Category Archives: FOR THE BRIDE

Top ten motifs used in Asian wedding stationery - by Ananya Cards

7 November, 2016

We are delighted to introduce a great blog post, written by the highly talented Vaishali, UKAWP Wedding Supplier Member and owner of Ananya Cards, explaining the top ten motifs used in Asian wedding stationery…..

Weddings are considered very auspicious events in the Indian subcontinent and every effort is made to include all elements considered favourable or auspicious through the entire wedding proceedings, from choosing the right colours to religious objects and symbols. The objective is to create as favourable and harmonious an environment as possible and invoke the blessings of the Gods as the couple tie the knot and begin their married life.

Motifs and symbols are equally important in wedding stationery to represent the physical and spiritual union of the couple. These are Ananya’s top 10 motifs.

1. Ganesh

Ganesh, the elephant headed God, is one of the most important and most popular symbols used on wedding stationery. He is believed to remove any obstacles and problems that may stand in the way of the wedding, which is why prayers to him are said and his blessings are invoked at the start of the wedding. Since a wedding invitation marks the announcement of the wedding to the guests and the beginning of the wedding process, the image of Ganesh on the wedding stationery signifies his protection during the wedding and married life. The image can either be traditional, abstract or a stylised version if the couple favours a more modern interpretation.

2. OM/Aum

The Om/Aum symbol is one of the most prominent and auspicious symbols in India and is recognised throughout the world. It has deep cultural and religious significance going back thousands of years. Considered to be a sacred sound from which the Universe rose, it is one of the most powerful mantras and represents the three major Hindu Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This sacred symbol represents ultimate peace, harmony and oneness. Its presence on wedding stationery is to infuse these qualities into the wedding and the couple’s married life.

3. Lotus

The lotus has played an important role in several Asian religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. It is considered a sacred flower and a symbol of beauty, fertility, prosperity and purity. As an aquatic plant growing in the mud, its stem rises to the surface of the water and its flowers rise well above the water, signifying the rise of man from materialism to enlightenment.

The Goddess Lakshmi, patron of wealth and abundance, is depicted sitting on a fully opened lotus flower with a lotus bloom in her right hand. The lotus is also considered one of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. With these qualities ascribed to the lotus, it’s easy to see why it is such a popular motif in wedding stationery.

4. Elephant

Asian culture has placed a great deal of importance on elephants for hundreds of years. They appear in various religious and cultural contexts throughout Asia. Associated with qualities of strength, steadfastness, wisdom and prosperity, they are a popular choice as a symbol on Asian wedding stationery. They look majestic and magnificent, and are often used in wedding processions, painted and decorated with beautiful jewellery and fabrics. Also considered sacred, Buddha is supposed to have loved them; elephant statues guard Buddhist temples. Elephants are present in Hindu mythology and statues of them abound in temples. Elephants also have a deep association with the Hindu God Ganesh, who had an elephant head. At Ananya, elephant motifs have been a popular choice with multicultural couples.

5. Peacock

This dazzlingly beautiful bird has been associated in the Hindu culture with the divine, such as the Goddess Lakshmi who represents good luck and wealth, and God Krishna, who wore a peacock feather in his crown. The peacock is also a symbol of Kwan-Yin, the Bodhisattva of love and compassion. The feathers of a peacock are considered auspicious and protective in Asia. It is believed that peacocks are able to eat poisonous plants without being affected by them. This is of great symbolic value on a wedding invitation as a representation of the ability of the couple to successfully face any challenges encountered in their married life.

6. Paisley

Paisley really is a very versatile motif and lends itself brilliantly to various wedding stationery designs. The paisley motif is not only an elegant and vintage design but it is also rich in spiritual significance. In Indian culture, the paisley signifies the time of harvest and prosperity. In Oriental traditions, the two paisleys represent the yin-yang symbol, a sign of equilibrium and balance. The flow of the two polar energies, Yin (Female) and Yang (Male), seek balance in the natural flow of the universe, constantly replacing each other and eventually, becoming each other. The paisley thus makes a wonderful motif to symbolise the union of two individuals in a marriage, and has worked particularly well in stationery for Ananya’s multicultural clients.

7. Tree of life

The Tree of life, also called the kalpavriksha or the wish-fulfilling tree is a large sacred tree representing the unity of all life forms. Its far-reaching branches originating from a massive trunk symbolise various life forms originating from the same source. Kalpavriksha is thought to be one of five trees said to fulfil all desires; another one is the coconut palm.

