Spotlight on McCaffertys Cards

McCafferty's Cards based in Blantyre, Lanarkshire.


We specialise in handmade personalised wedding stationery and favours for all occassions. We have over 15 different wedding stationery ranges with matching favours. Our favours come in three different ranges unique, candle and traditional we even have favours to match our wedding stationery ranges. We also provide unique favours for christening, communion, anniversary, sweet sixteen etc.



Musical Note Bottle Stopper £3.50



Rose mirror compact £2.25



Wedding Cake Candle £2.00





Wedding Gingerbread Bride & Groom £2.25



Website www.mccaffertyscards.co.uk

Email mccaffertyscards@hotmail.co.uk


Telephone 07832918015

Chic Pear Designs Save the Date Competition

I am delighted to have been chatting with the wonderfully creative Chic Pear Designs.
What's more we have team up with them to offer you a fab competition.

Chic Pear Designs is an illustrative design company that specializes in fashion and lifestyle illustrations. We work with many different clients including small businesses and individuals such as brides-to-be. For our brides-to-be, we create bespoke couple illustrations that can be incorporated in save-the-date invitations, favor tags, cupcake toppers, menus and much more. .. all with your special day in mind!
Contact them today at info@chicpeardesigns.com  if you are interested in a custom illustration and/or some paper-goods.



We are currently running contest for our brides/grooms to be. The contest will run from, Saturday January 1, 2011 to Friday, January 8, 2010.
One lucky winner will be randomly selected to win a digital save-the-date invitation such as the one featured here.

The save-the-date invitation will be provided in a pdf or jpg format that you may email to your guests. You will be able to choose whether you’d like a custom illustration of you and your spouse-to-be included in the save-the-date invitation or not. If so, you can choose from four different styles: Modern & Stylized, Sleek Chic, Painterly/Sketchy or Silhouette, see examples of those styles below.

In order to enter the contest, you will need to visit our blog at www.chicpeardesigns.com/Blog  and enter a comment in our Contest post (include your email address) about what your favorite illustration is on our site either in our shop at www.chicpeardesigns.com/Shop  or in our portfolio at http://www.chicpeardesigns.com/Albums/Portfolio  (if you prefer, you may send us an email instead at info@chicpeardesigns.com)

The winner will be announced on the blog on Saturday, January 9 and will be notified via email so that we can schedule the project based on your wedding date and our availability. Good luck!! :)

Plans and Presents in the final for Wedding Ideas Mag Awards 2011

I am utterly bursting with excitement to find a good friend has made it to the finals of the Wedding Ideas Magazine Awards 2011. Not only has she been shortlisted as one of 5 top wedding planners in the UK, she is the only one based in Scotland.

Alison works extremely hard on her wedding and event planning business http://www.plansandpresent.co.uk/ and has a reputation for knowing everything in the wedding industry.
Not only do I know Alison on a personal front, but she has also co-ordinated a corporate event for me in Oct 2010. Her efficiency is second to none.
So as she heads off to the awards in London on the 14th Jan 2011, decked out with her vintage headband from http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ ( of course) - we wish her all the luck in the world. 

Natalie Portman has Wedding and Baby News ...www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

Making a doubly surprising announcement earlier today, Natalie Portman is said to be "indescribably happy" over her engagement/baby news. INF Daily

We are delighted for Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied of which 2011 is going to be a big year for them.

Now we think Natalie should officially be visting us at www.weddingandbaby.co.uk!!

Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris engaged!

What a lovely time of year to get engaged. I wonder if they are planning a wedding for 2011 like many famous couples.

Courtesy of yahoo news

With a 60 year age gap wouldn't it be lovely if they decided to be on trend and go for a vintage themed wedding. Of course http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ would be delighted to create hair accessories and jewellery for Crystal.

So what do you think about the engagement? What is the age gap between you and your partner?

LHG Designs launches 2011 collection of vintage inspired wedding accessories at www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

LHG Designs is our very own label of handmade wedding tiaras, vintage headbands, vintage combs, jewellery - necklace, bracelets and earrings.

In the 2011 collection our designs are not only trend focused, we also have unique fashion forward designs that are sure to create new trends.

