Tag Archives: wedding planning

WHY DO I NEED A WEDDING STYLIST?

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A couple of weeks ago, or maybe the week before…who even knows any more?! I put up a question on my Instagram stories asking what honestly puts you off hiring a wedding stylist.

And yes, there were a few recurring answers which came up. Theres plenty of reasons not to hire a stylist and really loved your honesty for these below, thank you (those questions and polls on Insta really are really so helpful and always love that you get involved.)

I’d like to start by asking you to to visualise the day before your wedding day, of course this isn’t going to be every brides lead up but I have been doing this many years and have certainly seen this scenario play out more than a few times. But it might show just how valuable a wedding stylist could be and how they really are more than just hired help the week of your wedding…

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The day before your wedding
You are most likely late leaving for your venue because there is tonnes to load in the car. Already feeling a bit anxious if you have left anything behind. You arrive at your venue and know there is no time to enjoy your check-in and settle in because you have several suppliers arriving with props, furniture, catering equipment and the florist will be there too. Family and friends are going to be arriving all through the afternoon to help with the DIY set up. You start unboxing everything you have collected, as well as the props you’ve hired and aren’t exactly sure where to start. People arrive but there isn’t time to show them round properly now, you need them to start putting candles in holders. More friends and family arrive and you know at 5pm you want to be finished set up and actually start enjoying the evening together as you have envisioned for months as a little pre-wedding celebration, but as time ticks on you realise its going to be a much later finish. Everyone offers help, it’s overwhelming as you know how you want the set up to look but can’t relay that to everyone easily, and you end up doing much more yourself. You start to feel frustrated and wish there was more time, its not the set up day you had in your head and worried as more needs to be finished on the morning of the wedding, who will help with that?

Ok so I know many brides absolutely love doing their own decor set up and DIY for them was pure bliss and really enjoyed working on the set up with friends and family around.
But if you do have lots of friends and family coming from afar and want to spend a weekend with them, help can be so valuable across your weekend. You know a stylist will have the days vision and a huge check list ready to put into action and set up and can return on the wedding day to finish any final details you wouldn’t necessarily be able to check yourself or feel comfortable leaving to family.
It comes down to how you want to feel in the days and hours leading up to walking down the aisle and I genuinely think being relaxed enough to trust your stylist and just overjoyed at your wedding set up being totally in hand so you can enjoy that precious time with family and friends, well could that be priceless on one of the biggest weekends of your life??

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COST.
Of course this came up the most. Yes it is an additional cost but my styling service is much more than just turning up the day before for a set up. I have initial consultations to find out about who you are and what your vision is, I will meet you at the venue and walk round with you giving more ideas for making the decor even more impactful, draw up a mood board you can then share with other creative suppliers, call you 1 month before the wedding to go over in detail all the areas for set up, a full day styling the day before with assitants, the day of the wedding for those final tweaks and back again the day after to pack up all my hire pieces so again you can be with family saying your goodbyes. I am invested with you on your styling journey and ensure every last detail is executed how you imagined it would be.

I have 7 years in the industry so a wealth of knowledge on set ups and always prepared for anything unexpected to happen, with a full styling kit with everything required to make a set up happen. I hope to add lots of new ideas and vision into the process for you too, suggesting adding in personalised touches as much as possible to really showcase a day that represents you both.

I would also actually argue that a stylist can save you money, because by using their expertise you can put more budget into the ‘wow’ moments of the day and draw back on other elements using their advice to guide the design.

NOT GOING TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE FOR VISION.

This came up a few times too. You honestly cannot offend me, if you don’t like suggestions theres nothing you have to have and advice is just that. I always like to guide couples and share what may be the best outcome visually but if it isn’t working for you then we just move to another option. Often budget for those final details plays a big part and I have helped many couples draw back on those final details but still delivered a super stylish day.

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WORRIED YOU WON’T BE INVOLVED IN THE SET UP.

Lots of you we’re also worried you wouldn’t be involved in the set up and think a team would come in and take over everything. This isn’t the case with LL at all. Usually its me you’ll see and an assistant (maybe two) who will come in and start the set up. I understand brides and grooms want to be involved and see the space evolve and always want you to feel involved though the set up day, and the same goes with family who want to feel involved, I can always find little tasks for anyone.
Of course if you want to also let the whole transformation be a surprise (and just guests only see it on the wedding day) this is possible too of course. It’s always your call with how the set up goes.
You also might only have On-the-Day access to your venue so again the set up service is super helpful for those couples who know we have a plan in place and can relax on the wedding morning knowing you’ll walk out to picture perfect decor.

