Amalie Loves... Art Deco

The fabulous era of the 1920's is an absolute favourite of mine so I thought I'd share a few design and theme ideas with y'all...

• Beautiful feather table hire decoration from So Lets Party
• Classic posters from the era; could be of films, film stars or gangsters. Similar available from All Posters
• Kick off the theme with feather trimmed wedding invitations from Fairy Godmother Stationary
• Stunning vintage headpiece from Liberty In Love to add a bit of sparkle
• Monogrammed candle favours from We Do Wedding Favours
• Gorgeous Tiffany lamp with dragonfly detail to hire from Event Prop Hire
• Satin T-bar shoes from the fabulous Rachel Simpson Shoes
• Don't leave the boys out with a pin stripped double breasted suit; this one's from Mens USA
• I simply adore this dress from The Vintage Wedding Dress Company
• An art deco mirror bar to serve martini cocktails wouldn't go amiss; hire from Event Prop Hire
• Well you'd have to travel in style of course; I think a vintage Austin 12 Windsor from Heritage Classic Cars should to the trick!

Amalie "strongly dislikes"....

Hate is a very strong word which I do not like to use (apart from in conjunction with marmite and spiders) so I've come up with a list of 'strong dislikes' or grievances I would like to share with you about the wedding industry...

#1 Wedding photographers who are not assertive. When you have hundreds of guests please consider the logistics of how to get them all posing for shots which is quick and fun so everyone can then carry on with the party. I'm not talking drill Sergent Majors who are barking orders at the guests; I'm talking about photographers with a voice. They need to have personalities, a presence and they need to be heard. Not being afraid to use the ushers and best man to advise the guests of whats happening and when is also very helpful. There's nothing worse than photographer chaos at a reception especially when everyone is more interested in the wine waiter!
TOP TIP Ask in detail how the photographer handles guests and what he or she says to them. Also help them by giving a breakdown of what shots you would like before the big day and give these to the bridal party too. People who have more knowledge about what you would like are going to be more inclined to help you achieve it. If they bring an assistant or you get a 2 photographer package then all the better, no one's been missed out as you've run out of time.

#2 A DJ that doesn't work the crowd. It's a fact most couples will start to run out of funds when it comes to booking the entertainment. I cannot advise my clients enough that scrimping on the DJ or band is like committing wedding suicide (yes I feel that strongly). I'm sure I've mentioned in a previous blog about the importance of entertainment yet still people believe everyone will be up and dancing with your favourite tunes on the iPod. Unless you were DJ Spoony in a previous life then this just isn't going to happen. It's takes years of practice, knowledge and personality to woo the wedding party crowd onto the dance floor (think of the mix and age range of wedding guests - it's difficult) however a great DJ who watches your guests closely is worth they're weight in plasters.
TOP TIP Go with word of mouth or a DJ you especially liked from a previous wedding you've been to. If you've never seen them in action before ask if you can visit them when they're doing a wedding or another gig so you can check them out for yourselves. Also follow up on some testimonials - ask about how they interacted with the crowd and if all age ranges were up and dancing the night away.

#3 Extra expense of the evening buffet. This is what I've really got a bee in my bonnet about; venues who are permanently stretching couples budgets on needless evening buffets. Be very careful with your T&C's as some venues require you to pay for at least 75% of your total guests for an evening buffet. When they want to charge over £20 per head this can seriously increase the amount you spend on the day. Honestly I think this money is better spent elsewhere for three main reasons: A) If you've had a three course wedding breakfast which started after 5pm then guests are not going to eat again at 8pm. B) Most evening guests when they come will have eaten beforehand. People are never sure if a buffet will be provided or not so will normally have had a snack or light meal before they turn up anyway. C) Buffets provided are normally stodgy, fried or sweet food that the kitchen has taken very little care or effort to prepare (they've had enough by that point). I've seen burnt pizza, curled sandwiches and what I think was an attempt at a scotch egg at a 4* hotel reception. This is not always the case but more often than not it's what happens; you've spent an extra £2k for a table full of food which is going to waste.
TOP TIP: Provide guests with either a huge cheese board instead (trust me this is far more likely to be appreciated!) served up with the wedding cake. If you're still not sure this is enough then go for a couple of platters of bacon rolls towards the end of the night and mind you don't get ketchup on the brides dress!

Controversial maybe but I often see couples (not mine I hasten to add) being stitched up or let down by their venues or suppliers who quite frankly should know better. Again this is where hiring the services of a wedding planner would pay dividends; only quality vetted suppliers are used and and contracts are negotiated so there will be no waste and your money will go further.

Amalie loves... Who's Who?

Thought I'd share a very quick and brilliant idea with you which quite honestly left me peeling with laughter at a wedding on Saturday and thinking "why hadn't I thought of that"?!

