Rebecca Barnett Wedding Design

Planning My Own Wedding

2011-07-29T12:28:00.000+01:00

As many of you know I got married myself on the 9th July this year to my wonderful husband Paul. Some say that I did the "become a wedding planner/get married business" the wrong way round as most wedding planners start their business out the experience and love of planning their own wedding, trust me to try and be different! However, I feel that I was in a very unique place compared to most brides, I already had 4 years of experience of planning all different types of weddings and I already knew a lot of the suppliers in the industry, taking out most of the initial stress of who, what, where etc.

Although, I must stress that just because I'm a wedding planner doesn't mean that I sailed through the planning process, there was a very big negative that being a wedding planner, planning your own wedding brings that I was not at all prepared for....the expectations and pressure! I knew my wedding would be exactly how Paul and I wanted it but I had no idea what everyone else would expect when I regularly received the comment "oh your wedding will be amazing, you're a wedding planner" eeeekk!! A comment that would fill me with panic (I never usually panic about anything!) Luckily, to us, it was an amazing day, minus the weather (I can't plan that - as much as I would like to!)

To end my waffling, I would like to share with you all the fabulous suppliers I worked with along the way who each played an important part in making my own wedding so special. I hope that this list may help someone find their perfect supplier.....

BRIDAL ATTIRE

The Dress: Blue Bridal Wear at Eleganza Sposa
Veil: Manuel Mota for Pronovias at Eleganza Sposa
Underwear: Lejaby at Eleganza Sposa
Shoes: Belle at Perfect Bridal Rooms
Tiara: My mum's
Garter: Aye Do
Jewellery: Tiffany & Co

BRIDESMAIDS

Dresses: Alfred Angelo at Perfect Bridal Rooms
Shoes: Next (fab range)
Jewellery: John Lewis
Hair Comb: Accessorize

GROOM & MALE ATTENDANTS

Kilt Hire: McCalls

CEREMONY

Church: Dunnottar Church, Stonehaven

RECEPTION

Venue: Inglis Memorial Hall, Edzell
Caterer: Colliston Castle, Arbroath
Furniture: John Brown Cater Hire
Linen: 88 Events Company

ESSENTIALS

Photography: Life in Frame Photography
Videography: Mackenzie Wedding Films
Flowers: Lavender Blue Glasgow Ltd
Stationery: Me :)
Cake: Sucre Coeur Wedding Boutique
Cars: Dunedin Bridal Cars
Band: The Jiggers
Pianist: Dennis Douglas
Decor: RBWD (me)
Favours: Made by me (filling from Cadbury Gifts Direct - Cream Eggs)

LITTLE EXTRAS

Picture Frames: M&S
Guest Book & Pens: Oh So Cherished

I think that covers the majority. When I get the photos back from the photographers I promise to put some up and point out a few decor things and where to get them :)

Rebecca xx

Apologies!

2011-07-29T11:43:00.000+01:00

To all my lovely blog followers and passers by...

I wanted to apologise for my lack of blog posts in recent (embarassed to say) months!! I have been having a wonderful time planning weddings (including my own) setting up my RBWD facebook page (stop by if you haven't already) and generally living in wedding world.

I am now back on the blog train and aim to update you over the coming weeks with all the exciting things we have been up to as well as all the exciting things we have planned!

Rebecca xx

Your Wedding Exhibition

2011-01-12T16:21:00.000Z

We are super excited about this weekend's Your Wedding Exhibition in the P&J arena at the AECC (15th & 16th January 2011).

We've been working very hard on the latest design for our stand, we hope it puts a bit of colour in your lives amongst all this dull weather.

Feel free to stop by for a chat about all things wedding, we'd be delighted to welcome you.

Rebecca xx

For more information visit: www.yweltd.com

Wedding Planner Turned Bride - THE dress!!

2010-08-06T19:57:00.000+01:00

Finally I have found the one - my wedding dress! To all you brides who were lucky enough to find it in the first shop you went to you well done, I was not one of those brides....

The dress hunt started in February and after a total of 8 dfferent shops and trying on at least 60 different dresses and obviously loads of fun I was losing all hope that I would ever get the feeling that every other bride was telling me about, the feeling where you just know!

