Tips for your own royal wedding website
If you have been following any news channel you will know that the royal wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will be taking place this month on April 29th. It’s going to be one of the grandest weddings around, no doubt! No wedding nowadays is complete—especially this one—without a grand website also. Take a look at theirs here. You can definitely take cues from the grandest of wedding websites around to help aid you in creating yours.
Tips for your own royal website:
1. Clearly state the couple’s name and wedding date
It goes without saying that vital information need to be posted about the wedding. The website acts as a supplementary to the invitation, and would not be complete without information about both the couple and the wedding date. Make sure full names are spelled out, front and center, and easy to read.
2. Provide information on accommodations for out-of-town guests
In this case, anyone who wishes to view the wedding procession can find a place along the 2km route from the Buckingham Palace to the church where the service is held. There is even a public google map route posted for anyone wishing to attend (real high-tech!). Obviously for us common folk, the processional isn’t usually so long and isn’t made a public occasion. However we can take cues from this: If you have out of town guests attending your wedding, ensure that details for travel arrangements, accommodations and maps are readily available should they need. It would be a pitty for important guests to stroll in late because they were lost.
3. Provide some answers to FAQs
Everyone loves a good “frequently asked questions” section to get the latest gossip and your wedding is no different. Of course, don’t spill all the beans yet, but it’s a great idea to give some fun facts to your guests. The royal wedding’s FAQ section features a whole slew of questions from details on the engagement ring to who pays for the wedding.
4. Generate some excitement
Make sure to give some hints of the wedding festivities on the site. On the royal website they have links to videos from their very own channel on youtube surrounding the wedding. One of the recent videos highlights the wedding cake designer being used to create a floral cake for the occasion. I can’t wait to see it!
Above all else, make sure your website reflects your style and wedding day. I’ll definitely be checking out this royal wedding website in the weeks to come in preparation for their big day. I hope you will too!
Beaded clutches on 3 budgets
Whether you are looking for a clutch for your bridal party or a purse to compliment your outfit to attend an event, there are so many choices in stores to choose from. When I buy clutches, I like to buy neutral ones that can go with many different outfits, but a purse that makes a statement can be equally complimentary to more neutral or solid coloured outfits.
As I was browsing the collection from BHLDN, I found this gorgeous clutch. The price tag was a bit much for what I would personally pay for a clutch, so that started my search for similar clutches. I’ve shared with you three clutches, including the original, in three different price points.
Splurge: Deco beaded clutch from BHLDN ($180) This gorgeous purse reflects an era that was lavish and sophisticated, everything your clutch should be. The simple sunburst pattern reminds me of the distinct architectural style of the Chrysler Building in New York City, a building that I adore. Just a fabulously understated clutch. Love it.
Mid-range: Beaded Clutch in Pewter from Le Chateau ($69.95) This clutch has a beautiful pattern that is elegant and has a shine that is bold. This gunmetal colour will go great with any colour palette. It’s not quite as intricately detailed as the deco clutch, but still quite a pretty addition to any outfit.
Wallet-friendly: Embellished Satin Clutch from Forever21 ($22.80) This clutch is both pretty for your eyes and on your budget. A nice blend of lace and beading, it can add a little bling to your outfit.
Event designers who inspire me
Did you know there is a difference between event designers and event planners? Planning and designing are very different services. Planning focuses on the operations side of things while design is all about decor, spatial elements and visuals. Sometimes I’ll come across couples who want me to do everything – “Can you help me coordinate my day-of and also help me decorate it?” Luckily I have some experience with event design and floral (and most of these requests have been simple), however many planners will not do both roles, as it is simply too much to do in one day for one person. Also not all planners have the design experience or eye to execute it well (and vice versa).
Let’s get one thing straight, my strength is in planning and coordination. Event design is fun and I love putting together a floral arrangement, but once the scope gets too big, it can be a whole other crazy to wrap your head around. Nonetheless, I can very much appreciate the work of an event designer and would love to delve into it more one day. Here are some event designers who are hugely inspirational for me:
Photo from ColinCowie.com
Have you ever heard of Colin Cowie? The man knows how to put on a party. He is known around the world to throw the most spectacular celebrations and parties. He really understands the unique dynamics of making a fabulous event, from decor to anticipation to wow (if that makes sense). I picked up one of his books, Extraordinary Weddings, from Chapters when it went on mega sale ($7!!) and what a fabulous find! It is both an inspiration book as well as a portfolio of all of his best work. I’ve seen many weddings and events.. and some of his work still blows me away.
Photo from PrestonBailey.com
Preston Bailey is another mind-blowing event designer and savvy business person. His events embody the wow factor and often are floor to ceiling with amazing floral elements (also known for his floral sculptures). Everyone knows that flowers cost an arm and a leg. I can only imagine the kinds of budgets these brides have to hire Preston to work his magic. His decor for events are the go-big-or-go-home kind, and they are never short of big.
Photos from MichelleRagoLtd.com
On the other end of things, there is an event designer called Michelle Rago who is based in New York. Her style doesn’t seem to be as grandiose like the other two, but rather an understated fabulous. You start to see the work and energy involved when you touch and experience all the little things that pull an event together. I really appreciate her eye for details and bringing in many different elements to tie in a theme. She’s also the mastermind behind Google’s new Wedding site to aid couples in their planning.
Extravagant Proposals
With the rise of social media, youtube celebrities and the need to top the last guy, proposals have gotten more and more extravagant. Here are some good ones that are both inspirational and crazy (crazy to see how far a guy will go!) Enjoy!
Before we even talk about engagements.. prom date ‘askings’ are getting pretty extreme (look it up on youtube and you’ll find tons). How are guys supposed to top these students?? This one is cute. He’s got the whole sound system set up and everything.
You may have seen this before, but definitely a memorable proposal in my eyes!
Even on TV, The Office had a pretty well done proposal (though not real) in a recent episode.
An awesome and well orchestrated online proposal. Well done!