Competition time with The National Wedding Show xx

Closing date 18.01.15

Plan the day of your dream at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring.  With inspirational feature areas and over 300 experts specialising in everything from designer dresses and dazzling venue décor to fabulous floristry and honeymoon hideaways, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate destination to try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day.

See the hottest bridal trends come to life at the must-see Catwalk Show, where you can discover the latest collections from the very best in bridal, including Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Ivory & Co, Zaeem Jamal, Qiana Bridal, Eliza Jane Howell, Justin Alexander, Alfred Angelo, Enzoani, Ronald Joyce, Claire Pettibone, Debenhams, Berketex Bride and many more*. (*as seen at the autumn 2014 shows)

With beautiful bridesmaid dresses, glamourous mother of the bride attire and suave groomswear, the Catwalk Show is an unmissable experience for the entire bridal party.

Browse and try on more dresses than you ever imagined in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area, which together house the largest collection of dresses under one roof from the region’s finest designers, retailers and boutiques including Cheadle Bride, Fairytale Brides, Because I Love You Bridal Centre, Roberta’s Bridal, Bella Rose Bridalwear and many more. From fairytale ballgowns to short and sweet vintage dresses, there is something to suit every style. Meet your favourite designers who will be on hand throughout the weekend to discuss your bespoke requirements and transform your dream dress to reality.

Don’t miss the Top 10 Tips at The Wedding Theatre, where the show’s glam squad will arm you with invaluable beauty, hair and style advice. Produced by renowned wedding show and TV producer Jane Galpin, the Top 10 Tips sessions will feature demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom in an exciting countdown.

Covering everything from how to achieve complexion perfection with award winning mineral makeup brand bareMinerals to choosing the best dress for your body shape, the Top 10 Tips will provide you with everything you need to know about big day beauty and style. During each session, one member of the audience will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a ‘big reveal’, drawing each session to a dramatic close. 

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where the nation’s finest florists will create spectacular displays featuring everything from enchanting centrepieces to beautiful bridal bouquets for all wedding themes and colour schemes.

Meet the experts from your favourite brands and high street names who will be on hand to help make planning your perfect day easier than ever before. Whether you need to register for a gift list, book your honeymoon, or find unique favours for your guests, you can shop ‘til you drop with Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Young’s Hire, John Lewis, Moss Bros and many more. 

Discover the latest bridal beauty trends from official show sponsor bareMinerals and treat yourself to a file and polish from Essie, who will be on hand to help you create flawless perfection for your big day.

End an exciting day of shopping and wedding planning at the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat yourself and your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to The Champagne Bar to toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly and enjoy a mouth-watering selection of seafood salads, sushi and bagels.

Experience the show in star style with VIP tickets, which include fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, fast track catering areas, a complimentary glass of bubbly, a goody bag full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day, including a bareMinerals Lip Gloss and a copy of Be A Beautiful Bride, an essential guide which is packed full of useful style and beauty advice that is guaranteed to ensure you look fabulous on your wedding day! If that’s not enough, you will also have the option to treat yourself to a mini makeunder in the bareMinerals pop-up salon*                                                            

 (*Be a Beautiful Bride & bareMinerals mini make unders subject to availability).

With all this and more, you are sure to find everything you need to ensure your big day is perfect in every way at the UK’s biggest wedding show this season.

The Fairy Godmother has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer 5 lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email the-fairygodmother@hotmail.com your name, address and which venue you wish to visit and if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £5 off the door price*.      To book, visitwww.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486.

(*Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 at midnight the day before opening)

Spring 2015 Diary Dates:

Manchester Central – 7-8 February 

London Olympia 20-22^nd February 

Birmingham NEC – 27^th February – 1^st March

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow

Twitter - @nationalwedding / #TNWS | Instagram – thenationalweddingshow

It's a Cracker x

Hi Fairy bugs,

Christmas is upon on and there's not many sleeps to go! I don't know about you but here at TFG HQ we're massively into Christmas and it's our favourite time of the year. Mulled wine, mince pies, yummy cooking smells, choccies and sparkly festiveness.

If your planning a festive wedding or a winter wedding and are thinking about "the details" then have you thought about crackers. No, not the biscuit kind……….the pull it, bang and surprise kind. Crackers are so much fun and the best bit they create interaction as it takes two to crack them. The great thing is crackers can triple up as a favour, place card and table decoration. There are so many ideas out there with some really fantastic designs. 

Now you could stick with a good old fashion joke inside but, how about an interesting fact about the bride and groom or favourite pictures including your guests. They will bring the personal touch. 

Fillings is certainly were you can have lots of fun. How about:

mini's - give your guests a mini cocktail treat

sweets - good old skool pick and mix

jelly beans - so your guests can create their own flavours in their mouths.

key ring - with a personal picture inside

hot chocolate kit - so your guests can enjoy a cosy winter night with a cup of happiness

scented candle - mulled wine, cinnamon, vanilla - give them the smell of christmas.

