by Hanami Dream | 14, July, 2015 | blog, traditions
There are many traditions, rituals and customs that people uphold and perform in connection with weddings. Some of these have now lost their relevance in modern society and sometimes we are not even sure why we undertake them. However we continue to perform them for fun, family tradition and superstition, especially as many of them have derived from efforts to bestow the happy couple with good luck.
One such tradition stems from an old English rhyme concerning items that the bride should wear or carry to bring her luck on her special day.
Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue,
and a silver sixpence in her shoe.
The full version of the rhyme includes the line about a silver sixpence which sadly sometimes gets forgotten. The rhyme is said to originate in Victorian times although some of the traditions are thought to be much older.
Something old:
This represents the link with the bride’s family and friends from the past. The object is commonly an heirloom such as jewellery or a garter and is passed on to offer good luck from a happily married woman.
Something new:
This item symbolises a happy and prosperous new life. Often this item is the wedding dress.
Something borrowed:
This lent item is to remind the bride that her friends and family will be there for her whenever she needs their help. The borrowed object must be returned to ensure good luck.
Something blue:
This item symbolises faithfulness and loyalty. The colour blue often represented purity in olden times. Sometimes the bride’s garter is the blue item or you could add a pop of colour to your outfit in the form of blue shoes or blue nail varnish. This item usually leads to great levels of creativity!
And a silver sixpence in her shoe:
Then comes the last line that is so often missed out. This part of the rhyme is about placing a silver sixpence in the bride’s left shoe to ensure the couple have wealth in the future (both financial and happiness). It is thought that this tradition came about in Elizabethan times when the Lord of the Manor would have often given a sixpence as a wedding gift to any brides that lived on his land. It also harks back to times when the bride’s parents would offer a dowry.
Whichever customs and traditions you decide to incorporate into your big day, we wish you health, wealth, happiness and all the very best in your married life.
by Hanami Dream | 14, May, 2015 | blog, tips
Having your friends and family all together and celebrating your special day is often the best gift you can have on your wedding day. Some guests may have travelled a long distance, helped out financially, given their time, skills or support to help with the day. So whilst your guests may be showering you with gifts, it is often customary to give your guests and wedding party a gift to thank them for their involvement too.
Favours for guests
Gifts for your guests can be great mementos or souvenirs of the day showing a token of your appreciation whilst also matching your theme or colour scheme.
Favours originate from European aristocrats who gave their guests Bonbonnieres at high class weddings. These were small ornate and embellished boxes that often contained sugar or sweets. Back in the thirteenth century, sugar was not only considered a luxury item (especially as it was more expensive and harder to get hold of) but it was also believed to be medicinal too.
The tradition of favours spread, with couples in Greece giving sugar covered almonds and Middle Eastern couples giving their guests five almonds. Sugared almonds are now a very common tradition in weddings worldwide. Typically the number of sweets or sugared almonds is an odd number, significant as it cannot be divided between two. Also, the number five is indivisible which symbolises a strong union between the newlywed couple. Plus, the number five has special significance for Christians to represent Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility.
As weddings used to be seen as a lucky occasion, couples wanted to pass on their good luck to the wedding guests by giving them a favour.
When wedding favours first came to England, in the sixteenth century, couples would give ‘love knots’ made of ribbons and lace to their guests. Nowadays couples are choosing more unique, personalised, dated and themed gifts. Here’s a pick of some of our current favourite favours to eat, meet, keep or have as a treat:
Edible
- Traditional sugared almonds
- Chocolate bars with personalised wrappers
- Retro sweets (think flyer saucers, dip dabs and flumps)
- Loveheart sweets (brought up to date with new slogans such as ‘text me’!)
