Ideas and Inspiration

Once again it’s spring time. That season of the year associated with many beautiful things, blooming flowers, sunny days, singing birds and, especially, the merry sound of wedding bells.

Nearly everyone would agree that the time between the months of April and June is the best time to have an outdoor wedding. The perfect temperature and beautiful weather is enough to make that special day unique. And, for those of you who are newly engaged and planning to have your nuptials this spring, here are a few tips to set you in the right direction.

Pray for the sun, but plan for the rain –

Getting married in spring is such a lovely idea, the weather is amicable on almost every occasion. However, there are a few times when the clouds want to be a part of the festivities and they send a few raindrops down. Since you can never know if the sunny skies may give way to rain, it is better to plan ahead. There is nothing wrong with having a covered platform in an outdoor wedding. And a nearby basket of umbrellas will not only keep the rain off guests’ clothing, they will also make for great photo shoot props. Of course it may not rain, but if it eventually does, it will neither spoil your day nor your dress.

Get inspiration from the elements –

Spring is probably the most beautiful season of the whole year. Beautiful flowers are in bloom, the grass and leaves are green and lush, and everywhere you turn you see vibrant colours. If you are planning to have an outdoor wedding this spring, let the vivid colors around you be your inspiration. For example, use soft pastel colours for your bridal train and use in season flowers to beautify the venue. RachelPally.com suggests combining contrasting colours with pastel, to give a more exciting look. Pairing one or two vivid colours with pastel will create a memorable picture.

Use the season to its fullest –

Spring brings with it an abundance of beautiful flowers, breathtaking views, and great tasting food. It would be a crime if you didn’t take full advantage of these spring gifts when planning for your spring wedding. At this time of the year, the flowers are so romantic, it’s like they were made for your wedding. And what’s more? All these things are less expensive during this period, there is no point importing.

Use flowers like peonies, lilac, garden roses, and any other seasonal flowers that catch your fancy to tell the story of spring at your wedding. Combine it with a vibrant menu made up of lamb and vegetables like asparagus, spinach, and scalloped potatoes. Strawberries will make for the icing on the cake, in a manner of speaking.

A spring themed wedding cake –

But, of course, what else could it be but a spring themed wedding cake? For your wedding in the spring, consider hiring a baker who can give you an outstanding cake decorated with beautiful flowers made from rice paper. Of course, these flowers are just decorative but a really good baker will make them look like the real thing. However, if you want something different, you can opt for a chocolate-covered cupcake instead of the traditional wedding cake.

Go creative on the favours –

To a lot of people, wedding favours are a chore, but it doesn’t have to be so. With a bit of creativity, you can add a personalised touch to your wedding favours. People already have too many trinkets and silver frames. You can give personalised champagne glasses, personalised matchboxes with matches, or even handmade candles. Or you can consider giving something that evokes spring, such as a packet of flower seeds they can plant in their garden and remember your special day, as they watch them grow.

Book early

Just like the summer, the weekends in spring are booked up pretty fast for weddings. So, if you plan on having a wedding in spring, it is a good idea to do your venue shopping fast, so you can book on time.

Apart from the venue, you may also need to plan ahead for the caterer, the venue decorators, and the whole gamut of logistics that must accompany a wedding. The moment you find a venue you love, quickly secure it with a deposit, so that it is kept free for your day. The same thing applies to the caterers, florist, decorators, and so on. Make a firm commitment by putting some money down, so that they will make their time available for your day.

Plan your budget –

Brides to be are not often comfortable sharing details of their wedding budget, because they feel that contractors such as the caterer, florist and decorators will be influenced by the budget. This is true up to a point. However, it is important that you plan your budget from the very beginning so that you know if there is the need to cut out a few things, or include others. It is better to plan with a lower budget and have extra cash available than to have to start looking for cash later to handle financial commitments.

Finally

There is actually no better time to have a wedding than in the spring. Everywhere is just so beautiful, it makes the day more special. If you are planning for a wedding this spring, the ideas covered above will help you immensely.

Have a blissful union.

Most of us dream of a flawless, fairy tale wedding with all our friends and family celebrating together to our favourite tunes of all time. The fact that this dream isn’t always realised doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve all of this – there’s just so much to keep on top of, it’s easy to let something slip through your fingers. Rigid organisation approached with military precision is the key to a mishap-free celebration. Here are a few potential potholes that could disrupt your smooth ride in the run up to, on the day of and in the period following your glorious wedding:

PRE-WEDDING

Expensive early Booking

The early birds among you might think you’ll be getting the juiciest of worms by booking your wedding band months in advance, but this economy is false. Function bands adjust their rates all the time in accordance with current trends plus their own experience, and will most likely be loath to give you a quote for an event too far in the future. Moreover, they may not even wish to commit to the gig at all, as the fast-moving life of a musician features many unexpected twists and turns. Members come and go, as do bands themselves, and popular wedding bands are often inundated with offers and could be holding out for a more lucrative opportunity. To circumvent such flakiness, don’t book your wedding band more than a couple of months in advance tops. Then, you’ll get a realistic quote and still give your band plenty of time to prepare for your big day.

