Table of contents for Your Handmade Wedding in Your Handmade Wedding

What you need • Scissors• Ruler• Pencil• Glue stick• Brown card• String or thread• Crochet or lace trim• Offcuts or scraps of fabric• Black ink pen If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make striking place cards for your wedding reception, these cute numbers with a string of vintage mini-bunting are perfect. We’ve hand-written ours to keep them informal and personal. By replacing the card with stiff paper and using a PC and inkjet printer, you could easily print yours for a more professional look. 01 Measure and cut your card Measure and outline a rectangle of 8 x 10cm / 3 x 4in on the card. Mark the point 5cm / 2in (halfway) along the 10cm / 4in sides. Cut the rectangle out. Use the ruler…

Prep time: 30 mins Baking time: 30 mins Servings: 6-10 Cake pop: 200g/7oz/1 cup white or milk chocolate, in drops or broken into pieces350g/12oz/4 cups Madeira cake Coating: 300g/10½oz/1½ cups white or milk chocolateA few drops of food colouringEdible sprinkles MAKING THE CAKE POP The first step is to melt your chosen chocolate. You can melt chocolate in the microwave or place it in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Don’t let the water touch the bowl though or the chocolate might burn! In a microwave, gently melt the chocolate. Because white chocolate burns very quickly, do this in 20 second bursts at full power, stirring after every blast. Crush the Madeira cake by hand until it resembles breadcrumbs and pour in the melted chocolate. Mix with…

Rachel Burgess has run her Penarth-based bridal boutique since 2012 and specialises in handmade and true vintage dresses from the 1930s through to the 1970s. She shares her top tips for finding your dream dress. What makes a wedding dress vintage? Is it the age, or the style? Or maybe both? For me, a true vintage dress is an original gown ranging from the 1930s through to the 1970s. Do vintage dresses differ from modern-day dresses in any way beyond the style? Yes absolutely, our height, body shapes, choice of fabrics and even underwear has changed dramatically over the years. You will find that original vintage dresses tend to have a forgiving seam allowance (this is because one dress may have been worn by many members of the same family).…

Soda Beauty & Blow Dry Bar is an independent salon in The Triangle, Bournemouth. Zoe Nichols is a makeup artist and semi-permanent makeup artist and Vanesa Suner is the hair director who created her Sixties look seen here. Both are available for bridal hair and makeup bookings by emailing info@sodasalons.com. Zoe shares some top tips for anyone looking to create the perfect vintage look for their wedding. What’s the best bit of advice you can give to anyone needing a vintage look? Allow more time than you think you need for your hair and make-up. That way you can truly relax and enjoy being pampered. I’ve never sat with a bride on her wedding day and created her look from start to finish with no interruptions of flowers arriving, the…

Long gone are the days when the wedding breakfast involved a sit-down choice of meat or veg and a cursory cheese board. Even if this is a more realistic version of vintage, couples are increasingly looking to the past for morsels of inspiration to help transform standard wedding fare into something altogether more imaginative and unique. From kitsch serving suggestions and canapés to cakes and decorative cocktails, the last century is full of cool culinary ideas guaranteed to give your wedding feast a tasty twist. COOL CANAPÉS Traditionally served between the wedding ceremony and the main meal, canapés are the first clue your guests will get about the dining delicacies awaiting them – so make them count! Canapés – or hor d’ouvres – are usually associated with the 1970s (think…

There are rarely rules when it comes to wedding planning; just traditions and sometimes certain etiquettes that people like to adhere to. However, they do not have to be followed. Sometimes a break from tradition makes for a more personal and memorable day. Pick and choose how and when you want to do things, and tailor them to suit your day – this includes the giving of gifts and favours. When should gifts be given? Many choose to give their gifts during the speeches. If you have a lot, maybe thank people in the speeches and give gifts during the evening. Remember if you’re giving something for someone to wear on the day, such as jewellery or cufflinks, you’ll need to give it to them in advance, perhaps on the…

Use the Curves Go to the adjustment layers (the half-moon in the Layers palette) and select Curves. Pick Red from the drop-down and drag the line up to create a positive bend. Tweak Curves further Select the Blue option and create a negative bend, then select Green and add two points to the line to create an S shape inside the graph. Add a light leak Select a Gradient adjustment layer. Set Foreground to Transparent using red as your Foreground colour, then set to Linear, Angle -100°, Scale 100%. Blend it in Don’t panic – you’ll get quite a harsh-looking effect here, so to soften it, set the blending mode to Screen and the Opacity to about 50%.…

