6 ways to keep children entertained at weddings

We all know how hard it is to entertain kids at home for a couple of hours, let alone for the whole day at a wedding when your attention is elsewhere; so here are a few handy tips and ideas to help keep the kiddies happy on your wedding day…

1. The Children's Table

Having a table specifically for the young ones on your day is a great way to keep them entertained and all together in one place, giving their mums and dads a chance to relax and get involved with the adult activities; having things such as crayons to colour in a wedding-themed table cloth, or sweeties to decorate their own cookies are some ideas!

2. Chocolate Fountain

What goes together better than children and chocolate?! I’ll wait… Keep the kids entertained for hours in the evening with a variety of fruit and marshmallows for them to dip in throughout the night.. Seconds anyone?

3. Childrens Entertainer

If you have a large number of children attending your special day, why not consider hiring a popular kids character to keep them occupied during important moments. Elsa, or Spider-Man.. That’s the hard part of the decision, I’d let the kids vote if I were you!

4. Party Packs

Having special and personalised boxes or favours for the young ones is a great little gift to them, not to mention the contents can keep them busy for hours! Including things like games, colouring tools, glow sticks or even bubbles to put a smile on their little faces.

5. Disposable Cameras

Supplying your little guests with cameras is a great way of getting the kiddies involved and making them feel part of the special day. Not only this, but you’ll have some special photo memories to look forward to after the party, guaranteed to have you laughing!

6. Photo Booth

This one may not just serve the purpose of entertaining the children, but quite possibly the adults too! Talk about a win win! Contact us for our 3 styles of booths we can offer.

Holiday Prep!

As I go through the multiple (more like way too many) parcels from ASOS and missguided that I have received in the past month due to the urge to buy everything because it is simply 50% off ( a girl just can’t resist)  I decided that although I want to bring my nine new bikinis to add to the other hundred I must have (just a slight exaggeration!) they aren’t essential and at the end of the day I’m not going to the Mexican white sands to  change outfits five times a day, I’m there to soak up the sun and make memories!

So I’ve condensed (what I can down into 23kg suitcase!) my top tips for everything you’ll need for a trip to Mexico or any long distance trip you might be making this year:

1)      Vaccines for Vacation -

Generally you will need to check what vaccines you will need approximately 8 weeks before your trip to ensure that they will be effective. If you are unsure what vaccines you may need contact your local GP as most of them will be free through the NHS. For those with a fear of needles, believe me it will be over in 10 seconds and save you from a potentially ruined holiday if you did catch something.

2)      Mozzy Mania –

This is just one of the very few downfalls that comes with the Mexican palm trees and endless amounts of Piña colada’s (first world problems ayy) but there’s nothing worse than sun kissed skin and itchy mosquito bites. So I’ve made sure I’ve loaded up on Jungle Formula Maximum Aerosol Insect Repellent and Mosquito Bands (from Amazon) which can be worn in the day and have a braded bracelet effect which is stretchable making it suitable for adults and children.

3)      Flawless Skin –

We all want flawless skin both at home and on holiday but I always take advantage of not having to wear heavy foundation as once the ‘slightly red’ complexion has turned into a bronze goddess I like to maintain the tan by using nourishing moisturisers. A few of my favourites are the Soap and Glory The Righteous Body Butter and to sooth any burns or bites aloe vera gel will be your savour, I use Holland & Barrett Aloe Vera Gel.

In terms of makeup which is definitely one of my favourite parts of getting ready on holiday either for an evening out for a relaxed dinner which can simply require no makeup at all or if you want to go for a glowy golden complexion. My go to products are MUA’s Highlighting Powder as not only does it stay on all night long but it is only £3 – yes all night makeup for that price! Another essential in humidity is Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray which will keep the smokey eye smokey and the bold lip in place!

I hope this tips have helped you prepare for any place you maybe jetting off to this year!

Henna Party Pamper with Asma

Henna. A traditional body art that dates way way back to the ancient Egyptians (It's said that Cleopatra was a big fan of Henna...Go Cleo!) It is so pretty and such a lovely addition to a cute outfit. 

Growing up, any time I was exposed to Henna (I was lucky enough to have Indian neighbours who would always invite me round during Diwali to get some Henna done with them!) it was the traditional style of brown dye that once dried would peel off and leave an orange like stain in a beautiful design. I remember always looking at the women how precise & quick they would be and how freely designs would come to them. It really is a cultural talent and a unique art piece.

In April I attended a event called Table Bay (look out for details of the next one for sure an event I would recommend you attend!) where different business owners and service providers all come together under one roof to promote their brands and services for a discounted prices for attendees. 

Thats where I met Asma - she was doing a beautiful free hand henna design on a lady and it was with white ink which I had never seen before! I didn't have time to get a design done but took her details and decided I wanted to host my own girly Henna night! (As an event planner, I adore putting on little events for my friends and I love doing things we have never done before - so this for me was a perfect excuse for a get together, some wine, snacks and some to die for Henna!)

Asma was great to liaise with - she knows what she's talking about and theres no uncertainty with any questions I had to ask her. After a bit of back and forth with questions, designs and dates - we were scheduled in for a all white henna party!

The evening was so fun - the girls were getting creative with the designs they had in mind, we were in deep discussions - frequently bursting into fits of laughter and Asma fitted right in with the evening - a lovely, down to earth and bubbly character which was great. There was 16 of us and Asma managed to do great in detail designs in just over 2 hours (I even managed to squeeze in both of my hands which was great!)

We all loved it and had a great time and were very happy with our designs. With festival/wedding/party season aka summer fast approaching I would for sure recommend some henna as a perfect addition to your outfit. White henna especially is such a head turner and I had so many compliments on my design from various different people. I would say if your going on holiday for longer than a 2-3 day trip I would maybe recommend you get the darker traditional henna as it lasts a bit longer due to the henna staining your hand where as the white henna is just on the surface so doesn't last as long - so for me its perfect for a wedding day, festival, date night or cultural events. 

Asma is also really reasonably priced and travels to you - which is always handy. Here are a few pictures of the henna she did for us - but be sure to check out her instagram for all type of henna and various designs (you'll peep some celebrity hands on there too!) @henna_by_asmaali