Well, yesterday morning at the beautiful Eleganza Sposa on Bath Street, Glasgow with my Mum, I finally found it. I had a good feeling as soon as I walked in (loved the gorgeous corner sofa in the waiting area and there was loads of natural light pouring in from the huge georgian windows). Michelle who served me was just lovely and spent time getting to know what I liked, a few minutes later I was whisked through to the changing area (another gorgeous room) where all the dresses I had described where hanging waiting. It was the first one she put me in and knew it was the one and my Mum's reaction confirmed I was right, I didn't want to take it off! After that no other dress compared - I had finally found it!

Unfortunately I can't give away too many details for obvious reasons but be sure to check back in July next year to see the pictures! :)

Happy hunting for your dress if you haven't found it yet, trust me you will!

Rebecca xx

Scottish Wedding Directory - New Issue!

2010-07-05T16:33:00.000+01:00

The new issue of the Scottish Wedding Directory arrived at the RBWD offices today! I just love seeing what new things the wonderful wedding suppliers of Scotland have to offer. Here are a few of my personal favourites...

Caroline Castigliano

I just love the glamour of one of Caroline's new creations (pictured below) how fitting that it is called Paris!

It is only enhanced by the wonderful silk duchess satin used to create it! See more of her deisgns at www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

HoneyMoney

If like me you're struggling for what to do about a wedding gift list, then it might be worth you having a wee look at www.honeymoney.co.uk

HoneyMoney allows guests to purchase parts of your honeymoon in affordable amounts, whether is champagne by the pool in Mauritius or Italian cooking classes in Venice even flights and hotels; you can pick what you would like and then your guests can view your wish list and contribute towards whatever you have chosen. It is a far more personal way of guests giving money because they see where their money is going.

Juicy Stationery

Juicy Stationery have a fabulous collection of wedding stationery on offer with a wonderfuly twist in their unique designs. Whether it's from their pre-designed collection or you want them to create something entirely bespoke have a look at their website: www.juicystationery.co.uk for ideas. They are also offering some fab discounts!

I'll be sure to share any more great finds when I get the chance to read through SWD in more detail.

Have fun reading, and if you haven't got your copy yet order it online at: www.scottishweddingdirectory.co.uk

xx

image courtesy of carolinecastigliano.co.uk

Fabulous Gifts - Jo Malone

2010-07-05T02:32:00.000+01:00

If you're trying to find an alternative thank you gift for someone, perhaps your mum or bridesmaid, or want something that oozes luxury for your favours then look no further than Jo Malone - the queen of heavenly scents!

For favours we adore the travel candles...

But then it really is just so hard to choose! I'm sure any guest would be thrilled to sit down at their place to find this in front of them...

Browse their wonderful products online at www.jomalone.co.uk or visit one of their stores in Edinburgh, Glasgow and now Aberdeen.

Happy spending!

xx

images courtesy of Jo Malone

Tea Party

2010-06-13T16:13:00.000+01:00

As many of you will know, my favourite "meal" of the day is afternoon tea, there is something entirely decadent about eating gorgeously decorated cakes and sipping tea from a china tea cup, especially when sharing it with fab friends! Which is exactly what I spent the majority of Saturday afternoon doing in my newly decorated dining room...

..and I just couldn't resist colour coordinating it all, down to the icing on my freshly made cupcakes. It all started when I found the most beautiful striped wrapping paper by Caroline Gardner from John Lewis and then teamed it with coordinating ribbon and paper from Hobbycraft...

I spent most of the morning baking, much to the pleasure of my fiance who would magically appear to lick the bowl!

We indulged in red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (my favourite)...

rocky roads...

vanilla cupcakes...

and a couple of treats courtesy of M&S...

and the final touch was some fresh white tulips...

everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we were all suitably stuffed by the end of it!

Rebecca xx

Working with colours: Breakfast at Tiffanys

2010-06-07T19:00:00.000+01:00

On one of my many visits to the wedding section of Martha Stewart's website (if you haven't been already I would strongly recommend it!) I discovered some fab images of a New York wedding themed entirely around Tiffanys...

I love the subtle twist (tiffany blue alone is just too easy!) Through adding coral and blush pinks it lifts the tiffany blue and adds more depth to the colour scheme...