The bride and groom had decided to produce a 'Who's Who' manual of all the guests which was placed on each table for everyone to read. Included was a short witty paragraph about who everyone was; how they knew the couple and entertaining trivia which made a few of the guests blush! Fantastic idea as it got everyone involved and became a great ice breaker and focal point for the tables whos guests didn't necessarily know one another. Will definitely be recommending this idea to couples in the future either in booklet format, a magazine with crazy pictures and comments or a dedicated page on the wedding website where guests can go to beforehand to familiarise themselves with the wedding party before the big day.

Amalie Inspiration...Yellow and Black Design Theme

For my birthday recently a friend gave me a fab present (gorgeous black clutch if you must know!) which came in one of the loveliest bags I'd seen in ages (see right). Not only did I investigate into where you can buy these lovelies (Bitter and Twisted - such a great name for a company don't you think!) but I was also inspired by the colour scheme; yellow and black.

It's not for every ones taste (vintage being the theme of choice at the moment) but for a modern twist on 1920's art deco colours I started to put the following mood board together...



From top left clockwise pictures are courtesy of...

• Fabulous pocket invitations from J Hughes Stationary
• Fun yellow themed wedding taken by the amazing Geoff White (note the brides shoes!)
• Black and yellow themed port hole mirrors and chair from Graham and Green
• Stunning four tier square black and white wedding cake decorated with yellow sunflowers from Josef's Vienna Bakery
• Yellow daisy wedding guest book from Wedding Things
• Eco friendly black flower boxes from Blumebox, great idea for when budget is an issue

Amalie Loves... E and K CHARMS

Now anyone who knows me will know I love a bit of bling. Well ok A LOT of bling (my friends son calls me 'Auntie Bling' for goodness sake!). Whether it's for the usual fingers, neck, arms and ears or an embellishment to shoes, bags, belts, hats or scarves, nothing is safe. Even my mobile recently got blinged up with a new cover containing gorgeous swarovski crystals! I'm sure I was a magpie in a previous life.

I'm fast running out of space for my burgeoning jewellery collection; but can I throw any of it out? No. Unlike ditching a favourite top that's past it's sell by date or chucking out a much loved pair of disintegrating boots, the thought of throwing out a piece of jewellery just doesn't even cross my mind. Sentimental I know but I think when it comes to jewellery most of us are (and that includes boys as I've found many dodgy cufflinks and a well worn St Christopher in the back of my partners drawer!). Not all of it has to be expensive either. Frayed friendship bracelets made in school, dodgy black leather necklaces way back when grunge was in (I know I'm showing my age!), silver lockets, conked out watches, 100's of bangles, baubles and beads. Aladdin's cave would be envious.

As a wedding planner I'm privileged to know many jewellery makers and experts. This can include beautiful hand crafted engagement rings, vintage head pieces and costume jewellery all designed to make you look utterly gorgeous, and its all stunning. However E and K Charms are a little bit different. Their brilliant idea is what sentimental schmucks like me fall for every time. They make keepsakes from items which are a meaningful part of either your wedding day or from your honeymoon. Shells from the beach, flower buds or leaves from your wedding bouquet can all be gold or silver plated and turned into a stunning charm necklace or bracelet. You can then wear or keep this precious keepsake forever and pass it down to generations to come. Genius.

Amalie Focus... FLOWERS

The floral industry is HUGE. It's a global economy worth over £100B (yes B is for billion, I did say it was huge!) a year. Most of my clients don't realise this and who's to tell them? Most peoples contact with flowers are picking some up with the weekly shop and while filling up the car. As a wedding planner I believe a better understanding of the floral industry would give couples an appreciation as to where their money is going and to answer the most commonly asked question; "why are wedding flowers so expensive?".

For people who are genuinely interested I will try and explain (I am no expert though, I leave that to my florist friends!). Most people won't be surprised to learn the main hub of the floral industry is Holland. Flowers from growers are flown in from all over the world (i.e. orchids from Asia, roses from Kenya and chrysanthemums from Colombia), which are then sold to wholesalers who in turn then transport them to the distributors (i.e. florists and nurseries) all over Europe and other continents.

It's a massive industry and when a couple walk into a florist wanting a "quick quote" for their wedding flowers they're not normally appreciating the fact that a) some flowers are seasonal, b) the global market dictates price and c) flowers 'on order' are more costly.

Seasonal Flowers

Not all flowers are available all year round even if they're grown around the world (although new growers in the Southern hemisphere are helping to combat this problem). Many flowers (and foliage) are seasonal and in some cases the flowers aren't just hard to find they damn right don't exist for most of the year. Some flowers are available 'early' however its a idea to know these young flowers won't be very big and may even struggle to open their heads. On the opposite end of the spectrum, flowers coming to 'the end' of their season will possibly wilt and die before the big day however much care, water and food the florist will give them. An example of seasonal disappointment is a story of a bride getting married last October who had her heart set on beautiful pale pink peonies. Nowhere in the world were these flowers available at that time of year. Trying to explain this to someone who had themed their whole wedding around them was as upsetting for the bride as it was for the florist I know. Most of the time if flowers are not available it's deemed their fault. Sadly this happens a lot.

