Day Fifteen – December 15th

Day 15 on my wedding inspired advent calender. The theme today is Lighting Your Wedding. I collated a small collection of beautiful ways to light your winter wedding.

1. A lovely white metal marquee light in the shape of a winter star. Can be a feature on a mantelpiece or centrepiece on your top table. Available from Ginger Ray on Amazon.
2. A lovely diy idea, collect pretty bottles and insert a white candle in the top, allow the candles to melt and drip before the wedding for extra wow factor. Inspiration from Hey Wedding Lady.
3. Twenty bendy micro fairy lights with a warm white colour in a pretty glass bell jar with bamboo base. Available from Lights 4 Fun.
4. Another lovely diy idea, collect pretty glass jam jars and decorate with winter foliage, lace, ribbon and snow covered pine cones. Drop a battery operated candle into the jar and you have a lovely wedding decoration. They look especially great grouped together. Inspiration from Nelly Vintage Home.

If you are planning an autumn or halloween wedding for next year why not think about growing your own pumpkins. They are really easy to grow and not all varieties need a lot of space, some you can even grow up a fence, arch or trellis.

If you do your research into the varieties you would like to grow and purchase the seeds now you be ready to start sowing in spring!

Here are four pretty varieties in muted autumn colours perfect to use as wedding pumpkins

1. Squash Buffy Ball seeds available from Thompson and Morgan. A cute soft muted orange squash, grows to the size of a tennis ball. A heavy cropper from August to October producing around 25 fruits per plant. Great to grow over a fence or arch.
2. Pumpkin Polar Bear seeds available from Marshall Seeds. Beautiful large ghost white fruits.
3. Pumpkin Old Boer White seeds available from Organic Catalogue. A lovely ribbed white pumpkin ready to harvest on October.
4. Squash Autumn Crown seeds available from Thompson and Morgan. Great for small gardens this pale orange squash has a semi trailing habit and can be harvested August to October.

There are just a few things to remember when growing pumpkins:

1. Start the seeds off indoors as they hate the cold.
2. They like rich soil so ensure you dig in either good quality compost or well rotted manure.
3. Keep them watered.
4. Feed them with a tomato feed.
5. If you are growing up a trellis or fence keep the vines tied in to support the fruit.
6. When you have harvested the fruit keep them in a cool place to ensure they store well.

The most important thing is to read the instructions on the back of the seed packet, oh and have fun!

Soft dusky peach, muted burnt orange, winter greys, rose gold, dusky pink and vintage golds, sounds warm and cosy doesn’t it, perfect for an Autumn Wedding.

We have collated a beautiful mood board as inspiration for a muted autumn wedding.

1. A beautiful table centre oozing muted autumn elegance by Love ‘n Fresh Flowers.
2. Muted copper dusted wedding cake decorated with simple florals by Sift and Gather.
3. Soft warm cream, winter grey and muted burnt orange bridesmaids dresses perfect colour combination for an autumn wedding. Photo by Bethany Small.
4. Romantic muted bridal photo by Jen Huang Bogan.
5. Our very own Lulu Wedding Hair Clip a vintage style statement wedding hair clip featuring pears and crystal encrusted swirls and embellished with crystal leaves and clusters of pearls.
6. A soft and muted wedding cake embellished with beautiful handmade sugar roses. A true work of art by Winifred Kriste Cake.
7. Blushing pumpkin floral table centre piece by French Kissed.

If you are planning an Autumn wedding but your colour palette of choice is more muted tones then we have the colour scheme for your wedding.

I created this colour palette by taking traditional rich autumn colours and then using a colour wheel choose muted tonal versions of the rich colours to created a warm but muted autumn colour palette.

• Golden Yellow/Orange became Vintage Peach
• Burnt Orange became a Dusky Pink
• Coral Red became Light Coral
• Brick Red became French Rose
• Light Chocolate became Dusky Almond
• Acid Green became Chartreuse

For added sparkle we completed the palette with Gold and Rose Gold.

As summer is now a distant memory we are all being inspired by stunning autumn wedding images. This year I am loving muted autumn tones in dusky peaches, blush, rose gold and warm creams.

I have designed a collection of fabric pumpkins perfect as props and decorations for your wedding. They are really easy to make and are perfect to sew on an autumn evening in front of the tv.

If you would like to have a go at making our fabulous fabric pumpkins we have put together this simple tutorial.