- Lollipops in a communal bowl on the table
- Cake pops
Ice breakers
- Games to play with other guests on the same table
- Cameras to snap candid shots
- Colouring books to keep children entertained
To wear at wedding
- Flip flops for when your heels are hurting your dancing feet
- Sun glasses for an outside wedding on a sunny day
- Umbrellas for an outside wedding when the weather isn’t as sunny
- Moustaches just for fun
- Temporary tattoos
Grow
- Packets of seeds to grow vegetables
- Dried herbs to add to meals at home
- Succulents or other potted plants
Drink
- Alcohol miniatures
- Loose leaf tea
- Shot glass
Decorations
- Scented candles
- Soap
- Fridge magnets to always remember the couples’ wedding anniversary
Or how about a lottery ticket to share a bit of the good luck from the day?
Gifts for wedding party
In addition to your guests, you may also want to give special gifts to thank those in the wedding party (such as the best men, bridesmaids and parents) for their support. Options for these gifts can be really personalised to the individual, however here are some of our suggestions to get you started:
• Handkerchief embroidered with monogram
• Pocket watch
• Cuff links
• Hip flask
• Wallet
• Pen knife
• Tankard
• Bottle opener
• Leather wash bag
• Compact mirror
• Photo frame
• Artwork
• Fruit tree
• Jewellery
0 anniversary presents
Last, but by no means least, you might want to buy your new spouse a gift to celebrate your wedding day such as:
• Cuff links
• Jewellery
• Photo album
Whether you give favours or not, don’t forget to thank all your guests in your speech for their presence and send thank you notes for their presents.
by Hanami Dream | 1, February, 2015 | blog, tips
Are you looking for inspiration for ways to pop the question to your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe, like us, you just love hearing how people get betrothed. If so, then here are some beautiful (and very romantic) proposal stories from real brides that might offer some tips for how to sweep your intended off their feet (or just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside).
Say it with chocolates
It was summer time and I was a bit sweaty after doing a Davina workout DVD. I was seeing my boyfriend that evening but as I thought he was going to dump me I didn’t even bother to have a shower. He had been a bit quieter than usual and more distant. He even went to London and didn’t invite me. (However I later found out that this was because he had been sorting out my engagement ring!) We went for a picnic by a local river. At the end of the meal he asked me if I would like dessert and he presented me with a Kinda Egg. Oh yes, I love a Kinda Egg! As I opened the yellow plastic yolk, I noticed that instead of a tiny toy there were rose petals and in the centre of the rose head was a beautiful diamond ring. (Apparently it had taken my boyfriend quite a few attempts to open the chocolate and reseal it after putting the ring inside to make it look untouched!) My boyfriend got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so happy that my smile went from ear to ear. Then quick as a flash, a bit like a James Bond movie, he dived into the river. Powerful strokes took him to the other side where he picked up a waterproof bag and then brought it back to the bank. Opening it he revealed champagne, flutes and rose petals which he showered around. Well that’s how I remember it – he says he waded into a muddy, weedy river and sort of scuttled to get the bag. If all those surprises were not enough then two swans swam over to us and looked at us both before gliding off – I believed them to be a beautiful symbol from God of how long and happy our marriage was to be. He’d also left flowers with some people on a barge that he collected as we walked back home so I got yet another surprise.
Joni – Engaged July 2006 / Married July 2007
Get your timing right
My boyfriend proposed down on one knee, at the stroke of midnight, outside a pub where we were watching a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. I had hoped he would ask me for a while but I was very surprised when he did!