Global Market

Most couples will have a fair idea they will be paying a premium if they get married near mothers day or valentines day. However many couples would fail to see why Easter or Christmas might have the same effect on sky high flower prices. This is because flowers are a global commodity and when whole countries are celebrating a catholic holiday (think both Italy and Spain) then it effects the world market including flowers imported into the UK. Another example is with Eastern Europeans; they love flowers. This is no exaggeration and even the poorest would not think twice about spending their last wages on flowers for their home or to give to loved ones. When there is a national holiday or celebration in these countries the prices of flowers escalates everywhere else too. When flower demand increases, availability decreases and then global prices rise.

Wedding Flowers

So armed with all of this information and you're getting married when global prices are low and you've picked in season flowers, how come they still seem expensive? The answer is in one word: "guarantee". You are getting married on a specific date at a specific time. You are wanting specific flowers of a specific quantity (normally 1000's even for a small wedding) which have to look their absolute best on the day. This means the wholesaler has to pick the first flowers off the shipment from the grower. There is no room for error, the attitude isn't "oh well we'll just wait to see what's left"! To guarantee the florist and you that you get what you want on one of the most important days of your life is they have to pick the first flowers off the shipment. Period.

Overheads and Expertise

If after all of the above the price still seems quite high then please also remember florists are providing you with a service. They are not running a charity (although many I'm sure would disagree!) but a business. They are providing you with talent, skill and knowledge which for many has meant many years of training. Most good florists will help you if you only have a certain budget to play with. The best way to help them is tell them your budget in the first place. Good florists will stick to it and help you make the most of what you can afford by suggesting ways to get the most out of your money. It's not going to reflect well on their business if they don't make your budget seem like value for money!

I really hope this has helped some people understand this industry a little better and give more appreciation as to whats involved. If you would like further information please check out the wikipedia synopsis which goes into far more detail than the above!

Amalies 5 top tips to save money with flowers

I've had a few well received responses regarding my floral industry blog posted the other day. Some peeps have requested further advice of obtaining more for your money regarding floral arrangements and who am I to say no?! Instead of a fab Friday I thought I'd share a few more pointers with you...

1) Ask the florist from the off whether a trial centrepiece is included in the price (a good florist will happily do this). Knowing what to expect on the day means you should not be disappointed. If the trial doesn't look enough then you may decide to 'find extra budget' or invest a little money elsewhere. This could include more eye catching guest favours, coloured wine glasses, single bud glasses, votive candles or to scatter more petals or crystals around.

2) Some florists will charge you extra for hiring out candelabras, vases etc... I think this is wrong unless they don't have stock and have to hire or buy them in for you. If this is non-negotiable and they want to charge a premium then I suggest sourcing or hiring them in yourselves. There are many companies on-line which deliver and collect directly from the florist at very reasonable cost.

3) Opt for different centrepieces. For example a few stunning peonies in a glass bowl will only cost £15, whereas a large candelabra stuffed with hanging flowers can be more than £150. Using different sized vases or vintage pieces such as cake stands and bird cages adds interest to the room however you'll save money on requiring fewer flowers.

A few examples of centrepieces from the fabulous PK Florist in Farnham.

4) Think about using a more dramatic centrepiece such as cherry blossom, curly willow or manzanita branches which come in a variety of colours from companies such as Blooms and Branchs. They are reasonably priced and either your florist can decorate them with flowers on the day or you can decorate them in advance with jewels, crystals, miniature birds, butterfly's or anything else you can get your hands on to make it 'wow'.

5) Placing a mirror under the floral centrepiece will not only bounce lovely candlelight around but will make you look like you have more flowers than you have!

Trust in your florist and your wedding planner if your having one. They are the experts and will quickly be able to help with new idea's on how to obtain the most for your budget.

The bottom line is NEVER think by doing them yourself you'll save money and they'll look great. Floristry is not easy. A weeks course in flower arranging does not make up for years of experience. Brides who think they'll be able to do their own flowers in the morning as well as everything else are crazy. Leave it to the professionals as you'll have enough to do on the day such as relax, enjoy yourself and look beautiful!

Amalie Loves... TASTE OF THE VINE

I was recently very lucky to be invited to an event at the lovely Lythe Hill Hotel near Haslemere in Surrey. Now I don't normally mention venues on the blog however I have to admit I was impressed by this country house hotel due to the shear range and versatility of it's facilities. Not only does it have a huge array of licenced rooms to choose from (including the only licenced gazebo in Surrey and a dungeon room!); a lovely spa, modern and character bedrooms, immense grounds including a rather picturesque lake and (and if that's not enough) an award winning restaurant. Manager Marsha Goodwin and the team are more than welcoming and are truly providing clients with a personal and bespoke service when it comes to weddings, or any event for that matter.