Materials and Tools

• Fabric (cotton, sequin, velvet, linen etc)
• Felt (plain or glitter)
• Thread (to match your fabric)
• Needle (standard sewing needle)
• Long Needle (toy making needle)
• Stuffing
• Glue Gun
• Embellishments (buttons, ribbon, tulle, diamante or brooches)
• Velvet/Satin leaves (with wire stem for the coiled vine)
• Beads (seed beads, pearls or crystals)
• Sequins (various sizes and colours)

Step 1

Each pumpkin is made from fabric for the main body of the pumpkin and felt for the stalk, cut the fabrics to the following sizes.

Large pumpkin: fabric 50cms x 25cms, felt 15cms x 5cms

Medium pumpkin: 40cms x 20cms, felt 10cms x 4cms

Small pumpkin: 30cms x 15cms, felt 10cms x 3cms

Smaller pumpkin: 20cms x 10cms felt 8cms x 2.5cms

Mini pumpkin: 15cms x 7.5cms felt 6cms x 2cms

Use the fabric first and fold it in half with right sides together and hand sew, machine sew or glue along the open seam and knot off the seam to keep it secure.

Step 2

Then sew along the top seam using a simple running stitch. You can either sew both layers together or sew around the tube. Pull the thread to gather the fabric up tightly. Knot the thread off to secure the gathered fabric.

Step 3

Turn the fabric the right side out and stuff the pumpkin. No need to stuff to tightly as the pumpkins look best if they are squidgy.

Repeat Step 2 with the other end of the pumpkin.

Step 4

Thread a double thickness of cotton sewing thread onto a long needle, you need quite a long length around 1m. stitch a couple of stitched into the top of the pumpkin to secure the thread.

Now grip the centre of the pumpkin between your finger and thumb to squash it down. push the needle into the centre and out the bottom, pull the thread tight and insert it back in at the bottom and pull out of the top. I repeat this process a few times to really dimple the centre of the pumpkin. When the pumpkin centre is dimpled sew a few stitches to secure the thread.

Step 5

To make it look really like a pumpkin the edges need to be scalloped. You can achieve this by tying thread, string or twine in a criss cross pattern. Tie each length of thread in the centre of the pumpkin pulling tightly to create the scalloped edge.

Step 6.

Use the felt fabric now for the stem of the pumpkin, it is made by rolling the piece of felt along the longest side into a cigar shape. Glue it into the centre of the top of the pumpkin. I always use a glue gun but fabric glue will work aswell, it just takes longer to dry.

Step 7.

This is where you can be creative and decorate your pumpkin with what embellishments you have. I have used velvet and satin leaves, tulle, diamante embellishment, small brooch, beads, sequins, artificial stamen and ribbon.

Just be creative and glue gun decorative items to the stem or bead and embellish the pumpkin. I coiled the wire stems of the velvet leaves around a pencil to created a curly pumpkin vine. Let your imagination run wild.

If you have a go at making one of our pumpkins please share your success with us using #flutterbypumpkins

Here is another possible theme for a Royal Wedding Party, a quintessentially British Tea Party. Think doilies, vintage tea sets, cupcakes, biscuits and the scent of English roses.

Royal Wedding Tea Party

1. Beautiful gold crown surround by babies breath, pink roses and pink carnations. Inspiration from a styled shoot on Celebrations at Home.

2. A pretty vintage tea cup filled with greenery and pink roses sat on a pile of vintage books, such are great table centre. Inspiration from Pinterest.

3. Another great idea for a table centre a pretty vintage tea cup filled with small roses and rose buds. Inspiration from Pinterest.

4. A pretty way to served sugar cubes in a vintage tea cup with vintage sugar tongs. Inspiration from Pinterest.

5. A pretty seamless shabby chic rose background available from Alisa Foytik.

6. A pretty alternation to the usual shaped biscuits, are these a cute Lemon teabag biscuits decorated with icing, sprinkles and a ribbon. The tutorial can be seen at Pink Piccadilly Pastries.

7. A pretty afternoon tea table with fondant fancies, victoria sponge, cucumber sandwiches, pretty bunting and floral table cloth, what could be more perfect?

The cute vintage black and white images I have used to decorate this article are all available free from The Graphics Fairy.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and the sun shines!

Tomorrow is the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. So in celebration I have put together a very British collection of Royal Wedding inspired party accessories, party outfits and food.