Last Minute Leftovers

If you take a “last minute dot com” approach to booking a wedding band, you could well end up with one heck of a good deal. But you could also end up with a band whose style is at odds with your personal tastes – and by this stage, there’s not much you can do about it. You’ll just have to pretend that you wanted you traditional white wedding to be scored by a heavy metal covers band. Worse still – you could end up with no band at all, and have no choice but to let your overexcited cousin – who’s been dying for a chance to show off his spinning skills – behind the decks. It’s better to be safe than sorry, even if it means paying a little extra.

WEDDING

Nowhere to Go

You’ve just arrived, fresh from your ceremony, with plenty of love in the air, at the venue of your reception. The place is teeming with aunties and caterers, the tables have been perfectly set, and there’s a beat-up transit van waiting for you in the carpark with four disgruntled musicians leaning against it. Not only is there no easy access to the reception room – the stage area is also barely big enough for the drums. And not for the first time – all too often are bands treated as an afterthought. Please make sure they know where they can unload and where they can set up their gear – and give them plenty of room to perform. Yes, your friends and family’s comfort will be at the forefront of your mind, but extra stress and cramped conditions will have a negative impact on your band’s performance. Have a chat with your band, describe your venue to them, and have someone on hand on the day to show them where to go.

Messed-Up Timings

You’re going to want things to run as close to clockwork as is humanly possible on your wedding day – stress levels are going to be running high enough without people showing up at the wrong place at the wrong time. While you’re going to have to be flexible on the day – you can’t predict things like illnesses or vehicular breakdowns – at least have the framework ready. You don’t want a situation where the father of the bride tries to address the room while the band are still in full swing and your guests are still dancing; likewise, you wouldn’t want the announcement that you’re about to cut the cake to be drowned out by your specially chosen 80s cheese playlist. Make sure everyone has a copy of the same schedule – and make sure everyone has their phones switched on in the event of changes.

You also don’t want your wedding band to show up too late or too early – your guests will either be welcomed by an empty room, or a group of bored and annoyed band members. Give your wedding band the rundown of your wedding in advance, and warn them of any possible delays, and ask them to do the same for you – this way, you won’t be wasting each other’s time.

First Dance Disasters

An event second only to the bridal procession in iconic importance, the first dance is something you really don’t want to go wrong. Can you imagine looking into your partner’s loving eyes, waiting with baited breath for those first magical chords of your special song to chime in, only for an awkward, tentative count in followed by the sound of uncertain fingers struggling to find their place on the fretboard to shatter the spell instead? It is imperative that you let your band know in good time exactly what you’re expecting from them, or you’ll set yourself up for a horror show. As an additional safety measure, have your first song ready at hand on an iPod or similar handheld device, just in case your wedding band isn’t confident they can do it justice.

Unwelcome Requests

Wedding bands have differing views on this. Yes, it’s your wedding, and you have an entitlement to have whatever music you like – but, then again, they’ve played loads of weddings, and they know from experience what works and what doesn’t. It’s much safer to agree on what’s to be played in advance, so the band can prepare accordingly. There’s nothing worse for a wedding band than a drunken uncle stumbling up to the stage,  grabbing the bassist by the shirtsleeve and demanding that they play his favourite 80s power ballad, then insisting that of course they do know it despite the band’s best efforts to shake him off and continue playing the song he’s interrupting. Hopefully this won’t happen at your wedding, but the point remains that while seasoned wedding bands will have seen it all before, it’s not safe to assume that your guests can just waltz up to them whenever they feel like it – so please make this known to them.

POST-WEDDING

Money Disputes

With wedding bands, you really do get what you pay for – so once you’ve got it, it’s time to pay for it. A professional wedding band will have put a great deal of time and effort into honing their performance and putting together their set list, and usually will have given you a quote beforehand based on this along with the level of experience they’ve achieved and the amount of time they’re required to be present for on the day.

However, things rarely go exactly according to our best laid plans. Things can easily overrun or change, and if you need your band for longer than expected, or require an additional service from them that wasn’t previously agreed, they’re going to want paying for it. Remember: you’re on their time. If you want them to throw in a DJ set and they’ve not expressly told you that it’s free, you can’t expect it to be. Also, if you want them to play a set earlier on, then the planned second set gets pushed back, that’s eating into the time they could be spending on other pursuits. Throw into the mix the stress and tiredness, and you’ll be faced with quite an irritable bunch of people unless you cough up!