Becky – Engaged New Year’s Eve 2009 / Married March 2011
Use your favourite song lyrics
I was preparing for Christmas Eve. I had just dropped my daughter off at her cousin’s for supper and had returned to finish off ours – roast beef slowly cooking in the oven! I got back to find my other half dressed up smartly for our quiet dinner for two. Candles were lit, drinks poured and a medium sized square box and card sat on the table…it looked too big to be a ring! I placed my small gift on his side of the table and we agreed to open our presents after our supper. It was a lovely evening and just before pudding he suggested we open our gifts. I opened his card first as my mother had always told me that was polite. I was also excited to see what he had written this year as he is always lovely with words and very romantic. He had written the words to a song that reminded him of meeting me and he had made a few changes. It was lovely and I was so touched. He then said ‘Well…you haven’t answered’. I read it again and the second verse spoke of hoping someone like me would one day marry some one like him (good old Kings of Leon!) I hadn’t really taken it in on the first read and of course I said YES! ‘You better open the box then’ was his reply. That paper came of the box so quickly! But it was a candle box!! So I opened the candle box and there was a smaller box. Inside that was my beautiful engagement ring AND wedding band – what a surprise, totally unexpected. He explained he was looking for the right moment since my birthday on 19th December. He also explained that is why he told me to go away one afternoon a few weeks before when he’d said he was busy doing HIS Christmas ‘stuff’
Geraldine – Engaged Christmas Eve 2012 / Married May 2014
Make a toast
We got engaged in Rome while sharing a plate of miniature cakes while I drank, my favourite, thick and indulgent Italian hot chocolate. Then we drank Prosecco and went to a sensational performance by the Three Tenors. Fantastico. I had a feeling that he might ask me but, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it while we were away. He didn’t go down on one knee, but that’s good because I probably would have run away if that happened in a public place.
Rose – Engaged October 2014 / Wedding date tbc
Keep her guessing
We had just got back from an amazing two week holiday in Mexico. We had been to some stunning places whilst away and I kept thinking that maybe they’d be good spots for a proposal but nothing materialised. The week after our return, my boyfriend surprised me with a weekend away. I thought it was a bit odd to be going away again so soon after getting back, so I wondered if now was the time! He gave me some clues as to where we were going but kept all the details a secret. We left on a Friday afternoon and I was really pleased that we ended up in beautiful Bruges. The next morning I was very excited that it could be the day I would get engaged but although we enjoyed each romantic hotspot there was no gesture of further commitment. Even at dinner that night, I kept thinking that it would happen but still nothing. On the Sunday, we went on a beautiful tandem bike ride but there was still no sign of a proposal. By this stage I thought that I had completely got the wrong end of the stick and this was just a lovely weekend away and I’d obviously read too much in to the situation. We had a delicious last dinner and walked back to our hotel and I resigned myself to the fact that I wasn’t getting engaged this weekend. It wasn’t until we were actually back in the hotel that he did pop the question. I was over the moon! Even though he’d left it until the last possible moment, I know that good things come to those who wait.
Nicola – Engaged August 2010 / Married August 2011
Spell it out
Unbeknown to me, my boyfriend asked for my dad’s permission when we were away on holiday in Madeira in February 2014. He then secretly started planting carrot seeds on his dad’s allotment in March. These were planted to spell out his big question. He wanted to ask me in April but we had so much rain that the carrots didn’t do very well so he had to replant them again! Finally, on a lovely sunny Sunday in June, he took me and our daughter to his dad’s allotment as we were meeting his dad and step mum for lunch nearby. As we approached, he took us down a different path to usual and began to tell me not to spend too much on his father’s day present, as he didn’t need anything and was happy with things as they were. In fact he wouldn’t want to change anything, apart from…my last name. As he knelt down, he pulled a ring from underneath a flower pot. Then I saw that he had planted carrots to form the words “Will you marry me”. Meanwhile his dad and step mum were hiding behind a shed taking photos, and at this point they appeared and pulled a bottle of fizz and glasses from a basket in the shed! We immediately toasted… I of course said yes through happy tears!
