English Garden

(Image Credits: Top Row; In Style Weddings, Project Wedding, The Knot, Romo Fabrics: Middle Row; Kirsten Boike, Project Wedding, Clarissa Grace: Bottom Row; The Knot.

Signature Cocktails

The best way to introduce a little personality into your wedding (and save on the liquor bill!) is to have a signature cocktail. Try not only using the tastes of both of you together to create your own design but also try making a name for it by putting your names together ala "Brangelina". Having a basic beer and wine package supplemented with a signature cocktail is more than enough to keep your guests happy.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

CHOC PORT FLIP

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 1)
80ml (1/3 cup) pouring cream
50ml port
1 egg
2 tsp chocolate-flavoured topping
1/4 tsp icing sugar mixture
3-4 large ice cubes
1 tbs pouring cream, extra
Ground nutmeg, to serve
Chocolate cream wafers, to serve

Method
Place the cream in a bowl. Use a balloon whisk to whisk until soft peaks form. Place port, egg, topping, sugar, ice and extra cream in a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined. Strain into a 250ml (1-cup) capacity serving glass. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve with wafers.

CREAMY MOCHA COCKTAIL

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 2)
160ml (2/3 cup) thin cream
80ml (1/3 cup) amaretto liqueur
80ml (1/3 cup) Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
2 tbs Tia Maria coffee liqueur
1 cup crushed ice
2 tbs chocolate topping

Method
Place the cream, amaretto, Baileys, Tia Maria and ice in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Pour evenly among serving glasses.
Place the chocolate topping in a small plastic bag. Cut a small hole in 1 corner of the bag and drizzle the top of each drink with chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Drag a toothpick vertically through the zigzag pattern to create a slightly marbled effect. Serve immediately.

WATERMELON MAI TAI

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)
500g peeled watermelon, chopped
125ml (1/2 cup) Golden Circle pineapple juice
125ml (1/2 cup) white rum
60ml (1/4 cup) triple sec liqueur
1 tsp grenadine
Crushed ice, to serve

Method
Place the watermelon, pineapple juice, rum, liqueur and grenadine in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth.
Divide the ice among serving glasses. Pour over watermelon mixture to serve.

Notes & tips
Note: Make this recipe just before serving.
Tip: To make this drink suitable for designated drivers, omit alcohol and increase the pineapple juice to 1 cup.

(All Images and Recipes are from Taste.)

Relax, Relax, Relax

Chillout areas have become such a popular trend amongst brides. No longer are they simply saying yes to the standard room layout which most venues provide. I think this may be due to the fact that, in Queensland especially, outdoor weddings have become more in style and with this the opportunity to really start from scratch and create your own room (or area) arrangements. And why wouldn't you include a chill out area? It encourages your guests to mingle and to enjoy all facets of the day that you have put so much love and energy into. But I think it's not just great for the guests. A photo of a quiet moment captured between the bride and groom lounging in a private corner when they've actually had the chance to stop and look at one another (a rare moment and one most couples get) would make the perfect last page in your wedding album.

(Image Credits: From top to bottom; The Knot; In Style Weddings; Malabar Fabric; The Knot; Beth Helmstetter; Table Jewels)

Brave Buttonholes

The one adornement men have that they can have a lot of fun with and it's often the one thing that gets overlooked. Lots of florists simply use left over pieces from the brides bouquet for the grooms buttonhole, which usually means roses, and whilst the look is coordinated and matching it's also (in my opinion only!) quite boring. So here are a few ideas I found from courageous groom's who have not just sorted out the suit and maybe even cufflinks but have gone all the way with a finishing touch.

Brave Buttonhole No.1

(Above) In keeping with a seaside theme (complete with lobster motif) the groom from this wedding used a piece of rope to tie into a quirky boutonniere.


Brave Buttonhole No.2

Fresh and heavenly scented freesias provide the perfect touch for this grooms attire at a modern summer wedding. If you like this look and are trying to persuade your fiance to go for it then try to remember it will be sitting near his nose for the whole day so let him pick a flower he likes the scent of!

Brave Buttonhole No.3

Vibrantly colourful, and in array of hues, hydrangeas make nice full and showy buttonholes.

Brave Buttonhole No.4

A simple white orchid creates a statement with its bold shape. Seen here with twistings of bramble vine up the stem for an unusual detail.

Brave Buttonhole No.5

A structural creation of a single calla lily with three green orchids at the base is modern and bright. The twisted stem creates a quirky look.

(Image Credits; All The Knot.)

Perfect Weather Permitting ...

There's nothing like an outdoor reception, tables set up on the grass, the blue sky above (hopefully!) and cool breeze rustling tablecloths ever so slightly. Eating outdoors is something every queenslander has done at least once in the past, from a back yard bbq to a picnic rug in a park near a protected rainforest. But for a wedding think more "under the tuscan sun" and you'll hit the nail on the head. Keep things simple and elegant with rustic charm and if you see dark clouds on the horizon make sure you have an indoor option for everyone to escape to. If you really don't want to leave anything up to chance, an open sided marquee will still give you the same effect especially if its clear.

(Image Credits: Top to Bottom; The Knot x 2; Project Wedding x 2)

Photo Memory Displays

More and more couples have started following this trend, creating tables which feature family members, grandparents and great grandparents for example, that have passed. This is an especially nice idea if you or your fiance has a close famliy member who has died and you want to make sure that there presence is still felt and honoured on the day. See below for some inspiring ideas.

(Image Credits: From top to bottom; the knot x 3; project wedding.)