The Tree of life has been depicted in textiles, sculptures and paintings for centuries. It is usually shown abundantly laden with flowers and fruit and beautiful birds on its branches. A wish-fulfilling tree is exactly what couples want on their wedding stationery.

8. Parrot

Considered as ‘birds of love’ in ancient India, parrots have been featured in ancient Indian texts as well as countless paintings. They represent fertility and marital happiness, and women often made paintings with parrots in the hope that they would be blessed with marital happiness and children. Literature is full of stories of lovers using parrots to send messages to their beloved.

Parrots are also connected to spirituality and heaven. As birds, they represent spiritual freedom and disentanglement from worldly matters. Various Hindu deities are associated with parrots, such as Goddess Meenakshi who carried a parrot on her right shoulder. Religious scriptures show parrots’ ability to repeat what they hear and give us the message that repetition of good things is important.

9. Sacred pot (Kalash)

A kalash is a sacred pot on which a coconut with its husk intact is placed. Around it are placed freshly picked leaves of a mango tree, which are considered sacred. It is of tremendous importance in the Hindu religion, and especially at weddings. The pot is usually made of brass and is believed to be the symbol of life and prosperity, and thus a symbol of good omen to have on your wedding stationery. The coconut is also widely used in religious ceremonies and invokes the blessings of the Gods. The pot is usually decorated with beautiful designs.

10. Palanquin/Palki

Traditionally, a palki is a kind of palanquin with a comfortable seat which is enclosed by curtains and decorated with flowers. It is used to carry the bride from her parents’ home to her new home after the wedding. It is usually carried by male members of her family. Originally, the idea was to provide her some time and privacy to gather her thoughts as she prepared to start her life as a married woman. Nowadays, brides are carried only to the car on the palki for the journey home.

Modern brides are now using palkis to make a grand entrance to the wedding scene rather than leaving the wedding venue. Palkis of every kind are available these days – as ornate and stylish as the bride desires. As a representation of the beginning of a new life together, a palki is an appropriate symbol to have on wedding stationery. In the Hindu religion, this symbol has cultural significance and denotes sacred marriage in Indian style.

There is plenty of choice when it comes to wedding motifs. Although each one may have a different meaning, one thing they all have in common is that they are considered lucky or auspicious – and that is what all weddings can benefit from.

Please contact Vaishali Shah at Ananya for more information.

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Get married in Wales! - by Weddings by Zoë

24 October, 2016

We are delighted to introduce an interesting blog post, written by Zoë, UKAWP Wedding Planner Member and owner of Weddings by Zoë, regarding couples considering getting married in beautiful Wales. Over to you Zoë…..

If you’re looking to hold your special day in a beautiful country with numerous castles, accessible coastlines and beaches, beautiful rolling valleys, exquisite marquee locations and some truly fabulous remote wedding venues, then come to Wales.

Oliver & Ruth Photography

Whether you want to tie the knot in front of just a few of your closest family and friends in a romantic bijou location, or you want to celebrate in a castle or a marquee with all of your favourite people around you, we can find the perfect location for you.

Martin Beddall Photography

Click here to see a small selection of some of the wonderful venues we can recommend for you in Cardiff and across South Wales, throughout Mid Wales including the Brecon Beacons, and the idyllic coastal venues of stunning West Wales.

Adrian Thomas Photography

Hazel Hannant Photography

If you don’t live locally then we’ve got some great news! We specialise in distance-planning – doing all the hard work when you can’t easily get here to do it yourselves. We will call you via Skype or Facetime to ‘meet’ and help us understand exactly what you’re looking for, ensuring that we source you the most amazing local suppliers. We will arrange meetings for you with our recommended selections all on the same day so that you don’t have to travel here every weekend searching for what you require.

This can be especially helpful as we understand that it can be very hard to know who you should select to achieve the exact look and style that you are seeking, whilst being confident that they are reputable and will deliver on the day. Alternatively if you want, we can organise everything on your behalf, updating regularly via a video call, giving you as much or as little input as you want.