Vikki – Engaged June 2014 / Wedding set for August 2015
Say it with flowers
It was 13th February 1999 and I was presented with a huge bouquet of tulips before being whisked away to Amsterdam for the weekend. We were very late catching our flight and just as we were about to go through security, my boyfriend decided he needed to make a phone call and ran off, leaving me to go through on my own! I was getting really worried that he wouldn’t make it back in time and that I’d be going to Amsterdam without him! He made it through just before the gate closed. It was an icy cold weekend in Amsterdam, and on Valentine’s evening we took the tram to a cosy little restaurant. Towards the end of a lovely meal the conversation returned to our stressful airport experience, and after my boyfriend seemed reluctant to discuss it I started to get annoyed. We sat on the tram back to our hotel in silence, and it was snowing heavily. When we got back to the hotel, he pulled out a beautiful engagement ring and all became clear when he told me that he’d suddenly become worried that the ring, which had been hidden in his trouser pocket, would set off the alarm as we went through airport security and that the surprise would be ruined – he’d gone to the back of the queue and waited until I was out of sight! I said ‘Yes’ and we were married in 2000. Every Valentine’s Day my husband gives me a bunch of beautiful tulips as a wonderful reminder of our special day 15 years ago.
Melanie – Engaged February 1999 / Married June 2000
Whisk her away
I had no clue at all!! We were in Paris, on a weekend away with friends. My boyfriend managed to get the ring through security in his hand luggage without me having a clue. Then when we went out for lunch on our own he got down on one knee in the restaurant and proposed. I of course said yes, everyone around cheered and we had a wonderful rest of the weekend celebrating with our friends. I couldn’t stop grinning, and it still brings an instant smile to my face. One year after the proposal, we went back to Paris as a married couple… a really thoughtful wedding present given to us.
Helen – Engaged November 2007 / Married August 2008
Good luck if you’re going to pop the question soon and congratulations if you’ve already put a ring on it. Take a look at our romantic Pinterest board if you’re looking for more inspiration for your special day.
by Hanami Dream | 19, November, 2014 | blog, trends
Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love and marriage. They can blend together families, traditions, cultures, creativity and lots of personal touches. Whether a religious, civil or humanist ceremony, a traditional or themed reception, these special days are about what is important to each individual couple.
Despite some couples’ originality, there are always trends that appear and popular themes that epitomise a particular era (think puff ball sleeves from the eighties). Sometimes fashion, films, television programmes, celebrity weddings and even current affairs influence these trends. Of course, there are some timeless and classic themes that never seem to go out of favour, and with the live-action film of Cinderella set for release next year we’re sure the romantic fairy tale theme will continue to be strong.
So what will next year bring for us? The second of the Back to the Future movies (which incidentally is my favourite film of all time) is actually set in 2015. Released over 25 years earlier in 1989, the film predicted that in the ‘future’ we’d be riding on hover boards, driving flying cars, we’d have shiny, colour-shifting, automatic clothing (like power laces, size adjusting and auto-drying clothes), wearing trousers inside out and men would be wearing multiple ties. Whilst we’re a little way off flying cars, Nike have at least mastered the power laces (albeit a one off pair to sell for charity), the graphics of the 3D shark from Jaws 19 seem basic, video phoning is in common every day use and there is definitely a trend for shiny clothing.
Fashion definitely goes in cycles with trends of the past getting modern twists. So will Back to the Future correctly predict 1980’s fashion trends merging with the style of the 2010’s? There’s already luminous and iridescent colours along with off-the shoulder styles around, so we’ll have to wait and see if brides will be going down the aisle on hover boards by the end of the year!
Take a look at some of our slightly less futuristic, and probably more realistic, curation of predictions for wedding trends to look out for in 2015 (and see more of our inspiration at pinterest.com/HanamiDream/):
• Colours
I remember getting a much-coveted Pantone® reference guide in one of my first marketing jobs. It was my ‘go to’ swatch of all the colours under the sun and I couldn’t live without it especially when talking with designers. Pantone® is the world-renowned authority on colour and the Pantone® Colour of the Year is always really influential in any popular colour themes in fashion, interior design and weddings.
The 2014 Pantone® Colour of the Year, Radiant Orchid, has made a big impact this year. Other popular colours have been coral, sage, sand, teal, cranberry, navy blue and varying shades of purple that have come out of the influence of Radiant Orchid. Plus emerald (the Pantone® Colour of the Year in 2013) has still hung around this year too.
