Welcome

The all new Big Day Discounts blog will be kicking off tomorrow. We will have some great features for you every day from mood boards to our fav wedding bits of the week.

We love all things wedding at Big Day Discounts HQ so we are very excited to be sharing our thoughts, love’s and tips on weddings.

We would also love to hear from you, if you have anything that you would like to add just pop it in the comments box or email us.

We really hope you enjoy reading our blog as much as we like writing it!!!

Now I must get on with tomorrows post, be sure to pop back and have a read and let us know what you think.

Terri

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The Star Alfriston open evening

Wedding Open Evening

Tuesday 9th August 2011 5pm – 9pm

No appointment necessary.

Come and view the hotel at your leisure and
see it all set up for a wedding!

Show Bedrooms
Ceremony Room Set up
Reception Room Layout
See our Rose Garden
Complimentary Glass of Fizz
Complimentary Canapés
Free Car Parking
Selected Wedding Service Suppliers
Goodie Bag for every couple

http://www.thestaralfriston.co.uk/

Supplier interview - Twinkle Chairs

Today we would like to introduce you to Twinkle chairs.

What inspired you to start your business?
When we were planning our wedding we considered not having chair covers and I changed my mind at the last minute, I was so glad I did, the room had the wow factor and the chair covers were a big reason for this, from then I realised what a huge difference they can make and how much they add to any event be it a wedding, dinner party or prom

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Seeing the end result and the reaction from my clients when they first see their room, it reminds me how I felt when I saw our wedding reception dressed so beautifully.

What has been the best moment of your business?

Probably the satisfaction of dressing our first chairs and seeing the end result and what a difference we made to the venue. That and the reaction from our client, in their words ‘wow!’
What are your plans for the future?
We hope to source some vintage pieces to add to our collection of table centrepieces and we’re in the process of acquiring sashes in lace and other gorgeous materials other than the usual organza and taffeta.
We also hope to offer franchises of our business at some point in the future



For Twinkle chairs special offer see here

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Launch of Military Wedding Discounts

Military Wedding Discount Launches across the UK and USA

Military Wedding Discounts is a great new website that has been designed to help members of the armed forces in both the UK and the USA save money when planning their wedding.

Emma and Terri decided to set up Military Wedding Discounts in order to help troops save money on their big day and to also help raise money for two charities Help 4 Heroes based in the UK and Operation Gratitude based in the USA.

All categories are covered from dresses and suits to catering and cake and from stag and hen do ideas to photographers and jewellery. The website offers suppliers both in the UK and USA who are offering special rates to the military personal and 50% of all advertising fees are donated to the charities.

Emma Said: ‘supporting a military charity is something we both wanted to do for a long time and have combined it with our love of weddings. We are also looking into organising fundraising events of our own to help raise more money for both the UK charity Help4Heroes and USA charity Operation Gratitude’

There is also a section on ‘Real Military Weddings’ where brides and grooms or photographers can submit their wedding to be featured on the website. If you are a wedding supplier who would like to advertise with Military Wedding Discounts or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please see the ‘Advertise With Us’ page for further info.

For more information check it out at www.militaryweddingdiscounts.com
ENDS

Notes to Editors:
All PR and Media enquiries to Joanne Pickup at Sprae PR at info@sprae.co.uk and contact number 07720893867

Military Wedding Discounts is a great new website that has been designed to help members of the armed forces in both the UK and the USA save money when planning their wedding. For more information contact Emma or Terri via the website www.militaryweddingdiscount.com

Help for Heroes raises money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. They ask their supporters to “do their bit” to show these extraordinary young men and women that they are cared for by us. Over a million people have responded to date and millions of pounds have been raised to buy much needed services that will aid their recovery. Further information can be found on their website: www.helpforheroes.org.uk

Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in harm’s way and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units. Operation Gratitude care packages contain food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support. Further information can be found on their website www.operationgratitude.com

Kettering Park Hotel & Spa Wedding Fayre Event

If you are in the area of Kettering and planning your wedding then make sure you get down to the Kettering Park Hotel & Spa Wedding Fayre Event 26th June 2011.

Pickled Ginger collaborates with Kettering Park Hotel on upcoming event.

Pickled Ginger Events is proud to announce their newly formed collaboration with the popular event and wedding venue the Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, in Kettering. The wedding fayre is to showcase the venue to potential clients but also launching their newly established outside ceremony space.

Pickled Ginger will be attending the venues wedding fayre along with various local wedding suppliers, including wedding cake, stationery and chair covers. Musicians and drinks will compliment the beautiful scene of the civil ceremony in the gardens set for a wedding. The suppliers will be offering various services and offers through the day as well as the venue being on hand to answer any queries and is set to be a fantastic event.

