http://thebigday.co.nz/home/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/luxe-gold-and-dusky-pink/ Wed, 18 Jun 2014 13:00:00 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/luxe-gold-and-dusky-pink/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/julie-lassen-the-smiling-celebrant/ Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:57:33 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/julie-lassen-the-smiling-celebrant/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/dreamy-diy-chalk-board-wedding/ Using chalkboard details in a wedding makes it very easy to achieve an old-school vibe, one of fun and playfulness and it’s hard to go wrong. Select your details carefully and don’t overdo it. I love how it works against this neutral palette of ivory, grey, blue and black against rustic wood. If you are going to write out your boards yourself, make sure you’re consistent in your font style, take the lead from  from your invitations.

Clever Cookie!
FOr guest favours, cover cookies with black fondant and personalise them with edible chalk OR leave them blank with a piece of chalk for each guest to create their own individual design.  Continue the theme through to your wedding cake by covering all or part of the cake with edible chalk.

How to make candy chalk
Melt about 6-8 ounces of candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, following instructions on package. Allow to cool a few minutes before scooping into a ziplock bag and sealing.
Place 3-4 straws in a tall glass filled halfway with regular sugar (to keep straws upright). Snip off one corner of the ziplock bag containing melted chocolate and slowly squeeze and fill straws with the chocolate.
Place glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to allow chocolate to harden. Remove from freezer. Take a skewer and insert into one end of the straw. Gently push the chocolate out. You now have “chalk” that is not only edible but can be used to write on your chalkboard cake. It is easier to write with smaller pieces of chalk so feel free to break them up before using.

Image Credits: Image Board and Candy Chalk recipe via Fly Away bride | Inviations: inkinvites.co.nz | Cookie Image: Pinterest | Wedding Cake: Artisan Cake Company Wed, 11 Jun 2014 09:44:17 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/dreamy-diy-chalk-board-wedding/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/winter-white/ Mon, 09 Jun 2014 09:30:44 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/winter-white/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/a-christchurch-wedding-in-stop-motion/ Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:14:50 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/a-christchurch-wedding-in-stop-motion/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/vintage-cuties/ Closer to home, we have discoverd 2 wee gems for you to check out. Scarlett & Victor is an exciting range of Children's clothing from designer Rosalind Nelson. Using a combination of hand picked fabrics to create her own unique vintage/cool pieces which are all made in New Zealand.

Sweet Little Vintage is a gorgeous NZ online store started by two Mums who are passionate about kids clothes.  They scout out unique, stylish and affordable clothing such as these pretty dresses from just $26 + shipping. Amazing value for money and oh so pretty. x Wed, 29 Jan 2014 22:37:18 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/vintage-cuties/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/a-kiwi-christmas-wedding/ Wedding themes with rustic elements are as popular as ever and if you are getting married around Christmas time then this theme could be  perfect for you!  The team at As You Wish Events created this wonderful table setting that is decidedly Kiwi and reflects our summer Christmas. 
We love the little details such as hessian table runners and chair decorations, tree stump centrepieces and placemats and the little cake jars for guess are too cute!  The addition of the Pohutawa flowers and the emphasis on natural elements truly reflects our beautiful country and this time of year, its just perfect.  I think I just might have to steal this idea for Christmas Day!  Happy planning everyone x

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 11:50:30 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/a-kiwi-christmas-wedding/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/cute-idea-alert/ Whilst relaxing in front of the tele last night an ad came on for how to make a refreshing Smirnoff Vodka Summer Punch, very nice it looked too! but the thing that really caught my eye were the ice balls that were put in the punch bowl.
I started thinking of all the ways you could use them, colour them, add flavour for ice blocks, fill them with berries and mint etc. How fantastic would they look in cocktail glasses, drink dispensers or a punch bowl!  I decided then and there that I had to have some for the festive season ahead, so I promptly visited my friend Google to source some.  You can buy the the moulds on Fishpond in NZ and also Amazon, but the best deal by far that I found was on Ali Express.

