July 17th, 2009 by
Guest
The Final Touch of Icing
Ice Sculptures have long been used as a dramatic and fantastic finishing touch for special events dating back to the Victorian times. Ice was harvested from the frozen seas around Scandinavia and shipped back to the UK to be stored in dark cellars to keep food chilled and fresh for the rich and famous. At some point creative chefs realised they could carve and shape the ice to use it for elaborate food displays at grand banquets, and this was when the traditional “Ice Swan” we all know so well was born.
Today Ice Sculptures are even more popular and sought after than ever before. We have learned and developed techniques that enable us to create some truly extraordinary pieces of art from crystal clear ice.
We can float flowers inside small blocks of ice to create beautiful centrepieces. We can freeze your table plans in large slabs of ice so your guests actually look inside the ice sculpture to see where they are sitting. We can create the now famous “Vodka Luges” in any shape or design so your guests can drink chilled shots through the ice sculpture. A personal favourite has to be the “Ice Bars”. Whole bars hand carved out of crystal clear ice to serve your guests in the most spectacular way.
Everything we create is hand carved so there really is no limit to what we can do. About 90% of the work we do is unique, based on our clients own personal ideas.
People often ask, does it disappoint us to see our hard work simply melt away to water- but the simple answer is no.
When an Ice Sculpture has been masterly carved and illuminated with some creative lighting, it looks more beautiful than diamonds. The price to pay for such beauty is that it must return to its natural state - but not before it has awed everyone who lays eyes on it.
A well-designed Ice Sculpture will easily last the duration of an event and then live on in the memories of those who enjoyed its dazzling spectacle.
My business partner and I did not set out to be Ice Sculptors. We left University and rushed to London with dreams of making monsters and spaceships for movies, but as life tends to do, it threw us a curve ball and we somehow ended up being taught the secrets of Ice Sculpture by one of todays Grand Masters in the field.
During the 3 years we have run our own business, we have designed and created Ice Sculptures for clients such as Jaguar, Reebok and Gucci. We created an Ice Sculpture for the MTV music awards and through our work we have even been out drinking with Quentin Tarrantino.
The success we are enjoying is down to one simple fact - we absolutely love what we do. It’s not work- it is our passion.
In February this year we were selected to compete in a European Ice Sculpting Competition in Latvia where we won first place, naming us European Champions. This was a very good result, but not quite good enough for us as we now have our sights set on the world championships held every year in Alaska.
Mat Foster
Creative Director
07894056398
[email protected]
www.glacialart.com
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July 7th, 2009 by
Guest
Blog: The expert explains below the advantages of employing the services of a Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies on your Wedding Day.
As a Professional Toastmaster and Master Of Ceremonies, I would like to take this opportunity to outline a little of the history of the profession, the duties we perform, and the advantages of having a Toastmaster at your wedding. I hope that after you read my blog, you will have more confidence in our role and will consider using our services.
There were two pioneers in the profession, Richard ‘Beau’ Nash and William Knight Smith who set the early standards of etiquette and protocol. The Toastmasters ‘Hunting Pink’ jacket was first worn by Knight Smith in the late 1800’s and took its name from the tailor, Mr Pink, who designed the jackets. Beau Nash started his Master of Ceremonies duties in 1705 and commented in his day that “the Master of Ceremonies should be even more splendidly dressed than the guests”.
These standards are still observed in the profession today.
When the Bride and Groom are in the planning stages, and have set the budget for their wedding they often forget to include the professional assistance of a Toastmaster/Master of Ceremonies. They may assume that this service is not within their budget and that is understandable. However, they may not know what services are provided or think that we perform the same role as the best man. I often I hear people say that they don’t need the service just to announce the speeches, or they may have attended a function where the Toastmaster has been lazy and added nothing to the event.
In my experience a Toastmaster can make the day extra special and run more smoothly, but it depends on the professional integrity of the person employed.