We wait with baited breath for Pantone® to announce the colour of the year for 2015, but there’s not long left as they usually announce it in December for the following year. Our guess would be for bronze or a mustard colour to make the top spot next year. Watch this space and we’ll report on what Pantone® reveal to be their choice and see if our prediction is right. Other colours that are also predicted to be popular include misted, neutral and powder colours plus different hues of blue (aquamarine, scuba, classic), toasted almond, tangerine, burgundy, sage and lavender. And, with the release of a film version of a notorious book, surely fifty shades of grey will also be prevalent next year!
Thankfully the beautiful trend for ombré (where a colour graduates in tone) is still going strong. Along with subtle colour washes, watercolour effects and pastel colours, the mood is definitely delicate and romantic. On the other end of the spectrum is a splash of bold colours with rainbow themes and geometric shapes.
Finally, the crowning glory is the decadent trend for metallic and iridescent colours, and all things shiny. We can’t wait for stunning copper, rose gold and yellow gold to be foremost in couples’ colour schemes.
• Cakes & catering
Rustic styling has been prevalent and we envisage more Medieval inspired décor and outdoor banqueting to be on trend especially with the popularity of Game of Thrones. Next year also celebrates the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John at Runnymede in 1215. Think Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and you’ll see why things like naked cakes (not iced maybe with lots of fresh fruit) will sit nicely with this theme.
Meanwhile, for a more tradition style, individual cupcakes and cake pops will be replaced by more elaborate macaroon and croquembouche towers. Whilst the plain white traditional cake will see a return it will be covered in buttercream rather than fondant.
For the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, with Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey trends, cakes will be adorned with ruffles, be metallic or smothered in sequins and accompanied by some sophisticated cocktails.
Finally a sense of British nostalgia will be high next year with the impending General Election and the birth of another royal baby. So the food will follow suit with British food like fish & chips from snack trucks and food from childhood memories such as traditional desserts like sticky toffee pudding (which was a firm favourite at our wedding by young and old even on a hot summer day).
• Clothing
Lots of the bridal catwalk shows previewing next year’s dresses had strong undertones of current fashion trends – think really high Hollywood splits in skirts, tiered skirts and crop tops (who knew that this style would translate in the bridal world!)
Then forget strapless dresses, now it’s in with off the shoulder numbers, spaghetti straps, lace sleeves and even full length sleeves (yes, there’s that nod to the Medieval theme again). Whilst the arms will be covered up, it’s all about showing off your back either with a plunging design or an illusion back.
Dresses will be adorned with big bows or pearls and accessorised with floral crowns (to pay homage to Maid Marion again). Coloured and patterned dresses won’t just be reserved for the bridesmaids and we expect to see some wedding dresses in pastel colours such as pink, mint and grey, plus some brides taking inspiration from Angelina Jolie’s decorated veil.
For the guys, we think that tweed will increase in popularity, perfect for rustic and Wind in the Willows styling. Maybe two ties like in Back to the Future 2? Okay maybe not, instead more ruches and cravats rather than traditional Windsor knots.
• Venue
Despite the unpredictability of the British weather, there is still a trend towards celebrating in the great outdoors. Whilst it’s not legal to get married in the open air in the UK, you’d be able to witness the solar eclipse in March if you hold your reception outside. More and more venues are gaining approval such as stately homes, hotels and civic buildings, allowing more scope to have your big day somewhere a bit different (as long as it is a permanent built structure).
Supporting the popularity of the rustic theme is the use of converted barns with long wooden tables and benches providing an informal and country inspired style. Eco chic weddings are also on the rise with green suppliers focusing on environmentally friendly and fun celebrations, such as luxury organic wedding dresses, in season flower, conflict free eco wedding rings and sustainable invitations.