What you need • Brown card• Roll of self-adhesive magnet• Selection of bronze-coloured key charms• Two different vintage-style ribbons• Scissors• Guillotine• Craft border punch• Ruler• Pencil• Bronze-coloured craft split pins• Computer and printer• Glue stick• Craft knife and cutting board• Small white envelopes What better way to ensure your guests save the date of your upcoming wedding, than by having a beautiful magnet to place on their fridge? It will be a continuous reminder that they will see daily, so they have no excuse for missing the fun. They are enjoyable and easy to make, setting the theme for your wedding day with their unique style. 01 Print the labels Using a computer, print out your text onto brown card. Include ‘Save the date’, your names and the date of…

What you need • Planks of wood• Post or piece of 2x1• Hand saw or jigsaw• Emulsion paint• Varnish (optional)• Screws• Printer• Drill (optional)• Rope (optional) It’s only natural that you want as many cool things in your wedding as possible to reflect who you are and also make sure your guests have the best time. It would therefore be a shame if some parts were missed because no one knew they were there, so make a few signs to ensure everything can be found. We’ll teach you the basics, after which you can tweak everything so it is perfect for your celebration. If you have a strong theme, choose words, colours and fonts that reflect that. We are making a sign that can be hammered into the ground, but…

What you need • Sewing machine• Lace• Ribbon• Thread to match the ribbon• 1.25cm / 0.5in elastic• Pins• Large safety pin• Scissors• Measuring tape Why splurge on an expensive wedding garter when you can make your own unique version for under £5 / $7? It’s going to be hidden under a dress for most of the day anyway, so it seems like an unnecessary thing to waste your budget on. Follow these quick and easy steps to create a more personal and timeless garter that you’ll be dying to show off. 01 Getting the right fit Start by measuring out your lace, ribbon and elastic. The elastic needs to fit comfortably around the bride’s thigh when stretched, and the ribbon and lace should be twice that length. Next, place the…

Prep time: 15 mins Baking time: 20 mins Servings: 12 Cake: 125g/4oz/1 stick unsalted butter125g/4oz/½ cup caster/superfine sugar125g/4oz/½ cup self-raising/cake flourPinch of salt2 eggs2 tsp of vanilla extract3 tbsp milk Frosting: 75g/3oz/½ stick unsalted butter250g/9oz/1 cup icing/confectioner’s sugar2-3 tbsp water2 tsp of vanilla extract Plus: 12 cupcake cases and tray CUPCAKES Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/Gas mark 4. Dice the butter into small cubes and beat together with the caster/superfine sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. The caster sugar will make the mixture slightly grainy, but it should be light yellow with no traces of butter. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend together for 2-3 minutes. The mixture will look quite runny, lumpy and bright yellow. Sift the flour and salt into a…

Ingredients: 100g/4½oz/¾ cup icing sugar100g/4½oz/1 cup ground almonds2 free-range egg whites2 tbsp water100g/4oz/½ cup caster sugar natural pink food colouring120ml/4 fl oz whipping cream Prep time: 60 mins Baking time: 10-12 mins Servings: 12 Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas mark 3 and line a large baking tray with grease-proof paper. Make sure your bowls are clean and dust free. Whisking egg whites in a bowl that has even a drop of water, liquid or dust can ruin the meringues completely! FOR THE MERINGUES Mix the ground almonds with one egg’s white and the icing sugar (sifted) until you get a smooth-ish paste. Put the water and sugar in a small pan and heat until it’s boiling, the mixture will thicken and go syrupy. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining…

There are many different vintage bobs that you can choose from for your wedding, but you’re ideally looking for something that’s both elegant and unlikely to fall out during the day. This tutorial will walk you through the simple steps of achieving the perfect sleek and pin-curled bob for your big day. Prep your hair To begin, spray your hair with heat protection spray and a shine serum. This should make the hair pliable, easy to work with and already possess the perfect finish you will need for the end result. It will also help the pin curls to hold for a longer amount of time. Curl the hair Split your hair into layers. Take sections roughly an inch wide and curl them away from the face. Instead of dropping…

Do you think that mobile catering vans are becoming more popular than traditional sit-down meals at weddings? Yes definitely, we have seen a year-on-year increase over the last seven to eight years. As well as food trucks, people want catering trailers, catering carts and catering tents. Our clients have told us that they want something different to the standard wedding and as weddings are attended by the young, old and in-between, the food that a catering unit produces, such as fish and chips, is usually eaten by far more people than a traditional sit-down wedding meal. Another reason is the cost; depending on what is required, a catering unit can be cheaper than a traditional sit-down meal. What are some key considerations couples should make before choosing a style of…