Ruffles, flowers and lots of fabric are HOT in wedding dresses for 2011, so what does the on trend bride do with her accessories?

The LHG Designs collection at http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ have got that sorted. Look no further than your complete guide to accessorising your dress.

Traditional tiaras are starting to take a back seat with most discerning brides opting for headband and combs, that are adorned with rhinestones, feathers and flowers.

Birdcage veils were extremely popular in 2010, however for 2011 the trend is moving away from these as dresses become embelished with fabric flowers and ruffles.

LHG Designs have been creating accessories for the last two years that are not only sought after by celebrities, but also provide value for money and longevity. Louise regularly speaks with brides and develops designs that can be used long after the wedding or special occassion.

For the bride that wants to create the veil effect without the added fabric, our Marquise Veil Comb is the Show Stopper in our 2011 collection.

Amazing diamante claw set rhinestone comb creates this striking piece. Beautiful vintage style floral focal design mounted onto a silver silver comb. Birdcage veils take on a whole new dimension with our unique rhinestone side veil design. What makes this ultra special is that it can be converted into a brooch and worn again!

http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/combs.htm

Floral wedding dresses need to remain with the theme, without adding more fabric to the design. So the best option is rhinestone embelished floral combs and headbands.

If you have opted for the simple dress but want to incorporate the floral theme, why not add fabric flowers to the hair. These can be flat on the head as in our Floral lace design below.

In our 2011 range also comes a romanesque headband /circlet. Stunning for a Grecian style wedding. Silver beadwork creates leaves and branches for this earthy deisgn.

If you are looking to include vintage and floral theme then look no further than our new range a shown below - that will be hitting the website very soon

Be sure to check us out on Twitter @weddingandbaby
on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wedding-and-Baby/52939309408

Colour Trends for Fashion and Weddings 2011

Colour trends for Fashion and Weddings 2011



As usual LHG Design at http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/ is in the know about what the colours trends are going to be for the next season.


This time last year we predicted that “Autumn/Winter 2010/11 key colours being Purple, Lime and Sea Green. Colour combinations will be Mauve, Lime and Black with the introduction of Brown and Forrest Green. Invest in purple and it will last to winter 2010.”


Were we right? – Of course!


Colours are important to the wedding party as they are often planning a wedding at least a year in advance. So they really want to stay on trend when the big day comes. With our insight for colours in the coming year, we will keep you right up to date.


So what does 2011 have in store colour wise?


Spring/Summer sees the colours dark blue, grey, and neutral cream tones. Orange will be teams up with light blue and royal blue. Mauve, pink/brown and muddy blue will also be gracing the catwalk.


Autumn/Winter sees the deep purple, dark green and navy/black along with browns will be popular. This theme includes metallics, shimmery gold, rich reds, vibrant blues and purples. There will be a wine colour, but it’s a truer wine colour with a hint of glitter. Ochre, brown and black are accented with topiary greens and lipstick red.

So for weddings in Spring /Summer 2011 opt for blue of almost any shade and team it up with complimentary colours like orange, peach or yellow.



Weddings in Autumn/Winter 2011 opt for deep purple, dark green or navy blue and team it up with gold and silver.

Make sure you join our mail list to be kept up to date will everything in the wedding and fashion world. Subscribe now.

Wedding tiaras, headbands, combs and circlets - The design process.

I am often asked how I come up with the designs for the LHG Designs collection at Wedding and Baby. Well having a degree in product design certainly helps, followed by getting a sketch pad out and researching bridal trends.



But I have to admit when creating new designs I do need to get into the zone. Everything is planned out and normally the raw materials are bought first and the creations come from that. Using intuition on selecting raw materials is very satisfying. However I guess it is with lots of experience that I can visualise what the products can turn into. I try to create a certain number of pieces for a collection in a day, but if the creative juices aren’t flowing that day I will return to it fresh the next day. There is nothing worse that forcing through a design when you just feel it isn’t working.


The most exciting part of buying raw materials is when selecting original vintage pieces. The buzz of getting one off vintage rhinestones and upcycling them into a beautiful headband, tiara, comb or circlet is very rewarding.