Or perhaps you’d prefer a destination wedding like George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin who enjoyed their relaxed nuptials in Venice earlier this year. Or a jungle themed wedding complete with bush tucker trials in homage to the recently engaged Declan Donnelly, presenter of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and his fiancée, Ali Astall. Or maybe a sport inspired celebration at a big stadium influenced by the Rugby World Cup coming to England in the Autumn next year.
• Décor
Backdrops are still high on the ‘must have’ list for decoration statements from the big impact (and expense) of a floral wall, like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had at their Italian wedding, to the more affordable ribbon drapes, pompoms or fan bunting. Plus feature arch ways will still provide stunning focal points as well as balloon displays and even umbrellas as decorations rather than just a necessity to fend off the great British weather.
For the popular rustic styling, decorated mason jars filled with flowers that look like they’ve been picked straight from the field alongside decorative elements that nod to the season (such as pumpkins in Autumn or pine cones in Winter) will feature at many wedding breakfast tables.
Meanwhile, for the wonderful art deco styling alongside Great Gatsby themes, thinking lighting to make a big impression – large illuminated letters, neon or hanging light bulbs will fit in perfectly.
These are a few of our predictions for wedding trends in 2015. Not too futuristic, unless the influence of the new Star Wars film filters through to the wedding industry. See more of our curation and inspiration at pinterest.com/HanamiDream/. We’d love to hear what you think is going to be popular next year. Email us at info@www.hanamidream.co.uk with your predictions.
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Photography by Farrow Photography
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by Hanami Dream | 14, October, 2014 | blog, trends
Children deserve a good party just like the rest of us. We know the importance of giving children memorable occasions to look back on in years to come.
Popularity of children’s party themes often follow the latest trends based on current films and children’s television programmes. Then there are some timeless themes that never seem to go out of favour. Take a look at some themes that have been popular recently and our predictions for some themes we think will be on trend next year.
Current trends
- Frozen – Disney princess themes are classics and always prove popular. Frozen is no exception and whilst the film came out at the end of 2013, Frozen fever still continues especially with the DVD release this year and impending cold weather. Even Elsa inspired wedding dresses are appearing giving brides the option to have this theme at their wedding too.
- Lego Movie – ‘everything is awesome’ with this theme. The building bricks might have been around since 1949 but there’s nothing old fashioned about these interlocking toys and they lend themselves very well for primary coloured, simple yet innovative decorations, favours, activities and food at any child’s party. The 2014 film certainly has increased construction based children’s parties. ‘Everything is cool when you work as a team!’
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – another classic theme that is currently having a revival with another new film. Cowabunga! Get your masks on, join these heroes in a half shell and make your own pizzas.
- Postman Pat – ‘everybody knows his bright red van’ and his black and white cat. This children’s television programme always gives lots of ideas for great themed parties – there’s always room for classic games like pass the parcel but the recent film has also seen integration of singing or talent contests in to the theme.
- How to Train a Dragon 2 – loosely based on a British book series, these films have seen a trend for viking parties. Decorating shields, donning a Viking helmet and competing in training exercises to qualify as Toothless dragon trainers with (or without) any ‘Hiccups’.
- Minecraft – initially a game about breaking and placing blocks but has now grown to include really imaginative things. The simple graphics in this game certainly make decorating a Minecraft party easy – pixelate, cut things into cubes or make them green! Plus the basic player activities of exploring, digging, cooking, crafting, brewing and farming make it easy to incorporate lots of activities to this theme.
- Rainbow Loom bands – jewellery parties to weave rubber bands into bracelets or charms give loads of opportunities to have rainbow coloured décor and food (like an amazing rainbow layer cake).
- Junior Bake Off – the spin off to the Great British Bake Off has not only seen a ‘rise’ in home baking but also in baking and cooking themed parties. Compete to impress the judges and then enjoy eating the end product.
- Bob the Builder – can he still fix it? ‘Yes, he can!’ Popularity for construction parties is growing and with a refreshed version of this children’s programme they will continue to gain favour further.
