From runway to wedding decor !

Fashion is not something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. "Coco Chanel"

Today I thought about the role that fashion plays into my life and I realized that fashion is everywhere and unconsciously dictate my whole lifestyle.

We should all keep an eye on the runway when designers unveil the next seasons trends we should stop and observe as it will probably determine the trend in weddings too. So if you want to stay ahead of the crowd, follow fashion week. From the 40 and 60's style to Victorian era, designers have travel back in time and revisited the hottest trends for our delight.

Here are a selection of my favorites trends off the runway this season.

Color chic

I am glad designers are sticking to colors because they are so refreshing. Adieu the boring neutral tone, and boring black and brown, put some color into your life.

I absolutely like the turquoise Burberry coat, why not use it as your inspiration for your wedding. Turquoise, black and white. A very nice winter wedding.

 The mix and match trend.

The mixing and matching of elements throughout your wedding decor.
Gone are the days where everything had to match, now you can mix colors, shapes, materials but careful there is a way to do it to stay in style.

A french wedding shoot to remember.

I am working on a very fascinating shoot which took me to Paris. I have always had a very weird relationship with this city. On one hand I absolutely heart the architecture, the fashion and the cuisine and on the other hand I find the parisians difficult to handle at time.

From the moment I stepped out of the eurostar, I've been running to make the most of the little time I have in Paris. I had a few errands to run in preparation of the shoot.


My first stop was at Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre to collect the dress, a famous Vera Wang wedding dress. A strapless drop waist ballgown with Lyon and Chantilly lace and layered tulle skirt. It is a custom-designed bridal gown worn by Kate Hudson in the movie Bride Wars.

Rue rivoli in Paris is very touristic, rushing through the shoppers I made it to the bridal boutique. A fashionable stop if you are ever in Paris in search of The Dress.  Metal flaque located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris hold an impressive collection of designers from around the globe: Oscar De La Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang etc... and accessories fit for a princess. The decor is elegant and the staff super friendly. I browsed through their collection with excitement and a smile stuck on my lips.

And the icing on the cake was meeting the model for the shoot Melissa, an american bride to be living in Paris and author of a successful blog. She was as I had imagined her, as beautiful on the outside as on the inside. And the dress on her; I have to say looked stunning. Once satisfied with my first appointment of the day I moved on to accessories shopping in the city.

Riding the "metro" requires some skills: Be prepared to be push into the train, step on and mind your belongings. I left the beautiful musée du Louvre for a less glamourous destination "Barbés" I would not recommend visiting Barbés when you are in Paris, there is nothing to see there and the shops sell the cheapest quality you will ever find. However when looking for cheap wedding accessories this is a must stop for brides on the budget. Some accessories like parasols, favors... which I needed for the shoot can be found there.



After a mere 20 minutes in Barbés, I left with my pretty items and headed off to a nicer part of town the 6th arrondissement of Paris to Synie's cupcakes. As I push the doors to Synie's boutique I instantly loved it. The pink, purple, black mix of colours instantly seduced me. Then my eyes landed on the counter display of cupcakes in many colours and flavours. The shop has a girlie feel and seems ideal for bridal parties, baby showers.... or a simple get together girls afternoon. They serve a variety of cupcakes and they simply melt in your mouth. Synie kindly made some cupcakes inspired by Marie Antoinette.

Now I have to tell you about Frédérique, my favourite stylist ever, she is very passionate about decorations, and it shows in her work. She made the bride's bouquet for the shoot and the invitation to name a few. Take a look at her website for wedding inspiration, The wedding tea room

None of this would have been possible without a castle: enters Le château de Dangu a massive french castle located near Cergy Pontoise. Ideal for grand weddings.



Overall my first french photo shoot was a good experience and I cannot wait to see the pictures from the photographer Emilie

I've met talented professionals, truly kind and passionate about what they do. They've all took the time and have put on so much effort and money to make this shoot a success. A big thank you to an amazing team.