To find out more or to arrange a complementary initial consultation, contact Zoë fromWeddings by Zoë via email delight@weddingsbyzoe.co.uk, or call 07801 231302 to help you to create your perfect wedding day in Wales.

www.weddingsbyzoe.co.uk

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Showcase Wedding - Kim White Weddings

28 September, 2016

Today we are delighted to showcase a wedding coordinated by Kim White of Kim White Weddings. Over to you Kim…

The Wedding of James Crookes and Trisha Siegel on 25th June 2016, KZN, South Africa

Along the rugged sunny shores of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s South Coast, an American beauty Trisha and her South African prince charming James chose the beautiful Renishaw chapel to say ‘I Do’. The Crookes family has been associated with the Renishaw Farm, where the chapel was built, since 1860. Steeped in history the chapel formed the most exquisite backdrop for the very special ceremony of James and Trisha.

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Cocktails and canapes followed in the stunning gardens of Lynton Hall. A traditional, colonial and regal ambience was created while the guests enjoyed classical melodies of a string quartet.

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The reception was held in a marquee. Guests sat at long banquet tables, adorned with candle light and crystal glasses. The Crookes wedding was nothing short of elegance and splendour.

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What made this wedding even more spectacular was the incredible love you could feel between James and Trisha and the support and care from all their family and friends!

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So very grateful to have been a part of James and Trisha’s beautiful day! Wishing them love and happiness in their future together…

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Credits to:

Wedding Coordination and Styling : Kim White from Kim White Weddings, KZN, South Africa

Venue: Renishaw Chapel, Scottburgh & Lynton Hall, Pennington, KZN, South Africa

Photographer : Colin Browne Photography

Videographer : Debbie Malton from A Film Company

DJ : Steven Heyns from The Wedding DJ

Catering : Margie Harel from Aubergine

Bar Services : Mark Brunskill from BarServe

Marquee : KZN Tents

Décor : Designer Décor

Stationery : Crystal Print

Make-up : Andrea Jamieson Freelance make-up artist

Hair Styling : Mel Marshall

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Member Focus - Natalie Hewitt Wedding & Event Planner

20 September, 2016

Today we’d like to introduce Natalie Hewitt who runs Natalie Hewitt Wedding & Event Planner. Over to you Natalie…

How did it all start?

I started my career working in the Customer Service and Hospitality industry, planning corporate and charity events before graduating from university with a Law Degree (LLB Hons). I then moved into administration, where I worked as a PA for a small business owner, helping to grow the company into a national corporation.

As organised as I am, I have a creative flare (which just couldn’t be tamed,) so when Ben proposed, back in 2008, I discovered an industry that incorporated all of my arty passions; flowers, photography, cool fonts, diamonds, fashion, cakes etc. I had found my calling! After a few years spent planning my own wedding, gaining a diploma in Wedding Planning (with distinction) and immersing myself in the Wedding industry, I officially launched my own business at the end of 2012.

Do you have a favourite venue?

Most of my clients get married in marquees; I think they offer such a unique space and provide an extensive range of styling, supplier and layout possibilities. Sperry and Canvas Tents are currently a favourite of mine as I think they look so elegant. But Stubton Hall in Newark has to be one of my top venues. I’m a tad biased because I got married there but the exclusive hire provides an intimate wedding location for you and your guest and the renovation to the 19th century building has been executed seamlessly.

How would clients describe you?

Conscientious, friendly, supportive, knowledgeable, dedicated / hardworking and stylish.

Wedding planner/s you admire?

Mark Niemierko is a luxury wedding planner I have followed and been inspired by even before I launched my business – his high end life style is what most girls dream of; meetings at Claridges, fittings at Oscar de la Renta and high end clientele. He has definitely been one of the reasons I push myself to create a successful, luxury and professional wedding and event planning brand / business.

Bernadette Chapman and Sandy Moretta are also two ladies that I am absolutely in awe of; not only do they run their own very successful wedding planning businesses but they also manage to run the UKAWP as well as being wives, mothers and friends.

How do you unwind?

Having my own business, a dog and a child under two means my time to unwind consists of sharing a bubble bath with far too many bath toys, or trying to read a magazine whilst someone else is pulling out the pages or attempting some Pilates in my living room whilst being licked in the face by my dog. But I do enjoy a cup of tea and a few too many biscuits with my friends or a date night with my husband.

What themes are you working on for 2016/17?

From a bright and fun barn wedding to a garden marquee wedding absolutely dripping in florals; I’m working on a number of themes / styles at the moment, which is great. It keeps my creative juices flowing and I love it when a couple can put a stamp on their own wedding and make it truly personal.

What trends are you seeing?

For wedding gowns, I can see the two piece being a big trend next year – either subtle or a little more obvious, but it certainly makes a Bride’s choice a unique and modern one.