We've pulled a few of our favourites which, you can also find on our pinterest boards. These beauties should get the inspirational juices flowing. There are some great ideas out there and there are lots to buy if your not a crafter.

happy planning x

image from easy.com

image from notmartha.org

image from thebridescafe.com

image from wedding-crackers.co.uk

Christmas Wedding Inspiration x

Hi Fairy bugs,

tis the season to have a spectacular winter wedding! 

Sparkles, Rich colours, novelty accessories, furs…….are all details to make a perfect christmas themed wedding. It's certainly a great season to have fun with your wedding day accessories, colours and trims. 

There are many variations on colour palettes and trends. Here are a few to get those inspiration juices flowing.

Stay traditional with opulent reds, tartans, vivid greens and warm whites topping it off with cranberry trims in floral notes and table centre pieces. Why not offer crackers for your guests and english mulled wine. If your a fan of candles why not splash out on mulled wine tea lights for that Christmassey smell!

If your a lover of everything arctic choose crisp whites, pearl greys, barley there ice blue and silver sparkles. Adding fur textures to your ensembles is a great way to bring a true arctic vibe. Why not treat your guests to cranberry sparkling champagne with snowballs. When it comes to decoration why not fill flutes with shiny baubles and add fur blankets to seating areas. oooooooo you'll have the best ice queen-esque wedding of the season!

Or if your more of a rustic woodland lover stick with warms tones of coffee, orange, cream and pine with touches of cherry red. You can have so much fun with decorations how about pine cones for place cards and wooden blocks to sit centrepieces on. Hurricane vases filled with berries and foliage will create an almost "Narnia" like appearance. Include novelty owls and stags for a fun nod to creature comforts. If your planning on an outdoor seating area, think heaters, fire pits, blankets and luxury hot chocolate with all the trims. mmmmmmmmmm delicious!

We've been tooting at the marvellous ideas on pinterest and have picked a few of our favourites for you. Hopefully they will inspire you and add those personal finishing touches to your special day.

Floating candles with rich cranberries give a real festive feel

Image from emmalinebride.com

How much fun are these north pole cupcakes! Candy canes and candy sprinkles at the ready.

Image from tulleandchantilly.com

Novelty signs are a great way to highlight the days treats to your guests!

Image from upcycledtreasures.com

For a real festive touch mix matt & shiny baubles in shaped vases.

Image from modwedding.com

Festive boozy moments - champagne with cranberries - slurp slurp :)

Image from myhotelwedding.com

Happy Planning xx

A vintage treasure trove x

Hi fairy bugs,

happy weekend! Boy have we got a treat for you. If you are a bride to be who adores vintage, or are attending a wedding and are searching for the perfect vintage look............then look no further!

On Thursday night I was invited to attend a rather special evening at "Vintage Lane" in the shopping village at The Last Drop Village, Bolton. After running for 18 months the "Vintage Lane" has certainly established it's craft. With a warm welcome this quaint, delightfully decorated boutique full of the most exquisite vintage bridal and cocktail gowns is a gem to be explored.

This isn't your usual typical vintage boutique found in the likes of the northern quarter where you come across one or two fabulous finds. This is a boutique with rails of delights in the finest condition, the most spectacular styles and at the most wonderful prices! 

Covered in clear suit bags on uniformed hangers being able to peruse the bridal rail was like being a child in a sweet shop. Lace, satins, chiffons, the finest beading .............the dresses are a dream. With a variety of styles and fashion from an array of decades you will be spoilt for choice. Our advise make sure you have time as you'll be lost In the beauty and offering, not to mention you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to trying on.

We also have to mention that the accessories are beautiful. Whether your into feathers, pearls or sparkles there is something for everyone and to match every dress. Feathered headbands and tiaras shimmer around the room.........it's like a little piece of heaven. Check out these stunning photos for a sneak peek!

For more information or to book an appointment click here http://www.vintagelanebridal.com

There is also a second surprise! eeeek. Within the "Vintage Lane" is also "Once upon a teacup". If your planning a hen do then how about a vintage tea party?! Yes you read right. Bespoke party's catered for you with precision displays and attention to detail! Fine china, delightful cupcakes, cocktails to order what more could a group of hens ask for. Private and in the comfort of your own home/garden or at a venue of your choice. It really is the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with your besties.

Brides to be are you wanting to make the most of your wedding day morning, simply sharing memorable moments with your bridal party pre wedding? How about a bridal brunch? A perfect way to treat your chosen few. Not to mention creating a special time and a perfect photo opportunity!

For more information visit  http://www.onceuponateacup.org.uk

Happy planning xx

A treat in the Algarve x

Hi Fairy bugs,

welcome to the weekend! Its time to have fun and plan plan plan. 

After a recent visit to the Algarve we had to share our fantastic find with our Brides to be who are getting married in this sunny, romantic destination.

