Ooooops!

Ok, so maybe writing down all your new years resolutions doesn't mean you'll achieve them all but I've had a good crack at them all. Blog more is the next one to work on!

We've had a really busy year so far. With even more weddings to come. I'm really pleased with how things have taken off and am working with some fab suppliers. We've also launched some new packages and are always expanding our range of wedding goodies you can hire out!

One of the most important things about being a planner is having suppliers around you who you trust and you know will do an amazing job for their brides and grooms. They may not always be the cheapest but they always offer value for money. Remember if it sounds too good to be true it usually is! Only this week I've seen some pictures of a horrendous venue set up, it makes me wonder how these people are in business! Cheapest isn't always best! You need people you can rely on for your wedding.

If you haven't yet, have a wander over into the Chapter 16 Facebook page. Last month we worked with some lovely suppliers on a jubilee themed pre engagement shoot and the photos have just been uploaded. I'm really pleased with them!

I'll write soon I promise!

Much love
Jen xx

Happy New Year!

Hello, and a ma-hoosive Happy New Year to you all!


I read that 75% of what we write down happens so I think that's the perfect reason to share my new years hopes and aspirations. 2011 was such an exciting year for us and with so many things in the pipeline I hope that 2012 is even better!


1) Get the website sorted. There's so many things that I offer that aren't on the website and it's about time I started advertising them! I've been working on it for a while but it has to be perfect but I hope to have it completed soon.


2) Blog more! Admittedly I didn't blog as much as I would have liked to last year. I'd like to feature some real weddings to inspire you as well as some blogs by some of my suppliers.


3) Continue to seek out and source the newest and most innovative wedding suppliers. I've been fortunate enough to work alongside some great suppliers over the last year and I love to find new suppliers offering something different.


4) I'm so fortunate to be invited as a guest at a number of weddings this year, (not having to work will be very different!) including one in San Francisco! I'm combining a certain '0' birthday with a trip to New York and San Francisco and I'd like to mix a little business with pleasure and meet some 'wedding' people out there and research some great ideas and trends out there to share with you all!


Have you made any resolutions? Write them down and see if they happen!


Much love
Jen xx

All you need is love...

Ok, so I know I'm a bit late but reading all the news coverage about Sir Paul McCartneys wedding to Nancy Shevell yesterday made me think about setting the date. They chose what would have been John Lennon's 71st birthday to get married which I thought was a sweet touch and got me thinking about what couples consider when setting the date of their big day. 

I got married in August, I wanted to get married outside of hayfever season so I didn't have puffy eyes on my photographs! We talked about getting married on my husbands birthdays however he didn't want his birthday thunder to be stolen! I think its also a good way of never forgetting your anniversary! ;) 

Using family anniversaries and birthdays to set the day is a sweet way of incorporating personal touches to your wedding.

Nancy's wedding dress was made by Stella McCartney. I thought it was beautiful dress and perfectly suited her, set off with the simple bouquet of pink flowers. I love it when family and friends are involved in the wedding and Stella designing her dress was a sweet touch. 

I hope that it's third time the charm for Sir Paul after all, 'Love is all you need!' :)

Do me a favour......

Favours. A lovely little touch for your family and friends to take away as a memento of the day. I was at a wedding the other day as a part of my 'On the day coordination' package and the bride and groom had the sweetest favours, a charity donation to Cancer Research UK. 


They made a donation to Cancer Research UK and in return got little cards with a Cancer Research pin on it. It was such a sweet gesture and all their guests were wearing their pin with pride. I love it when weddings 'give back'! You can check it out for yourself here www.cancerresearchuk.org/favours


For the couple that has everything you can also set up a gift list in the name of your chosen charity....


More blogging to follow!


Much love xx

Perfect Garlands!

There are so many ways to personalise your wedding and decorating your venue is an obvious choice. Fairy lights, candles, flowers are common but I just love garlands. Fabric, paper, I don't mind! You can use them on tables instead of swags, or hung from the ceiling. Make them yourself for that completely personalised touch or have at look at these..

This gorgeous paper bunting is from www.thegreengables.co.uk who supply beautiful bunting in lots of different styles. Plus, they've got up to 50% off selected styles at the minute! 

How about this for something different? www.notonthehighstreet.com is a treasure trove filled with lots of wedding goodies. This flower hanging garland is £45 and just gorgeous! 


Enjoy! 


Much love xx

Well I had to have a blog about this at some point!

You might be surprised to know that more people choose to get married during times of economic depression. With the average wedding costing in excess of £15000 (gulp!) it is always my aim to save couples money. I sometimes get told that there isn't much call for wedding planners because they are expensive. Oooh that makes me mad!


Many people think that a wedding planner is an added expense that they can do without, of course I'm biased but I couldn't disagree more! A wedding planner should save you money. I work with some carefully selected suppliers who are not only experts in their field, but provide good value for money too. I never take kick backs (referral fees) from them, but pass on any discounts straight to the couple. It's the least I can do.


Wedding planners are also full of ideas for ways of saving money and having a planner from the very start ensures that you've got full access to money saving tips and lots of creative ideas! Plus if you've already started planning and your budget is out of control, I can also help reign it back in. 


Drop me a line and see if I can help you get the wedding you've been dreaming about but didn't think you could afford!


Much love xx 

2012

I am loving SS/11 fashion trends and a recent shopping expedition got me thinking about wedding trends for the next year. As long as the world doesn't end in 2012, (that's what people think right?!) here are my 3 predictions for what will be hot next year.

Royal Wedding. Of course there are going to be influences from this years royal wedding that will be big in 2012. I'm mainly thinking the dress. Gorgeous lace influences and a move away from the ever popular strapless dress. Kate's dress wasn't a fashion statement, but a style statement that is going to be influential in weddings dresses for a long time to come. 

Blue. Another influence from the royal wedding will be blue. It's a been a huge colour this year, from Tiffany blue to baby blue, but I'm thinking engagement ring blue! Classic and chic.

Rustic chic. A move on from the wedding theme that just won't go away (and nor should it!) Vintage! More outdoors, and homemade, from the invitations to the favours, candles and fairy lights galore! This theme pulls in the best of the perfect little personal touches that will surprise and delight your guests, as well as giving you a day to remember. For colours, think shades of brown, green and cream. Check out this inspiration board for ideas! 

Much love xx