to your table. In Issue 14 of WSG we had some white napkins screen printed by Louli for our industrial inspired styling shoot which made for a fabulous favour that guests could take home and use or even frame! These designs are free to download from our website.







Posted by Emma Henderson

DIY Week #8 - DIY Blogs

While researching DIY Week on Before the Big Day, I've stumbled across some truly fabulous DIY blogs, that I just have to share with you. Prepare yourself for an inspiration wave - I wouldn't start on these without a notebook by your side, because you're going to see so many amazing ideas, you'l forget where you started. If there's any couples out there who are struggling to find their inner creative genius, these sites will solve their problems.

I Do It Yourself - Luzel, Maddy and Sharon run this fabulous blog, that does exactly what it says on the tin. They offer quality freebies and templates galore, so whether you’re trying to find inspiration for that extra special touch, or just fancy saving a few pennies, be sure to stop by and pick up a few goodies. Here are a few of their latest projects.



Ruffled - This is a simply gorgeous vintage wedding blog, with a big emphasis on DIY. They're even running a DIY competition for readers with their own super-creative ideas. Check out a couple of the latest entries below, one for pinwheel table numbers and a pompom bouquet.

Martha Stewart Weddings is the doyenne of DIY bloggers. Her site is the most extraordinary resource for wedding crafters, updated daily with amazing idea upon amazing idea. You can find printable templates for just about everything you can imagine, plus a whole lot more. The pictures below barely scrape the surface!

DIY Week #7 - Vintage Romance

A vintage-themed wedding is a DIY dream. Collect antique accessories to scatter around the reception, use old books as table decorations and add old keys to wedding invitations to create a sense of romantic mystery. And then add a few of these gorgeous DIY projects to complete the picture. Check out these sites for more ideas.

Product Credits {from top} - Vintage Table Number Project: Project Wedding, Printable Vintage Labels: I Do It Yourself, Vintage Wedding Invitation Template: Download and Print, French Soap Labels: Ruffled, Marital Bliss Sign: Martha Stewart Weddings, Pink Postcard Template: Wedding Chicks