After the grand tour myself and some other guests were invited to stay for dinner (well it would have been rude to say no!), but before Marsha had organised a little ice breaker: wine tasting! I adore a little drop of 'grape juice' now and again and I've been to numerous wine tasting events, however none were as informative or as fun as this one. Firstly we were taught by the amazing Taste of the Vines chief sommerlier Francis Gimlett on how to taste the wines properly. I won't give this part away as this is what I believe stands this company out from the crowd; but Francis was thoroughly entertaining, informative and he truly helped us to understand the wines better when it came to trying them.

Over an hour or so we tasted a variety of wines from around the world both brought in by Francis and also snaffled from Lythes well stocked cellar. These were accompanied by various cheeses and nibbles so we could fully appreciate what went well with what (and to obviously not get us too drunk!). We each had to score the wines separately and as part of a team; nothing like bonding with strangers when in a competition! At the end some fab prizes were given out and everyone took something to take away with them, for me it was I'll never look down my nose at a Riesling again!

I found out afterwards Taste of the Vine had been going for over 13 years and have accomplished more than 2300 events. This is phenomenal and a testament to their professional approach, knowledge and passion about wine (they've even written books for goodness sake!). These guys are fabulous for any event, especially for a rehearsal dinner or hen and stag parties. They can also hold tasting events for beer, whiskey and even cocktails - now that's what I'm talking about!

Amalie Loves... GLO WELLBEING

As I was giving myself a mani/pedi last night my thoughts were thrown back to meeting the lovely girls from Glo Wellbeing at an event a few months ago. Not only were Kelly, Charlotte and the girls extremely lovely to chat to but they were also giving out free manicures and back messages to us worn out attendees. They captured my imagination immediately as what’s not to love... friendly and professional beauty experts who will come to your door and pamper you and all your friends at a great price?!

I discovered not only are they doing extremely well in the corporate sector (who wouldn’t want a reviving foot massage at lunch hour?!) but they’ve also created something refreshing and special out of the very 80’s theme: the mobile salon.

What makes them stand out is not only their flexibility but also their service; nothing is too much trouble. By Glo coming to you it saves time, money and hassle and as not everyone loves the salon environment people will be more comfortable (plus you don’t have to turn the volume down for other clients and you can also drink some well deserved bubbles at the same time!)

They will also tailor the event for you making it extra special (think yummy canapés) or fun (cheeky naked butler anyone?). The packages are reasonably priced too starting at only £12.50 for a Refresher Package increasing to the Ultimate Pamper Package worth £50 per person. Clients can also choose from an al a carte menu as well depending on people’s budgets and preferences.

So for a bit of luxury on a hen weekend or you fancy spoiling your bridal party the day before the wedding by getting them all preened and polished; giving these girls at Glo a go will not let you down!

Amalie Inspiration... CHERRY BLOSSOM

Just thought I'd share a little far eastern inspiration with you...

From top left in a clockwise direction, pictures courtesy of;

Beautiful cherry blossom themed stationary from Anatoli Invites
Tinned wedding favours from Wedding Paraphernalia
Artifical cherry blossom; similar can be found on Ebay
Stunning cherry blossom shoji screen; similar can be found from Asian Style
"Double Happiness" wedding cake topper from Wedding Paraphernalia
Amazing three tiered cherry blossom cake from Maisie Fantaisie
Lovely cherry blossom favour candles from It's a Wrap Weddings

Amalie Loves... LIMO LOUNGE

Well I’m all for being transported around in style and I believe having something a bit special and classy on your wedding day is a must. What more stylish a way to get your guests to the church (or venue) on time than a bus crossed with a limousine!

The oldie style bus (think red 1950’s with a conductor handing off the back) is great for retro weddings and I’m a big fan; however for a modern day couple who want to really spoil their guests I really suggest taking a look at the Limo Lounge. It’s a cross between a limo and a bus and can comfortably hold up to 30 guests (equivalent of 4 normal limousines or 8 taxis!). Not only has some significant time and money gone into the spec of this “limo” but it’s seriously pimped out with leather seats, carpets, wooden trim, LCD screens, DVD and satellite and a sound system (even MTV would be impressed!)

Brilliant for weddings and a fun way of ferrying guests and also fabulous for stag and hen parties and as they also provide a bar, awning's and even catering facilities!

As their tag line states - "groove on the move"!

Amalie Focus: Marquee and Tent Hire

There has been a revolution! Well ok, not quite as dramatic as a revolution but a definite positive shift in the marquee and tent hire industry. Most people when asked to describe a marquee will say white, plastic windows you can’t see out of, dodgy flooring and multiple guy ropes to trip over and oh yes, have I mentioned white?! Many clients view marquees as an unfortunate addition they tack onto the main venue to hold extra guests or as the sad alternative to their dream venue due to budget restrictions.

