Happy New Year

At wedding wishes we just wanted to wish all our suppliers and follower a happy and prosperous 2012

In the new year we hope to be getting bigger and better, our long awaited app will be launched in the spring. 

We will be introducing you to our new blogger Carrie who is getting married in October 2013. She will be sharing her planning adventures and giving you the low down on the what is happening in the wonderful world of weddings.

We like to send a special thank you to our lovely suppliers old and new. Look at for new features being added to the website over the next few months.

So if your still at a lost as to what to buy that special man in your life for Christmas, I have done a little research for you.  I have been reliably informed by the men in my life that they would be over the moon to unwrap any of these goodies this Christmas.

I am sure you don't need me to tell, but your cutting it a bit fine! especially if you're going to be ordering online. To avoid playing delivery roulette I think its time to hit the streets and get shopping

picture Credits River Island, Amazon, Asos, Not on the High street, John Lewis Fortnum & Mason

Senna DVD £10.99

Nikon Camera £149.95 (John Lewis)

iPad from £399

Calvin Klein Boxers £35.00

Pringle Socks £10.00

Sweetie Jar £8.25 www.notonthehighstreet.com

Fortnum & Mason Hamper £55.00

Slippers £18.00 River Island 

Philips Senseo from £65.50

Gifts for the girls

If like me you're a bit late starting your Christmas shopping I have used the wish list from my nearest and dearest to give you a few ideas as to what us ladies wouldn't mind unwrapping this year.

Best of all you still have time to order online before the Christmas delivery deadlines

Image Credits: River Island, Selfridges, Not on the High Street, Holistic Silk, La Senza, Nails Inc, L'occitane, Rock n Rose

Stockist information

Purple Orchid print Silk Scarf £145.00  www.liberty.co.uk

Almond Nougat and Gingerbread Mix  £10.00, £15.99 www.selfridges.co.uk

Eye Mask £41.00 www.holisticsilk.com

Love Jumper and Keep Clam notebook £38.00, £4.99 www.riverisland.co.uk

Owl Hottie www.Lasenza.co.uk

Crystal nail varnish £15.00 www.nailsinc.com colour shown Bond Street 

Mugs £12.50 each www.notonthehighstreet.com by the letteroom 

L'occitane cherry blossom set £46.00 www.loccitane.com

Winter Brights

 

Move over  white, silver, red and gold adding a splash or going for a full on carnival  of colour can really change the feel  and add a bit of warmth to a winter wedding. 

Thank You card - Bloody Gorgeous Creations £1.75

Nail Varnish collection - Nails inc £20.00 (I paint rainbow)

Flowers - Jane Packer £45.00 (Rose Sundae)

Cupcakes - Lola's Kitchen £2.50

Dress - Veromia POA

Wedding Invitation Bloody Gorgeous Creations £2.85 (Circus Design)

From Martha Stewart weddings

I love this non floral  Bouquet I adore butterflies
so I find this simply stunning.

Going non floral on your bouquet is also a
great idea if you are on a budget or
feeling a little creative

Sweet Scents

Until this week I never realised just how important a brides perfume choice is to her. 
whilst out shopping earlier this week myself and my best friend  ended up having a lovely conversation with a gorgeous and very excited bride to be (Debbie) and her chief bridesmaid (Masie) in Starbucks about what perfume to wear on her wedding day.

Chanel No5 a classic and is alway in the to five of wedding fragrance hot scents

I always thought when the time comes for me to get married I would wear my usual scent after all it's what I know and love right? wrong...if you add the three questions below into the mix it gives you a little bit more to think about.

I can't get enough of the Daisy collection by Marc Jacobs 

Do you choose your tried and tested favourite scent?

Do you choose the scent the your husband to be likes?

Do you choose something your mum or or nan like as it can double as your something old something new?
 

Estee Lauder beautiful is another classic wedding fragrance

After much debate I still think I would go wear my favorite signature sent something Masie agrees with, after all my husband to be is marrying me so that is treat enough for him!

Estee Lauder Pleasures is the wedding fragrance  to five

Debbie decided she would wear Chanel No 5 as it reminds her of her nan so it's will be her something old.