When the initial discussion takes place with the Bride and Groom it is important that questions are asked by both parties to ensure that all the requests can be accommodated. A schedule will need to be drawn up for the timings throughout the day and this should be flexible enough to cope with any last minute changes.
You may wish to draw up a list of requirements before choosing a Toastmaster and speaking as a professional, you may find the following points helpful.
· The Toastmaster should be passionate about their role
· They will be able to advise you on customs and wedding etiquette prior to, and during the wedding day
· They should arrive early at the venue to introduce themselves and assist with ushering, seating guests, buttonholes etc
· They should be able to assist any other professionals at the event
· They will be able to assist with the etiquette when drawing up a seating plan
· At the reception they should liaise with caterers to ensure that the food is served on time
Many people still believe that Toastmasters are better suited to larger events but it is my belief that they can be invaluable whatever the size of the guest list. I would expect the Toastmaster to organise the receiving line, announce and escort the Bride and Groom to the top table, announce and conduct the toasts and speeches and announce the first dance for the happy couple. These elements are usually present at most weddings and having a professional on hand can help things run more smoothly. It is possible to strike a balance and not have the rigid formality that some people associate with a Master of Ceremonies, and speaking personally I would want to ensure that the Toastmaster would work within the parameters set by the Bride and Groom, doing as much or as little as they require.
If you do decide to employ the services of a Toastmaster you should ensure that they are willing to work closely with you, down to the smallest detail. They should be affiliated to one of the Toastmasters Organisations and be able to advise you about all the formalities so that you can relax and enjoy your day. Ask them if they cater to all events including weddings as some may specialise in Ladies Nights or Gala Evenings. Do not always be drawn to the best price, look for levels of professionalism and experience by asking questions before considering a booking. You should feel confident that you have employed the right person for that special occasion and can look forward to a fabulous day.
I hope that you have found this a useful insight and if I can be of any further assistance to you, I would be delighted to be of service. You can also see many testimonials on my website, simply view them on the relevant page.
Jonathan Waterman
www.thecompletetoastmaster.co.uk
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June 5th, 2009 by
Guest
When Jennifer Lopez graced the cinema screens as a wedding planner back in 2001, she raised awareness of the profession in the UK and ever since, its popularity has been growing. Wedding planners are no longer confined to celebrity and society in London and couples all over the country are now realising they can save time and stress and money. Most charge a fee but because of their contacts in the industry they can negotiate discounts and deals that can make a big difference. And their help on the day leaves the bride and groom to actually enjoy the occasion instead of wondering where Uncle Bob is when the speeches are about to start, or when hungry guests will get their canapés.
Generally, wedding planners can offer a variety of packages so you can pay for as much, or as little help as you need. Many offer on-the-day services as well as full coordination packages, giving you help right down to the grooms buttonhole and arranging transport to the airport. Good wedding planners possess creative flair as well as fantastic organisation skills so when it comes to styling a venue, you can really create something to make the guests say “wow”.
Many venues have in-house wedding planners that come with the hire price, but a lot of couples choose to hire an independent planner too, enabling them to create a more bespoke wedding.
When it comes to weddings, many brides like to think they know what they are doing but a planner’s job is to make sure all the small things are covered too. What happens if extra guests turn up unexpectedly? Or the car booked to take you to the church breaks down? Contingency plans, conflict resolution and ensuring the smooth flow of events is part of the coordinators job on the big day itself and many couples grow so close to their planner, they book them for anniversaries and birthday celebrations too.
Wedding planning may have been born in America, but its growing up well in the UK and as long as people keep getting married, the industry has a bright future.
My tips for choosing a wedding planner:
Ask them if the photos on their website are of their own work. In my time editing Wedding Professional I have spoken to many angry planners who have had their photos used by others, passing them off as their own.
Check out their previous work. Old clients may be listed as case studies on the website, so ask for their contact details and get their testimonials straight from the horses mouth. A good planner will be confident of getting a good reference, so will be happy to provide them.