I can't wait to try them out!.  Of course you could just buy copious bottles of Smirnoff Vodka to get a set as they are giving them away with certain flavours at the moment but that may be a little extreme! :)  Have a wonderful week everyone. x Mon, 18 Nov 2013 22:21:45 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/cute-idea-alert/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/dreamy-diy-photo-prop-wall/ You will need to create a wall from cardboard, The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationary sell presentation boards which are self supporting, you may need to stick several together to get the right size.  Cover in your choice of wallpaper.  You will need to attach several large frames big enough for people to fit through.  Cut out holes in the wall then fit the frames over these.  You can add smaller framed pictures of friends & family (including those they cant share your special day) to the wall.  A wonderful twist to the photo booth and so much fun!
Wed, 30 Oct 2013 18:58:16 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/dreamy-diy-photo-prop-wall/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-27/ Fri, 25 Oct 2013 12:03:34 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-27/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/sit-back-and-relax/ Sun, 20 Oct 2013 12:43:12 +1300 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/sit-back-and-relax/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-26/ Wow! Now here is a love story if ever I heard it. Spoiler alert: You will need some tissues!
96 year old Fred Stobaugh has written a gorgeous love song for his late wife Lorraine. He entered an online songwiting competition with his hand penned song that he made in memory of his darling wife of 75 years.
Even though he didn't sing the song or enter a video, the recording studio was so deeply touched by his letter that they produced and recorded the song at no cost.
Watch the video and watch Fred listening to 'her song' for the very first time.
</p> <p>Happy Friday Folks and pass me the tissues please!</p> <p>xxx</p>
Happy Friday Folks and pass me the tissues please!
xxx Fri, 30 Aug 2013 12:43:42 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-26/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/wishlantern/ Thu, 29 Aug 2013 12:43:31 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/wishlantern/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-25/ Fri, 23 Aug 2013 18:41:59 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-25/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/the-ultimate-wedding-day-emergency-kit/ When it comes to planning your big day we don't think there is such a thing as being overly prepared. You just never know what can happen on the day so it pays to pack a few things into your wedding day emergency kit...call it a wee insurance policy if you will.
Here's our top ten list of items that we think are a must:
1. Double sided tape - this is a fabulous life saver. Think unraveled hems, holding up stockings, holding bits in and even removing pollen from your gorgeous dress!
2. Lucas Paw Paw - can't get enough of this stuff. Think dry lips, rub on your teeth so that your lipstick doesn't stain those pearly whites, insect bites, chaffing....the list goes on.
3. Stain removal wipes or white chalk if you have a white or off white dress - after 10pm you probably won't worry about marks on your dress, but anytime before then, you can be sure to have a mark or two on your dream gown.
4. Sewing and First Aid Kit. Think mini versions - include safety pins, scissors, pins, needle and thread etc
5. Band aids. Brand new shoes + standing on your feet all day and night = blisters. Enough said.
6. Breath mints. You are about to kiss your prince in front of all your friends and family! Dental floss and a cheap toothbrush will also make your mouth icy fresh.
7. Panadol/Nurofen, or whatever is your drug of choice. You have several hundred items running around in that head of yours, not to mention the in-laws, that painful friend of a friend you just had to invite...am sure you'll have a few headaches on the day...best be prepared.
8. Hair ties, bobby pins and hair spray. To ensure no fly away hairs throughout the wonderful (and most expensive) photographs.
9. Deodorant. It's a bloody long day. And you are wearing (most probably) a very heavy dress. And it's tight. Again, enough said.
10. Water, water, water. Rehydrate, you'll probably be having loads of champers too. So if you don't want to be a mess by 8pm, make sure you drink loads of H20.
PS. Email this list to your bridesmaids. It's a great job for them to take care of and one less job for you to think about.
Good Luck x Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:19:30 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/the-ultimate-wedding-day-emergency-kit/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/historic-wedding-day/ Mon, 19 Aug 2013 18:41:23 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/historic-wedding-day/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-24/ Whoop Whoop it's FRIDAY!!! I hope you have a fabulous weekend planned. I intend to catchup with lots of my girlfriends and have a good ol fashioned laugh.
I just had to share this classic photo from Moment Junkie. It was photographed by BluElla, from Northern California. I would love to know the content of what was in the bridesmaid's speech, that made this lovely bride cower in embarrasment. By the look on the guests faces, I wonder if it was one of those 'personal' jokes...ones only your dearest besties know (and one's you wish they didn't remember).
Happy Friday Folks x Fri, 16 Aug 2013 13:18:49 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/friday-i-m-in-love-24/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/what-to-wear-spring-wedding-guest/ Wed, 14 Aug 2013 20:04:24 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/what-to-wear-spring-wedding-guest/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/need-party-supplies/
Needing some fabulous supplies for your wedding? Then you must check out the newly revamped dotsnspots website.
They have everything covered from Stationery, Tableware, Decorations and even some gorgeous Homewares.
I'm just loving these mini pots:

These adorable seed lights:

And these delightful Blue Ball Jars:

Happy Shopping! x Mon, 12 Aug 2013 13:57:54 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/need-party-supplies/ http://thebigday.co.nz/home/the-big-day-could-be-yours/ Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:55:59 +1200 http://thebigday.co.nz/home/the-big-day-could-be-yours/