NOT BUDGETED FOR ONE AND NOT SEEN THE VALUE OF ONE.

Lots of people don’t have a stylist in the initial budget because it can be a bit of an after thought. A stylist can come in earlier with your plans or later, with helping with the set up for your own vision. I offer a ‘Lend-A-Hand’ package which is a set up and pack down service essentially for those couples looking to have a creative eye on board but realised later in the planning the value of help with setting up.

Are you considering a stylist? Do you have any other concerns or questions about how a LL set up happens? I’d love to hear from you, feel free to email or message and find more on my styling services here.

Images – Nicola Dixon Photography  / Workshop – Wild Ones Community / Shoot assistant – LW Events / Styling and Hire – The Little Lending Company / Flowers – SassFlower/ Venue – The Giraffe Shed / Dresses – Jean Jackson Couture / Mens Suit – Asos / Chair Hire and Tableware  – CMA Hire / Hand dyed Linen – MiaSylviaa

Penny x

HOW TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DIFFERENT TO EVERYONE ELSE’S.

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Making your wedding different doesn’t mean you need to be totally mad and off the wall with your ideas. It’s just thinking about the things that make you two happiest as a couple.

Image via Nouba wedding blog.

Image via Nouba wedding blog.

What makes you two tick?
Let your world and your loves in life inspire your day. Don’t go changing what you love in real life just to make an ‘ideal’ wedding.
Take inspiration from what you do together; places you spend your Summers, music you dance to, art exhibitions you’ve loved, films you’ve laughed at, a poem that hangs in your home, a book you quote to each other, a person that inspires you, colours in your home…you get the gist.

Think outside the wedding box.
During the planning process keep a notebook and your camera with you at all times. This might sound obvious but you never know when inspiration will strike. You might hear a song lyric you’d love written up for a backdrop or you might see an incredible street artist with the perfect coloured pants for the grooms men…


Images via She is Magic Tumblr + Green wedding shoes.com

Step away from Pinterest.
Be inspired by who you are not by what others have done. It’s all too easy to get inspired by those pretty pins and want to do it just like they have. I’m a big Pinterest fan, use it but always let yourselves shape the day and the final design.

Bring a bit of yourselves to the reception.
Bring items you love from home to dress your venue, let your current obsessions in interior decor become part of the decor. Take inspiration from your hobbies. Think about using your nicknames if you’re not too worried about formalities. If there’s something you both own that everyone knows you for it should totally make the wedding decor.


Images via Brit.co + Intimate weddings.com

Get family and friends involved.
Friends and family will love being asked to get involved. Ask your family what they have tucked in garages and lofts, it’s bound to be a talking point on the day too. If you love looking back, maybe you have some old nostalgia tucked away that can be pulled out for the big day?

Let planning your wedding be a personal as possible, after all it’s all about the joining of two hearts and two families.

Penny @ The Little Lending Co. X

HOW TO FIND COOL WEDDING SUPPLIERS.

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Being a unique, stylish couple can be the biggest blessing but also the biggest curse. Knowing what you want for your day feels so amazing, but along the way there will always be a little bit of compromise; from finding amazing decor pieces which are never ‘just up the road’ or are completely unaffordable to venue restrictions and family just not getting what you’re trying to achieve.

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Doughnut Lab : Uber cool local Norfolk company with Doughnuts to die for!

Getting your day, your way can feel like climbing a giant mountain. Don’t get disheartened, work out what’s truly important and a must-have for the day and put your efforts into making it a reality. I truly believe having a group of perfect wedding suppliers that have your back makes the whole thing so much easier. But how do you find them?!…

– Smaller, cooler and on-point suppliers can take some finding; don’t stop on page 1 of google, keep scrolling and using different search terms. Depending on your style or what you’re looking for, there’s always more than one way to search : Prop hire, Wedding decor, Event hire, Venue decor…

– Go social and search Instagram # and get really specific with those tag searches. Try searching more local tags to you e.g ‘#NorfolkWedding’, ‘NorwichWedding’ or # your local venues name to see who’s been there. I found our wedding DJ’s on Instagram through a photographers page who had commented on their photo, it really works!

– Facebook stalk, I mean really stalk! Look at pages liked by the pages you have liked already, be sure to get notifications from your favourite suppliers as collaborations they work on with local wedding folk could be right up your street.

