Vintage, Romance Invitation – Mandalay Wedding Invitations

On-trend vintage lace wedding invitation design that can be personalised with your names and wedding date. Serene in pastel shades or dramatic in deep rich tones.

Aren’t they pretty!

The first time I came across Mandalay Wedding Invitations was back in 2005/2006 at the National Wedding Show. I picked up a few samples for a friend and remember thinking how impressed I was at the quality of card they used and sleek elegant designs. They must have left an impression if I remember them 6/7 years later!

Prices for these invitations start from £3.39 (151+) but you can save yourself some money by using their D.I.Y option which is just £2.39 per invite regardless of the number…

“The same great designs but you save money by printing the inserts at home and tying the ribbons around the invites yourself. The ribbon is included in the price, but if you’d like them pre-tied by us, you’ll need to add them to your order.”

Professional looking cards with the option of adding your own personal touch – perfect!

Much love,

Emma xXx

I’m going to use today’s post to briefly fill you in on the past few weeks (and what a few weeks they’ve been!) and then also to tell you all about the new regular feature – Military Monday!

I would be fibbing if I said that the last 6 weeks had been easy. Trying very hard to deal with changes of the hubby being away didn’t come quite as easily as I had expected (more about this in my ‘Military Musings’ post coming up on Friday). Add to this a nasty dose of Glandular Fever and a trip to hospital last week it has been a bit of a funny time  BUT the good news is I’m feeling MUCH MUCH better and normality is to resume at MWD and I can’t wait!

Military Monday is a new regular post which will start next week. Every Monday morning we will be featuring companies aimed at helping military members be it through products they sell or services they offer. We want to ensure that military families both here in the UK and USA are aware of as many of these companies/charities as possible.

If you are a company/charity aimed at helping military members or if you offer a product or service which benefits a military charity and would like to feature on the site then please get in touch – emma@militaryweddingdiscounts.com – we’d love to hear from you!

Also, as of next week, the ‘Musings of a Military Wife’ posts will be moved to a Monday afternoon too!

So, that’s a teeny update from me along with a HUGE apology for the lack of posts but normal service resumes today. Thank you to everyone for their patience and their well wishes too – I really do appreciate it so much.

Much love,

Emma xXx

When I started planning my wedding, it wasn’t the big princess dress or the dreamy Castle venue that my first thoughts turned to – it was a pair of designer shoes.

I had always wanted a pair of Jimmy Choo’s but had never had the occasion to justify buying them so as soon as the ring was on my finger, I started my search for the shoes of my dreams! It got better too because my lovely gorgeous amazing husband only went and gave me a £350 voucher for Jimmy Choo for my birthday so I didn’t even have to buy them myself – bonus!!

I dragged my Mum to the Jimmy Choo shop on Sloane Street – Oh I was like a kid in a sweet shop! I spent hours in here trying on as many pairs as I could and just making the most of the moment as I knew the hubby wouldn’t be letting me spend this much on a pair of shoes again.

Purchase made (more about them next week!) and put away until the big day, a whole 8 months later. Now, anyone who knows me will vouch that I can be a little (ok VERY) indecisive and it wasn’t long until I was worrying about my footwear on the day. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED the shoes, it was just that I wasn’t used to walking in heels and felt as though I would spend the day walking like John Wayne so I decided to invest in a pair of ‘back up’ shoes that I had seen in Next.

This turned out to be one of the best decisions I made and I just couldn’t believe how beautiful yet extremely reasonable the wedding shoes in Next were. In July 2006 there was a very limited collection but I am so pleased to see they have extended this and now have a much wider range. Take a look at my favourite 6 pairs below which are all priced under £40!!…..

(clockwise from top left)

♥ Ivory Lace Peep Toe Shoes - £30.00

♥ Ivory Mid Closed Toe Court Shoes - £35.00

♥ Ivory Fan Back Court Shoes - £36.00

♥ Ivory Corsage Ankle Strap Shoes - £36.00

♥ Ivory Lace Vintage T-Bar Shoes - £35.00

♥ Silver Sparkle Peep Toe Court Shoes – £32.00

So my lovelies, if you are struggling to find your wedding shoes (or even bridesmaid – I got mine from Next too!) be sure to check them out – at these amazing prices you’d be mad not to!

Emma xXx

I have really been looking forward to getting these posts started as having been married to my lovely hubby for nearly 6 years, I still feel a kind of rookie when it comes to the Military side of things so I’m looking to you guys for some help/advice here!