Agent Provocateur Maitresse is also a winner with brides

How did you chose what perfume to wear on your big day?

W W Weddings

I can’t get enough of online shopping I can shop anytime of the day or night and I don’t have to worry about sore feet!

One of my best friends got married last weekend and earlier this year I introduced her to the delights of online shopping.
 
www.coxandcox.co.uk is great for inspiration and where we got inspiration of the theme of the wedding. You can find loads of ideas for table decorations, favours as well as loads of fantastic craft items for the DIY brides who plan on getting creative and make things for themselves.

Selection from cox and cox

www.Notonthehighstreet.com is another great place to check out if you are looking for something unique. This is a good place to find and gorgeous gifts for the bridal party and with a wide variation of things you will be spoilt for choice.

Selection from not on the high street

www.Confetti.co.uk and thelastdetail.co.uk are also well worth a click when looking for wonderful wedding ideas and finishing touches.

I just love online fashion site such as www.awear.com, www.asos.com and www.net-a-porter.com are great places to look for bridesmaid dresses. Looking for dresses online is a great especially if your bridesmaids live in different parts of the country

If you’re a bride with a love of all things designer www.net-a-porter.com/wedding is the place to check out for some amazing wedding dresses.

BHS wedding collection was a great surprise to me, for some reason I always thought of BHS as being a bit old fashioned but I stand corrected. Their wedding collection is truly gorgeous, especially great for flower girl and page boy outfits. If you are a bride on a budget and looking for an affordable wedding dress they are well worth checking out. 

www.bhs.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/bhsstore/91824/1/1

I couldn't talk about online shopping without mentioning our own directory www.weddingwishes.co.uk where you can find wonderful online wedding suppliers.

Honeymoon Heaven in Antigua

Welcome to Antigua

Give me a beach holiday any day of the week and I will be happy, give me a beach and a new husband and I am in heaven. For me Honeymoon equals a beach in paradise, and the Caribbean island of Antigua comes very high on my list of holiday paradise hot spots ideal for  honeymooners.

Antigua is a 8hr trip from the UK with a number of carriers flying direct from regional UK airports, I flew direct from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic which actually only took 7.5hrs which was even better!

View from a Jolly Harbour Villa

Antigua is one of the smaller Caribbean islands which makes sightseeing a breeze you can cover most of the island in a day, the other great thing about Antigua I should have mentioned earlier is it’s 365 beach and all of them are public beaches unlike some other island. I have been to Antigua twice and I've managed to visit 30 beaches and they are all amazing. Beaches within resorts have more activities on offer but if you want to just chill and get away from it all a little drive out and you will arrive at a more secluded beach.

Rex Beach

Antigua is very much a tourist Island so you are not short of places to stay. My top five places to stay are:

Nonsuch Bay www.nonsuchbayresort.com

Jolly Harbour www.antiguaharbourlights.com

Sandals www.sandals.co.uk/main/antigua/an-home

Rex Resort www.rexresorts.com/antigua

Veranda Resort www.verandahresortandspa.com

Places to visit and things to do

If you can remove yourself from the beach, Antigua has a fair few places of interest that are well worth a visit.

Shirley Heights

Shirley Heights give you the most spectacular view and you can see neighbouring islands Montserrat and Guadeloupe and a must see if you have a head for heights. If you happen to be on the island at the end of April – early May there is even more to  see and do as it 's sailing week an you will get to see some amazing boats and party hard.

Nelson's Dockyard National Park an old British Navy base from the 18th century. Clarence House is also situated in the national park. A residence built for the future King William IV (1765-1837) when he served under Nelson as captain of the H.M.S. Pegasus.

Carnival is a must see if you are there at the end July, full of colour and life you can't help shaking a leg to the beat.

St Johns is the capital of Antigua and is totally buzzing in atmosphere. Take time out to visit the Cathedral, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda and on Friday and Saturday morning the framers markets are well worth a visit.

Nelson's Dockyard

Getting around

I would suggest setting aside a budget for taxi’s it is easier, than driving around. Even though car rentals are widely available it can be hard to navigate your way around the Island there are road signs but they can be far and few between destinations. The other added advantage of using a taxi driver can often double up as a tour guide.