Well decorated cake tables – I think the wedding cake took a back seat for a while but it’s back in fashion and brides and grooms are now, quite rightly, showing it off in all its glory. Surrounded by flowers, additional confectionery or on its own on a beautiful table cloth; either way, it’s great to see cake designers work taking centre stage.

Quirky drinks receptions – a Prosecco van, a gin bicycle, a cocktail bar or even just serving your drinks on a beautifully decorated tray. I am seeing brides and grooms putting a lot more attention to detail into this part of the day. It’s a great was to kick start the celebrations and gives the guests a feel of how the rest of the celebrations will go.

What is your signature dish?

I love food and I love cooking. I make a good chicken coq au vin but when I’m going out for a celebratory meal (and this was the main thing that sucked about being pregnant as I couldn’t have any of it), I have chicken parfait, fillet steak and a cheese board with cocktails and Prosecco.

Whose celebrity wedding (dead or alive) would you love to design?

This is a hard question because I love so many different styles of weddings – very elegant and traditional to relaxed bohemian. But I think I would say Olivia Palermo. There aren’t many photographs of her wedding day but her outfit, (a jumper and skirt combination with cobalt Manolo Blahnik’s,) just oozes style and class. I love her chic style and I can imagine their wedding was intimate and modest, yet very well put together which is definitely how I would choose to get married if I was doing it again.

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I don’t think I ever thought that the job would be easy. Both my parents had their own businesses so I knew the hard work and hours that goes into being your own boss. But I am very driven and incredibly passionate about my career so I knew that wouldn’t faze me. I hadn’t appreciated how much work was involved in other business tasks other than the actual planning, like book keeping, marketing, research, networking etc. but it’s all great fun and I am so unbelievably lucky to be doing something I love.

What is your vice?

A glass of Prosecco (or two or three) and it’s amazing how many biscuits I can eat whilst sitting at my computer planning weddings.

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Top ten colours for wedding stationery and their significance - by Ananya Cards

19 September, 2016

Today we are delighted to introduce a really interesting blog post, written by the highly talented Vaishali, UKAWP Wedding Supplier Member and owner of Ananya Cards, explaining the meaning behind today’s top wedding stationery colours…..

1. Rose Quartz

One of Pantone’s blend of colours for 2016, Rose Quartz is already showing signs of being a big hit in 2016. A soft shade of pink, Rose Quartz, also sometimes called the Heart Stone, with its gentle pink essence is said to represent unconditional love. It carries a soft feminine energy of compassion and peace, tenderness and healing, nourishment and comfort. It is the perfect colour for a spring wedding; think of trees bursting with cherry blossoms. This exuberance can be beautifully conveyed through wedding stationery, giving it a romantic, fairy tale feeling throughout the whole suite of stationery, from invitations to thank you notes.


2. Serenity

The other colour in Pantone’s blend of colours for 2016 is Serenity – a soft shade of light blue. Representing tranquillity, peace and harmony, it is also said to represent trust, honesty and a sense of security. It is a wonderful stationery colour for an outdoor spring or summer wedding…imagine table numbers and place names in Serenity with lavender in bouquets or on the table at a wedding…calming, soothing and so summery!

Shades of blue have been increasingly demanded by brides – they are highly adaptable to one’s style preference; royal and navy blue can give a regal, sophisticated look, and lighter shades like teal and sky blue can give a summery look for nature lovers. Combine with white, yellow or green for a fresh, crisp look, or metallic for sophistication and glamour.

3. Indigo

Indigo is seeing a great surge in popularity and will continue to be a big hit in 2016. It is a combination of deep blue and violet. Deep shades like indigo, royal and navy blue can give a regal, sophisticated look to wedding stationery. Great with metallics, such as silver and gold, Indigo looks equally stylish with colours such as yellow, green or white. For a fresh summery look, lighter shades of blue such as teal and turquoise look chic when pared with Indigo.

Indigo is said to represent dependability, trustworthiness and sincerity, and therefore makes an ideal colour for weddings and wedding stationery. It is a spiritual colour and derives its name from the Indigo dye from the Indigo plant, found in India.

It is said to represent the 3rd eye (for intuition and creativity) in the Indian Chakra system that represents energy centres in the body.

4. Botanically Inspired

Flowers big and small, boldly coloured or delicately hued; fancy ferns, lush green vines curling and twining - nature has truly captured our hearts. Brides now prefer nature as more wild and organic, in a range of moods from rustic and earthy to flamboyant and dazzling.