This week I’m looking for suggestions for parcels when your partner is deployed…

modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Pintrest

I am only 6 weeks in and I’m already having trouble thinking of things to add to his parcels!

Before Noel went we did a big bulk shop of all the bits he would need while he was away so he could take it all with him and since he has been out there, other than needing to send some razor blades and running socks he hasn’t actually asked me for anything!!

My usual parcels consist of….

♥ Haribo, Haribo Haribo!!! He loves them but having sent him over 20 bags since he went I think he’s starting to get bored of them already!

♥ Chewing Gum

♥ His favourite biscuits/snacks

♥ Toiletries – Roll on’s/shower gel/razer blades/etc

♥ Card/Letter – I send a parcel each week and I write a kind of mini diary of all the  everything that’s happening back home so he still feels in touch with it all.

♥ little pressie – I always try to pick him up something every time I’m out. This can vary from books/magazines through to a DVD or a new pair of running shorts

and this is where I get stuck!!

I feel so bad sending him parcels which basically consist of the same/similar bits each time but I just get so stuck for ideas! I would much rather my parcels be fewer and more interesting than monotonous and boring!

So guys – I’m looking to you for help!! What do you send in your parcels and how often do you send them? Feel free to leave your comments in the box below or email them through to me at emma@militaryweddingdiscounts.com

All help will be MUCH appreciated lovelies!

Big love,

Emma xXx

I ♥ vintage!  The clothes were beautiful, so elegant and pretty! Women had a certain poise about them and were so graceful and ladylike. I love the floral patterns and the warm neutral colour tones.

Having a passion for this theme has made my moodbard much easier this week! I have a whole album of vintage inspired wedding images – the only trouble I had was choosing which 7 to include in this post….

♥ Vintage Crockery

♥ Elizabeth Avey Dress

♥ Vintage Decoration

♥ Vintage Centrepieces

♥ Vintage Bridal Bouquet

♥ Vintage Cupcakes

♥ BIBA Pleated Bridesmaid Dress

Some of you may find this post familiar and this would be because I actually posted this moodboard back in September 2011 but it still proves to be one of the most popular posts on the site and understandably so! Vintage themed weddings are beautiful and you can have so much fun with DIY products too!

Hope you all have a lovely day!

Muchos love,

Emma xXx

I often read articles/posts from people regarding lessons they learn when running their business and always like to make a note of any of those relevant to help me as I’m so new to this ‘self employed’ malarky and just this week I have learnt something myself!

I had a  phone call from a lovely lady at Help for Heroes this week saying that I’m basically unable to advertise the percentage or exact amount of profits I give to the charity and that it should be referred to as ‘Fundraising’ rather than ‘Donating’…

I’ve had to change the wording on the site to reflect this  BUT the amount that I give remains the same as before – I have further information on this available  for anyone who isn’t aware and needs more details (and also a copy of the email from Help for Heroes to back this up) so please email me at emma @ militaryweddingdiscounts.com if you need this.

I will be donating via a BMyCharity page from February and will be provided with an official ‘Fundraising’ logo to use on the site.

Once again, I just want to stress that the money given to Help for Heroes remains the EXACT same as it always has been so nothing changes in that respect, I have just needed to change the wording.

Muchos love,

Emma xXx

Now this is a post I was not expecting to write – not in a million years!

Back at the beginning of November 2011, I had a message from Rachel Southwood at Wedding Ideas Magazine inviting me along to the Wedding Ideas Awards 2012 as their guest. Well to say I was honoured is huge understatement! I actually felt a bit star struck – the magazine I had spent over 18 months reading (cover to cover!!) while I was planning my own wedding and had hugely admired since, had asked little old me to their event of the year!

See, I’m actually quite (very) shy!  I’ve not got a shed load of confidence (I think they saved my share for my younger sister who is an actress and extremely outgoing!!) and had spent the last 6 months building up Military Wedding Discounts from home online. I knew that I had to make the effort to go out and network with others in the industry but as the time grew closer I would start to get very nervous & anxious and end up not being able to go. I knew this couldn’t be the case with the Wedding Ideas Awards though and spent the months leading up to it convincing myself that I was going to have a brilliant night and meet lots of wonderful people and it was working.

As it drew closer, the nerves set it again and I was starting to panic! See, another thing with me is that unfortunately, I can’t hide it when I get nervous and this is what was bothering me most. When I get nervous, I start getting very hot, my face goes bright red and my lovely straight hair that I had spent 3 hours going over with the GHD’s suddenly becomes a complete mess! This was my biggest fear!