– Check out cool wedding fair supplier lists : The Most Curious Fair’s directory is amazing for a pool of local, cool suppliers. Godwick Barn’s wedding fair in the Autumn also boasts some really quirky wedding suppliers too.

– Talk to suppliers you have booked for their recommendations. If you’re clicking with a supplier you’ve booked it’s more than likely you’ll have lots in common and they’ll know a heap of other suppliers you’d love. I’m always happy to help our couples stuck in a search rut.

– Just please don’t rush into booking a supplier out of desperation! Check them out across all their social sites, FB, IG, Pinterest and Twitter to see if you’re on the same page. When you get your suppliers right it will be a total joy and a breeze.

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Dust with Cocoa : Creative local cake company that we’re crushin’ on.

(Both the pictured suppliers are going to be at The Most Curious wedding fair in Norwich on the 20th March next month, we’re so flipping’ excited about this show. Be sure to keep an eye on our Instagram as plans and prep take shape!)

How is your supplier search going?
The Little Lending Co. X

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY – A GUIDE TO TIMINGS.

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You’ve planned the big day down to the hour and you know exactly when your due to have a glass of fizz in hand and when you’re due to be heading to the dance floor to shake your grove thing…All your suppliers know exactly where they need to be when but have you put as much thought into the day before? It’s worth giving it some or you might find yourself still at the venue when you should be enjoying cocktails with the girls and getting those nails nailed! Hopefully this little guide will leave you with more time to spare to enjoy the build up on your last night as a free woman…

Getting ahead : Be sure to start a list a few weeks before with everything you’ll need at the venue and start allocating helpers; get some muscles around but also maybe a mum with some patience for fiddly jobs.
From irons for the linen to scissors, tape, pins and more, get those bags pre-packed. Check that the venue has a ladder that you can use if you need one. Also ask about any extension cables for electrics too if you have light or sound to go in. And don’t forget to pack gaffer tape for unsightly cables.

THE MORNING :

Unloading cars : Well I’m kind of a pro now at packing and unloading vehicles! Try to pack as much as possible before the morning into stackable boxes for the car. Leave yourselves at least 30 minutes for each car load (with one person) or get as many people as poss to grab a box to take in if you’re doing multiple car loads to the venue.

Hanging things first : This always take longer than you think, allow 1-2 hours. Always do this first as you don’t want to be doing it around the furniture later. Put two people on this so they’re not going up and down ladders as much. Maybe ask your venue if it’s something that can be done the day before the day before.

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Gazaebos and Structures : Seriously, leave these for the boys to do! Allow 1-2 hours. Make sure they have the instructions (although, if they’re anything like my boy they won’t read it any way!) Again, ask if your venue would let this go up before the day before if you’re doing it yourselves. If it’s a ceremony structure think about guy ropes if it’s going to be up overnight.

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People : Make sure you have enough hands on deck. It’s important to leave yourself free to check everything over and give direction (I loved this bit!) Leave others to pop out and get anything so you’re always around. I would have about 5-6 people around to help on the day, any more you’ll find people aren’t that helpful and just getting under your toes. Use people to put items in the right areas in the morning or near the tables they will be going onto.

AFTER LUNCH :

Prepare Stations : Sweet tables, cake table, cards and gift book table – take your time on these layering the props you have and creating height and interest. Allow 1-2 hours. If your florist needs to add to these and they’re coming down on the day of the wedding then leave a note on the specific stations for them, it’s not always possible to decide on flower placement until the you see the set up.

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Table Tops : The last thing to decorate. Put the linen on tables last to keep them looking crisp. Your venue might have dust sheets but some people/catering companies like to dress tables on the morning even. Do one table setting with favours etc for your caterer to follow, will save you loads of time!

Styling your aisle : If your getting married at a church or another place to your reception and you’re adding extra decor here leave this until most of the venue is already set by the afternoon to give you peace of mind. Leave yourself an hour for this.

Lighting : Add this after your main table centres once all decor is done (unless it’s hanging lighting of course) it’s easier to fit in afterwards and see where you’d like a little candle light.

Before you head off : Cover everything with a dust sheet. Pack away all the packaging and boxes from out of sight (you’ll still need quite a few people around for this.) If anything needs to be set up outside on the day leave it all together by the doors for your venue staff with a picture or sketch even so that it’s spot on.

If you’re styling your own wedding be sure to check out our A-Z guide on ‘How to style your own wedding‘ or ask about our styling services to help make your day before less of a chore…

Images via Wedding chicks, 100 layer cake.