Royal Wedding 2018

1. A pretty red white and blue table setting featuring pinwheels, scones, a victoria sandwich cake, fondant fancies and bunting. A photo shoot created by Ocado 

2. Cute and funny corgi bunting featuring party hats handmade by Raw Bone Studio.

3. A stunning chic union jack party dress handmade by Hayley Jayne Designs on Etsy.

4. A cute heart shaped union jack cocktail hat handmade by Maynard Millinery on Etsy.

5. Union jack cupcakes this is a tutorial so you can bake and decorate them yourselves ready for a street party or to indulge while watching the wedding. The full article can be read on Renshaw’s website.

6. Beautiful cotton union jack bunting, great to string around your garden. Available from Rustic Angels.

7. A simple dessert to munch on while watching the Royal Wedding, strawberries and cream in a pretty vintage cup dressed with a union jack flag pick.

8. Yummy corgi biscuits iced to perfection and finished off with a ribbon collar. Handmade by Juliet Stallwood.

9. So cute, a corgi dressed in a tux! Photographed by Susan Stripling Photography.

10. A beautiful patch work union jack deck chair handmade by Bye Brytshi.

11. Beautifully iced crown cupcakes perfect for a Royal Wedding baked by De La Creme Creative Studio.

And finally a selection of my patriotic crystal beads gold, red and midnight blue Flutterby Weddings.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching I have put together this inspiration article about throwing a hen party on Valentine’s Day.

I have gone unashamedly contemporary with on trend geometric hearts in glitter gold, hot pink clashing with primary red and just for a soft edge a dusting of soft pink.

Valentine Hen Party

1. Over sized red heart balloon, a wow factor decoration perfect for an afternoon get together with your best friends. this photo is part of an inspirational photo shoot on The Glitter Guide.  

2, 4 & 5. Another inspirational photo shoot for a Chic Modern Bridal Shower over on The Perfect Palette. Gold glitter geometric heart room decorations, cake topper and bright vibrant paper tassels.

3. A pretty gold heart wand embellished with gold foil and pink tissue paper tassels. Inspiration for a Galentines Party on Style Me Pretty.

6. What could be more Now than a geometric heart with tassels! This is a DIY heart so there are full instructions on how to make it over on This Heart Of Mine Blog.

7. A pretty red diamante double heart pendant, simple but so cute! Available from Nordstrom.

8. Why not pretty up all thos geometric shapes with a soft posy of peonies in a gold metallic vase. Inspiration from a Style Me Pretty real wedding.

9. A pretty hot pink and gold “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” card. Inspiration from Style Me Pretty.

10. What else to make the party go with a swing but a pretty Strawberry Rose Champagne Cocktail decorated with a slice of strawberry and a pretty shaped ice cube. Recipe to make this fabulous cocktail is on Tammilee Tips.

11. And…. finally if you have a sweet tooth how about indulging in these pretty geometric biscuits. Sparkly, shimmery and they look so delicious. Baked by Dolce Cakes Confections.

The birth stone of January is the beautiful dark red stone Garnet.

It more commonly can be seen in dark red but can also be pink, green, orange, yellow, brown and black.

The stone is known for its properties in revitalising, purifying and balancing energy.

It is worn to create cheerfulness and courage, it is especially popular with travellers.

It is given a 2nd wedding anniversary present.

The name comes from the Latin for pomegranate seeds ‘Garanatus’

Garnet January Birthstone

Your Ultimate and Bridal Style Guide for 2018

Bejewelled Autumn

Autumn – Masala and Gold

Envision a marriage celebration dripping in jeweled and bedazzling tones and truly captivating your guests with an autumn ambiance through embracing Patone’s 2015 Colour of The Year, Marsala. The deep wined hue when paired with sparkly tones is for the daring bride who wants to free herself from the traditional white wedding.

Announce your regal ceremony in true style with a luxurious gold laser cut invitation revealing a marsala, purple or blue card with luxe embellishments and accessories such as gold lined envelopes, wax seals, ribbons and drop crystals. Destined to trend in 2017 is gold stamping and foiling that leaves a glittery and glistening finish.

For your wedding theme, think of absolute extravagance and elegance. By coupling the rich red colour palette with deep colours such as purple, cerulean blue and gold, you want your wedding to breathe an air of luxury through themes with an Old Fashioned, French Glamour or Parisian Boudour feel.