In the bespoke designs – it gets even more exciting. Often brides will send me an image of their dress and an idea of the theme they are looking for. From there I take into account all the aspects and design features of the dress, as well as how the bride plans to wear her hair for the big day.


The greatest thing about what I do is all about making the wearer happy. I get so much pleasure from being able to create such a special item for a bride – which will be treasured for years to come. When a bride leaves the studio in tears of joy or I get a big cuddle from them, words can’t describe how ecstatic it makes me feel.


Over the last week LHG Designs at Wedding and Baby had a lot of interest from the media. So at a time when I thought I would get a chance to create the new collection when the wedding season was starting to become a little quieter – I have been busier than ever. I am also delighted to have Wedding and Baby shortlisted as Accessory Supplier of the Year by  http://www.thebridalmag.co.uk/ so fingers crossed. Winning an award this year would be a perfect ending to 2010.

My jewellery and circlet arrived this morning, it’s amazing I am more than pleased with the order. It's way more than I could have wished for, its perfect exactly what I had imagined.


I just want to say thank you so much, I felt like a real princess when I tried it all on, I know I'm gonna feel amazing on the day. I will definitely be recommending you to all my friends, you have a real talent.


It amazed my guests, and my husband, he said I looked like a princess.


have attached a couple of photo's so you can see what an wonderful job you did for me, how the jewellery not only complimented my dress but complimented me, which is amazing because you never actually saw what I looked like.


Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. Shelley xxx

Asking for Money as a Wedding Gift? Gillian Bell from StarWeds tells us how.

Cash is king as a wedding gift


In the 1980's it was almost unheard of to ask for money as wedding gift but by the 1990's people were starting to come round to the idea and cash became the second most sought after wedding gift, with kitchen and home-wares taking the number one spot.


Couples living together before marriage has become the norm rather than the exception. Currently in the UK, more than three quarters of couples live together before marriage. Therefore, it is understandable that most people no longer have the need or desire to set up a gift registry with a department store in order to buy household goods. Newlyweds are more likely to spend their money on a dream honeymoon, home improvements or even paying back some of the cost of their wedding.


It is easy to see why money has overtaken old favourites such as kitchen equipment and towel bales as the most favourable wedding gift. It is important to note, though, that this isn't by any means a new phenomenon. In fact, only 20 years ago, we were starting to see that money was creeping to the top of the wedding gift list. Cash is most certainly king for wedding gifts nowadays and this trend definitely looks set to continue.


My partner, Chris, and I are the creators of http://www.starweds.co.uk/ . We came up with the idea in May 2009. Chris and I attended five weddings last year and gave money as a gift at each one. We found that there was no safe and/or easy way to do this, so we developed the innovative idea of StarWeds.


StarWeds is the sophisticated and hassle-free way to ask for money as a wedding gift.


We provide:


• A personalised wedding website where your guests can contribute money:


- Choice of themes


- Online guest book


- Your own blog


- Personalised web address


- Directions to your venue


- Countdown timer


- And much more


• Beautiful customised invitation inserts to tell your guests about your site.


• Your guests can contribute via quick, easy and secure payment methods on your wedding website (i.e. credit/debit card via PayPal, cheque or balance transfer).


Our service is completely hassle-free for both the couples and the wedding guests. Guests don't need to worry about whether or not there will be a money box at the wedding, or which of the bridal party they should give their money gift to for safe keeping, they don't need to stress about sending money in the post or if sending a cheque, whether to make it out to the bride's maiden name or married name. Also from the couple's perspective, they won't need to spend all day at the bank cashing in lots of cheques and cash. We simply send one cheque with all the contributions from their guests.


Please visit http://www.starweds.co.uk/ , and if you would like to view a sample of the personalised wedding website, then please visit http://www.starweds.co.uk/sample .






Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/starweds


Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/starweds

ALL NEW

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new look website. Different name to celebrate the range of accessories we are creating - so now called LHG DESIGNS but the website is still www.weddingandbaby.co.uk

The website is still work in progress as we are working on our 2011 collection which will be available through our stockists as well as via the website.