On the day itself, I turned to my trusty Kalms tablets (think I may have overdosed slightly lol) and I was feeling great! I was actually so excited to be going and really looking forward to meeting everyone!

I only ended up getting my shoes for the show the day before and it wasn’t until the following morning that I decided to pop them on again and I realised they were just too big! The right foot was perfect but the left foot was a whole size bigger! After trying 2 pairs of insoles and 3 heel grips (in the one shoe!!) and it was still too big, I knew we had no other choice than to go back to Oxford Street and change them for the next size down.

Back home, shoes all changed and 5 hours to relax before I had to go and I was totally chilled!

Those 5 hours flew by and another 6 Kalms tablets popped, I was feeling great! Mum & Kath looked gorgeous and we all had our hair & make up sorted, dresses on and were ready to go!! The cab texted at 6.10pm to say they were on their way and that was it – I freaked lol! I could feel myself getting all hot, my hair started going frizzy (anyone who suffers with this will know what a disaster this is!) and the nerves were back with a vengeance! Went to put my shoes on and discovered that either my feet had shrunk or my shoes had grown (probably the fact that I tried them on with socks rather than tights but the other two make me sound less responsible!) so was faced again with my shoes being too big – aaaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhh!!!!

Then it all changed! I reached The Brewery (which was totally GORGEOUS by the way!), hobbled up to the door and then stood in line to be greeted by the lovely Wedding Ideas ladies. I had been so excited to meet them and they were just amazing.We had our photo taken on our way in and then went up to the cocktail reception. I could feel myself getting all hot and nervous but just reminded myself that all these people were here to have a great night and lots of fun and that’s exactly what I was going to do too!

Dinner was lovely and the awards were brilliant! It was so lovely to see all these wonderful companies being given recognition for their hard work and wonderful designs/services. The support throughout the room for each winner was great – was really feeling the love!

Then things took a little (read HUGE) unexpected turn, when Rachel started to talk about the Special Recognition Award. Everything from here goes a little blurred!

I remember at one point turning to my Mum and saying ‘oh wow, someone else is doing something similar to me’ and she turned to me and was very teary which is when the penny dropped and then all I heard was ‘and the winner is….Emma Waring’

It really did take a few seconds to take it all on board and it felt like it took me ages to get to the stage. I remember as I was walking up there that people started to stand up but I really thought it was just to let me pass – I didn’t realise I was given a standing ovation!

I wish I could tell you this amazing story of how I gave this brilliant speech, thanked everyone and managed to stay very calm and composed but the truth is, it really is very hazy!! I was just totally shocked and was shaking like a leaf – oh and worst of all, I didn’t even have my shoes on!!

The surprises didn’t stop there either – these amazing people at Wedding Ideas Magazine had my husband do a special message for me!! I hadn’t heard from him all week so was really a bit down on Friday so when I seen him I just had to bite my lips so hard to stop me becoming a quivering mess! I am so unbelievably proud of Noel and was just so touched that he was able to be a part of that moment even though he couldn’t be there in person.

The rest of the night passed in a complete daze! I met so many lovely wonderful people who were all just so kind and really made my night. I have fallen in love with every single member of the Wedding Ideas Herd. They are a seriously amazing bunch of people!!

It’s now 3 days later and it still feels very surreal! I love my job so much and to think I’ve had an award for doing something I feel so passionately about is just unreal, but, in fear of this turning into some kind of Kate Winslet acceptence speech, I do have to say that I just wouldn’t have been able to do this if it wasn’t for all the amazing suppliers who offer such generous discounts on their services. The support I get from each and every one of you makes me smile from ear to ear from the moment I wake until I eventually switch the laptop off. This site wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t for all of you and I am really looking forward to working with you all in 2012!

I can’t finish this post without a couple of photos of both my guests and my fabulous goodies too (sorry about the quality but they are from my phone)….

My Gorgeous Mum (Elaine) and Aunt (Kath)

Beautiful Gold Flake Bubbly from 88connect.co.uk
& a gorgeous winners’ envelope from pocketfoldinvites.co.uk

and last but by no means least……

My gorgeous award!

This really was the most amazing evening of my life and I just can’t thank Wedding Ideas magazine enough – I’m so touched and honoured and I thank you from the very bottom of my heart!