Its always slightly more difficult to plan abroad, and to work out where is best to buy your Wedding day bits and bobs from. So we thought we'd bring you a delightful insight into a brand new venue where you could certainly tick off a couple of the "to do's".

Nougat Tea'N is a stylish version of the best cake shop you could find! Its chic glass displays hold the most exquisite cakes you have ever seen. Its certain the most glossy, fashion forward cake shop we've come across. If your nipping over to the Algarve soon for planning make sure this is on your hit list.

There mini cakes would create a perfect wedding cake. Build them up on a tiered cupcake stand for a fantastic display and array of yumminess. Your guests will be uber excited!

They also offer the most delicious macaroons in an beautiful array of colours. Pick up a few and box them! mmmmmmmm food for thought……..favour time. Why not treat your guests to a small box of macaroons.  They will look so chic on your tables and your guests will love the flavours.

Soooo……

cake - check

favours - check

There you go thats two ticks which means more time for dress shopping :)

Happy Planning xx

Meet The Hen Planner x

Hi Fairy bugs,

we've got a really special surprise for you today. Not only are we sharing with you an exciting new party planner but they are offering our avid readers a little trick for this trick or treat weekend.

So without further ado we'd love to introduce you to The Hen Planner

The Hen Planner was officially launched in August 2013 however our stylish hen party obsession started a long time before that! 

It was founded by Claire McCarthy after trolling the internet for some classy and sophisticated hen party ideas for a friend and being amazed by the lack of stylish options. The Hen Planner business has expanded since it’s initial launch.Thehenplanner.com is a treasure chest of ideas (some a little random!) with the focus on everything hen party that is not fluffy, bright pink and brash. The Hen Planner love personal,  alternative,  style and love vintage. 

Thehenplanner.com is a resource site with a blog and pages of inspiration on everything from activities, to accessories to destinations. The directory is the main part of the website and lists carefully selected hen party business across the UK and Ireland. This is for the ladies who like planning and events. It enables and encourages hen party organisers to contact the businesses directly themselves. 

The Hen Planner Boutique is the online store which we launched in February 2014. This has a small collection of hen party accessories and decorations. There is everything from vintage rosettes and classy sashes, to quirky badges and stylish hen party decorations. With a serious passion for stylish hen party products they are looking to expand the range even further. The Hen planner have just developed their own bunting and badges and have more products on the way soon. 

The recent addition to The Hen Planner family is The Hen Collection. This is a collection of unique, alternative and stylish hen party activities with recommended business providers. At the moment this is only operating in Ireland but The Hen Planner are working on a UK collection and will expand on this soon. 

So if your planning a hen do and are looking for something different, exciting and unique check out The Hen Planner now. 

If your tempted then lets sweeten the planning for you! The Hen Planner is giving our readers an exclusive gift (How exciting) !!

10% off when you quote FairySpecial01

Happy Planning folks xx

If you have a Wedding Business you'd like to share with us and our readers email us at

the-fairygodmother@hotmail.com

Wedding Stationary x

Hi Fairy bugs,

and welcome to the Wedding Stationary section of our site. We're super excited to offer our services for bespoke designs and have a variety of styles and themes on offer, not to mention packages perfect for every pocket.

Take a peek at our competitive packages below showcasing a few of our designs.
We design in house for any theme or style required. We can offer samples, pre order to ensure that you are 100% happy with your Wedding Stationary. Our computer designed stationary offer a professional look and allows us to create your dream design.

If you have any questions or would like more information on our offering and service simply email us at the-fairygodmother@hotmail.com and let us bibbidi bobbed boo for you x

The Megan Range from £99

Our pocket friendly package allows you to have a designed into selection of stationary that looks expensive but will ensure your budget isn't exceeded. Starting from £99 this includes invitations for day and night, place cards, table numbers and seating plan. 

The Sophie Range from £119

The Sophie range is our mid range offering including extra details to impress your guests and showcase your Wedding day itinerary at its best.  Starting from £119 this includes multi page invitations for day, evening invitations, place cards, table numbers and seating plan not to mention some bibbidi bobbidi boo details.

The Milly Range from £139

Our Bespoke range offers unique designs and stylised finishing. Bringing aesthetically pleasing details into the mix whilst enhancing your Wedding Day Stationary which will certainly impress your guests.  Starting from £139 this includes multi page invitations for day, evening invitations, place cards, table numbers with menu and seating plan not forgetting novelty presentation.

*Price does not include p&p and sample cost*

**All Bloggers Please Note**

If you like the imagery above and would love to share it we would please ask you to refer any posts with a link to our blog. We work very hard on our designs and would appreciate and encourage everyone to take the time to read the creative commons posted on this blog to protect our designs.
If you would like to share our stationary you can always contact us for more information. please see our contacts tab at the top of this age. many thanks in advance 
The Fairy Godmother