LHG DESIGNS is delighted to already have a range of combs stocked at Loves Philiosophy Bridal http://www.lovesphilosophybridal.co.uk/page8.htm

If you are a bridal store looking for a new range of accessories worn by celebrities then get in touch with weddingandbaby@yahoo.co.uk

Kids get Sun Savvy!

Kids get Sun Savvy!



Kids and their parents are getting sun smart with the new Sunscreen Reminder Bracelets that were launched at the end of May. So much so Louise Graham’s sales have been soaring as the weather heats up.


How does it work?


From white to bright in sunlight! Apply sunscreen to the skin and bracelet. As the sunscreen wears off through swimming and perspiration the colour of the bracelet intensifies, reminding of the need to reapply sun cream.


“Kids love seeing the colours change and applying sunscreen becomes a fun activity.” say Louise.  Although these bracelets won’t prevent sunburn and parents should always apply sunscreen regularly as recommend by www.sunsmart.org.uk, these bracelets are encouraging kids to be responsible in the sun in a fun way.


These bracelets are handmade in a range of colours including red, purple, blue, yellow and orange. All bracelets start off white indoors and gradually change to their colour as the uv rays increase. What makes them even more attractive is that Louise can personalise these to each individual order, so they can act as an ID bracelet too.


Starting a jewellery making business was the last thing on Louise’s mind, but a family holiday to Spain proved to be the turning point. While lying on the sun loungers she realised that she wanted to have more control over her working life and most of all spend more time with her young son.


With a keen interest in jewellery, she set about learning the skills and experimenting with designs. This year her new design is a kids “Sunscreen Reminder Bracelet”


Kirsty Budgen bought some for her 2 young boys. “I got my boys sunscreen bracelets for going on holiday they are absolutely fantastic! Due to my children being under 2 years old, Louise created a design that would be safe for them to use.”


Due to such popularity the bracelets are now available for adults too.


Bracelets cost from just £3.50 each and are available at www.charmingangelsparties.co.uk

Azi Jegbefume wears www.weddingandbaby.co.uk Delta Headband to Shrek Premiere.

Azi Jegbefume from X Factors Kandy Rain was wearing our Delta Headband at the Shrek Premiere. http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/oneofftiara.htm

I am utterly delighted that I have been in contact with Azi from last May 2009 when Kandy Rain ordered up some personalised tracksuits from us for the X Factor Live shows.
Since then I have kept in touch with her and as I created a new range of tiara/headbands I made sure she was one of the first to know about them.
I sent Azi a selection of headbands and I was delighted that she wore one at The Shrek 3D Premiere.

She has also been doing PR shots and wore another of my designs ( the lovely vintage leaf headband) to the Couture Online Fashion Show.

'cos Mums' the Business

ISSUED DATE 10/06/10 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




‘Cos Mums’ the Business!



Local mum Louise Graham is not only hitting the headlines, she is hitting the bookshelves.



Louise Graham downs her tools in the classroom . But when home-time comes, instead of diving straight into a well-earned glass of wine, she rushes back to clock on for her second job, managing her burgeoning business empire.



Louise, 32, is an example of a new breed of “mumpreneurs” who wants the financial security of a regular job while establishing their business. And she is not alone.



Emma Jones, a leading business adviser and author of a new book on the phenomenon, Working 5 to 9, calculates that some 5 million people are currently running their own businesses from home and out of hours.



“I also run a support group for other Mumpreneurs in Scotland which currently has over 100 members. Most of these Mums also have a day job while setting up their business” says Louise.



Louise is delighted that her business is one of sixty businesses featured in the new book Working 5 to 9 by Emma Jones.



“The reasons for starting up my own business is to ultimately spend more time with my son. At the moment it is a hard balancing act, but I keep positive that he will reap the rewards soon.”





Starting a jewellery making business was the last thing on Louise’s mind, but a family holiday to Spain proved to be the turning point. While lying on the sun loungers she realised that she wanted to have more control over my working life and most of all spend more time with her young son.



With a keen interest in jewellery, she set about learning the skills and experimenting with designs. Having an honours degree in Product Design along with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, she decided to combine all her talents to set up Charming Angels.