Now you know what can go wrong, you can hopefully take measures to prevent such things from happening. Just remember – forewarned is forearmed. And while it may seem like having four arms would be a godsend when you’re juggling so many different responsibilities, all you really need when it comes to booking your wedding band is a solid plan and some strong, regularly exercised communication skills.

No one will hate you for being selfish on your own wedding day because, after all, it’s your wedding day and the focus is you. However, your guests deserve recognition, they shouldn’t feel neglected or feel like they could be spending their time doing something better if not for your invitation.

The concept of time won’t even cross their mind if they are having more than enough fun. What they will remember, and keep talking about when your name comes up at the end of the day, is the way they felt at your wedding ceremony, and not how your wedding specifically looked.

The thought of sitting amidst a sea of strange faces is already exhausting, not to mention going through another monotonous routine in the name of a wedding ceremony. Spice things up, deviate a little from what’s obtainable, create sparks that will leave your guests spellbound, and make your wedding a grand event.

If all of that seems too complicated, or too difficult for you to handle, you can always hire the services of a trusted entertainment agency. An agency that perfectly understands that moments gone by are the antecedents of memories, and incredible moments beget unforgettable memories.

Here are ten awesome entertainment ideas that your guests will love, and that will make your wedding an unforgettable event

1. Photo Booths

Photo booths are popular for a good reason. At weddings, they are a great way to have fun and to also create lasting memories. It’s fun to put up props in a photo booth, and the hilarious photos your guests take will make them laugh long after the event has passed. The pictures will also serve as good reminders of the fun they had at your wedding.

2.     Casino Royale

This is one of the best ways to break the ice and stop your guests from being aloof and staying apart from each other. At the casino table, they get to chat with each other as they find some common ground. Not to worry, all you need do is provide some fake money that they can play with. Despite the fact that it’s not real, seeing the amount of money they can make in one night will have them really excited.

3. Ice Cream Stall

Everyone loves ice cream, fresh and delicious ice cream to tamper down the heat on a hot summer day. If you’re having a summer wedding, don’t forget to include this treat. Both your adult and child guests will thank you for it.

4.   Bouncy Castles

Bouncy castles never fail to make both the children and the adults at your wedding laugh. Who doesn’t enjoy the idea of playing in a bouncy castle? Hardly anyone. There will be so much laughter!

5.   Magicians

Skilled magicians know how best to engage the minds of your guests, how to keep them occupied as they try to figure out the magician’s tricks. If you want guests that won’t be yawning. and eager to go home, hire skilled magicians to do the trick.

6. Wedding DJ

Don’t just hire anyone who claims to be a DJ, if you do, you might be in for a huge disappointment. A good DJ should know the perfect music to play, that will keep guests on their feet all night. Of course, there can’t be a wedding without good music.

7.   Live Bands

If DJs don’t cut it for you, you can always go for a live wedding band. The most important thing is for you and your guests to have a special and incredible evening. A live band consisting of individuals who understand the definition and importance of good music will ensure that you have an exceptional wedding.

8.    Wedding Nannies

Children often become easily bored of wedding formalities and when they do, they either start disturbing their parents or causing unwanted distractions. As a result, your adult guests will have their attention divided, and won’t be able to fully enjoy all the goodies you’ve put together for them. Hiring the service of a wedding nanny is the best way to avoid this situation. They will keep your little guests entertained and give their parents breathing space.

9. Solo Musicians

Hiring a solo musician is the best alternative for couples that can’t afford to hire a live band at their wedding, but want live music. A talented solo musician will keep your guests entertained and also provide a beautiful ambiance for your wedding ceremony.

10. Firework Displays

Mind-blowing firework displays are such a romantic way of bringing a beautiful and perfect day to an end. Everyone loves an incredible display of fireworks, and you can never go wrong by ending your special day with this type of show.

It’s your wedding day, don’t forget to make it memorable for both you and your guests.

At Eyes of India, we are speaking to more and more customers who are turning to us to provide them with Bohemian accessories to help theme, furnish and stylise their Wedding Day. This got us thinking, what exactly does it mean to have a ‘Bohemian Wedding’ and this article will explain what a Bohemian Wedding style means to us, with some tips along the way on how to achieve this really cool style of wedding.

What does Bohemian Mean?

A few months ago we wrote a blog post about the origins of Bohemianism, and what it means. Traditionally, Bohemianism represented a relaxed way of life, free from conforming to the usual norms of life. Artists, writers, poets and liberals were of seen as Bohemian. It was a term very much used to describe those living an unconventional lifestyle. This may seem an odd definition today, and today Bohemianism is continued by those with a quirky, natural and creative attitude towards life. 