Planes, trains and automobiles – there are dozens of choices when it comes to picking your wedding transport. But exactly how will you get to the ceremony on time? CLASSIC CARS Classic cars are probably the most popular choice for wedding transport, bringing a touch of luxury and glamour to proceedings. Whether they’re self-drive or chauffeured, you’re guaranteed to make an entrance in a vehicle that’s reminiscent of the oh-so-suave James Bond. Most companies will let you decorate the car (tastefully!), and if you’re obsessed with your colour theme you could even pick a car to match! RETRO CARS Not to be confused with vintage classics, retro cars, such as the cute Fiat 500 or the original Mini, make for a playful and fun wedding transport option, and are great…

PICK THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER One thing a lot of couples regret after their wedding is not having spent the time to pick the right photographer. After your day, they will provide your main way of looking back on and remembering the big moments, so it’s important to get it right. Most photographers worth your time will be charging upwards of £1,000/$1,500, so be prepared to factor that in if you want the best results. When looking for a photographer, it’s vital to do your research so that you pick someone with the right style, from the composition of their shots to the editing of the images. Also work out the quantity of posed versus candid shots you want, as some photographers prefer predominantly shooting one style or the other. “The…

Every bride-to-be knows how important wedding flowers are, and whether you opt only for a simple bouquet or go all-out decorating your ceremony and reception venues, there’s a lot to think about. What colours tie in with your wedding theme? What’s in season? Are there any types of flowers that should be avoided at a wedding? And of course, how expensive will they be? In the same way that wedding dresses have evolved over the decades (from the big ruffled affairs of the Eighties to the sleek designs of the Noughties, for example) flower trends have changed with the times, too – especially since wedding flowers have been around since the beginning of civilisation, when the ancient Greeks would wear pretty flower crowns as symbols of nature and happiness (a…

What makes wedding flowers ‘vintage’? Just as the styles that fall under the banner of ‘vintage’ as so incredibly diverse, so are the florals that are associated with them. That said, there are four dominant principles that most accurately define them; firstly, the use of flowers that are in season (not forced blooms); secondly, the use of local flowers (not flown in from far flung climes); thirdly, the choice of flowers that were fashionable during the era in question (such as lilies in the Twenties) and fourthly, the choice of colours that were reflective of the time (such as sunflower yellow in the Seventies). What are some of the more popular flowers used in wedding ceremonies? As we’ve settled into the concept of ‘vintage’ as not being a fleeting trend…

What you need • Pre-cut white wedding invitations• Brown paper• White lace ribbon/edging• White satin ribbon bows with pearl bead• Small flat-backed pearl gems• Pearl finish cream card• Guillotine or scissors• Ruler• Pencil• Glue stick• 3D double-sided sticky foam squares• Glue gun• Computer and printer Set the theme of your wedding by creating your own invitations to give a personal handmade touch, in addition to giving your guests their first glimpse at what to expect on your big day. You can easily buy invitations from craft and hobby stores, and there is nothing to stop you adding extra embellishments to make them perfect for your wedding theme. 01 Fitting the brown paper Measure your brown paper to fit onto your invitation. Ensure you leave a small gap from the precut…

What you need • Picture frame• Spray paint• Plywood• Thick card• Paper• Mini pegs• Glue• Pens Have you ever been to a wedding – or any event for that matter – with a sit-down meal, and had to wander around tables, peering at tiny name cards to try and find where you are sat? It’s not fun and it’s certainly not necessary. By crafting a seat plan, not only do you have a practical way of showing people where to park their bums, but you have a beautiful focal point to welcome people into the eating/speech/toasts part of the celebration. We’re going to show you a basic way of making a seat plan. It doesn’t require any grand skills – sourcing a picture frame is probably the most time-consuming part…

What you need • Scrapbook/blank guestbook• Coloured envelopes• Cards to fit the envelopes• Ruler• Pencil• Glue stick There are a lot of ready-made wedding guestbooks out there, but if you want a guestbook that is more personal and offers a little adventure every time you open it in years to come, then this is the guestbook you need to make. Each page is filled with little envelopes, inside which your guests can leave their messages tucked away. The best part is that the messages will be for you and your partner’s eyes alone! You can mix and match with different coloured envelopes or pick a colour theme – silver and white always looks great! Either way, by making your own guestbook, you can customise it any way you like. Shower…

What you need • Burlap ribbon• Cream lace ribbon• Embossed pearl finish paper• Pearl beads (two different shades)• Ostrich feather• White patterned lace• Thin wire• White netting• Cream paper flower• Silk ribbon• Small charm/button• Masking tape• Hot glue gun• Scissors• Glue stick• Ruler Boutonnière is the French word for buttonhole, and it’s typically a single flower worn by a man on a special occasion. They are used for weddings, proms and funerals, and can sometimes be worn by women if they are wearing a jacket, however it is more common for a woman to wear a corsage. Boutonnières are worn on the man’s left side, the same side as a pocket handkerchief. This tutorial will show you how to make a vintage-style boutonnière that can be sorted in plenty…