As a school teacher, she knew exactly what skills could be developed in children. The bonus is she can also use her new skills in the classroom to provide a more stimulating lesson for her pupils.



“I often wonder how the business has been such a success, but I guess it is down to many things. The branding of the business and the service I provide. Mums tell me often how they can’t believe how quiet the children are once the party starts.”



“My daughter Layla had Charming Angels to her 6th birthday, and it was great…the girls (and boys!) loved making their jewellery, or craft items, and Louise was just lovely…very attentive and warm and the kids just took to her!!”(Honour McGuigan).



Louise also creates a range of adult jewellery, tiaras and accessories. Her designs are so popular she has recently sent a set of her bespoke headbands to the X Factors Kandy Rain girl group.

“Staying motivated is the hardest thing. To keep focused I have my vision board to remind me of the bigger picture. I am very lucky to have a supportive husband and family who help out around the house and are there to offer encouragement.”



You can visit Louise’s website here: www.charmingangelsparties.co.uk



#Ends#

Notes to Editors

For more information contact Louise Graham on,

email charmingangelsparties@yahoo.co.uk



web http://www.charmingangelsparties.co.uk



Working 5 to 9 was published on May 17 by Harriman House, £12.99. (working5to9.co.uk)

Colour trends for Autum Winter 2010/2011

We have been working on a few everyday jewellery designs and looking towards the colour trends for Autumn 2010.

Hot colours are Light Gold, Golden Glow, Coral, Lipstick Red, Purple, Olive Green, Deep Turquoise, Chocolate, Light Grey and Dusky Rose.
http://www.maxitendance.com/2010/02/10-couleurs-tendances-hiver-2010-2011.html

Our Autum 2010 collection will be posted here soon. A sneeky peek

On the Day Co-Ordination - a MUST.

Mention the words Wedding Planner and it brings up images of celebrity weddings or even the Father of Bride film. Admittedly a full on wedding planner may not be what you are after. Lets face it planning the wedding is the exciting part. At Wedding and Baby we did all the planning ourselves, we had a perfect day but would in hindsight have booked an on the day co-ordinator had I know they existed.

So what is on the Day Co-Ordination? We asked Alison Tinlin at Plans and Presents all about it.
"The On the Day Service acts as the ultimate reassurance.

A couple can spend months and years planning their Perfect Day, and it is often a relief when they near the end of the Wedding Planning process.
Sometimes at this point however, it is nice to hand over responsibility, and the stress and worry to a professional.
This service is for clients who have already made all their arrangements, but who would like assistance to tie up all the loose ends.
To begin with with I will have an in depth meeting to discuss the clients needs and requirements.
This really isn't as serious as it sounds, its more coffee and an informal chat, where I will spend time with the couple, to get an understanding of how they wish their Big Day to look and feel.
From that point, each of their chosen suppliers will be contacted to double check details, ensure any last minute queries are answered, and that everything is running to plan. I will then create timelines detailing who needs to be where, and who does what, so that that the client is perfectly clear on how the day should run.
This supplier follow up will be ongoing on at least a weekly basis until the day of the Wedding.
I will be in attendance to co-ordinate on the Day, double checking all suppliers, making sure all details are to hand, and co-ordinating them so that the day runs seamlessly.
Depending on location I will oversee and assist with the decoration of the Venue, so the look the couple envision for their Wedding becomes a reality.
I will ensure the day runs to time and will be on hand with my trusty emergency kit to solve any little dilemma's should they crop up.
From booking of this service , to even after the Wedding Day I will be available 24/7 via email/telephone support so that each couple knows that their day, which is the most important of their life is top priority."

Most HOTELS have a wedding co-ordinator, but unfortunately there is nothing like a person who is dedicated to your big day.

Imagine you have dreamed of the venue decorated with topiary trees and twinkly lights. As you arrive at the HOTEL the wedding co-ordinator hands you a glass of champagne and you give her your horse shoes that have been given to you from special guests. In the next moment she it telling you the twinkle lights were working but have now blown! Oh well nothing you can do now.

So the receiving line starts and you are admiring the beautiful floral centrepieces that twinkle in the candle light. Amidst shaking peoples hands you notice that one of the candle is setting a leaf on fire, and you the Bride have to notify the co-ordinator about this! Not really enjoying the best day of your life with these added stresses.