There is no governing body for wedding planners but associations like The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP) can recommend professional outfits.
Make sure you get on well with your planner. He or she will be involved in the most important day of your life.
Wedding Professional is the only magazine dedicated to the wedding planning industry. www.weddingprofessional.co.uk
Author Mary Ferguson
Posted in
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June 3rd, 2009 by
Guest
The bride-to-be often worries about selecting the correct bridesmaid dresses for all of her chosen bridesmaids, as there is usually more than one person to please, which can be difficult when your bridesmaids are all different shapes and sizes and they all have very different tastes and styles. Here are some of my top tips for selecting bridesmaids dresses to ensure both you and your bridesmaids are happy on the day!
Find YOUR dress first.
If you are the bride, before you even start looking at bridesmaids dresses it helps to have chosen your own wedding gown first and have a clear idea of the theme or colour of your wedding so you can ensure your bridesmaids fit in with the overall style and look of the wedding and complement you and your groom in all the wedding photography. In ancient times the idea of having bridesmaids dressed in similar styles and colours to the bride, was to distract and confuse any evil spirits who attempted to disrupt the wedding – the bridesmaids made it impossible for the spirits to identify the bride! However these days the look of the bridesmaids are to enhance and complement the bride, being either in contrasting dresses (a very popular theme at the moment being bridesmaids in black) or complementing dresses, usually in a softer, lighter hue.
Know Your Bridesmaids
Are there lots of similarities between your bridesmaids or are they all completely different?
Important factors to consider are size, shape, age, style and colouring. Something that would look wonderful on one girl may look unattractive on another, even if the dress is beautiful! Talk to your bridesmaids and ask them if there is anything in particular they would not feel comfortable in and take this into consideration when shopping for dresses.
Ensure you have an idea of colour and length.
On your wedding day you want your bridesmaids to be happy, smiling and having a great time and what they are wearing can have a huge impact on this so you want to make sure they all feel great on the day, however be careful not to give your bridesmaids free rein or they might all want completely different styles!
The best thing to do is establish the colour of the dresses and the length first, and then find a few different styles you like and perhaps consult your bridesmaids as to which ones they prefer. It’s quite popular these days to have different styles for each bridesmaid in the same fabric which can be a win-win option!
Remember when choosing the colour of your dresses to bear in mind the colouring, size and shape of your bridesmaids! The wrong choice could make them look washed out or a size bigger than they actually are and that won’t look nice on your photos or make them feel very good about themselves!
A bridal stylist can help.
A bridal stylist can ensure you make the right decisions for you and all of your bridesmaids and find a style, colour, fabric and length that suits everyone and is well worth the investment.
Having a third party giving you honest, expert advice in a diplomatic and inspiring way can really help get all your bridesmaids on board with your decisions whether it’s a shy friend or a demanding sister!
An independent bridal stylist will ensure honest advice as they are employed by you to make you and your bridesmaids look your best for the big day, so you know you are being given an expert opinion and not just being “sold” to with regards to a particular dress.
Fabric is important!
Don’t forget to think about fabric when you choose your dresses! If you’re having a summer wedding you need a lighter fabric and the opposite for an autumn or winter wedding. Remember too that the choice of fabric teamed with the style and colour can shed or add pounds to your bridesmaids so choose carefully.
Don’t make accessories an after-thought!
Very often, the dresses are seen as the main item and the accessories including the shoes, bag and jewellery, are often an afterthought. As a stylist I know that accessories can make or break any outfit even on your wedding day so allow plenty of time to look for the right accessories.
Luckily the high-street offers so much choice these days that you can find amazing accessories to really add the right finishing touches to your bridesmaids oufits at a really low cost! A good bridal stylist can really help you in terms of time and stress. For instance, I spend so much time in shops, reading fashion magazines, brochures and catalogues and scouring the internet for the latest things in style, that I can source the perfect items for you really quickly.