Pickled Ginger Events, established in 2010, specialises in exhibitions, conferences and corporate events, wedding planning and promotional field marketing activities. Pickled Ginger is proud to become a supporter of the hotels events and are excited for the future collaborating with the venue.

The event take place at Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, Kettering on 26th June 11am-3pm. Entrance is complimentary and guests receive gift bags on entry. Ample free parking available on site.

For more information on the event, gift bag sponsorship or other queries contact Kerri, Events Director at Pickled Ginger on 07793 218 568, events@pickledgingerevents.co.uk or visit http://www.pickledgingerevents.co.uk/.

Donna Sharpe Photography

Today we are treated to some amazing images by Donna Sharpe Photography

Visit Donna Sharpe Photography here
Donna Sharpe Photography offer
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Hummingbird Card Company's NEW website

Today we bring you the new website of Hummingbird Card Compnay

Feast your eyes on the Hummingbird Card Company’s NEW website and you’ll find refreshingly inspired wedding stationery for fashionable brides!

Discover vintage and contemporary collections in a host of themes, on printed and laser-cut options, and the stunning photo gallery will give you a feel for the delicate designs and accessories.

The NEW website is packed with handy tips, and for the more creative, details on making your own stationery with the brilliant Create & Make Range.

Wedding stationery should make a lasting impression with your guests. The Hummingbird website shows you how… And all Wedding Stationery & Occasions Stationery orders this month will receive a FREE pack of our gorgeous laser-cut bunting

Here are some great images from the new website and some of their lovely designs.

To see Hummingbird Card Company’s new website click here

Hummingbird Card Company’s special offer with Big day Discounts
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Wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana

So it’s the big day and our future King of England has married his Princess - Kate (or Catherine as she is to be known now) Middleton. Before I post about the big day I thought it might be an idea to have a look back at Prince Williams’ parents wedding 30 years previous…

Diana travelled to St Pauls Catherdal in a glass carriage with her Father.The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The nerves of both Charles and Diana showed when they took their vows, both mixed up words. Diana Mixed up Charles’ Name calling him “Philip Charles” instead of “Charles Philip” Charles also slipped up by saying “Thy Goods” instead of “My wordly goods”

A small dinner was held for 120 guests at Buckingham Palace. The newly married couple appeared on the balcony of Buckingham palace and thrilled the waiting crowd by having a small kiss.

The couple had 27 wedding cakes, but the official cake was made by the Navel Armed Forces. Two cakes were made in case one was damaged whilst being transported to Buckingham Palace. Neither cake was damaged so the spare was distrubited between the navel cookery trainees.

The bottom tier of the cake took 12 hours bake over all the cake took 14 weeks to make.

The couple were taken by horse and carriage to the train station, Prince Andrew and Edward had attached a “just married” sign on the back of the carriage. The first part of the honeymoon was spent in Romsey in Hampshire here they stayed at Broadlands, the family home of Prince Philips family. The Second part of the honeymoon was on board the royal yacht Britannia. Once aboad they sailed to Algeria, Tunisia, Sicily, the Greek Islands and Egypt. The final part of the honeymoon was spent at Balmoral where they spent time with the royal family.










Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were engaged 24th Febuary 1981, the ring she was given was an 18 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 smalled diamonds.

The wedding took place on 19th July 1981 at St Pauls Cathedral. The wedding was attended by 3.500 guests and was watched by more than 750 million people world wide.
The route was lined by cheering of crowds of two million all wanting to get a glimpse of the bride and groom.

Diana’s dress was designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel. The dress was a puff ball meringue wih puffed sleeves and a frilly neckline. The dress was made of Silk taffeta with lace decorated by hand with embroidery, sequins and 10,000 pearls. A 25 foot train finished off the dress. Diana also had 5 bridesmaids. Charles wore full dress uniform of a naval commander.

Ardley Weddings & Events Ltd

Todays supplier interview comes from the lovely Ardley Weddings & Events Ltd

When did you launch your business?

Ardley Weddings & Events Ltd was launched in April 2009


What inspired you to start your business?

My Daughter actually inspired me to start the business, she was 13 at the time, and said she would like to become a wedding planner, after planning my own wedding, I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the planning, meeting up and chatting to suppliers, trying to find the best deals and discounts. I thought this would be an amazing opportunity to build a future for my daughter, but also for mother and daughter to work together.

I researched, and found there was a market for affordable wedding planners, in my area, so I took an Event management and Wedding planning course, and once I had my diploma Ardley Weddings & Events ltd was born.

