Blog
Thursday, 10 May 2012
We like to think we're very sharing over here at Aimee Dunne, and more so this month with some of our 'Pearls of Wisdom' in Wedding Magazine. Flick to the back page and you'll find some of our helpful hints there!
Friday, 20 April 2012
I never thought I'd say that, but I do, and I'm not ashamed to say it! I came across these little beauties recently on Preston Baileys blog, and I was left with a warm fuzzy feeling when I discovered they're available right here in the UK from the wonderful Miss Sarah Cake on Etsy. What a lovely touch they make to the simplest of cakes.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Today I have been mostly distracted by Pinterest. I knew this would happen, pretty pictures, easy to use, feels as though I've done lots of work... I am slightly addicted I have to admit and my efforts to date are only the beginning. It's a great way to show everyone ideas in a pretty visual way, which is useful for clients and suppliers, and its so easy to use which is really refreshing with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Blogs etc taking up an ever increasing amount of our valuable time. If you're not already a member, come and join the Pinterest party!
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Dear Blog, I have neglected you somewhat lately and I'm sorry. I have so much to say but wedding season is fast approaching and I have lots of lovely clients to make happy, so I've not been to see you quite as much as I'd like...
As well as preparing for wedding season and a number of parties we're planning, we had the pleasure of attending the UKAWP 2012 Wedding Planning Excellence seminar earlier this month. The seminar was a great opportunity for us wedding planners to spend two days with our colleagues, increasing our knowledge of the industry with a number of talks from industry colleagues, and to network and learn from each other. We had some great inspirational talks from speakers including Keren Lerner from Top Left Design, Marketing guru Tamsin Fox-Davies, and Business Coach Ray Hutchin from Cloud 9. We also learnt more on bridal trends from the lovely Ellie Sanderson (including a very interesting X Factor bridal show), had some lessons on etiquette from Jo Byrant of Debrett's, and a low down on mobile bars and marquees from Debbie Baisden of iBarco and Anthony Wickham of TT Tents.
After all that continued education we were treated to a fabulous dinner and reception drinks at the very lovely 30 Pavilion Road. Rumour has it that some planners carried on the evening with some roller-skating and further sampling of drinks but I'm admitting nothing (and I'm sure there's no photographic evidence)! Many thanks to Lloyd Dobbie for all of the images below and who also provided us with some insights into what photographers do behind the scenes.
WPE held at 51 Buckingham Gate. Venue styling by Wedding Creative. All flowers supplied by Euphoric Flowers and stationery from Cutture.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Happy Valentine's Day from all at Aimee Dunne. Here's to lot's of Valentine's proposals and more and more 'I Do's'!
Tuesday, 07 February 2012
When I started this business, I started it out of my love for organising events. A love for being creative, a creative side that had been lost in a career in banking. I have a great business background, through years studying business and working in the corporate world, but I never quite thought about how this creative side and business side of me would merge to form what is now my new career. It is such an exciting path starting a new business, especially when it is driven out of passion for something you love, but sometimes you need to sit back and remember it is a business. This is often easier said than done.
On this journey I have come across the rather fantastic blog of Sean Low. Aptly titled '''The Business of Being Creative'. I quite often read this and feel like a big light has just been switched on above my head; it's quite scary how well Sean understands creative businesses and the challenges they bring.
One post I was reading recently is worth giving particular mention to - A Different Perspective. Without repeating what the post say's, I'm simply going to take advice from Sean and write a few honest words below. Deep breath, here goes...
After a few years of hard graft, harder than I imagined when I was dreaming of doing a job I love, I have weddings and events in my portfolio which I'm extremely proud of; because I worked damn hard on them, thoroughly enjoyed the time spent working with my clients, and I know I gave 110%. My business is what it is because I love what I do and I know I'm good at it. I work hard to understand the market and my clients; not because I have to but because I want to. I actually don't understand when I talk to people about events and wedding planning and they don't get as excited as me?! This excitement and passion mixed with my business background and acumen, which I am always grateful for, is why I think prospective clients should hire me. I would hire me. The time I spend fussing over the most ridiculously small details is incredible, but I am one of the few crazy people that love it and I know I can't stop myself going to these lengths for my clients because that's the person I am, and why I know I can't help but be good at what I do; it's just who I am. It's nothing but exciting, and incredibly fulfilling, to see the weddings and events I'm working on, to know that this is my business, I am very good at what I do and most importantly that I love what I do.
So there we go; not edited quite as much as I'd like and I could possibly work on this more, but Sean that's my attempt at some heart felt honesty!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
2012 is certainly upon us and here at Aimee Dunne we’re looking forward to all our 2012 weddings and New Year enquiries. With that in mind, here are our predictions for what we''ll be seeing in our weddings, and events, in the months to come.