Think of gold kissed ornaments and gold framed seating arrangements against your baroque styled tablescape. To add that touch of warmth and a touch of understated gold, don’t hold back with the candles. High rise candle arrangements on each table and throughout the venue will add a seductive glow and a heavy scent of romance.

For your cake, think of a rich chocolate covered cake topped with fresh cherries, strawberries or blueberries or a show stopping gold frosted or foiled cake. For accompanying desserts, think of maroon coloured macarons kissed in gold foil, a pie buffet to warm up your guests’ tummies, caramalised apples, glazed donuts or pumpkin cheesecake!

To add that touch of decadence, go with a black layered cloth and layer it with a trail of moody blooms and poignant ferns. Flowers rich in oxblood and merlot reds and arrangements dripping with fruit will add that sense of opulence. Seasonal flowers include dahlias, orchids, calla lilies, tulips, roses, ranunculus blossoms, lilies, camellia blooms, disbuds, hyacinth and snapdragon flowers.

If you aren’t prepared for a marsala coloured gown, don’t be afraid to introduce it into other aspects of the wedding such as the bridal gowns, jewelery or shoes while incorporating a rich blue into your groom and groomsmen’s’ suit and/or tie or opt for a grey or black suit with a maroon tie. For yourself, consider a lace embellished gown, gold plated crown and a bold berry coloured lipstick.

Gilded Charcoal

Winter – Black and Gold

Winter weddings are amongst some of the most elegant celebrations of the year. Charm your guests with introducing the boldness of black into your wedding and balancing it out with gold and white accents. Marry romance with mystery for the perfect Fairy tale Winter Wedding. A royal and regal colour combination that is not expected for a traditional winter wedding will present your guests with an evening full of opulence and sheer style.

The theme can be Old Hollywood Beauty, Gatsby, Vintage Elegance or Classic and Minimal Glam. The colour combination already breathes an air of class, grace and luxury therefore whichever theme you pick will only intensify it. Welcome guests to your lavish affair with an ornate Victorian framed frame or a crystal mirror with white text for a minimalistic feel.

For your wedding invitations, don’t be afraid to choose a thick black paper with stunning hot foil stamping in gold. The shimmer and sparkle of that technique will be a true treat for your guests’ eyes while the colour scheme brings a sophisticated and sleek style to announcing your special day. Dare to go elaborate with designs reminiscent of the 1920’s that are dramatically embellished or embody an old age essence.

Bring in the true winter spirit by surrounding the venue with bare white snow or gold painted branches to set the scene for a wintery forest. For an enchanting feel, have some blooms and chandeliers draping from the ceiling, floating candles and white roses bursting from the centerpieces. Add candles and lights, and lots of it, for that golden shine while keeping your guests nice and snug!

For the cake, opt for a gold frosted or foiled cake filled with rich chocolate ganache or for something that will truly make a statement, go with a black coloured cake surrounded by white blooms. For desserts, surprise your guests with gold glitter cake pops, a smore station and hot chocolate or warm apple cider upon arrival.

Line the tables with black and white tablecloths and have it complimented by gold chairs, textured geometric tealight holders or vases, exquisite gold-plated tableware, black champagne glasses and candle holders and bow tie napkins. As for the glitter, you want to add a touch of it to little features such as your shoes, nails or DIY candle holders so as to not overdo it.

For the bouquet, consider seasonal blooms such as blushing brides, lisaianthus, David-Austin roses for the bouquet. Fill the room with daphnes, double tulips, hyacinth and sweet peas. Fill the ballroom with pure white blooms and orchids for the table setting or draping from an overhead arrangement. The white blooms will contrast well against the black and gold décor and will serve to balance out the darker tones.

For a real touch of the season, add fur or shawls as accessories for your bridesmaids and elegantly tie blankets to the back of the chairs or lay them in a basket to mindfully keep your guests warm. Set aside time to have everyone go outside and light some sparklers for a truly magical feast for the eyes.

Be bold and different and dress your bridesmaids in black gowns. For the bride, opt for a dramatically detailed white lace gown and perhaps a long sleeve dress to keep yourself warm. This is your chance to go with a hair-down wedding look- think Hollywood waves paired with a prominent winged cat eye-liner look and for the groom and groomsmen, a clean cut black suit with a gold tie.

Hosting a wedding during this season is perfect for your budget as it is generally considered to be off season, so you will save on costs. Talk about an added bonus!