Again, don’t forget to think about size, shape, colouring and style of your bridesmaids when choosing the accessories! For example the wrong length of necklace or style of shoe could ruin the whole look!
Fittings and Ordering.
Always get professionally measured for your bridesmaids dresses as different manufacturers will use different sizing so you need to ensure the dresses are a flattering fit.
The last fitting when the dresses are ready should be at least 3 – 4 weeks before the wedding to allow for any last minute alterations. Don’t just pick the dresses up a week before the wedding thinking this will allow enough time for changes!
It’s a good idea to order all your bridesmaids dresses together to ensure that they are all cut from the same fabric dye-lot otherwise you could end up with a slightly different colour for each which will really show up on the photos.
Please visit Nicola Cupples,
Image Consultant & Stylist at
www.nicolacupples.com
Tags: Add new tag, wedding
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June 3rd, 2009 by
Guest
The Mother of the Bride outfit can be a huge source of stress for many proud mothers and can overshadow their enjoyment of supporting their daughter throughout the planning stages of their wedding.
Hiring a personal stylist can help you to ensure you make the right decision for your daughter’s wedding and select an outfit that both you and your daughter are happy with, whilst also sourcing an outfit that complements your shape, size, style and budget.
Speak to Your Daughter First
The first thing to do is talk to your daughter about the style of wedding and get her thoughts on the special day. Does she want guests to be informal or formal? What is her colour scheme? Is there a theme to the wedding? What are the bridesmaids wearing? This will give you ideas of what to look at in terms of the style and colour of your outfit.
Talk to the Mother of the Groom.
Consult with the Mother of the groom as to any ideas that she may have and try to coordinate between you to ensure your outfits complement each other, and the bridal party. And obviously to make sure you both don’t turn up with the same outfit on!
High Street Options
If you’re shopping on the high street there are loads of options at really reasonable prices but bear in mind that other guests will be shopping for their outfits there too, so beware of anyone buying the same outfit!! The key to shopping on the high street is to find a basic yet classic piece in one store and then shop around to create your own look by utilising other stores to accessorise and customise the outfit.
Copying Looks.
If you have seen an outfit in a magazine that you love but there are no stockist details or it’s too expensive, take the picture to a good tailor and ask them to recreate that outfit. This can be a cost effective way of achieving a unique, tailored and designer look!
Accessorising.
Accessories can make or break an outfit so make sure they aren’t left to the last minute. Also if you shop on the high street, don’t buy all your accessories from one collection or store, as it is more likely that another guest will be wearing the same accessories or may recognise where they are from and many Mother of the Brides want to look unique on their daughter’s special day! Also accessories can shed or add pounds to your figure, especially on photographs which will last as a record of the day forever, so ensure you know how to select the right accessories for your body shape. A good personal stylist who works independently from any stores can help you with this by offering professional, expert styling advice. Their job is to make you look incredible without overshadowing your daughter so is a great investment. The last thing you want to do on the happiest day of your daughter’s life is to be worrying about your outfit.
Prints
Avoid busy prints or busy accessories as they can date very quickly and look ageing on photographs. Better to go for something classic. This is especially true if you have a petite figure as the print may end up drowning you. If you want to go for a print, spots and stripes are more classic prints that never really go out of fashion. If you do go for bold prints, keep your accessories very simple.
When to shop for your outfit.
Remember to think of season that the wedding will take place in. You don’t want to be too hot or too cold! Bear in mind that shopping for a summer wedding six months before when the shops are still stocking their winter collections could be fruitless. However leaving it until a couple of months before the wedding or shopping a whole twelve months in advance may be a source of stress.
The ideal time to shop is at the beginning of the season when there is the most choice available but if you have a wedding in February or September this could be problematic as the months before these weddings are usually major sale and reduction times when there is far less choice and is a risky strategy.
