Charlotte and Teddy cuddle up at Top of the Rock in New York
So 2012 has been and gone and WOW what a year it was! I was so, so busy designing dresses, moving house and 101 other things, that planning our wedding really did take a back seat. But with the official 12 month countdown upon us, it's time to get back to business.
Teddy and I were lucky enough to get away on an amazing Big Apple mini-break over the holidays and it was the perfect time to reflect on our up-and-coming wedding plans.
I have always been a big fan of New York and it was also the place to go for full-on festive inspiration for our December wedding. Everywhere you go in New York at Christmas you can’t help but get caught up in the magic and the festivities. It's like stepping into a winter wonderland with lights and decorations almost everywhere you turn.
The Ralph Lauren window that caught Charlotte's eye
By day we took in the many sights of New York, did lunch and walked the whole of Manhattan but it was the beautiful Ralph Lauren window display that stole my heart during our shopping spree (sorry I mean inspiration search!). Five windows all in crisp winter white and decked out with soft fluffy snow, decadent faux furs, sparkling lights, glistening chandeliers, beautifully-adorned Christmas trees, glittering trinkets and dresses to die for. I was in absolute heaven, completely absorbed by thoughts of whether a white winter wedding would be the perfect theme for us.
As night fell and we rested our weary feet, it was time for a much-needed cocktail. And with my head full of so many wedding-worthy sights, I couldn’t resist getting out the notepad and pen. Well, this wedding isn't going to plan itself! With the big things all booked, we were feeling pretty smug that we were actually quite organised, but as we started to make a to-do list, we soon realised we still had a A LOT to do. Maybe it’s time for a wedding planner? I have to admit I have been 50/50 on whether or not we need to bring in a professional and with such a long list in front of us, it's starting to look like an attractive option. So brides, here's my to-do list as it stands:
  • First things first, we must decide on our colour theme… This is SO hard!!
  • Stationery. And do we send Save The Dates? Or just invites? I need to read up on invite etiquette.
  • Bridesmaids dresses. With eight maids to kit out I'd better get started. They're all very different so do I design eight bespoke styles or have them all in the same design? Then there are shoes and accessories to consider, as well as hair and make-up for bridesmaids, bride and MOB. We are going to need to hire a full team!
  • Post Christmas indulgence, it's time to get back on the fitness plan. I'm thinking boot camp, personal trainer and join a gym. Time to get that bridal body Miss Balbier!
  • Food, glorious food! It's time for sample menu tasting and wedding cake testing (note to self: maybe put off the fitness plan until we've nailed these all-important details).
  • Band and DJ. So hard to choose when you can’t see them live. And what about other entertainment? Maybe a magician, a photo booth, a singer? There's also the first dance to think about. Should Teddy and I get dancing lessons? I think we need them!
  • Stag and hen parties. Should we go low key or all-out blow the budget and go somewhere fabulous?
  • Gifts galore. What do we give guests as favours? And how do we thank our bridal party? And should we have a gift list? So many decisions to make.
  • Honeymoon. Where, oh where do we go?
  • Vrooommm! Transport for the wedding party and guests.
  • Picking speeches, poems and vows. Do we write our own or stick with tradition?
  • Wedding rings. The band that really counts!
So as you can see it’s quite a list we have and only 11 months now to plan it to perfection. Time to call in the experts?
Love Charlotte xx