Too excited for all our Lenders this summer…
Penny @ The Little Lending Co. X

AN A-Z OF STYLING YOUR OWN WEDDING. (PART 2)

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Hello again Little Lenders,

I really hope the first part of this blog was useful and given you a few tips and pointers for styling your own day. Without further ado, here is part 2.

N – NOTE DOWN YOUR SUPPLIERS

Keep a list of the suppliers you’ll be using for your wedding day in one place. Also when they’ll need access to your venue so that you can let your venue know. It’s worth giving this list to someone who is on site the day before to check that everyone has been and a list of numbers in case something dosent go to plan.

0 – O.T.T

It’s OK to go a little Over The Top and add a little WOW factor (It’s only your blinking Wedding day!) Create a talking point with your decor, a big entrance or a ceremony focal point with a difference. Your photographer will love you for it too.

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Image via 100 layer cake.

P – PINTEREST

Pinterest can be the greatest source of inspiration and at times the greatest curse. Once you have pinned and planned an idea you really, really love step away from the pins. There will always be more ideas than time! Go with what your gut instinct is telling you for your decor and you won’t go far wrong. And I always say simplicity can rule more often than not. A lot of the ideas you see on Pinterest have been created by teams of stylists and professional wedding hire teams with access to lots of tools and even machinery. If you think you can nail the look with your family and loved ones then go for it, if you think it’s beyond your skills set keep things a little simpler with the set-up.

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Image source Ruffled Blog.

Q – QUALITY NOT QUANTITY

More is not more. Give your props, decor pieces and big ideas a space to shine.

R – READY FOR ANYTHING

Packing an essential ‘on the day Styling bag’ is a total must. You just know you’ll need to re-iron those table topper cloths again. Ours includes : Scissors, string, pins, cable ties, bulldog clips, gaffe tape and electrical tape, iron and thick towel and plenty of bin bags. Pack some glass cleaner and kitchen roll too to touch up glass wear. These are the items that you’ll definitely find yourself looking for.

S – SPACES

Make or ask for a floor plan of your venue and go to your venue to take photos from all angles. It will keep you on track when you’re planning something for a wall that actually has a door in the middle of it, or you’d like to plug some lights in but there is no socket anywhere near by. (Cue gaffa tape from your kit…)

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Image via Style Me Pretty.

T – TEAM WORK

Sounds crazy, but assign a ‘set-up’ day team of friends and family to help. Delegate jobs out with rough timings for each task before you arrive at the venue; hanging the bunting, dressing the cards table (some pictures from your Pinterest boards for friends will really help make sure it’s spot on too)… Letting other people help with jobs will leave you more free to act as the head stylist make sure everything is just as you envisioned. Try to leave some time at the end of the day to do final checks so you can sleep easy knowing everything looks perfecto.

U – UNDERSTANDING SUPPLIERS

Picking suppliers that really understand you and your style is crucial and make your wedding planning heaps less daunting. Set up a meeting or go for a coffee with your photographer and florist to make sure you’re on the same page. All good suppliers will want to get to know what you’re about as a couple and what you really want. Then, really all you need to do is trust them to do what they do best.

V – VENUE

When picking your venue make sure it will compliment the styling that you have in mind. A rustic aesthetic is going to be really hard to achieve in a modern, urban building. It will save you lots of styling work and help you style simply and effectively if you choose a venue that has the feel you’re after.

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Green Wedding Shoes.

W – WEATHER

If it all gets a little soggy have you thought of a back up plan? How much of your day are you reliant on being outside? Make sure you let your wedding caterer or co-ordinator know Plan B if the weather does take a U-turn and can help make the necessary changes to ensure a smooth turnaround of the day. No-one wants soggyy sandwiches or bottoms for that matter.

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Rock my wedding.

X – ‘X’ MARKS THE SPOT

Sign your wedding well – Right from the roads leading to the venue. There is nothing worse than having a hidden beauty of a venue that no-one can find. It will create excitement on the drive through too.

Y – YES I CAN

Be confident that you can bring all the elements of your wedding decor together, you’ve been planning for months and it will all be totally rad. If things don’t look quite pin-worthy don’t fret, ask your florist or venue co-ordinator for their opinion as they’ll usually tell you what you could tweak with their creative eye.

Z – ZZZ

Take some time after setting up the decor to really take it all in. On the day it all goes so quickly, give your self and team a big pat on the back. Get yourself a glass of bubbles and hot bath then get a good nights sleep.

There you have it our guide to styling your own wedding day. Are you looking forward to styling your own day? Missed Part 1 – Find it here.