With knowledge and imagination this is now anything but the case and I’m very glad to say there are some innovative and exciting structures out there making tents and marquees a unique, fun and creative space to which to hold your wedding – oh and some of them aren’t white!

Tip Top Tents

There are a few companies who are now solely concentrating on the supply of good quality, original tents. They dramatically range in size holding up to 200+ people depending on the configuration and are also very aesthetically pleasing; both inside and out. They are also named Yurts, Tipi’s, Kungsornen and the largest tent of all; the Giant Hat. Depending on the size of your guest list these can be an extremely versatile option. For example you could have a giant hat for the wedding breakfast and then have smaller ‘off shoot’ tipis for the dance floor, chill out area or the catering. In the winter they can be extremely cosy with open log fires, wood burning stoves and power heaters to keep everyone toasty.

Most companies such as the Beautiful World Tents or The Stunning Tents Company offer a range of sizes depending on your requirements and the space in where it will be erected. They offer a range of novel furnishings as well including awesome sheep or reindeer skins and solid wood benches for the rustic look or wooden bars and comfy seating for a trendy chill out area. The possibilities are endless and a serious funky alternative to a more traditional venue such as a hotel, restaurant or hall.

Modern Marquee’s

Marquees have also undergone a transformation. Ten by Fifteen Structures have created a unique stretched canopy which comes in multiple colours of strong and flexible canvas fabric. This means you can put them up anywhere including on hills or even over flower beds! The Pearl Tent Company, although the more traditional company out there has set the bar seriously high when it comes to the both quality of the materials used and the standards of service it provides. Both of these structures can seat over 350 people; ideal for large weddings where you would like to see everyone ‘under the same roof’ as it were.

Safety and quality are paramount for all of these companies and they will arrange a site inspection first and carry out multiple checks whilst building and also during the event, especially if the weather is slightly adverse. Again many offer extras such as prop hire, furniture, dance floors and even fireworks, making sure your wedding is a fabulous and stunning affair.

I can’t recommend this alternative highly enough, below is a small example of what you can do:

From top left to right by row, pictures courtesy of:

Multiple Grand Hat Tents from the Beautiful World Tents
Amazing centrepiece arrangement from The Stunning Tents Company
Example of gorgeous wooden benches and reindeer skins from Beautiful World Tents
Cool bar and comfy seating area under a grand hat from The Stunning Tent Company
The very impressive Dana Pearl design from The Pearl Tent Company
Seating area, dancing floor and gorgeous lighting from The Pearl Tent Company
Coloured fabric canopy and matching linen by Ten by Fifteen Structures
Example of flexibility due to surroundings from Ten by Fifteen Stuctures

Amalie Loves... THE OYSTER BOYS

Now oysters are definitely a bit like marmite, you either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. Personally they’re one of my favourite treats; especially with some ice-cold champagne if celebrating something special (or at anytime really as I just get cravings for them!).

Imagine my delight though when I came across The Oyster Boys at a recent event. Tucked away I spied the champagne first which obviously grabbed my attention; upon sidling up to the bar I noticed a huge tray of oysters - double whammy! Upon calming my excitement I figured what an imaginative, fun and quirky service the oyster boys would deliver at weddings and wanted to let you all know about them.

For couples who are thinking about having canapés before their wedding breakfast why not try something a little different and have a couple of very handsome and charming Scottish guys (avec kilts!) open and serve your guests fresh, juicy, delicious oysters? They will mingle and entertain your guests giving them both something yummy to eat and talk about. They can provide a range of dressings including lemon, tabasco, shallots in red wine vinegar or my favourite mini bottles of bubbles! It can be as formal or informal as you like with wicker baskets for a more rustic look to a three metre long ice bar which would create some serious ‘wow’ factor.

They don’t just stop at oysters either; Robin Dunlop, one of the Directors of Temple & Shian (the company behind the successful oyster boy’s concept) explained they can provide a full seafood bar giving guests a much larger choice and they’ve also just launched a fabulous new canapé range.

Hmmm... sorry have to go and find some now!

Amalie Loves... HAPPY BOX

Well to be fair, a company with "happy” in their name is going to grab my attention! This week’s awesome find is the innovative gift company Happy Box (think ultra modern version of a wicker hamper). Their Director Charlotte Orton and her glamorous friendly team are storming both the private client and corporate markets due to their versatile set-up, stylish packaging and the use of chic top class products. Clients can pick and choose which luxurious gifts they want in their hamper box, personalising each one to make it extra special. If their elegant black and yellow boxes don’t quite fit your wedding theme, Happy Box offer a bespoke service for arranging personalised packaging or branded gifts to match your design or colour scheme. Additionally they also provide a handy next day delivery service anywhere in the UK.