In this picture: Left: Melissa, middle: Sonia, right: Emilie, top left: Fred, top right: Laeticia

Wedding planning tips in a box !

image credit of mariage.fr

For most people that are getting married for the first time, planning a wedding can be a time-consuming, overwhelming task. Planning for a typical wedding includes finding a reception location, meeting with all the different wedding suppliers including florists, disc jockeys, photographers, and caterers, picking out attire, invitations, etc. Couples in the UK are slowly realizing that hiring a wedding planner is not only for the rich and famous. People are waiting longer to marry and have busy careers and families taking up their time, so it could be a wise investment when the ‘average wedding’ takes an estimated 250 hours of organisation. 

So how do you do it when you simply can't afford a wedding planner ? Today I share with you some life saving skills to a successful planning.

Organisation 

1 - Have a written plan, which you will refer to as you progress

2 - Write down all your ideas. For your event to be coherent it is vital to keep an organised folder with your ideas and findings. 

3 - When choosing your menu, entertainment ... think about your guest. Fair enough it's your wedding but you want your guest to have a good time and enjoy themselves on your day.

4 - Plan well, when booking a venue think about facilities: (i.e parking - disable access...)

5- Make a timeline of your wedding day. And do yourself a favor and sign up for  On the day management to make sure that all you have worked so hard for gets delivered.

Styling

1- If you are on a tight budget, mix real flowers with artificial flowers.

2 - Use layers to fill space

3 - Create height on & above the tables.

4 - Use vibrant and metallic colors (bright yellow is very trendy in 2011)

5 - Be you and choose details that will personalize your decor. And it will get your guest talking.

Budget

1 - Set up a budget management spreadsheet. For your budget to be as accurate as possible you need to figure out the cost of all services and products require for your wedding. This is where a lot of couples go above budget deciding on a total spend without knowing what a wedding cost. Did you know that SGA Events offers a budget management service.

2 - Avoid impulse buy. You'll see a lot of things that you like but never buy in a hurry, assess whether you really need it and if it's on your list. 

3 - Analyse, research and compare to save you valuable cash...

4 - Spread the cost. It is no wonder the average length of an engagement is 18 months.

5 - To cut back on cost, limit your guest list to people that truly matter to you. 

I hope you will find it useful, for the latest news and tips on planning a flawless event register to our newsletter here

Break down the formalities

Good design happens when it feels and looks good to you. (Norma Lehmeier Hartie) 

The secret to a unique wedding is You, the detail you'll bring to the design will make it your own.
Also don't be scared to innovate, to try something new, do what works best for You.

Easy ways to personalise your event:

Mix and match colours, fabrics and textures


Combine differents flowers, colours, textures or linens:
Your bridesmaids bouquets and dresses don't have to match.
Your chairs can be different colours or style as long as it makes sense.
Try to combine different elements. Don't hesitate to mix traditions with trends, it adds energy and conversation at the tables.

mix and match china. Image credit: Intimate weddings

mix bouquet. 

mix &match bridemaids dresses. Image credit Inspire by this.

Remenber to use colours, dare bold and vibrant colours to show your personality.

Decor trend by Jackie Ooh events. Image credit Jackie ooh Events

Use different textures, like a loose fabric for your dress or table cloth.

Loose table cloth by Mindy  Weiss

The Plaza Athéné: The Ultimate wedding destination !

On one of my many trip to the city of love, I visited the Plaza Athénée a must stop destination when in Paris and a very romantic and luxury hotel to host your event.

Treat yourself to top cuisine by award winner chef Alain Ducasse

La Cour Jardin at the Plaza Athénée

Enjoy designer pampering with the Dior spa at the Plaza Athénée

Everything at the plaza Athénée makes you feel calm, relax and very very spoiled. The beauty and luxury of this hotel is beyond expectations. The location on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne is ideal for shopping, sightseeing etc... From your room you can see the Eiffel Tower and at night the view is simply breathtaking.

Step into complete luxury at the Plaza Athénée

Embrace the city from the best view in Paris

Proposed to your love one in the opulent setting of the Plaza Athénée

Get married in the city of love !

Location, can make an event stand out from the crowd.

Wedding checklist by SGA Events