Tablescaping Part I - The Concept

A table is like a blank canvas, or a patch of dirt which can be layered with items to create a masterpiece. When you first start designing the tables at your reception try to think of the overall look rather than just the tiny details. Whereas the devil is in the details more so in weddings than any other event, the impact of a room is created by pieces that have the wow factor. When your guests make that first step across the threshold what they notice is the overall look and the big things. So when you think of tablescaping the first decisions you make should be on the following:

Shape of Table:

Often venues will offer you an option of either round or rectangular tables. Rectangle or square tables are much easier to design given the symmetry of the lines and they tend to create a more structured feel in the room. Round tables are more relaxed and create a softer look.

Height of Centerpieces:

One thing you will definately notice in a room when you first walk in are the centerpieces especially if they are large. It's best to always have either quite low or quite tall centrepieces so guests aren't struggling to see the guests seated opposite them. On a rectangular table varying heights in a row down the center create an interesting look and breaks between arrangements or lower pieces can be placed at the placesettings.

Room Layout:

A traditional room layout for a wedding reception is to have a long rectangular bridal table either raised or at a central focal point along a wall, with the dance floor in front of this and tables on either side for the guests. And it's been done to death. Be adventurous. Don't have a traditional bridal table at all, seat yourself and the bridal party at a seperate table but amongst your guests so you can feel a part of the fun. You could always distinguish the table with different or more elaborate decorations. You could also hink outside the box and create different areas for your guests, a relaxed chill out area, seating close to the dance floor for those who want to be apart of the action but not dance, and your usual seating area for dining.

Lighting:

In a marquee lighting is essential or you and your guests will be sitting in the dark! Even in a ballroom or predesigned venue though lighting is something you should consider. Not only does the right lighting create an unforgettable ambiance, but it also ties the whole look of the room together. Dozens of chinese paper lanterns are perfect for tight budgets and you can't go past a classic or uniquely designed chandelier if your budget will allow it.

Next in this series... Part II - The Groundwork: Table Linens.

(Image Credits: all The Knot.)

Look Book; a nifty idea for your bridesmaids.

I saw this idea on the blog Elizabeth Anne Designs and thought it was such a great idea that I had to share it with you. A bride created this little flip book for her bridesmaids because though she wanted her bridesmaids to wear different dresses she also wanted them to look the part. The look book is in two sections the top being for dresses and the bottom for shoes so that the bridesmaid can flip through and make different combinations. There's also accessory ideas and a shawl at the back for all of them. Not only was it practical but she went one step further and put time and effort ito making it all as pretty as a package. Her bridesmaids must have felt so spoilt!

The Pages:

(Image Credits: All Elizabeth Anne Designs).

Eco Logic, the smart way to give...

New online shopping site "Invites and Things" has a gorgeous range of favour boxes, invitations and other wonderful things all made from 100% recycled paper. Featured here is their fresh Eco-Leaf design. Go to "Invites and Things" for more information or to see their entire range.

(Image Credits: All Invites and Things)

Electric French Inspiration Board

(Image Credits: Top Row: Monique Lhullier; Project Wedding; Brides; Project Wedding : Second Row: Brides x 2; Offbeat Bride Blog; Pink Frosting: Bottom Row; Brides; Romo Fabrics.)

Bright and Tropical Touches

In Queenslands sunny climate, beach weddings are wonderfully popular. There's nothing more beautiful than the contrast of bright tropical flowers and details set against a back drop of hazy blue ocean and misty golden sand. Use freesias, orchids, lilies and brightly hued roses and rananculus. Here are a few of my favourite ideas and colour ways...

(Image Credits; Top to Bottom; Southern Weddings x 2; Mimosa all others)

Eco Friendly Favours

Share the love and watch it grow! This chic, eco-friendly handmade seed paper attached to a personalized card serves as a favor for eco friendly and garden weddings.

Each card measures 4.25” x 3.5” and features a modern potted plant design in chocolate brown. There are six colours of the paper available and instructions for planting are printed on the back of each card. The front can be personalised with your names, the date or a personal message of thanks.

(Image Credit; Beau Coup.)

Perfect Peonies

Once called the "Grandma Flower" the peony is making a comeback as one of the most popular flowers to be used in wedding arrangements. Peonies are full luscious flowers with a soft romantic feel. They give off a sweet but subtle scent and are in season during October and November. Peonies come in a few different shades of pinks from deep burgundy to the lightest blush and also white. Ideal for a vintage or garden wedding.

The picture below is actually a buttonhole created from two young peony buds.

(Image Credits: Top to bottom; The Knot x 3; RNW and Flower Chix.)

Gorgeous Guest Books

A guest book is a wonderful keepsake from your day, filled with touching messages from your guests. Here are some great ideas from the unusual to the elegant.

Inspired Idea No.1

A photo album is tranformed into a unique guest book with rows of tiny envelopes for guests to place their cards in. The cards can be displayed attractively alongside a pen with a little sign of instructions for guests.

Inspired Idea No.2
Completely different, a photo booth is an excellent idea. Guests can have a lot of fun taking their own photos and then placing them in the guest book along with their messages. Much more elegant and fun than having someone take polaroids (and you don't need to find someone for the task!).

Inspired Idea No.3

A great idea for a december wedding, guests write their messages on cards which are then hung on a tree. The tree can be used as decoration in the couples home afterwards and then the little tags stored in an album just like Idea No.1.

Inspired Idea No.4

Guests wrote their messages on rocks which were then placed in a wicker basket for the couple to take home.

Inspired Idea No.5

Simple and elegant the traditional guest book is a nice idea for a vintage or classic wedding.

(Image Credits: Top to Bottom; theknot.com; projectwedding.com; theknot.com; theknot.com.)