These hampers provide a brilliant alternative to the usual flowers and gifts for mothers of the bride and other members of the bridal party you wish to say a big thank you too. They're also great for engagement or anniversary gifts too, especially if you're stuck for either ideas or time.

So go on make someone cherished; give them a happy box!

Amalie Loves... CHOCART

Again this Fab Friday something beginning with 'c': chocolate! I had an amazing time at the RSVP event at the Business Design Centre in Islington this week, mainly because I got to meet a host of amazing new artists and suppliers (and catching up with old ones of course!). One of my favourite new finds (and there were many so it was a very hard choice today!) were the fabulous ChocArt guys with whom the tag line “almost too beautiful to eat...” is a slight understatement.

They have a unique product whereby they use a top secret technique to print a thin layer of white chocolate onto dark chocolate to your specific design or even picture. These stunningly beautiful and completely edible chocolates have been made for both gift items and promotional material for some top names such as Estee Lauder, Roberto Cavalli, Dior and Elle to name a few.

I had a taste of the chocolate (couldn’t possibly refuse could I?!) and although the cocoa content is quite high at 70%, it was surprising creamy and unlike other brands of dark chocolate not bitter at all. The packaging is super chic and luxurious too and would make brilliant favours for wedding guests or special chocolates for when serving the coffee after the wedding breakfast.

ChocArt Rocks!

Amalie Loves... WEDDING ENTERTAINERS

My Fab Friday blog continues and this week it’s all about the fabulous 'Wedding Entertainers' Alison Russell and her partner in crime (well slight of hand anyway) Adam Keisner. I met this amazing London based duo at a wedding show a few months ago and was absolutely blown away by their talent and skill and urge anyone who has a little bit of budget left over to invest in these guys; they truly will not disappoint.

Alison is one of the few silhouette portrait artists left in the country (if not the world) and she can cut out a silhouette which not only is scarily accurate (see mine on the right) but in a matter of minutes too (while having a laugh with you at the same time I might add!). Adam also showed me some of his magic and while I don’t wish to divulge the magic circles secrets (yeah right like he told me!) I can honestly say it’s one of the best pieces of magic I’ve seen in a long time and truly leaves you wondering “how the hell did he do that!”

Being a team means you can have both of their talents and super lovely personalities to help entertain guests for a reasonable fee and they are more than happy to travel to venues outside of the London area.

*Love* them!

Amalies Nine Codes for Successful Planning

#1: Thou shalt not deviate from the BRIEF and honour the requirements of our clients.

#2: Thou shalt not go over BUDGET and honour the costs allocated by our clients.

#3: Thou shalt delivery the event on TIME and honour the schedule of our clients.

#4: Thou shalt honour all INTEGRATION with other suppliers and event partners.

#5: Thou shalt honour best PROCUREMENT practices with our suppliers.

#6: Thou shalt produce the highest QUALITY event possible.

#7: Thou shalt respect and honour all PEOPLE involved with the event.

#8: Thou shalt always COMMUNICATE with our clients and event partners.

#9: Thou shalt not ignore RISK and take appropriate actions against it.

The above codes are adapted from an Events Management bible of mine and comes from the nine areas of knowledge from the Project Management Institute (2000). I'm a firm believer in these codes and believe these to be the foundation in which the wedding and events industries should be based upon.

Amalie Loves... PRESTIGE SPORTS CARS

For the ultimate wedding day treat for the groom, why not spoil him absolutely rotten by organising the hire of a prestige sport car to get him to the church on time?. Not only will the groom think you’re amazing and super cool; it then gives the boys something to do and talk about before the wedding (and trust me, the boys get ready in half the time and it will delay them going off to the pub and having too many!)

This fabulous self hire service is available from companies such as Prestige Cars and Dream Car Hire and in my opinion would go down a lot better than your uncles space wagon!. They both offer a fleet of impressive cars including Ferrari’s, Lamborghinis, Maserati’s and Aston Martins to name a few. You can either set up hire for a day, or if you really want him to have time to enjoy it why not book it for the whole weekend?. Logistics could be an issue so I would enlist the help of the best man, brother or usher to help with the surprise; if for no other reason than to stop the groom having a tipple before it arrives!

I’m a big fan of this idea as why should it only be the bridal party who arrives in style?. Even though the security deposits can be quite hefty, the look on your grooms face when he’s handed the keys to his dream car *priceless*.

He just won’t want to give it back!

Amalie Focus: Bridal Stylists

For most couples using a wedding planner can seem the ultimate luxury; but what about using a stylist to source your perfect wedding wardrobe? It might seem extravagant at first but on further inspection it could save a significant amount of time, money and also reduce stress levels. Clients who desire to look amazing and bang on trend at their wedding (and let’s face it – who doesn’t?!) might consider a little extra help from someone with a comprehensive knowledge of both the fashion and bridal industries.