Now my daughter has a future career in the business and once she leaves school/college, she will take on the roll as wedding planner, and build the business even more, as she would also like to own her own bridal shop. Therefore we would combine the businesses.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are so many to list, but if I had to choose one, it would be the people that you get to meet and work with. Everyone, for the most part, is such a pleasure to work with and making friends along the way is a definite bonus! It is such an amazing feeling when you see the couple so happy & loving one another on their “perfect” wedding day! It sure beats sitting behind a desk all day long.


What has been the best moment of your business?

I cherish every moment of the my business, but I have to say I do love watching the grooms face, as he watches his bride walk down the aisle, and when the ceremony is over and the happy couple walk down the aisle together, so happy.

What are your plans for the future?

Plans for the future, keep planning gorgeous weddings for happy couples, and my daughter has her own ideas which she would like to incorporate into the business, she would like to extend the business, with a bridal shop and then we combine the business into one.


Can you give us a ‘Typical day in the life of….’?

I am a mother of 3 children aged 20, 15 and 4 years

My day starts with getting up at 6am, to start my day job, I’m lucky to have a house husband who gets ready and takes the youngest to school, while I go to my day job as a PA.

While I am at my day job, I am emailing clients and suppliers, and taking calls, between my day job duties.

Once my day job is finished, I sometimes go straight to meetings with clients and suppliers.

Then once home at 6pm ( if no clients visits ) I have dinner with my family, do homework with the kids, and then get the little one ready and settled into bed.

Around 8.30 I will do research and catch up on paperwork, and the recent trends, proposals, emails and calls to clients and suppliers, work with my daughter on her inspiration boards, you will also find me on twitter, as I love to chat and network with other suppliers in the industry. As the saying goes, its good to talk.

At the weekend unless I have a wedding to attend or clients dress fittings, and cake tasting and caterers to visit. I spend as much time with the children as possible, doing something fun, my family are my life, and without them, and the loving support from my husband, my business would not be the success it is today

To see Ardley Weddings & Events special offer

Ardley Wedding & Events website

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New design from Tatty Lashes Handcrafted Stationery

Today we are delighted to show you a new design from Tatty Lashed Handcrafted Stationery.

Sweet Buffet Stationery is available in every colour and can be completely personalised. They is more to come in this fabulous new design including framed signs, poems and fully personalised card bunting …. We will be showing off the new designs as soon as we can!!!

Sweet Buffet Design

For stick in the jar tags 75p each

For tie around the jar £1.10 each

For Loop over the jar 95p each


To see more designs from Tatty Lashes Handcrafted Stationery
http://tattylashes.co.uk/index.html

To see the special offer Tatty Lashes Handcrafted Stationery has
http://www.bigdaydiscounts.co.uk/featured-offers-35-tatty-lashes-handcrafted-stationery

The wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have been married for 63 years and today we take a look at the wedding of the young Princess.

The couple had become secretly engaged in 1946, her family were aganst her marrying at such a young age (20) They were to keep it secret until she had turned 21. The engagment was officially annonced on 10th July 1947. Before the engagment was announced Prince Phillip had renounced his Danish and Greek titles also his allegince to the Greek crown. He also became a naturalised British subject and converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism. Prince Phillip also changed his surname to that of his Monthers family, Mountbatten. The engagment ring was platinum with a large square diamond at its centre and smaller diamonds on either side.

The couple were married on 20th November 1947 at Westminser Abbey. This was the first Royal wedding since the end of World War II and thousands of people lined the streets to celebrate the marriage of the young couple, many spending hours over night on the streets to get a glimpse of the young princess.

The bridal party included 8 bridesmaids and 2 page boys, the wedding was performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York

As the country was still recovering from the war, rationing was still in force so the princess saved up her coupons to purchase the material needed to make the dress. The wedding dress was made of ivory duchess satin and decorated with 10,000 white pearls, silver thread and tulle embroidery. The train of the dress was a patterned full court train attached at her shoulders and was 15 foot in length, a silk tulle veil held her tiara in place. The tiara was lent to her by her mother. Her shoes were ivory duchess with silver and pearls. The Bouquet was white orchids and a sprig of myrtle. The next day her bouquet was laid on the grave of the unknown solider in Westminster abbey, which was a tradition started by her mother and still continues today. Prince Phillip wore his Lieutenant of the Royal Navy uniform.

The wedding breakfast was held in Buckingham Palace. Posie’s were given to guests as favours which were made up of white heather and myrtle. The cake weighed 500 pounds and stood nine foot tall. It was made using ingredients sent by the Australian Girl Guides and was cut using Prince Phillip’s Sword.