What is a Bohemian Wedding Style?

So how does the above translate into a wedding style? To us, a Bohemian Wedding is an incredibly relaxed event. Heavily inspired by nature, Bohemian wedding days are all about chilled out vibes – it doesn’t matter too much about the location – although venues which feature the outdoors are always best.

Just think of a traditional wedding, and turn it on its head – there’s no rule and regulations to adhere to.

Bohemian Wedding Tips:

• Swap the Huge Bouquets of flowers for smaller, wild flowers – look in charity shops and second hand shops for little jars and containers to put them in. Don’t worry about the order and presentation of these flowers, loose is best.

• If possible, create large seating areas out of flo0or pillows – this is a really good way to avoid the rigid tradition of seating patterns, you can even avoid the dreaded top table situation!

• Keep it light – keep the colours light – blues, pinks, greens and variations of such colours blend perfectly with nature and the environment you are trying to create. Use rugs and tapestries to inject bohemian style and colour.

• Wedding dresses should reflect the style of the wedding, think mischievous woodland fairy style – not Disney princess. A massive amount of designers are making a bigger and better range of relaxed, more casual wedding dresses which are perfectly suited to free spirited,  Boho weddings.

• Hairstyles – in our opinion the very best hairstyle for a bohemian wedding day is one that is carefree, flowing and natural. Think loose plaits, braids, as well as including flowers and pretty head pieces.

Bohemian Design Ideas

One of the most important elements of a Boho Wedding is the interior design and surroundings. Below, we give you a few ideas on how to use some of the products we have seen during wedding days, for maximum effect – creating a stunning location for your special day.

Tapestries – These tapestries can be used for everything from table coverings, to picnic/beach blankets. In weddings, we often see them used around where the vows will be read, and also around the venue.

Cushions – These cushions make brilliant communal seating areas, making sure your Boho wedding day delivers the relaxed, social atmosphere you need.

Rugs – Working both inside and outside, there is a range of Boho rugs which inject individuality, colour and style into any wedding venue.

Do you have any tips on how to pull off the perfect Bohemian Wedding? Get in touch below.

Generally accepted advice says that beach weddings are for the summertime, but people are finally becoming aware of the beauty of winter beach weddings. We’re stoked to see this trending, but why a winter wedding, and how do you make this theme happen? We’re here to answer your pressing questions, and walk you through everything from the venue and food to the invites and thank you cards.

Why a winter wedding?

There are tons of benefits to having your wedding in winter. The sun is low in the sky and there is often cloud cover, which helps create the perfect lighting for the atmosphere of the day and for the photos in particular. Any photographer will tell you that a cloudy day is the dream when it comes to a photo shoot, and winter increases your chances of landing one. Shorter days also make it easier for you to catch the ‘golden hour’ light with your photographer (the hour of warm light just before the sun sets). Winter is also considered one of the best times of year for dramatic sunsets, since crisp air, good air circulation and certain types of clouds contribute to making the perfect sunset. All these things, and the fact that the beaches are more likely to be empty, make for great atmosphere and amazing wedding photos.

On top of all that, winter is the off-peak season for weddings. This means your wedding is less likely to clash with someone else’s guests are more likely to be able to attend your big day. It also tends to be a big help for your budget: many venues and wedding vendors offer discounts or throw in extra features when it’s not the peak season.

Creating your winter beach wedding

Like most weddings, creating the theme is all about the big four:

• Location and venues: for the ceremony, photos and reception
• Stationery: from save the dates right through to thank you cards
• Decor: whether it’s furniture and lighting or bunting and flowers
• Food and drink: foodies know there’s a big difference between a summer menu and a winter menu.

Location and venue

Obviously it’s only possible to have a beach wedding if you live somewhere near a beach, or you’re prepared to have a destination wedding, so location is vital when it comes to this trend! The venue can be a little trickier. In summer you might have your wedding right there on the beach, but this isn’t always practical in winter. Ideally, you should locate a beachside venue with an ocean view and ocean vibes that is willing to host a ceremony and a reception.

Stationery

Your wedding stationery can be anything you want it to be, but for a winter beach wedding why not focus on the grey-blue colour palette of the winter sky and sea? There are a range of popular colours for this, from baby blues and aqua through to slate grey, navy and of course, black and white.

Simple, colour blocked and typographic design aesthetics are the most popular when it comes to winter beach weddings, but it’s also possible to go more literal with it and incorporate other design elements like seashells, starfish and waves. Look at the decor of the venue, and consider any decor you’re planning to add, and try to match that.

For a little extra something, consider going for a premium print type like letterpress or foiling. This is perfect for a more formal beachside venue.