I myself love fashion and bridal wear and have been glued to web updates showing the new Spring 2011 bridal gown collections from the New York Bridal Market over the past few days (I dream of one day being in the front row!). This passion though is no substitute for someone who’s been in the fashion industry for years and who has a breathtaking knowledge of contacts, sources and design. Companies such as Threads Styling Consultancy are bridging this gap in the market and are offering brides a comprehensive service for only a one off fee. This is very reasonable when it includes at least an initial consultation, a huge amount of research and various visits to shops and boutiques until the perfect gown and accessories are found.

I went over the process with Threads owner and head stylist Sophie Hill who explained it’s a deeply personal and exciting time for brides to be. She strives to spend as much time talking to her clients as possible, gaining an understanding of their personality, fashion sense (if they have one!) and other important areas they might have concerns over such as self confidence or body issues. After this initial meeting which normally takes place 9 to 12 months before the wedding, a few months will then be spent exchanging ideas and growing a portfolio of favourites. 6 months before the wedding the stylist will arrange appointments at bridal boutiques and will attend with the bride and friends making it a fun and special day out. Once the dress is on order the brides accessories, bridesmaids dresses and even the menswear can be sorted out to reflect the style of the brides dress and/or theme of the wedding.

A lot of pressure is placed on brides and although shopping with your mum or friend can be fun, to have a professional with you to cast an experienced and honest opinion is something I think all brides should consider. Stylists will also ensure you get the most out of your budget and offer suggestions you might not have thought of.So for a unique experience which will ensure you have the best wedding dress, tailored suit or honeymoon wardrobe, visit the Threads website or contact Sophie on 020 7749 0784 for further details.

Amalie Loves... ENGLISH CHEESECAKE COMPANY

OK, you got me; I’m a bit of a foodie! Canapés, cupcakes, cocktails (not technically food but sometimes has fruit in it!) and cheesecake are probably the most loved foodie items by me (and they all begin with ‘c’?!).

Just to be clear, we’re not talking cheeseboard cheesecake stacked on top of each other (although those are fab too!), no, I’m talking crumbly biscuity base with creamy baked cheesecake all velvety smooth and soft when you delve into it with a fork...

Yummy; and a perfect idea for couples who would like their cake and eat it (with their guests for dessert I mean!).

These little beauties featured are made by the fantastic English Cheesecake Company who I met and helped scoff their titbit tasters at the National Wedding Show back in February. They can create up to a 5 tier cheesecake feeding up to 140 guests with different flavours (including chocolate, toffee and alcoholic cakes!) and toppings including fruit, flowers, or my personal favourite; profiteroles drowning in chocolate.

*Sigh* heaven!

Video stand v's Photo booth

As a wedding planner I’m a firm believer it’s the 'little extras' which can make your wedding stand out from the crowd. Surveys have shown after a few months most guests sadly won’t remember what they ate (unless it’s really bad of course!) or which fragrant blooms graced their table. What guests do remember is the entertainment and whether it was unique, fun and err entertaining! In this vain I’ve researched two novel ways of creating pictures or videos for the couple but not from the professional photographer or videographer.

Now Photo booths have been around for a number of few years and established companies such as Boothnation, Party Photobooth Hire & The Photo Booth Company will travel around the country setting up a bespoke booth for a wedding. Boothnation for example has the choice of both a glitter and a retro booth while The Photo Booth Company styles the photos produced with bespoke wording. Most of them have different packages one can select however most of them will offer props, a booth attendant and an interior curtain to match your colour scheme on the day.

The brilliant thing about the photo booths is guests end up having a fun and unique memento of either themselves or with their close friends or family (see picture to the right, I couldn’t resist popping in the one at the Designer Wedding Show!). The photos produced are given to the guests who 'pop in' and will also be copied onto a disc or placed on an on-line gallery for the happy couple to have a chuckle at afterwards. It creates a far more relaxed and fun record of the day with the photographer taking the 'proper' family pics and candid shots. Prices start from £500 for a basic package to £1500 for a very comprehensive one.

Video stands or kiosks (pictured left) is a relatively new concept with companies such as The Celebration Station and Wish You Well being able to travel a great area for not more than £400. These companies set up a stand in a quiet location at the reception venue, hit 'record' and let friends and relatives come and leave their well wishes to the camera. Obviously when alcohol is around things will become highly entertaining and slightly ruder as the evening progresses; however it takes the pressure off the videographer in having to drag people away from the party to give proper speeches to the camera. Most companies will then professionally edit the video messages onto a personalised DVD for the couple to cherish (or laugh at!) for a long time.To round up, photo booths are slightly more expensive but worth it for the pictures and the fun it creates for the guests. Video stands are great for couples on a budget and they have a brilliant selection of candid well wishes from family and friends they can keep forever.

Verdict: Love them both!