The honeymoon was spent in two places, the first Broadlands House in Hampshire (owned by Prince Phillips uncle) and the second Balmoral Estate.

Next week we take a look at the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.

Starstruck Designs supplier interview

Todays supplier interview comes from the great Starstruck Designs.

When did you launch your business?

July 2002


What inspired you start your business?

When I was arranging my own wedding, I found there was a distinct lack if well crafted tiaras and jewellery avaliable at realistic prices. I decided to make my own accessories and as a result I had several orders from guests at my wedding! I launched my website in July 2002 with 6 photos of tiaras I had made, and by christmas that year I had over 100 designs and a 4 month waiting list!! The rest, as they say , is history!


What do you enjoy most about your job?

Gosh, it would be easier to tell you what I don’t like! (doing my accounts). I love working with brides, I love drooling over photos of their dresses whilst designing accessories for them, I love being surrounded in sparkly things all day everyday, I love being challenged to create something truly unique (jigsaw piece themed tiara anyone?). I suppose that the most amazing part of my job is being trusted by a bride to create something for her to wear on her wedding day - always feels like such a honour. And seeing her photos afterwards - always an exciting email to receive!

What has been the best moment of your business?

Hmmm….. I’ve had a famous client which was pretty exciting but to be honest with you it has to be the first order I has through my website. I still have a framed photo of the that first cheque on the wall of my studio, it was for £15 and I don’t think I have ever felt so proud.


What are your plans for the future?

Well, in the short term, we ate really close to the launch of our brand new goddess collection - a gorgeous selection of side tiaras, which reflects the appliqued embellishments of current bridal trends. However long term, who knows? I think running a business is such an adventure and I never know what opportunities will come up from one day to the next. I suppose that ultimately, I want to be as happy as I am now. I love what I do, I think that reflects in my work, and would never, ever want to change that,

Can you give us a ‘Typical day on the life of….’?

I get up when me son gets up - he’s just turned 1 and is the early riser in the house! So the first few hours of the day are taken up with organising the children (and husband) for school, nursery and work. At about 8:30am, peace reigns and i can sit down with a cup of tea and catch up with emails. I answer everything that is straightforward first, and then go back over any that require more thought (I might need to research materials, sketch designs, calculate quotes etc)

This its time to get the sparklies out. I keep a spreedsheet of all my orders as i know which ones are most urgent and those that get made first. This can take several hours, and somewhere in the day I try to remember to break for lunch, although in all honestly lunchtime is often about 4pm! I have to make sure that all my orders are packed up by 4.30pm so that I can get them to the post office by 5pm. Everything has to be photographed before it is packed up just in case it is requested by a bridal magazine for a feature they are running.
At 5.30pm my husband and children get home and until 7.30pm we have some family time. Come 8pm, I’m back at work (albeit on the laptop, in front of the telly).I consider this my “fun” time, and might be researching new suppliers, reading bridal forums to what brides are wearing, where trends are going etc. I could be updating my website, my blog, Facebook or Twitter, anything goes really, as long as its do-able with a glass of red wine in hand!

Photography courtesy of Ruth Goalby Photography
Accessories by Starstruck Designs

Photography courtesy of Ruth Goalby Photography
Accessories by Starstruck Designs


To see Stratstruck Designs great offer click here
http://www.bigdaydiscounts.co.uk/featured-offers-27-starstruck-designs

To see more designs from Starstruck Designs click here
http://www.starstruck-designs.co.uk

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Louise Murray Wedding & Events

Todays supplier interview comes from the lovely Louise Murray Wedding and Events

When did you launch your Business?

March 2010

What inspired you to start your business?

I have enjoyed planning and behind the scenes work ever since I was a little girl. I then worked in the wedding event industry and decided I wanted to work for myself and I have never looked back.

What has been the best moment of your business?

Being approached by suppliers wanting to work with me because of my product and what they have been told about me. Having a good reputation is very flattering. And Thank you cards from my Bride and Grooms.

What are your plans for the future?

Build my business up to be something great so my little daughter will want to do it when she is older.

Can you give us a ‘Typical day in the life of…’?

Gosh everyday is different and with a 3 month old daughter is even more so. She was born Christmas Day so she is our extra special present. No two days are the same in this industry and that is why I love it so very much. You are never ever bored!

You can see Louise Murray Wedding & Events special offer here
http://www.bigdaydiscounts.co.uk/featured-offers-88-louise-murray-wedding-and-events-

You can also view Louise Murray Wedding & Events website here
http://www.lmweddingandevents.co.uk

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter here
http://www.bigdaydiscounts.co.uk/register