Decor

There are two kinds of wedding decor: what is built-in at the venue you choose, and what you can put in separately. This might still be provided by the venue, but it’s optional. An example of the first kind of decor is the provincial-style chairs and tables of a venue, the burgundy colour of their walls, or their statement pendant lights. An example of the latter might be bunting, flowers, candles, or other decorations that can be easily swapped or brought in.

Beach wedding decor shouldn’t be too much of a worry if you’re choosing a venue that makes the most of its beachside location. Usually venues by the sea make the beach central to their character and decorate accordingly. If in doubt, be sure to visit the venue before the big day and talk to them about any of your own decorations you wish to bring in.

Popular winter wedding decor includes candles, natural materials like rope, stone and wood, neutral colours with rich burgundy, navy or olive coloured accents, and greenery like succulents and ferns.

Food and Drink

Most restaurants, cafes and other venues where food is served rotate their menus with the season. This isn’t just marketing! The best cuisine relies on food that is in season, since that is when it is at its very highest quality, and also takes into consideration the tastes and textures that match the weather. This usually means salads and tropical fruits in summer, and soups, root vegetables and citrus in winter.

Your venue caterers will usually cater by the season, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about this one, but if you are making the choice, consider choosing seasonal food to add to the winter wonderland you are creating. Of course, for a beach wedding, summer or winter, seafood is always a winning choice too!

By thinking carefully about each of these steps – from the appetisers to the furniture, the save the dates to the venue selection –  you can create the winter wonderland of your dreams and still have your perfect beach wedding as well

This was a guest post by Maddison Wallace from Paperlust. Maddison is head of content at Paperlust. She is a communications professional who loves words and drinking cups of tea.

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Destination weddings are quickly becoming a hit amongst couples, especially the ever on the move millennials. When you take a look at the average cost of a Western wedding, you will understand why it makes perfect sense to embrace this option. In the UK, for example, the average cost of a traditional wedding is £25,000. You can get a magnificent destination wedding for around 30% of that amount in choice destinations abroad! Here are more reasons why you should jet off when it is time to tie the knot.

Enhanced Intimacy

If you’ve never been one to enjoy overblown crowds, this is your chance to enjoy a fun, small and intimate wedding. Your guest list will be small due to the travel involved and only your very closest friends and families will really bother with the trip. Nice way to shed off the crowd “fat” right? You don’t have to cater for your neighbour 5 blocks away or your cousin you last spoke to in the Ice Age!

Cheaper Décor

The typical destination wedding holds in magnificent locations like the beach front, a garden or a vineyard. Why would you need to shell out on decoration in such a location? In fact, many destination wedding packages are all-inclusive so you do not need to pay the bridal floral group separately! Your wedding organisers will have decoration sorted for you. Even when the decoration is minimalist, it comes out looking stunning in pictures when you factor in the natural elements.

Dual Purpose

After you have spent thousands for your wedding at home, you will still have to shell out sizable sums on a honeymoon. A destination wedding takes care of this. After the wedding, you can retire to a lush property with your partner, to all the glitz and glamour that naturally trails honeymoon.  Most destination wedding locations, from South Africa to the Caribbeans to Turkey, all have magnificent places for your honeymoon. If you are headed to Turkey, consider some of the exquisite holiday homes available on Spot Blue! Imagine combining your wedding with a Safari honeymoon. How magnificent is that?

Evergreen Experience

Few would argue if you call your wedding day one of the most important days of your life. So why not go out of your way to make it as evergreen as possible? A traditional wedding back home will retain all the boring details that you have become accustomed to over the years. Not even grabbing hipster wedding routines on Instagram can change that!  A destination wedding, on the other hand, gives you a chance to really shake things up. There are lots of traditions you can borrow while at the location to make your day every inch different and one you will never forget.

Show Off

Vain, but it’s the times!  Most people will share their wedding pictures with friends and family and even online. A picture perfect destination wedding makes it easy for you to leave people in awe and in admiration of your special experience.

If you’re organising a hen party, and you want to add something a little bit different to the mix, life drawing is a brilliant, but tasteful way of adding a bit of tongue in cheek male nudity to the occasion.

Your hen will be delighted that she’s escaped the embarrassment of dancing with a stripper, and your whole party of hens will be over the moon you’ve added some cheeky endeavour. It’s a win, win naughty, but tasteful, activity for the perfect hen party shenanigans.

So, if you’ve decided to kick off the prenuptial celebrations with a life drawing class, here’s our beginners guide to make sure you have a cheeky giggle and come away with an artistic masterpiece!