The importance of... LIGHTING

The potential use of lighting at a wedding should never be under estimated. It helps create ambience, provides depth of colour and injects additional personality and cohesiveness into the ceremony or reception venue. I’m sure we’ve all been to weddings which would have been transformed into something a little more special with the use of a few more light effects. Think of winter weddings struggling in the gloomy light or a summer marquee event with acres of dazzling white walls. The addition of clever, fun and interesting lighting can result in your wedding looking stunning; and the great news is it doesn’t have to cost the earth either!

Romantic candle light

Many couples will use either candles or candelabra’s at their reception; however you don’t have to use them just on the tables. Storm lanterns could be used to light up a driveway or entrance area creating some initial wow factor to arriving guests. Floor standing candelabras could be placed around the church or reception room to create further warmth and atmosphere. Additional candles could be placed on the cake table, around the seating plan or on mantle pieces. What about placing scented ones in the toilets? Alternative Occasions Ltd are experts in creating an amazing ambiance and offer a huge range of different candelabras and other lighting services. Even if your venue has a 'no naked flame' policy there are still plenty of battery candles to choose from and give the same flickering effect as real ones.

Atmospheric up lighting

LED lights are another great way to creative atmosphere, Duncan Owen from Effectevent Ltd specialises in creating a unique feel to any venue inside and out. Their huge range of colour filters means the lighting effect will tie in beautifully with the flowers, theme and venue. Duncan commented “lighting affects the mood of our celebrations. It also helps us to bring the event to life and gives you a really professional ‘finish’. It also gives a much better backdrop to the photos which will be treasured for years to come”. The lights can also be changed from day to evening lighting at a touch of a button. For example, a light pink glow can be changed to a dark cerise for a more dramatic backdrop in the evening.

Striking light curtains

For couples wanting a slightly more striking effect then a light curtain either behind the top table or the entertainment can be as dramatic or as romantic as you like. The Wedding Lounge team have transformed some rather dull and boring spaces into spectacular wedding venues, creating some serious wow factor. There is something rather simple and stylish adding light curtains, fairy lights and lengths of voile fabric; it also helps to cover up unsightly air conditioning units, office lighting or unsightly ceiling tiles which is always a bonus!

From top left clockwise pictures courtesy of:

Alternative Occasions Ltd dressing Pembroke Lodge for a stunning wedding.

Beautiful floor standing candelabra available to hire from Alternative Occasions Ltd

Warming up lighting effects from Effectevent Ltd

Effectevent Ltd creating a dramatic entrance outside Nonsuch Mansion using up lighting and storm lanterns.

Example of a stunning light curtain from The Wedding Lounge.

For brides on a budget and are thinking about hiring a school, village or town hall, these spaces can be dramatically changed into something special with the use of different lighting effects and drapes. Our recommendation is if you have either a small budget or if you have any budget left over; investing in additional lighting would be a very wise choice.

Amalie Loves... CUTICUP CUPCAKES

As it's "Fab Friday" I thought I'd give a shout out to the awesomeness that is the CutiCup cupcake. These beautiful little angels come in 6 different flavours with colourful creamy frosting and limitless topping possibilities including glitter and bespoke decorations to match any theme. Their range of quirky and beautiful wedding cupcakes means couples will have very happy guests munching on their own little piece of perfection either for dessert or as a special favour.

CutiCups creator Jeni Hall confirmed the quality of each cup cake: “CutiCups are freshly baked the day before your wedding and are individually iced and decorated. We are very proud to say that no additives or preservatives are added to our cakes. All you will find in our cupcakes are the finest ingredients such as lovely free range eggs, thick creamy butter and a lot of CutiCups love!”

Loving the on so on trend vintage inspired cupcakes and also the Easter range (not particularly relating to weddings we know, but they look exceedingly yummy!). View the full range or order now from their fab website www.cuticups.com

Every day should be a cup cake day!

Amalie Loves... ALESIA BARRY CANDLES

Now, lovers of all things beautiful are in for a real treat as Alesia Barry have just launched a fabulous new range of candles which are not only top quality but also smell divine too.

They are all beautifully hand-made from creamy soy wax (biodegradable, non-toxic, burns twice as long as normal wax), and the highest quality of fragrances and essential oils to create the gorgeous aroma. Because these are made to order, they take a while longer to make (up to a week), however they are seriously special and would fill the church or reception with a beautiful fragrance everyone will enjoy.

The owner Aleisa Broad told me earlier “the centrepiece candles burn straight down the middle which means the beautiful ribbon and Swarovski crystal detail remains intact. This means the client can keep the beautiful candle after the wedding or event as a keepsake”.

They are all reasonably priced too, especially as they are all hand-made using natural and eco-friendly ingredients and packaging. The beautifully votive candles would make awesome gifts for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom or as wedding favours for guests. They would also make excellent gifts if attending a wedding and also Christmas or christenings (well just about any time really!!).

Please go to their fabulous website www.alesiabarry.co.uk to check out their full range.

Gorgeous!