It's one of my favourite ways to work with colours, pick your favourite colour and either team it with different shades of an opposite colour or different shades of the same colour, the effect is always beautiful!

Happy colouring!

Rebecca xx

images from www.marthastewart.com

Advice Needed?

2010-04-30T14:36:00.000+01:00

Is there something to do with your wedding that you need advice on? Do you have a problem and need help fixing it? Have you got a theme in mind but need some more ideas on it?

I'm starting a new line of posts where I help to answer your questions and provide helpful tips and hints for your big day. All you have to do is ask......

Just e-mail me with whatever it is you need help with, put "Blog Help" in the subject box and send it to rebecca@rbweddingdesign.co.uk

Rebecca xx

Wedding Planner Turned Bride - Venue Hunt Over!

2010-04-20T05:13:00.000+01:00

After compiling my own venue wish list at last Paul and I have found a venue that ticks all the boxes! With me being a wedding planner it was a very difficult decision as I wanted somewhere that I was able to decorate and set up myself, obviously I can't do this on the morning of the wedding so needed somewhere that I could have guaranteed access to the day before. With that we started looking at venues that we could hire for a few days, which instantly ruled out quite a few places. We then wanted somewhere that was local to us and that architecturally was beautiful before we even start decorating it and so we decided on...The Inglis Memorial Hall in the picturesque village of Edzell.

The main hall inside has the most beautiful stained glass windows, as does the smaller hall next to it.

It really is like it has been built for the sole purpose of weddings as the layout couldn't be more perfect. It also has lovely gardens where hopefully we will be able to sip champagne if the weather is nice enough.

Getting very excited!!!

Rebecca xx

Wedding Planner turned Bride: Engagement Party

2010-02-03T21:48:00.000Z

Well I am thoroughly enjoying being engaged, I still keep staring goo goo eyed at my ring, I guess I'll get used to it.

Paul and I had an engagement party at the end of January, we wanted a relatively low key affair and so decided to have a champagne afternoon tea (my favourite) at our house, just for immediate family and close friends. Although we didn't opt for an extravagant party I still wanted it to be special and not just a standard house party so set about turning our dining room into a pretty tea room...

With all the horrible winter weather we've been having I thought it would be nice to bring some Spring into every one's lives hence the choice of white tulips, hyacinths and guelder roses which I got from my local florist, Flowers by Puppetden. I bought vases from Marks & Spencer and ribbon from Hobbycraft and created a few simple displays...

We had hired lime washed chivari chairs and 88 Events beautiful Natural collection linen with cream taffeta seat ties...

We served finger sandwiches and other savoury nibbles with champagne and tea and of course a selection of cakes and tray bakes including red velvet cupcakes, my Grandma's amazing meringues and my Mum's heavenly scones. Everyone loved it and I was so sad to have to take it all apart the day after.

Next post in the Wedding Planner turned Bride will be all about our venue hunt.

Rebecca xx

Cakes by Fiona Barnett

2010-01-22T19:24:00.000Z

When we exhibit at wedding shows, one of the highlights is meeting suppliers and seeing what new things everyone has come up with.

One of our favourite things was Fiona Barnett's lace cake, the detailing was exquisite and must have taken so long to do! By the way the last name is a complete coincidence, we aren't related.

Have a look on her website: www.cakesbyfiona.co.uk
Her cakes are all fresly made from scratch (no sign of any cake mixes here!) which we think is especially important in providing the highest quality service as obviously it is important that the cake looks gorgeous but it is just as importnat for it to taste yummy and I can assure you Fiona's chocolate cake is to die for!

Rebecca xx

Your Wedding Exhibition

2010-01-21T01:52:00.000Z

Well January was a brilliant month for Rebecca Barnett Wedding Design, firstly because of the Your Wedding Exhibition. We always have lots of fun exhibiting and love meeting fellow wedding suppliers and of course all you lovely brides!

This year I designed the stand around one of my favourite colour schemes - Black and White. We then added fabulous taupe and black wallpaper and beautiful fresh flowers.

I decided to do a twist in the stand by having two tables both with the same colour schemes but showing different ways of putting it together. The first table took a more contemporary take but still remaining true to the RBWD style...

