Some one on the Wedding Announcers forum has been asking for suggestions on Gifts for Bridesmaids and page boys and JohnandBrandie08 (who designed my Monogramme) found this - Pretty Princess Austrian Crystal Pendant - The write up as follows - "A princess is sweet and charming too. A princess is special just like you!"Our sterling silver finish necklace hangs from a 16"L chain, complete with a spring ring clasp and 2"L extender.
Pendant measures a generous 1 3/4" in diameter and features Genuine Austrian Crystals.
Lead-free safe for children.
Beautifully packaged in keepsake crown gift box with lovely poem to express loving sentiments.A unique gift for birthdays, holiday, and more. Now every girl can feel like a princess!

I think this would be a perfect Gift for my Bridesmaid Kiera, as my SIL (her Aunty) says " She likes abit of bling and sparkle'' and I totally thought Kiera when I saw it.

I was just having a searching the internet looking for inspiration on more DIY projects and came across these Chocolate Hearts which can be made at home. Here's the link - http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_wedding/article/0,2025,DIY_13783_5481555_03,00.html

Heres the instuctions etc I copied and pasted. Thought it may come in handy as I want to be a DIY Bride as much as possible and makeing my own favours sounds more thankful in a way.

Chocolate Hearts

Materials:

chocolate for meltingcandy moldscookie sheetramekinsovenglassine sleeve (available from photo-supply or craft stores)small rubber stampembossing stamp padembossing powderembossing or heat gunfile folderdecorative taghole punchribbon (6" per favor)spoon

1. Microwave chocolate on low for one minute. Continue melting in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. When the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, it's ready to be poured into the molds.

2. With a spoon, fill each section of the mold with melted chocolate. Gently tap the mold to remove any air bubbles (figure A).
3. Let chocolate cool before popping out of the molds (figure B). Use the edge of a knife to remove any extra bits of chocolate.

4. Emboss an image on the glassine sleeves, if desired. Working over a file folder, stamp the rubber stamp with embossing ink; sprinkle embossing powder on the wet ink. Tap off excess powder and funnel excess powder back into the powder jar. Heat with an embossing or heat gun until the embossing powder has melted.
5. Place several chocolates in a glassine sleeve; fold over the top edge of the sleeve.

6. Punch a hole in the top center of the tag. Punch a matching hole in the top center of the decorative tag (figure C).
7. Layer the tag over the glassine sleeve. Fold a ribbon in half, thread the looped end through both holes and loop the tails back through the folded loop (figure D). Trim ribbon ends on an angle.

If any one decides to atempt making these or has made these before I'd love to hear how they turned out or any similar confectionerys that could be used as favours.

Just a quick post I'm now thinking of using the font Curlz MT now as it's easier to read where there is a lot of writing and also looks fun too. may use the font Gabrielle too but for our names. going to have more of a play though.

I decided to have the map the style I liked the maps were going to start getting expensive as I would need a professional to do it. Couple of people offered to help me out on the Wedding Annoucers forum and this is the map that Maeberha came up with. I'm waiting to see if the font can be changed and if not not to worry I'm going to write out instructions etc in my chosen font which I think is going to be Gabrielle free from http://www.dafont.com/ .

Been trying to figure out how to make my own wedding invite map and I found a site but stuggling to do it but heres a pic of the style I'd like for my map. Heres the link to the site I found. http://www.weddingmapper.com/. If any one reads this and can help I'd be very grateful.

been looking for the children's favours and thinking along the lines of soft sweets - like Jelly Babies, Dolly Mixtures, Wine Gums. Did think about Chocolate Eggs and skittles but they may be a bit hard. As for the container I was thinking plastic little money boxes so once the sweets have been eaten they can still be used. I have come across some some where so will have to find them then I'll post a piccy here.

I haven't as of yet decided on a place to get my favour confectionery but have plenty of time and I know Ebay yet again has good deals.

Ok so been relooking at favours and decided on using organza draw string bags, there are lots to choose from at fantastic prices on EBay and come in packs of 50 or 100. Its just a matter of choosing a colour bag that doesn't clash with the table clothes. So I was thinking of either a turquoise or white. Some come with various patterns on like stars and hearts so that is another thing to think about.












As for the confectionary I was thinking along the lines of either silver sugared Almonds or Silver Heart Chocolate Dragees.