To top it all off you ask for the horseshoes back to keep as a memento - the HOTEL wedding co-ordinator has lost them never to be found again! These are all true examples - and we so wish that we had had a professional on the day co- ordinatior. We would never have known about these things and the professional on the day co-ordinator would have dealt with these as they had arisen.

So if you wish to explore the option of On the Day Co-Ordination check out www.plansandpresents.co.uk your sure to get a service second to none.

Wedding and Baby talk to Jasper Conran

 We had the privilege to be speaking with Jasper Conran today thanks to Debenhams.

Jasper Conran holds dearly the wedding dress he designed for Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones.

 

The gown had white draped georgette with ruched bodice reminisent of the 1940's. To date his design of this wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses is held as the most inspiring work in bridal fashion.

Here is our conversation

W&B - Any fashion tips for brides and guest wear this wedding season?

Jasper Conran - Yes, as the bride always make yourself look recognisable as you, you'll feel alot more comfortable...does this make sense?

 

Jasper Conran - Guests, please remember it's not polite to compete with the bride!

W&B - Thank you. Wondered if vintage was still going to be popular for weddings in 2011?




Jasper Conran - Well I think the dress should be simple and flattering and put the detail into the accessories.

W&B - fab we make accessories for weddings - tiaras, headbands etc so great to hear that from the experts.

Jasper Conran - I'm sure

W&B - Delighted to have been chatting to Jasper Conran about trends in weddings for 2011, thank you for your time.

Jasper Conran - Thank you, my pleasure

 

We love this stunning outfit perfect for wedding guests from the Jasper Conran collection at Debenhams - Silver Grecian Matt and Shine Dress. Why not team it with our Vintage inspired silver grey fascinator.

 Jasper Conran wedding dresss - stunning. Team it with our vintage style headbands or combs

Update 17th April 2011

WOW for some reason this blog post has been getting lots of attention recently. Thanks for that. On further investigation we have actually found that Jasper Conran has listed Wedding and Baby Bespoke Accessories along with only 13 other businesses under his Jasper Conran Bridal list - http://twitter.com/#!/JasperConran/bridal

We are listed along with the acclaimed Wedding Planner Mark Niemierko and Siobhan Craven- Robins, Confetti Magazine, Martha Stewart, Brides, The Knot, Confetti, You &Your Wedding Magazine, Brides Magazine, Real Life Weddings andThe Wedding Girl.

We are truely blessed to have been choosen for this.

Check out our facebook

page

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1226941007832#!/pages/United-Kingdom/Wedding-and-Baby/52939309408

Twitter @weddingandbaby

http://www.debenhams.com/

www.jasperconran.com

On Trend Accessories 2010/11

Not sure what to wear in your hair for your wedding - then checkout the current trend in headbands. Traditional tiaras are not featuring much in fashion at the moment. Instead the delicious Jenny Packham dresses wore by celeb are causing a frenzy in accessories.
It is a rare day when a bride contacts me for a traditional tiara and I can almost predict their dress style when they show me it. So here are what some of my latest brides have been requesting.

Casey contacted me looking for a headband that would go with her dress and that was inspired by the Jenny Packham style below. The Casey headband was born.

Casey on her wedding day below.

Another style of headband that is being requested is the forehead band. Popular last summer when Denise Van Outen wore one at her secret wedding.

Again I had a bride (not married yet so under wraps) who is wearing a Jenny Packham Elizabeth dress and wanted a forehead band. so looking at the dress detail I created this headband for her.   Denise Van Outen shown right, Jenny Packham Elizabeth dress shown below along with Denise Headband that was created. Denise headband can be seen in pearls on our website http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/

Another popular theme on the forehead band is our Shelley headband - as worn by our beautiful bride Shelley who we created the design for.

If your haven't got your dress yet check out some of our favourites from the Jenny Packham Range. Rhapsody,Seraphina and Amelia are shown below.

Floral Leaf and Delta headbands shown are also available on our website http://www.weddingandbaby.co.uk/oneofftiara.htm