The second table was more timeless and elegant with just subtle hints of black and mirrored accessories...

The icing on the cake was definitely when we won runner up best stand, we received a framed certificate and a lovely bottle of bubbly! Congratulations to the other runners up Perfect Bridal Rooms and Nicky Walker Flowers and also Congratulations to the winning stand Avorio Bridal, the dresses were absolutely gorgeous!

Already looking forward to next year!

Rebecca xx

Your Wedding Exhibition - Aberdeen

2010-01-13T15:29:00.000Z

I can't believe it's been a year since the last Your Wedding Exhibition at the AECC, time really does fly!

Hopefully we will see all you blushing brides there this weekend:

Your Wedding Exhibition
@ AECC Aberdeen
16th & 17th January
10am till 5pm
Find us at stand Cc3 in the Crombie Hall.
www.yweltd.com

Come and visit us, share your ideas and thoughts or just have a wee nosey at our latest stand design, we're going Jo Malone chic this time!

Rebecca xx

Wedding Planner turned Bride

2010-01-13T15:03:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone, it has certainly been a hectic one over the last month and a half but lots of fun!

To those of you who don't know I have recently become engaged, Paul proposed at the wonderful Waldorf Astoria in New York while we were on holiday there at the beginning of December.

I am so excited and now begin the task of planning my own wedding, a daunting task given the expectations that have been placed apon me because of my job!

Anyway, I hope to keep you updated over the coming months on my progress in my new line of posts "Wedding Planner Turned Bride"

Rebecca xx

Ruby Flowers

2009-11-05T16:18:00.000Z

This week I met with Ruby from Ruby Flowers in Glasgow to discuss up and coming weddings and was greeted with a hot cup of tea and the most heavenly scents from the latest batch of white freesias just arrived. I absolutely adore my visits to her beautiful little shop on Hyndland Road, there are always new treasures to discover and a million and one different things to look at. On this visit I was lucky enough to witness the arrival of some flowers just coming back in to season, most of which were the most wonderful burnt oranges and reds, perfect for a cold autumn day.

I would definitely recommend a visit to their shop filled with the most beautiful flowers, trinkets!

www.rubyflowers.co.uk

Rebecca xx

Double Wedding!

2009-11-05T15:39:00.000Z

Saturday 31st October saw all the months of planning fall into place for the wedding of Karen & Michael and Mharii & Daniel. No your eyes are not deceiving you, it was in fact a double wedding, my first ever double wedding and to make it even more special it was a mother and daughter.

It really was the most lovely day, with lots of smiles, hugs, champagne and fun and (gasp) sunshine!! While each bride had their own individual theme both came together perfectly to create a truly magical day at Cortes House. From the wacky wonky cake, to floating flowers, and even to pineapple ice buckets (gift for one bridesmaid) the day was full of individuality and I must say that I thouroughly enjoyed helping the girls to plan it! I will miss them both but now have gained two friends to add to those to contact for a tea and cake moment. :)

Pictures will follow shortly....

Rebecca xx

Wedding Show SECC

2009-09-21T12:48:00.000+01:00

Well it's a lovely day today if you can get past the drizzle. I am now just sorting out all the bits and pieces that decorated my stand this weekend at the Scottish Wedding Show at the SECC after having to dismantle it last night including ripping down the wallpaper that took a painstaking 2 and half hours to put up!

Anyway, I had an absolutely fantastic weekend at the show and loved meeting everyone some for the first time and some for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th times. I hope to see you all again very soon.

Rebecca xx

Hello to everyone who visited the SECC Wedding Show

2009-09-19T19:08:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to say it was lovely to speak to all you brides, grooms, family and friends at the wedding show at the SECC today! I loved hearing about all your plans and ideas. Hope you liked your goodie bags, I really wanted to buy extra Cadbury Flakes for myself, they're so yummy! :)

Rebecca xx

Welcome!

2009-08-25T18:25:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Rebecca Barnett Wedding Design's brand new blog!
I hope to keep you updated with the wonderful world of weddings and give you a sneaky peek into my little world as a wedding planner.
So, for fab hints & tips, updates on the latest trends and generally all things "wedding" keep checking back!

Rebecca x