It’s going to be a whole lot of fun…
The Little Lending Co. x

AN A-Z OF STYLING YOUR OWN WEDDING. (PART 1)

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So if you’re anything like me you won’t be able to contain yourself when it comes to the decor and styling of your day. I absolutely loved that part (hence setting up this little company.)
But theres quite a few things I wish I’d know before I started my wedding styling mission and so I’ve put together this A-Z guide for a quick look at just what it’s going to take.

A – ATHMOUSPHERE

Creating a brilliant, buzzing atmosphere is the ultimate achievement for any wedding day. Think about adding in lots of your personality and some good old fashioned quirk; through sentimental signage, alternative guest books or a cracking cake topper with something a little off the wall. Guests will enjoy all the fun details and really get into the spirit of your day.

B – BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

A little bit of pretty goes a long way on a wedding day. Personally not into really girly colours and cute, twee details so adding some pretty through floral accents was the way I added my pretty. Pockets of florals on table plans and on props will make all the difference.

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Artfully Wed.

C – COLOUR

Having a colour scheme in mind can really help to pull everything together. Right from sending your Save The Date cards, to bridesmaid dress colour and flower arrangements. Even if you just have a favourite object you both love at home, a pattern or print just keep it with you while planning and out shopping – you never know when inspiration may strike.

D – DETAIL

Make a list of all the areas that could be potentially styled at your venue. The Bar, Food stations, Cards/Gifts, Entrance and Ceremony aisle and work out where you’d like to make the most impact. Adding little pockets of detail to other areas like Welcome signage and order of the day boards, the dance floor and even the toilets will make your day something to shout about.

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Image via Ruffled Blog.

E – EFFORT

It really will take up a lot of your free time, evenings, weekends and sometimes you can feel that the wedding decor is consuming your every thought. (And boys, this might start to craze you when every conversation is about the W-day) but just know that it’s worth every ounce of effort.

F – FAVOURS

Call in the favours, keeping in budget is all about begging, borrowing and sometimes yes even stealing what ever you can. (I remember rummaging in abandoned skips!) The same goes with skill sets crafty Carpenter friends, Aspiring artists, Budding Florists…Use who you know. Most people will love being asked to be involved in the day.

G – GRUBS UP

We’ve posted before about food displays in our Make your wedding decor Rock blog. It’s really thinking over (or having a pin session) on how you can add some interest.

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Image source Green Wedding Shoes.

H – HOME-MADE

There are some AWESOME DIY tutorials on the internet, and make for personality in a truck load, but just be aware of the time it can all take. Don’t commit to too much before the big day, if the 1,000 origami paper cranes are only 100 don’t sweat it, you did your best.

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Image via Ruffled Blog.

I – INDECISION

One of the hardest points of wedding styling is making those initial decisions about the day you want. Sit down with your fiancee and think about you two, your loves and style. Picking out the venue and the type of day you want your guests to have will really help things fall into place. Working out if you’re going to be walking bare foot through a meadow to a tipi ceremony or you’d much prefer an English stately house to sip Pimms in the garden can be one of the hardest decisions through all the planning. I love Coco wedding venues concept of choosing your venue through 6 of their style categories, Bohemian Beats, Rustic Romance, Costal Cool….Go for a gander, it’s great.

J – JUGGLING

Juggling wedding planning around life can be pretty tough at times. Have a look at our handy timeline and find out what really needs to be done when. Styling elements really are one of the last things to think about believe it or not (even though I know you started pinning table centres as soon as he popped the question.)

K – KICK START THE SET UP

Make the most of the whole day on the site dressing your venue. Basically, it takes longer than you think. Take a packed lunch and plenty of drinks too if you’re in the middle of no-where, nothing worse than loosing a couple of hours to search out food. Try to really think about what you’ll need on site.

L – LIGHTING

Again this is one of the key elements that will really set the mood for the day. Feature lighting displays and oodles of candle light just makes everything more magical. We can’t recommend enough adding lights outside for when the sun dips, candles in hanging jars, festoons or strings from the trees, it’s totally worth it.

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Style Me Pretty.

M – MONEY

Keep a list of all the suppliers and contacts and when their payment is due, if you can pay suppliers off early it’s going to make it much less complicated than on the day payments. It’s the last thing you want to be worrying about (even if the Usher is sorting this for you, because lets face it, after a few Jagerbomb’s he’s not going to know where that cheque for the DJ is!)