Timeless trends
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar – it might have been published in 1969 but Eric Carle’s book still provides inspiration for children’s parties 45 years on. The catering is easy – just use the book as inspiration and think bright colours and butterflies for the décor.
- Mr Men and Little Miss – there are nearly 100 colourful characters in this amazing set of children’s books (originally written by Roger Hargreaves commencing in 1971). What a great theme to incorporate into a fancy dress party with maybe a Mr Bounce-y castle, Little Miss Somersault circus skills, driving Mr Bump-er cars or learning Little Miss Magic tricks.
- Thomas the Tank Engine – this theme was good enough for Kim Kardashian’s nephew, Mason, recently and The Railway Series characters (originally written by Rev Wilbert Awdry) still provide inspiration nearly 70 years after they were first published. All aboard for some fun train races!
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – next year will be 150 years since Lewis Carroll’s book was first published. Follow the White Rabbit with hearts, red roses, tea cups and clocks. See how we organised our own Alice in Wonderland tea party.
- Wizard of Oz – this year marked the 75th anniversary of the film release of the Wizard of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road with sunflowers, rainbow colours and balloons when dressed for the emerald city. See how we went over the rainbow with our Wizard of Oz party.
- Wild West – cowboy parties are always popular with activities like panning for gold, lassoing, buckaroo, pony rides, sack races, horse shoe tossing and boot scootin.
Our predictions for future trends
- Paddington – there’s a new film coming out at the end of this year featuring Paddington Bear, the fictional character in children’s literature created by Michael Bond. This could influence trends next year such as travel themes, teddy bear picnics complete with duffle coats, marmalade sandwiches and love of all things British.
- Into the Woods – this is another film coming out in 2014. It stars James Corden and depicts a number of characters from popular children’s stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel. Plenty of autumnal adventures, toffee apples, gingerbread houses and other woodland fairy tale inspiration will spin off from this theme.
- Gotham – there’s a new American crime television series just started on Channel 5 based on characters appearing in the Batman stories. It focuses on the early days of Detective James Gordon but also includes Bruce Wayne and several of the Batman villains. The show is a bit too gritty for children but will certainly influence interest in more Batman themed parties along with Penguin, Riddler, Joker and Mr Freeze.
- Minions – these yellow henchmen will be enjoying a spin off film after the success of the Despicable Me films. Perhaps this will see an increase in villain based parties or perhaps more Antarctica inspired décor.
- Cinderella – without a doubt, princess parties will always be popular. We are sure that the live-action film set for release next year with Helena Bonham-Carter as the Fairy Godmother will continue to keep the magic and romantic fairy tale alive.
- The SpongeBob Movie and new 3D Popeye film – these new films will inspire under the sea, pirate, beach and sailor themes aplenty next summer.
- Star Wars VII – the long awaited sequel will surely mean that space travel, aliens and robots are popular choices for parties as the end of 2015 approaches.
- Rugby World Cup – England will be hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup so we envisage this will ignite and inspire more people to play and support the game.
- Art parties – crafting is big business at the moment and this will spill over even more into children’s parties with painting, creating a magazine, pottery, sewing and movie making activities.
These are a few of our predictions for popular children’s party themes in 2015. We’d love to hear what you think are going to be big trends next year. Email us at info@www.hanamidream.co.uk with your predictions.
by Hanami Dream | 15, September, 2014 | blog, tips
The peak of the wedding season may be slowing down but there are still plenty of couples looking forward to forthcoming nuptials and planning weddings in the coming months. So big congratulations to you if you have recently got engaged.
To help you out, here are 10 top wedding day tips (and secrets) for any newly engaged couples on how to enjoy your special day. Don’t just take our word for it – this is advice from married couples that they found invaluable for the day (or in the build up and preparations).
1. Eat the day like eating an elephant.
Its big so eat it slowly and enjoy every bit!