11 great reasons to include life drawing on a hen night

1. It adds wow factor.
2. It’s an unforgettable way to kick off a hen party, and a perfect afternoon activity.
3. Avoids the dilemma of a tacky stripper.
4. You can develop a new skill (there’s a budding artist in all of us).
5. It’s an activity that doesn’t have to involve alcohol (but it can if you so wish).
6. It’s easy to organise in the comfort of your own home, or at a holiday rental.
7. It adds a bit of competitive spirit (who can produce the best drawing).
8. It gets everyone in a giggly mood for the rest of the hen day/night/weekend.
9. You get a memento (your drawing) that will always remind you of this special day.
10. It’s suitable for all over 18s, no matter how old you are. It’s something everyone can enjoy.
11. It’s a great alternative for hens who don’t fancy a male cabaret strip show.

What you can expect

• A professional model who’ll strut their stuff and wear as much or as little as your hens choose.
• A light-hearted atmosphere.
• A lesson in life drawing.

Practical tips

Here are a few practical tips to make sure you get the most out of your life drawing experience.

• You’ll need to book a nude model. It’s not expected you’ll know one off the cuff. There are lots of hen party organisers offering hen party life drawing classes either at a convenient venue or in the comfort of your own home.

It’s a great activity to kick the party off before you head out for dining and a boogie. Your hen won’t suspect a thing if you invite everyone over for pre-hen party drinks. If it’s a hot summer’s day and you have a private garden, you could even take the activity outdoors!

• Check what materials are provided. Most organisers will supply a model and drawing materials, including pencils or charcoal, paper, boards and sharpeners. But you may want to source some silly dressing up items to get you in the artistic mood! And perhaps some handheld fans for the blushing!
• Don’t forget the champagne. A glass of bubbly will most definitely get the party started. Or if you are serious about the artistry and don’t want to booze, throw a vintage tea party as you draw.

The serious art of drawing: 10 life drawing tips

You’ll have a set amount of time to create your masterpiece, but it’s likely your model will be experienced and will be able to give you some life drawing tips. Here are our 10 life drawing tips to help you get the most out of your life drawing session.

1. Take a few minutes to look at the figure. Hold your pencil up to the figure and visualise three lines, through the shoulders, hips and knees.
2. Plan your drawing in sections.
3. Quickly sketch in the entire figure.
4. Look at the model more than your paper.
5. Draw fast, don’t doodle!
6. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
7. Don’t avoid the difficult bits. Face the challenge!
8. Focus on the whole model and give equal attention to everything you draw.
9. Add shadows and highlights.
10. Add the date and get your model to sign it. And don’t forget to take a snap of you, your drawing and the model for a momento.

Do you want to celebrate your big day on an island? The Maltese island may just be the perfect wedding venue for you and your family. Many people are unaware that Malta, Gozo and Comino are famous for being more than just a popular tourist destination. Malta is considered a hidden treasure in the Mediterranean and a place one must re-visit every year. The island of Malta is beautiful, stunning and has a welcoming atmosphere to greet couples who wish to have a memorable island wedding.

The guaranteed year round sunshine also means you can hold garden weddings beneath the shade of fruit trees. Several graceful lawns with exotic palm trees add just the perfect touch to your wedding in Malta. Maltese cuisine is known for its exotic flavor and the island boasts hundreds of top class chefs. Wedding caterers are known for preparing mouth-watering menus that blend innovative recipes with the traditional Maltese cuisine.

When it comes to choosing from the various wedding venues in Malta, nobody is disappointed. Malta is rich in historic venues, ornate churches and hotels that offer breath-taking harbor views. For couples, who like to kick off their shoes and dance under the stars, the stunning sunset on the beach can make for a laid-back venue. However, if you want to celebrate your wedding in a five-star hotel, you get plenty of choices on the 3 islands. Let’s look at a few wedding venues in Malta where you can hold a memorable wedding ceremony:

Corinthia Hotels

The Corinthia Hotel group has 2 gorgeous hotel locations in Malta: the majestic Palace Hotel and the magnificent St. George’s Bay Hotel. If you wish to have a wedding next to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, look no further than Corinthia St George’s Bay! This is a fantastic location next to the arching bay that offers stunning views with an impressive service.

For couples who prefer a wedding venue that has a historic feel to it, the Corinthia Palace Hotel proves to be a good choice. Situated among beautiful greenery and richly landscaped gardens, it is a majestic site to exchange vows. The hotel impresses visitors with its impressive archways and beautifully designed dining areas that combine contemporary and antique designs. The Palace Hotel is a proof of the rich history that Malta boasts.

Hilton Malta

The Hilton Malta offers a fine combination of exceptional services and stunning city views. The Hiltons are famous for holding lavish and memorable weddings as they have their own dedicated team of wedding planners. With a large range of fairly-tale like banquet rooms, the couple and guests can enjoy breath-taking views of olive trees at the Gazebo Restaurant. The Portomaso Yacht Marina is also a great location for taking wedding photos. The Hilton Malta is an ideal location for couples who don’t want anything to go wrong on their big day.