So, did you find Part 1 helpful? What are you finding challenging with your decor styling details? Drop us an email at thelittlelendingcompany@gmail.com – we’d be more than happy to help with any dilemmas.

See you soon for Part 2.
The Little Lending Co. x

2015 WEDDING TRENDS.

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At The Little Lending Co. we’re all about embracing your individualism and taking a side-step away from what your wedding ‘should’ look like. This year especially I’m sure couples will be infusing more charm and character of their own, their quirks, interests and loves for more relaxed, stylish and unique days.

….But, there are 4 key themes we seem to be pinning daily and they’re making us really excited about the year ahead. We’re not saying stick to the trends and we love a couple that do just the opposite but these ideas are making us crazy about 2015 and what our couples will be creating.

MODERN BRIGHT

Oh yes! Colour pops and fluro highlights – tell your guests to bring their sunnies as it’s about to all get a little brighter. Loving the popping pinks and luminous oranges that have been paired up with shimmering gold highlights all over Pinterest. Think Dip dyed napkins (*blog post coming soon*) striking and geo-metric patterned table runners, modern mid-century furnishing and more cacti and succulents you can shake a stick at. Hanging Himmeli shapes and eccentric bold florals. Pop a couple of plastic flamingos in the mix and you have the perfect nod to a modern, hot summers celebration. Definatley not a look for the faint hearted this one.

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Ruffled Blog

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Stylemepretty.com

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Green Wedding Shoes.

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NOMAD SPIRIT

For the pair that love the outdoors, our freedom seekers. Free Spirited and bohemian decor is going to move forward into 2015. We’re excited about seeing more beautiful boho brides and their boys create the ultimate in laid-back days. Kick off your shoes and tie feathers in your hair. Add natural, textural and found items through your decor. Dream Catchers as a focal point, Antlers, drift wood and pebble place settings against true linen napkins and runners. An easy palette of mushroom and dove greys subtly paired with gem stone pinks and well-trod faded colours from traditional persian rugs under foot. Divine.

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The wedding Chicks.com

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Stylefiles.com

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Monclertopus.com

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Graceloveslace.com

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delusionalillusionsoflove.com

INDUSTRIAL COOL

A huge fan here of industrial settings and go mad over a warehouse wedding. Bare brick walls, exposed copper pipes and a big lighting statement is what you’ll need for this look. Bring beaten up eclectic furniture for lounging areas for guests. Cool concrete accents and copper containers feel new. Quirky catering vans and stations really makes this a winning cool kids dream trend. Use old palettes for feature walls or bars and work in metal drawers and filing cabinets *coming soon to our hire range* for something different for guests to find their favours. Still adore a string of festoon lights to brighten up the evening.

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Stylingpics.tumblr.com

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Ruffled Blog.com

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Ruffled.com

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Image via Flickr.com

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The Wedding Chicks.com

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Ruffled.com

SIMPLISTIC MINIMALISM

I am always for ‘Less is More’ – I really believe in the ethos of the simpler the better. Minimal decor and fuss creates for more focus on the newly weds. White on white has a pure ceremonial quality about it. White cloths, flowers and dress. Totally Timeless. I love the botanical and slightly over-grown elements that can add an etherial feel for this trend – over-run glasshouses or greenery hanging above the tables or tubing trails of green and white on tables. Add clear vessels and glass bottles with single stems in nooks. Bare wooden table tops and rustic ‘home-made’ displayed finger foods for the wedding breakfast keep everything easy. Bring a whole lot of white candle light in the evening for a subtle finish.

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Jessica Lorren | Snippet & Ink
Snippet and Ink

Are you keen to incorporate some of these alternative new trends into your day? These trend boards and more added to daily to our Pinterest boards here.

Happy pinning,
The Little Lending Co. x

TODAY IS THE DAY.

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Today is the Day

So you have spent months researching, shopping, spending, planning & preparing and it all boils down to this one amazing day.

The dress is hanging beautifully ready for you, the cake is being set up at the venue, guests are starting their journeys, your bridesmaids are not yet awake – Today is the day.

This post has a few points of advice for brides-to-be ‘on the day’ written by a married lady who’s been through it and has got the ‘I GOT MARRIED AND SURVIVED’ T-shirt.

Before everyone wakes up I would just take a few minuets to take in how you are feeling on that really special morning, the adrenaline will be pumping more than on christmas morning already! Maybe take a selfie of your ‘excited’ face to really capture it – mines just ridiculous! I showed it to my man on honeymoon and still look back at it now. Its one of those feelings you’ll forever want to capture.