Much love,

Emma xXx

Jeez I can’t believe how young we both look lol! Photo credit Nikole Ramsay

I’m so sorry for my lack of posts on here for the last few days but as most (if not all!) of you know, my lovely lovely husband left for his 6 month tour of Afghanistan on Boxing Day so it’s been a strange couple of days of adjustment.

I count myself very lucky as this is the first tour he has been on in 5 years so I have been totally spoilt with having him here with me all of that time. We had only been married 9 months before he went to Iraq in 2007 and at that point I was quite used to spending long periods of time apart as he had spent the best part of 2007 away on pre-deployment training.

He is an AMAZING man and my best friend! He is the one that makes me laugh till I want to pee myself, wipes away my tears when I’m upset and gives the best cuddles that makes everything seem so much better! He’s a complete gentleman and would do anything for anyone.

The fact that it’s not just me who thinks he’s fab but EVERYONE else that has ever met him too, makes me realise what a special man he is and I am SO immensely proud of him.

Although I am not ‘officially’ back at work until the 4th January, I was getting very restless without my Twitter/Facebook/email fix and just had to say a HUGE thank you for all the lovely messages I have had. I cannot even begin to say how grateful I am – It really does mean so much to me and I will be replying to you all as soon as I have finished here.

I also had a FAB suprise to find that MWD had a mention in this months Wedding Ideas magazine! I was totally giddy with excitement when I read that – I’ve never had my name in print before lol! Thank you so so much for putting the biggest smile on my face!

The point of today’s post was not just to pay a slushy tribute to my lovely man but to also say a HUGE thank you to all of you too! You really are the best and I just can’t express my gratitude enough. I am very much looking forward to the new year ahead (lots of exciting plans to tell you about!!) and can’t wait to share it all with you.

Muchos love,

Following on from Chelsea and Richard’s GORGEOUS big day on Friday, as promised I have a sneak peak at their wedding video for you and I have to say – it’s blooming amazing!!

Trinity Wedding Video have done an fantastic job in capturing the days emotions and provided such a great keepsake of their special day! Take a look for yourselves….

Chelsea and Richard – August 11, 2011 from Trinity Wedding Video on Vimeo.

Beautiful huh!! I’m sure this is getting plenty of viewing at the minute with Richard currently being away on tour – my wedding DVD was nearly worn out the last time my hubby went away!!

Thank you so much once again Chelsea for sharing your special day with us and we wish Richard all the very best and a safe return home!

Muchos love,

It’s Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidayand I’ve figured that after a long hard week you surely deserve a treat and what a treat I’ve got for you today!!

When Chelsea contacted me about submitting her wedding to MWD, and sent through these photo’s, to say I was mega schemega excited (like literally squealing!!) just doesn’t do it any justice at all! I was like a kid at Christmas (which is only 15 sleeps away now btw – whoohoooo!) and after reading her lovely story, I just knew I had to share it with you all! So, grab yourself a cuppa and get yourself comfy while I hand you over to Chelsea to tell you all about her amazing day….

Rich and I had spent two and half years seeing each other every couple of months. We met in Tampa Florida, where i was going to university and Rich was stationed.  After i graduated i moved to the UK with him but could only stay for 5 months on a tourist visa. I returned to the states after we got engaged in august 2010. We spent our year engagement seeing each other every 4 months.  So we were thrilled when we finally reached August 11 2011. It was perfect. We had both our families from New York and England in St. petersburg florida at the Historical Renaisance vinoy hotel who were such a joy to work with from a long distance and catered to our every need.

I was so pleased with how our day turned out!  Our ceremony was officiated by my hometown pastor and friend who had flown to florida to marry us. We had such an intimate ceremony and followed by beautiful pictures around st pete, where we ate some ice cream and took pictures with a dog we borrowed  Our bridal party was our sisters, cousins, and brother in- laws, along with both our nephews and nieces for ring bearers and flowergirls.

We then had an amazing reception at the private sunset ballroom, which is about a mile from the main hotel. It was beautiful and we countiued our peacock/travel theme by having pictures as table numbers! We had all the different places we ve been together : Niagara Falls, Tampa, Ireland, England and different things we had done. Then we had each person’s name attached to a compass to find there table and a sign that read… ‘ Love needs no map for it can find its way blindfloded’. We had personalized sashes our our chairs that said MR TUDHOPE & MRS Tudhope, and menu’s that read , eat , drink and be married

Oh and if that wasn’t enough for you, I’ve only got the video too – be sure to check back tomorrow morning to see this AMAZING wedding in action!! Believe me – you won’t want to miss this!

Muchos love,