The Westin Dragonara Resort

One of the many wedding venues in Malta, The Westin Dragonara Resort guarantees a luxurious hotel wedding. The venue is a five-star hotel located in the heart of St. Julian’s and offers several locations for your wedding, including traditional ballrooms and the pool area.

You can also hold your wedding ceremony by the sea or in the gardens. The resort can be a wonderful wedding spot during the summer or winter as it is designed to offer the best of both worlds to its guests. If you opt for an outdoor wedding by the sea, do not forget that outdoor wedding shoes must be worn, or else you risk ruining your night!

When it comes to showing a loved one how much he or she means to you, love should display no bounds. While an engagement ring is obviously top of the pops in the romance stakes, there are many other ways you can pile on the romance. So even if you’re already hitched, or not ready to pop the question, why not do something special to bring out the hopeless romantic in you.

A romantic gesture doesn’t have to be a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates or even an expensive item of jewellery. Spending time together with your loved one is far more important. So why not consider a romantic experience you can enjoy together? For adrenalin junkies, why not try a double sky-dive together? For the most hopeless romantic there’s always the failsafe overnight stay in a fairy-tale castle. All of these experiences are readily available in the UK with experience companies such as Into the Blue – and we’ve reviewed some of the traditional, and more unusual romantic experiences to help you choose the best way to make your lover melt…

Romantic City Getaway

We’re talking Paris, Rome, Venice, Lisbon, Barcelona and Marrakesh or even Reykjavik. After a day of sightseeing and a romantic dinner, you can relax at one of the top hotels. If you’re on a budget, there are many hidden gems in most cities when it comes to accommodation. Be thorough in your research and perhaps go out of season to get a better deal.

A special tip if you are heading for Paris; don’t miss visiting Bois de Vincennes, the largest public park in the city. There you’ll find the Temple of Love set on a lake island. You can access the island by bridge or if you’re a completely hopeless romantic, rent a little rowboat to get you across.

Other Romantic Getaways

There are way too many places to list here. The UK has some amazing places to stay, so your romantic break doesn’t have to be abroad. In fact, why not leave the car at home and take the train somewhere so you can spend more time concentrating on each other.

The Belmond British Pullman offers the ultimate in romantic train travel. Luxury weekend breaks go from London to Cornwall or South Devon and include brunch and a three-course lunch going down, and a five-course Sunday lunch coming back.

If you’re looking to go a bit further afield, there are some beautiful places all over Europe.

We love Manarola on the Italian Riviera. It’s a beautiful colourful village where you can while away hours looking out to the Ligurian Sea. That’s when you’re not gazing into each other’s eyes. No country lives up to romance quite like Italy. Italians are renowned for their passion, so there’s no better place for you to show off a little of yours.

Winter Break In A Sea-Facing Cottage

What could be more romantic than cosying up with a bottle of bubbly in front of a crackling fire? Share posh snacks and snuggle while you listen to the sea crashing in on the nearby beach. Where you go doesn’t really matter. It’s who you are with that counts.

Glamping

For outdoor lovers, putting up a tent can take the heat out of a romantic night away. Why not try glamping instead? A vintage airstream trailer on a working farm will satisfy your zest for nature, as well as the retro in you. And, it will give you a cosy space to get intimate. If you’re both into yoga or meditation, why not book space on a romantic yurt retreat.

Cocktail Making Classes

If a romantic break isn’t on the cards, why not try having a bit of fun together. A cocktail making masterclass is a really great idea. You’ll learn from the masters how to mix your favourite drinks and sample them too. It’ll leave you warm, fuzzy and giggling together all the way home.

Tango Dance Lessons

For the serious romantic who loves to dance, Tango lessons could be just what you are looking for to inject some passion and romance into your lives. The Tango is a dramatic and sultry dance. If you are looking for a sophisticated and dramatic fling with your loved one, turning to tango could be the answer.

Do Something Spontaneous

Throw some clothes in a bag and take off in the car. Don’t even set the destination, just stop and find a hotel when you’ve had enough driving. If you are used to planning everything in fine detail, throw caution to the wind. There’s something very sexy about breaking the rules for a change.

It doesn’t have to be a night away. Last-minute theatre tickets, or even a spontaneous meal out will do.

Whatever it is that brings out the hopeless romantic in you, go for it. Great for Valentine’s Day, but who says romance shouldn’t be get some attention all year round!

