Rant on new book....

I was flicking through Sarah Traynors "How to Have a Champagne Wedding on a Buck's Fizz Budget" (and yes, I'm refusing to link to it!). I was not impressed with her "money saving tips" - I just didn't see them as being practical...

For example; if you've just spent €600 on a wonderfully iced cake which is after all, the centre piece of your reception - why not spend the extra €50 on getting it delivered? If you are delivering the cake to the hotel and that €600 cake falls in the car, or you trip or drop it because you are in a rush - it's your problem. If they drop it they need to fix it and anyway they are used to carrying cakes you're not! For the sake of a small saving the risk seems excessive. She also mentions about using a student photographer; I would really advise you to think carefully about this... they're just learning and you won't see the results until it is definitely too late!

Don't get me started on the idea of using silver wedding bands, that is plain daft! A proper gold ring can cost as little as €50 - if you are so stuck for cash to seriously consider this "tip" maybe you should reconsider getting married and spend the license fee on a nice meal for the two of you.

All in all; the book seemed less Bucks Fizz and more Sqeez breakfast orange juice.... try and follow it and it'll end in tears!

Billion Dollar Brides!

Since Billion Dollar Brides are coming to Dublin - it probably worth a sneaky peak in to their website. The event is in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, so it is easy to get to. To get your VIP tickets to attend, simply log onto the link below, stating you heard about the event through SimplyWeddings.com!

http://www.bdbinvite.com/

What was she thinking???????

It's one thing to have a gown to show off your figure.... but this isn't it - certainly not in a good way.

Not much to be added really - but she wasn't a bride at any wedding I've been to... and you should be able to tell by the photo!

Really, some people should listen to advice!

That dress is rubbish...

This is a dress that is certain to be part of the tidy up after the event! It is a disposable Wedding Gown - now, I appreciate this is practical to the point of "why bother?" - but we need to push the envelope.

Your big day is a red letter day, you've had reams of planning, ruled in some guests, put stuff in the margin and been in stitches, nearly folded under the pressure but through it all you've never creased.... so it is a paper dress, and a nice simple elegant one at that.

The Disposable Wedding Gown was designed by Tuija Järvenpää (tuija.asta@muu.fi) and therefore is not likely to be featured in double page ads in Confetti.... unless you remember they're both made from the same stuff!

She's just scarlet....

I saw this online and I think that it's not just a bridesmaids dress but it really could be a guests dress too. And, yes, it depends on the shape of the bridesmaids!

I'm told that Green is the new black (well, for bridesmaids dresses) not that I've noticed so far this season. I think a stunning red is fantastic in every weather as it will add a certain va-va-voom to every photo!

This is from a Bridal Fest in San Diego which is happening in a fortnight - so you've plenty of time to get there!

That old Whiskey Bottle tradition...

As you know I love these whacky US new "Irish Traditions" invented in the US, probably in this case by the Jameson Marketing department; It's lucky to hang a bottle of whiskey from a nearby tree branch.

Unfortunately my information doesn't stretch to where this whiskey bottle is hung, or if it is full or empty or whether it should be near the house, church or reception venue.

So if full; I suppose you could carry it around with you.... or if you give them a glass it could be a popular chore for the more nervous in the wedding party. It might be best if they're not due to give a speech because it might be a bit too memorable and may not be very lucky!!!

In a Lotto Favour

Thinking about what to put on the tables as your wedding favours? I've seen two ideas this week that are totally different - but each was a similar idea while differently executed to reflect the personalities of the happy couple.

The idea was to add a random element for guests to the day;

• Lotto scratch cards - one per person in a small envelope with the guests name as a place holder.
• Using the money that bags of sugared almond would cost for 100 guests; the bride and groom bought a mens and womens Armani watch and held a raffle using the name place holders!

Perhaps not to everyone's taste (like the loveheart sweets....) but a great addition to the big day and reflection of the attention to detail people will go to for their big day!