Photo Booths. Photo Booths are a great way to add some fun to your wedding day, and have some added memories to keep and share. These can be tailored to suit your wedding theme, from a traditional booth, or a taxi booth like those offered by megabooth.com.
Vintage. The vintage theme has been a staple favourite for a few years now and is still going strong. From vintage pastels to lace doilies, it’s still a firm favourite; and with companies such as vintagestylehire.co.uk hiring out beautiful vintage pieces, it’s becoming easier for brides to plan and afford beautiful vintage style.
Sweetie tables. Around 80% of my clients have a sweetie table on their wish list. I LOVE them, they can be as small or elaborate as you like and can be themed in such fun ways. Originating from the States, from the likes of the wonderful Sweet Stylist Amy Atlas, they’re certainly finding a home here in the UK. A wonderful local company I've worked with is Let Them Eat Cakes.
Cake Pops. Another trend from the States, companies such as popbakery.co.uk are doing a marvellous job of bringing these cute little cakes on sticks to our shores. They work fantastically with Sweetie Tables, as favours, or just on their own for fun. Move over cup cakes, cake pops have arrived!
Laser Cut. I’ve always loved a bit of stationery, but give me some laser cut stationery and I’m in wedding heaven! My favourites are from the ever so talented cutture.com and chartula.co.uk. Traditionally quite an expensive option, products such as Chartula Create are allowing style savvy brides to get DIY laser cut stationery at an affordable price.
Photo Credits:
Photo Booth: megabooth.com
Vintage Table: Vintage Style Hire via lovemydress.net
Sweetie Table: Amy Atlas Blog
Cake Pops: etsy.com
Laser Cut Invitations: Cutture
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Suffering with a chest infection and no voice, but ever the professional, I was pleased as always to join in the discussion on BBC Radio Kent yesterday. Following on from the recent wedding of Bryan Ferry and Amanda Sheppard on the Turks and Caicos, Pat Marsh was having a lunchtime chat about destination weddings, and we were more than happy to offer some tips to anyone considering having their special day outside the UK. Here are some of our top tips.
1. Know the local marriage requirements. Every country has different requirements; some Caribbean islands require you to register with them and be there for three days before the wedding, while in Greece you must be there for two weeks before your intended wedding date. The documents you need and other formalities may also differ. Contact the local Consulate or Embassy and make sure you know what is needed and give yourself enough time to plan for this.
2. Be aware of the local weather. Many couples think of flying off in summer and marrying on a sunny Caribbean beach, but if you fly off in June you may be getting married in the middle of a hurricane. Be aware that summer in the UK may not be summer at your wedding destination.
3. Take anything special as hand luggage. If you are getting married on a beach, your dress may not be too large and it''s worth taking this as hand luggage if it will fit. If it's larger than your hand luggage allowance, talk to your airline and they may be understanding. No one wants to lose their luggage on any holiday but it's worth avoiding this if at all possible before your wedding! Also take as hand luggage any other items of importance or value that you may want on your wedding day; or ask your friends of family travelling with you to take them as their hand luggage.
4. Insurance. Many travel insurance companies offer extended or special insurance for couples marrying abroad. Make sure you take out something that covers all and everything that you need, don't spend an arm and a leg on your wedding and try and save with cheap insurance; it's not worth the risk.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Today is a day you will always remember
The greatest in anyone’s life
You’ll start off the day just two people in love
And end it as Husband and Wife
It’s a brand new beginning, the start of a journey
With moments to cherish and treasure
And although there’ll be times when you both disagree
These will surely be outweighed by pleasure
You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past
When the secrets of marriage were spoken
But you know that the answers lie hidden inside
Where the bond of true love lies unbroken
So live happy forever as lovers and friends
It’s the dawn of a new life for you
As you stand there together with love in your eyes
From the moment you whisper ‘I do’
And with luck, all your hopes, and your dreams can be real
May success find its way to your hearts
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys
But today is the day it all starts.
Photo credit: tanjalippertphotography.com via smp.com
Tuesday, 03 January 2012
Well what a welcome back to the office it was this morning, being blown here in gale force winds. Ok, ok, my office is at the end of my garden but still... A cup of tea and a wedding magazine later and I've recovered.
We did manage to have a lovely Christmas and New Year here at Dunne HQ, taking some much needed down time with the family, enjoying quite a few glasses of pink bubbles and more Quality Street than I wish to admit. I am very excited to be back in the office today, and to get going with all of our lovely 2012 weddings. Christmas and the New Year are always a popular time to pop the question, and why not say 'I Do' in 2012!
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
We're hanging up our stockings, turning on our fairy lights and switching off the computer. Our office will be closed between 22nd December and 3rd January, when we'll be back to welcome in the New Year and all of our lovely 2012 weddings and events.
A very Happy Christmas from all at Aimee Dunne!