As every bride in London knows, wedding gowns don’t come cheap. And that’s before you even start thinking about shoes and accessories. But what’s a girl to do when the Big Day is looming and you want to look a million dollars, but the (financial) cupboard is bare? Well,

Well, it wouldn’t be London if there weren’t a solution to be found. All you need is a bit of left field thinking and the willingness to compromise on your preconceived ideas and, hey presto, you shall go to the ball! A quick scale of the London data lists later, and viola – here we present to you a beautiful treasure map, full of the best places to grab a cheeky wedding bargain.

Second Hand Wedding Boutiques

Why pay full price for your wedding gown when you don’t have to? Take a look at this selection of second hand wedding shops and outlet shops in and around London. You will find a great selection of designer wedding gowns at knockdown prices.

Dream Second Hand Wedding Dress Agency, Parkfield Avenue, Northolt, UB5 6PW

A very smart bridal shop selling discount new and preloved designer wedding dresses and accessories.

Brides Dress Revisited, 24 High Street, Otford, Kent TN14 5PQ

Only 30 minutes from Central London, this beautiful store specialises in second hand designer wedding dresses and accessories.

Betty Gets Hitched, Islington, London N5

A North London bridal studio that specialises in designer sample wedding dresses, with prices up to 60% off regular RRP available.

Betty McCaul Bridal Outlet, 103 St Marks Road, Enfield, EN1 1BJ

A wedding boutique with a wide range of leading designer dresses at up to 65% of the retail price.

Elegance and Grace, Royal Drive, London N11 3GX

Wedding, prom and evening dresses along with accessories at very reduced prices due to being ex stock.

Designer Charity Shops

Don’t underestimate the power of charity shops – they’ve come a long way since the days of musty jumpers and sad suits in drab, uninspiring surroundings. London, in particular, has a wealth of decidedly upmarket charity shops that specialise in covetable, designer or vintage garments, including wedding clothing, at prices you wouldn’t believe possible. You just need to know where to look:

British Red Cross Chelsea, 69-71 Old Church Street, London SW3 5BS

A large, self styled ‘designer charity shop’, this is Chelsea’s best known and most popular charity shop. Merchandise is mostly in the designer bracket, with pieces by Jaeger, MaxMara, Vivienne Westwood et al being donated regularly by wealthy local residents.

Cancer Research UK, 24 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4PQ

Not far from Oxford Street, this cavernous 2-story thrift shop is a favourite haunt for fashion forward but budget compromised students from the nearby London College of Fashion. There’s designer bargains to be had, but you may have some competition.

Salvation Army, Princes Street, London W1B 2LQ

This long established charity shop is a stone’s through from Oxford Circus and a popular drop-off point for fashionable cast-offs by the uber fashionable staff at Vogue magazine nearby. 2 floors of second hand clothes, shoes and accessories from high street and designer brands abound.

Barnardo’s, 414 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AY
This a huge and very lively shop with an unpredictable and exciting selection of clothing and accessories. Find all kinds of high street brands, as well as designer bargains for under £50 here.

Terrence Higgins Trust, 19 Churton Street, London SW1V 2LY

A boutique charity shop like no other, with a dedicated gay section and Shirley Bassey soundtrack, this is what Alan Carr called ‘the Harvey Nichols of charity shops’. It is rumoured that Mary Portas is also a fan. Pop in for designer bargains and vintage finds.

Octavia Foundation, 211 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EJ

Pop in for designer donations from wealthy local residents in this large store set in the heart of Knightsbridge, just a stone’s throw from Harrods but with prices that couldn’t be more different.

FARA Retromania, 6 Upper Tachbrook Street, London SW1V 1SH

A savvy designer vintage store where high fashion, wow labels and fashion forward merchandising abound, this shop is a world apart from the dowdy charity shops of old.

Royal Trinity Hospice, Kensington Church Street, London W8 4LL

Best known for its smart ladies wear, handbags and shoes, this shop always comes up trumps with designer pieces, Prada evening shoes, DKNY designer bags and the like.

Online Wedding Shopping

If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, there are many online wedding dress sites where you can get a hardly (or sometimes never!) worn wedding gown for a fraction of the new retail price. Check out the following sites:

Preloved – second hand wedding clothes and bridal wear

SellMyWeddingDress – second hand, new and sample wedding dresses for sale online

TheDressmarket – hundreds of pre-loved and new dresses from private sellers and boutique sales

Bride2Bride – the UK’s largest online wedding marketplace, selling second hand wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, mother-of-the-bride outfits, wedding shoes and more

Still White – UK’s largest marketplace for wedding dresses only

PreOwnedWeddingDresses – designer wedding dresses for less

OnceWed – shop used wedding dresses

Obviously, there’s eBay and Gumtree too. It’s worth pointing out that online shopping always carries an element of risk, eBay probably has the strongest buyer protection. You are advised to always carefully inspect the dress in person (ideally try it on!) and pay cash on collection. Also establish if you can return the dress if you should change your mind when you get home.