A personal stylist and shopper can advise you on the best time to shop and is always in the shops and researching what’s available, so can often find you the perfect outfit without you ever having to lift a finger! The whole objective of hiring a personal stylist to help you achieve the perfect mother of the bride look, isn’t just to make you look fabulous but also to ease the stress and time for you, so you can focus on supporting your daughter and son-in-law to be.
Finishing off the look.
If you opt for a dress, even if it’s for a summer wedding, ensure you finish off the look properly with a jacket or cover up or you are in danger of looking unfinished on the photographs.
Please visit Nicola Cupples,
Image Consultant & Stylist at
www.nicolacupples.com
Tags: Add new tag, wedding
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May 12th, 2009 by
Guest
Many people dream of having a perfect wedding abroad and it’s not uncommon for the necessary paperwork to be overlooked or left until the last minute amongst all the other preparations for the ‘big day’.
Increasingly, people travel abroad to marry in their unique location of choice; many people have found that there is an increased amount of legal paperwork that needs to be completed which can be confusing to many individuals. The complexities will largely depend on the requirements of the relevant authority in your chosen location but may include a requirement for Medical Certificates, Certificates of Law or Celibacy Certificates. Generally, a marriage that has taken place outside the UK will be recognised as valid upon presentation of the correct legal documentation that comply with the regulations of the country where it took place.
Graham Edwards at Edwardian Knowledge comments: “It often can be a challenge when marrying abroad especially if couples are of different or dual nationalities and it goes without saying that you need a good grasp of the law and foreign legislation to satisfy the regulations dictated by foreign countries and these can be at times tricky with added complications. We at Edwardian Knowledge are recognised for our expertise, can complete documents and help you to source them”.
Edwardian Knowledge is a leading and full-serviced international company that specialises in providing the correct legal documentation for individuals that are getting married or having a civil partnership abroad or in the UK. Providing an end-to end solution for individuals looking to marry; we can obtain documents from in-country local registries, courts and government entities, as well as, obtain documents from foreign authorities where a marriage has taken place or obtain documents that need to be completed to satisfy in-country legal requirements.
We aim to facilitate the administrative process to ensure that our clients have a trouble free wedding. We, therefore, can also translate any document or information into over 160 languages or arrange notarisation, apostillement, legalisation, and/or a legal opinion in respect of any document obtained. Many of our clients, whether individuals or businesses, are keen to receive a personalised service, added capacity at a moment’s notice, high quality work, complete confidentiality, accountability and on-time delivery - at Edwardian Knowledge we share these values and have the expertise that make this possible.
Please contact us today for a quote at [email protected], we will be happy to advise on urgent enquiries or last minute requests.
Posted in
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March 25th, 2009 by
Guest
The Bishop of Birmingham, Rt Revd David Urquhart, helped engaged couples slice a huge chunk off the cost of their wedding, at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham last weekend (NEC, March 13th-15th), when he introduced them to the ‘three V’s’ for choosing a church wedding: venue, vicar and vows.
With regard to venue, Bishop David explained that all you need for a legal church wedding - is one of the Church of England’s 16,000 places of worship - costs from as little as £350, and that couples can save even more by holding their reception at a church.
The other two V’s, vicar and vows, refer to how the Church is in a unique position to offer support up to and beyond the big day, and give couples the meaningful vows (“for richer for poorer…”) that are the ideal way to begin married life.
“The credit crunch has left us all reassessing our values and priorities, not just our financial situation,” says Rt Revd David Urquhart. “A church wedding reminds us that love is a priceless gift from God. That’s why I’m encouraging people to ‘think church’ when they are planning their wedding.”
Bishop David joined the team at the Church of England stand, on the afternoon of Sunday, March 15th, where the show’s visitors were able to plan their wedding online using the interactive website www.yourchurchwedding.org.
Around 1,000 couples a month are using the website, which contains 25 choices of popular hymns for weddings and 12 readings from the Bible; the planner merges the names of the bride and groom into the marriage service, which can be used as a discussion-starter when meeting the vicar to plan a church wedding.
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