Rose Quartz Serenity Spring

Spring – Rose Quartz and Serenity

A charming wedding embodying a romantic and feminine feel. Rich in pastel and a whimsical feel with touches of rose gold for that air of luxury and class. Your special day will set hearts aflutter as you embrace ethereal pale pink tones with a grey blue hue. The muted, dusky and chic tones will give you the chance to set the scene for the romantic affair you’re envisioning.

For the invitations, choose something with magical and cursive calligraphy to truly draw your guests in. Your wedding stationary should be printed with rose gold foil features, lush floral or laser cut designs and blushing water coloured invitations for a soft and subtle look.

We picture an outdoor garden party or a courtyard celebration and if you want to go with a theme, think of rustic or Boho. Welcome your guests with a timber welcome sign surrounded by draping green florals or a white board with pink flowers adorning the edges.

It’s Springtime so it’s the perfect chance to be outdoors and to really embrace nature. Treat your guests with a wedding swing draped in pink blooms and bursting green leaves, flower arches, wreathes, garlands, hanging flowers, lush bouquets, petals streaming down the aisle and romantic fairy lights hanging from the trees.

Seasonal blooms include peonies, hydrangeas, lilies, gardenia blooms, hellebores, hippeastrum, hyacinth, jasmine, lilac, lily of the valley, peonies, ranunculus, snowball vibernum and waratahs.

Consider a naked cake, even with an ombre design with added real life blooms for that extra touch of elegance. Keep your guests hydrated in this weather with a drink station of iced tea, lemonade and water. Bring in the pink desserts such as fairy floss, strawberry cupcakes, pink donuts and chocolate covered strawberries!

Cover the tables with white or blue linen and dress it with bright and blooming pink and white flowers and green branches and leaves. Think of clear or copper crystal tableware, white napkins, rose gold candle holders and for the real rustic feel, add some touches of timber to the place cards.

For wedding favours, consider gorgeous little pot plants accompanied with a loving sign such as “Let Love Grow.” The baby pink and blue are really playful so get into the spirit with some DIY projects such as creating pastel coloured mason jars to decorate the tables with.

For the bride, a strapless sweetheart gown will look magical when paired with silver accessories. Dress your bridesmaids in baby blue or blush gowns and have the groom and groomsmen in grey or cream beige tailored suits with a pink tie or a baby blue suit with a pink rose pinned to it.

Botanica Summer

Summer – Botanica

Shades of fresh, crisp green and stark white will surround your guests and a touch of gold or copper promise to stand out and make a statement. Picture a natural, organic and pure wedding theme that is romantic as it is earthy. Simplicity will be the key for your summertime wedding.
It’s summer time so plan an outdoor, winery or rooftop wedding. Keep it simple, for the floral arrangements will truly do the talking. Announce your special day with a fresh and modest design. Go for a minimalist look with rose gold foiling, luscious floral accents and embossed features on crisp white paper.

Carry over that natural feel to the cake, go with a clean cut white cut and surround it with cascading sugar flowers or real life blooms! Your guests will need to be kept hydrated in the warm weather so get creative with mock tails and cocktails and even consider a make-your-own punch or mimosa bar.

Decorate the tables with white linen, fresh fruits and drool worthy cheese platters, little darling pot plans, fresh green blooms, clear crystal glassware, geometric caged vases with blooms bursting from within and copper wired chairs and touches of rose gold or copper tableware for a feminine and chic touch.

Bring out the rose-filled flower wall, you know you want to! If you don’t want to go that excessive, choose a wedding love letter sign reading LOVE, MRS & MR or you and your partner’s initials surrounded by flowers or a flower frame. This is the perfect season to go all out with creating a garden-like wonderland for your guests.

Make use of lush greenery and succulents and twined leaves paired with in-season pure white and light green amaranthus’, cornflowers, dahlias, gloriosas, hydrangeas, lavender, lisianthus’, peonies, orchids, proteas, stephanotis and zinneas.

For the bride, consider a French tulle dress or a sheer, light and lacy backless gown and nude or blush gowns for the bridesmaids. For makeup, don’t forget that the lighter the better, strobing and highlighter is destined to be a major trend in 2017! For the groom and groomsmen, opt for a beige coloured suite or keep it smart casual with a white shirt and beige pants.

This article has been written by the senior creative team at Adorn Invitations alongside top wedding stylists to produce the ultimate bridal styling and colour palettes for 2018.

To view their glorious range of wedding stationery please visit their website here: Adorn Wedding Invitations.