Geraldine, Oxfordshire
2. Choose your team well.
Just the same as if you were putting together a project team at work, the people you choose to have around you at your wedding are crucial. So pick the bridesmaid that will keep you calm when you are stressed, offer advice when needed, and won’t complain when you ask them to make favours the night before the wedding!
Helen, Oxfordshire
3. Have a trial run.
Make sure you have a trial with your hair dresser and make up artist before the big day. It was much better to make decisions about how I wanted to look before the big day. Plus I thoroughly recommend having a full set of fake eyelash extensions if you’ve got the patience to have them all applied one by one. They were so worth the effort as I didn’t need to wear mascara on the day (which also avoided any tears ruining my make up) plus they lasted for most of the honeymoon too, so my eyes still looked great in photos even on make up free days on the beach and by the pool.
Nicola, Oxfordshire
4. Eat a hearty breakfast.
Make sure you eat little and often and remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Not necessarily a mad traditional British cooked breakfast with everything from devilled kidneys to stuffed quail, as this may give you more than butterflies — but just something filling that will keep you going, like porridge. It can be an awfully long time from when you eat in the morning until your ‘wedding breakfast’ in the afternoon, and there’s a lot of demanding stuff to get through in between!
Matt, Cambridgeshire
5. Keep your guests fed and watered.
Wedding photos take a lot longer than you would expect, especially to get those perfect personal shots of you and your partner which you will treasure in the future, so make sure you are keeping your guests fed, watered and entertained during this period so you can relax.
David, Oxfordshire
6. Delegate.
Have great attendants that you know and trust. Then delegate as many tasks on the day as possible to your trusted ushers, best men and bridesmaids. This leaves you free to really enjoy the day rather than worrying about the little things that crop up.
Simon, Oxfordshire
7. Spend time as a couple.
Build in a private moment after the actual wedding, to enjoy and savour a moment just for the two of you. For our wedding, we had the ceremony about 10 miles from the reception venue, we arranged a vintage chauffeur-driven car to take us from the wedding itself to the reception. The ancient Model T Ford we had could only go at about 25 miles an hour at most, so we had a lovely 25-30 minutes alone on the way to the reception, during which we shared a really good bottle of champagne! Looking back, that was one of our favourite moments.
Melanie, Cambridgeshire
8. Utilise friends and family.
I’m thrilled that so many of our friends and family were actively involved in some way or another – either via a specific role we asked them to perform, or by using their skills to provide flowers, cake, makeup, cars…it made it all so personal. Ask around and you may be amazed at the hidden talents your friends have!
Helen, Oxfordshire
9. Build in comfort breaks.
Honestly the best advice I was given was how to tackle going to the toilet as a bride. I had an amazing dress with a lovely long train and I had no idea how I was going to manoeuvre the dress around the toilet. Plus, whilst my bridesmaids were my best friends, there were some tasks I didn’t want to pass on to them on the day. How was I going to be able to do my business without ruining the dress or my dignity? Luckily a sage friend suggested the ‘reverse wee’. What a revelation – instead of sitting with your back to the cistern, you straddle the toilet and face the cistern. Hence the train and your dress do not have to be hoicked up or bunched up around the back of the toilet. Genius!
Nicola, Oxfordshire
10. Don’t rush away.
Whilst the idea of tossing a bouquet into a crowd of well-wishers, stepping into a flash car at the end of your reception and being whisked to the airport to start a fabulous tropical honeymoon sounds beguiling, our advice would be: don’t go away on honeymoon straight after your reception. Spend a relaxed day with a few select friends and family the day after your wedding, and *then* go away. A lot of people feel that the wedding day itself rushes, so this gives you quality time with the people you like most in your life. Anyone who was still around the day after our wedding was invited to a picnic. We didn’t supply any food, people just brought their own stuff, and we all sat around in the countryside and had some proper time with our mates with nice food and drink. It was like a simpler, more intimate version of the wedding day, with none of the stress or calls on your time.
Melanie, Cambridgeshire
Please contact Hanami Dream if you’d like to share any tips or insights from your wedding.