01. Love is sweet Sweet tables are becoming increasingly popular at weddings, and it’s not just for kids! A selection of retro candy such as cola cubes and humbugs can make for a sweet nostalgic trip for adults, too. You might want sweets that match your wedding colours, and online retailers sell bulk items this way. Present your sweets in retro sweet jars or piled up on china cake stands or in old-fashioned crystal glasses. Tie some hessian and lace around the serving utensils to complete the look. 02. Game on Garden games are a popular way to fill gaps between different parts of the day, so why not give them a vintage feel? Offer old-fashioned games such as hoopla, hopscotch or croquet and you’ll keep your guests entertained for…

There are lots of things to think about when you’re planning a wedding, but no doubt your focus will keep coming back to one thing in particular – the wedding dress! Whether you’ve had your dream gown in mind since you were a child, or really have no idea what you’ll be walking down the aisle in, what you wear to tie the knot is pretty important – all eyes in the room will be on you, after all! THE DRESS Traditional wedding dresses as we know them today didn’t come into fashion until 1840, when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert. She chose a white dress, made from heavy silk satin and accented with lace – an unusual choice at the time, since custom called for rich celebratory colours in…

When people talk about a vintage look, they are probably thinking of big curls and bright red lipstick, but actually there are many vintage styles to suit every woman. Here we break down every style from the roaring Twenties to the Swinging Sixties, and give you loads of tips along the way for how to master each curl of the hair and swooping sweep of eyeliner on your wedding day. THE ROARING TWENTIES If you’re after glamour and a decadent reception party, then the 1920s is an ideal decade, with the flapper girl look providing plenty of ideas for your hair and make-up. The key for this style is to be really bold. Make-up wise, we’re talking big eyes and big lips. Usually the advice when it comes to make-up…

It’s not compulsory to provide favours for your guests. Nor is it a necessity to give gifts to the bridesmaids, best man and so on. However, it’s courteous to acknowledge those who have helped you or had a role to play in your wedding. And it’s a nice touch for guests to receive something as a thank you for attending. There are so many treats and styles to choose from, whether you want something for guests to enjoy on the day or to have as a take away as a souvenir, and whether you want to buy or make items yourself, there’s something here for everyone. EDIBLE FAVOURS If you’re having a country-style wedding, homemade jams and chutneys not only suit the theme, but look beautifully rustic on the tables…

Why do so many couples go for a classic car on their wedding day? Classic cars are quite rare, something different and completely nostalgic. They are also head-turners and no-one wants to be missed on their wedding day! There does seem to be a renaissance of vintage weddings in recent years; perhaps it draws on the popular period dramas that are on our TV screens so much – Downton Abbey, for example! Or it may be something as simple as being old, borrowed and blue! Our Morris Minor convertible in Trafalgar Blue fits this perfectly. What are some things couples should consider before hiring a classic car for their wedding? Key considerations are: • Self-drive or chauffeured? • Who’s driving? If the groom doesn’t have time to return the car…

Anemones: expectation – great for bouquets and arrangements Baby’s breath: innocence – often used as a filler in bouquets and boutonnieres Carnations: pink means boldness, red symbolises love and white indicates talent, but you should be wary of yellow, which represents disdain! Chrysanthemums: an inexpensive flower that stands for wealth, abundance and truth. Daisies: a pretty flower – perfect for rustic weddings – that represents shared feelings. Freesias: symbolising innocence, freesias make for stunning and delicate bouquets. Gardenias: purity and joy. Hydrangeas: a popular choice for arrangements, as they are thought to signal understanding. Lilac: an incredibly fragrant bouquet choice, representing love’s first emotions. Lily of the valley: happiness. Orchids: great for boutonnieres and corsages, orchids represent love and beauty. Roses: a popular choice standing for love, joy and beauty.…

Your wedding day will be over in a flash for you and your partner, but remember your guests won’t have as many people to speak to as you both will, and they won’t be the subject of quite so many photographs. Ensuring you keep them entertained, therefore, can be the difference between making your big day just like any other wedding and making it a wedding to remember. LET THE MUSIC PLAY Music unites people sharing the same experience; it evokes emotions and creates a relaxed atmosphere. The great thing about including music at a wedding is that its versatility means it can feature throughout the day. You can have musicians playing you down the aisle, singers welcoming guests after the ceremony, and bands getting people up on their feet…