Food and drink

When it comes to drink all you need to know is rum punch lovely but deadly so maybe you might want to take it is and have a few fruit juice in-between. I don’t think I had a bad thing to eat on the island everything was yummy, from traditional Caribbean dishes to more modern fusion dishes you won’t be disappointed.

Lobster Shack at Runway Beach Club -  www.lobstershackantigua.com/theLobsterShackRestaurantandBar.html

Sticky Wicket Restaurant & Bar – across from the airport

Curtain Bluff Resort - www.curtainbluff.com

Above anything it's the islanders that really help to make this island extra special they are warm, friendly and always willing to help. 

Make sure you pack lots of sun cream as it hot hot hot!

Framing Your Memories: Choosing a Photographer

Let's be honest: even though we spend months and months planning every last detail of our wedding day - it is just that: a day. And one which will pass in a haze. Which is why the recording of the day through photographs is especially important. Long after we've put away the wedding dress, the photographs will endure and serve to remind us of our truly special day.

Photography has moved on in recent years; no longer are the wedding photos simply about formal posed groups, rather now, they are about capturing the spontaneity of the day, with informal shots and candid moments. A good photographer will blend in as another wedding guest, recording the little details as well as the grand moments. Choose your photographer carefully: it's not just about the quality of their work, but also it's about whether you want this person to be part of your day.

Be prepared to allocate a good chunk of your budget to your photographs. Ignore the naysayers who say that you will never look at your album again. You will return to it many times, and perhaps with your children or grandchildren. Your wedding photos are a document of your special day which will then last for years and years.

Photos by Amie Fedora Photography; Corey Ann; Mike Fleming. Used with permission.

Sweet Treats

No matter what your taste, style or budget, there are favors to suit your needs ... but I think edible goodies are always a winner.

Valentines Day

If you haven’t brought your valentines gift already you are seriously cutting it fine!

For those of you who embrace Valentines and like to treat that special someone extra special on the 14th I have put together a little love list of things that any lady or man would be happy to receive as a token of your love.

My Love for you is a journey; starting at forever, and ending at never. - Author unknown -

Presents don’t always have to be expensive or a huge grand gesture, I like the idea of something simple and heartfelt like a love letter or a poem that can be framed. Be it a simple box of chocolates a dozen red roses, an expensive bottle of champagne. You know the saying it’s the thoughts that count!

Grow old with me; the best is yet to be. - Robert Browning -

Wedding Wishes Ideas from the Wedding Ideas Awards!

I have to admit, I was a little bit apprehensive about going the Wedding Ideas awards last Friday ... Here at Wedding Wishes UK, we're a two-person team. Unfortunately my business partner, who works with, and has some understanding of the UK wedding suppliers industry, had to pull out of attending the event at the last minute, leaving poor old geeky me (I'm the technical half of Wedding Wishes UK) to brave the event alone!

In the end I needn't have feared. The lovely ladies on my table made me feel very welcome, despite the fact that I was the only man at the table. As well as being great company, they also offered me lots of interesting ideas on things we could to do make Wedding Wishes UK a compelling tool for brides, as well as some great tips for promoting the site.

It seems that the Wedding Wishes iPhone/smartphone app concept was very popular, so this is clearly an area we need to work on as a priority. What hadn't ocurred to me before was the idea that the app could be valuable even before the directory is stuffed full of supplier listings, by initially focussing the mobile app on the bride's wedding management needs.

For the bride & groom's wedding page (this is a feature we intend to add to the bride & groom section where they can feature details of their wedding, gift list, mini-blog, photos, twitter feeds, etc.):

• Mood board.
• Bookmark list.

Directory:

• Allow brides/grooms to state what they're interested in, then notify the suppliers to allow them to make direct contact with the brides/grooms via the site.

If you have any great ideas or suggestions for features we could add to Wedding Wishes UK, please let us know! You can write your comments below, or contact us by email or twitter. We want to make this a great resource for brides/grooms as well as suppliers.