Next I’d say take a hot bath with some amazing fancy bubble bath (if it compliments the perfume you’ll be wearing, even better) it will really help you relax at the start of the day.

You probablly won’t feel like eating much (unless your like me – had a full brekky and cake before 10am!) but grab a banana or a cereal bar for a bit of energy as you’ll forget in all the madness later.

Take time for a glass of bubbles with your girls or mama before your house/room turns into picadilly circus.

Think about where you’d like your dress hanging photograph taken – I forgot this totally and ended up in front of the bathroom door!

Make sure you’re the first to have your hair done – leave alot more time that you think you need for hair and make-up if you’re doing it yourself. If you have a MUA relax and trust them.

You will probablly run late – thats ok, just don’t fret or panic about being late. You’ll get there when your ready and people expect it anyway.

Tell your mum you love her when you get into your dress – its a precious moment.

A few sprays of Rescue Rememdy in the car will help those last minuite nerves. My legs we’re like jelly but I felt weirdly calm and just too excited.

Kiss your dad before you go down the aisle, its a huge moment for them, giving you away.

Smile and take in those smiling faces as you walk up the aisle – its your moment to shine!

Remember to put some water in the car for after the service. A friend told me this advice and we forgot. This is now me passing this on to you – you will need a drink.

The only moment that I managed to sit and take in was sitting at the top table when our mums and dads we’re chatting and my groom was taking a quick picture on my phone (at my request as I wanted to have a picture to look at the next morning) As I sat facing out to all our most loved friends and family I can honestly say I have not felt happier in my life. I literally tried to breathe in that moment, to store in my heart forever.

So much of the day flys by – don’t sweat the small stuff that didn’t go right, just take in everyones smiling faces and happy comments for you both.

Take 15 minuites away from the day to create some camera magic that you’ll love in years to come. Take a minute to think about your wedding shots of ‘just you two’ with your photographer.

Savour the first dance and tell your man just how perfect it’s been.

Remember those people who were there at the end, dance wildly with them. Make it a hell of a night and forget trying to save the dress – you won’t be wearing it again!

Have an amazing day,
The Little Lending Co. x

TIMINGS.

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Don't be so hard on yourself

As an ex-bride (Oh I wish I could be a bride every year) and having gone though all the planning myself I now know when things actually need to get booked.
There are lots of scary timelines out there, and yes if you love a venue or have your heart set on a photographer then I’d say get right onto it as soon as you can as they can get booked up to 2 years in advance…

But there are some things that really you do have a little more time to think about and research well and buy, beg, steal or borrow for the day!

Here’s our rough guide line for 12 months of planning. But i’ve known friends do it in 5 and planning a wedding day really does depend on the couple – if you’re super laid back then half a year may be too long but if you’ve been dreaming of this day since you we’re knee high you may want to take 2 years to get it just right and make the most of being a bride-to-be.

12 MONTHS TO GO:
-Chat to your hubby-to-be about the type of day you’d like and start heading round some of the venues. You may have to compromise on your dream date if the wedding is looking pretty busy, or wait a little longer to marry just where you want.
-If your having a church wedding then make arrangements there. If the church isn’t in your parish you may need to speak to the vicar about joining the congregation for at least 6 months to be allowed to marry there if you have no other connections to the church.
-Start looking at photographers as soon as poss and get in touch to arrange meetings to see how they work and if you connect.
-Set that budget and start saving! (You will go over)
-Email caterers and get costings together for the food you’ll be wanting.

9 MONTHS TO GO:
-Book the caterer.
-Ask your wedding party if they will do the honours; bridesmaids, best man, maid-of-honour and ushers. Might be a good time to ask family or friends if they’d like to read at the service too.
-Write the guest list!
-Send out save the date cards (if you we’re going to)
-Start looking for THE dress, try on as many as you need – the shops don’t mind, really.
-Research you cake maker, great to pop along to local wedding fairs to find some inspiration and try a few tasters!
-Think about the invites and stationery you’ll be needing.
-Wedding music/band/DJ’s, book them in!

6 MONTHS TO GO:
-Book transport, not only for getting there but for getting back to the hotel too!
-Think about your decor and details at the ceremony and venue and the vibe you want to create for the day.
-Look for Bridesmaids and Groomsmens’ attire and accessories.
-Book your Honeymoon! Woop!
-Go to another dress fitting.
-Reserve your hotel for the wedding night.
-If you’re having hair and make-up done, find your pro now!
-Send out the invites. That’s when it will all feel very real.