Shades of green represent nature, ecology, harmony, peace, growth and fertility – in most western cultures green denotes luckand money. Green in your wedding colours will create a calming and restful moodwith enough warmth to encourage a feeling of unity and togetherness among the guests. The more rustic and earthy tones represent stability, reliability and being grounded and down to earth.

5. Mesmerising Metallics

The use of all metallic colours will continue to flourish, especially gold, silver and copper. However, the ascent of rose gold with its soft glow has definitely caught the imagination of the fashion world, and this is being adapted into the world of wedding stationery. With its versatility, equally stunning when combined with deep, rich colours such as claret, burgundy or even purple, as well as soft pastels such as peach, blush pink and grey, rose gold is sure to cast its spell in 2016.

Gold conveys confidence and magnetism. It is the colour of success, achievement and triumph. It creates a mood of luxury and quality, elegance, extravagance, optimism and happiness.

Silver has a feminine energy; it is related to the moon and the ebb and flow of the tides - it is fluid, emotional, sensitive and mysterious, soothing, calming and purifying. Silver in your stationery colours will create a mood of elegance and femininity.

6. Monochrome Magic

Gorgeous, elegant and classy; monochrome wedding stationery is hugely on trend. Whether it’s black and white monochrome or black and champagne, which is a warmer and richer tone than white and has a somewhat vintage flavour, monochrome wedding stationery is sure to make a huge impact.

Black is a colour of power and control, prestige, sophistication and dignity. Using it in wedding stationery will create a mood of elegance, protection and mystery.

White is a colour in its purest form, representing innocence, wholeness and perfection. It is the blank canvas waiting to be written upon. Using white in your wedding stationery will create a mood of peace and comfort.

Of course, you are not restricted to black and white. Any variation of shades of the same colour can be monochrome. It helps to add depth to the overall look of the stationery.

7. Pops of Colour

For those who like the monochrome colour scheme but want to add a little extra something, accents of bright, bold colours to highlight certain details on the stationery fit the bill perfectly. Vibrant colours such as purple or emerald green or even orange on an otherwise black and white invitation create the desired impact without making the invite overwhelming. Details such as the date, time and venue all benefit from an injection of colour. These pops of colour could be carried through the whole suite of stationery to provide cohesion and harmony.

Orange is an uplifting, optimistic, positive colour, which exudes warmth and happiness. Orange/saffron is an auspicious in Hinduism. Purple has been associated with royalty, nobility and prestige. It can symbolise mystery, magic, power and luxury. Emerald green is a healing, calming and nurturing colour.

8. Jewel Tones

For the ultimate in sumptuous opulence, the use of jewel tones transforms the stationery into a statement piece. Jewel tones of ruby red for passion and energy, emerald green for nature and nurture, sapphire blue for calm and cool, as well as magenta for inspiration and imagination. And not forgetting the much loved metallics like gold for confidence and magnetism, silver for a feminine mysterious touch, and rose gold for warmth – these metallics never fail to steal the show.

Adding a sprinkling of embellishments – pearls for a soft romantic glow, or diamanté will create an eye catching sparkle. Use colours that match the wedding outfit.

9. Blush Nude

For those that are after a soft, dreamy and romantic effect, the blush nude look is perfect. A warmer colour than white or cream, blush nude is the epitome of femininity without being too girly. Blush nude is versatile and can be paired with other soft and muted tones to give more depth and a wider palette to work with on wedding invites.

Ideal with a lacy, intricate design, it can be further enhanced with a touch of gold, silver or other metallic detail to add texture and depth. For some extra glamour, add embellishments such as crystals or pearls to make the stationery sparkle with elegance.

The blush nude look can also be combined with other muted tones such as pink, light mauve, lavender or blue for a chic and refined look.

All the tones that fall in this category represent a sense of calmness, serenity, femininity, harmony and comfort.

10. Destination Co-ordinated Colours

Destination weddings are on the rise, and have been the ideal solution for those with a limited budget or for those who want to tie the knot at their favourite destination and give a special treat to their invitees. The colour chosen will depend on the destination environment. A beach destination can have blue to represent the blue sky or an earthy, sandy tone to represent the sand. A lush tropical destination can incorporate greens, golds and bursts of intense colour to represent the rich flora and fauna. Textures can also add impact and depth to the stationery.

 

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