3 MONTHS TO GO:
-Buy the wedding rings
-Think about your wedding favours.
-Start the dreaded seating plan (it will change 100x’s before the day!)
-Finalise Table Decoration and Venue decor – Star to source or hire. (We’re happy to help for last minute detail if we have the items even with 3 weeks notice we can help!)

2 MONTHS TO GO:
-Confirm the menu with caterers and rough run through of times for the day with them.
-Choose music for the ceremony and night, and that important First Dance!
-Confirm everything with your registrar.

1 MONTH TO GO:
-Stay off the do-nuts now as its last fitting time and picking up the dress!
-Run through with everyone involved in the day their roles and what they need to bring.
-Write your place settings up for the final seating plan – caterers and venues like a copy about now.

2 WEEKS TO GO:
-Check all the details with all you suppliers and make sure they have full addresses and phone numbers. Pay anyone that hasn’t already been, the less hassle the week before the better.
-Practice your hair and make-up at least once.
-Buy your thankyou gifts for people that played a part to hand out on the day.

1 WEEKK TO GO:
-Re-confirm times with the venue and co-ordinator.
-Have your run-though of the ceremony.
-Have a massage or really long bath and a large glass of wine. It’s about now everything starts to go 100 miles an hour. Take it all in, this is going to be the best week ever.

THE DAY BEFORE:
-Stay calm!
-Have your nails done.
-Set up the tables and decor at your venue, if anything needs to be put out in the morning show the caterer/co-orinator where things are to go.
-Try and get an early night or if not stay up and watch Bridesmaids with the girls.

I downloaded a checklist on my phone, there are some great free app’s out there and as my phone was rarely out of my hand it was perfect for checking things on the go or before bed.

There is alot to do and think about all for one day so from time to time forget about the ‘to do’ list and give your favourite a hug. If things don’t go to plan don’t beat yourself up – there will still be a beautiful wedding and thats what its all about.

Happy Planning,
The Little Lending Co. x

2014 WEDDING THEMES.

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So you’re planning your big day this year and its impossible to ignore the key trends and themes coming through for 2014. Pintrest and Blogs are awash with the finest weddings picking up on key colours, decor and dress trends.

The clear message were getting is Individualism and thinking out side that traditional wedding box. Here’s what were feeling for.

LETS GO OUTSIDE :
More and more brides are searching for a perfect scenic outdoor celebration venue – From woodland Glades, Beach Cliff Tops, Village Greens and even back gardens. It seems even our British weather can’t dampen the enthusiasm for planning an entireley outdoor day. Alot more relaxed get-to-gethers and simple gatherings are popping up where guests are asked to bring their own seat and picnic along. It’s perfect for the laid-back bohemian brides among you. Street food vans and home-made dishes are the order of these do’s.

Image Via shedesignsblog.com

Image Via shedesignsblog.com

KITSCH:
Quirky and Unique. A big nod to nostalgia and anything your nan collects and you’ll have this wrapped up. Old vintage record players, mis-matched china and odd ornament cake toppers should do it. Retro items that will make you say ‘Oh I remember those’ are the perfect way to get guests talking. Let there be light with Giant Light up letters with kooky messages to your loved ones or you and your partners Initials on the dance floor.

Image Via Etsy

Image Via Etsy

COLOUR :
Gorgeous nude, peach and soft pastels are still going to be arround – think almost sickly sweet colours of lilacs and lemon yellows too. But theres a real move to brides not getting so hung up on a colour ‘pallette’ as much. Anything goes – the more levels of colour, texture and prints the better! If its all topped off with a splash of glittering gold to really spell out PARTY it will be a colour sensation.

Image Via ohjoy.blogs.com

Image Via ohjoy.blogs.com

RUSTIC:
Oh its going to be a wonderfully rustic filled summer. And we of course cannot wait to get into the full swing of wedding season with so many of our brides marrying simply in Barns, farms and paddocks and remote churches. Relaxed is the only word for this type of wedding – gone are the days of match-matchy. Use traditional and distressed furniture and easy styling ideas from times gone by. Brides, nows the time to wear flowers in your hair and walk the asile bare foot to your guests seated on haybales. Afternoon tea and a barbe in the evening sun is the perfect food for the day.

Image Via Lovemydress.net

Image Via Lovemydress.net

If you’re looking for any decor or props for your day drop us an email to book an appointment to come and have a rummage in our garage – lots to see and inspire you. We can really help finish off the look!

Happy Planning,
The Little Lending Co. x