Way back when, the traditional wedding list could be guessed in its entirety by friends and family before even seeing the list. From kettles to pans to iron’s ‘The List’ comprised of everything the happy couple needed to set up home.

Nowadays the ‘traditional’ list is a thing of the past. The vast majority of couples live together before even getting engaged so though the odd Le Creuset casserole dish might appear on the list, couples by and large are already kitted out for married life.

A new age of list is upon us with even the Nintendo Wii creeping into the top 10 of ‘must have’ wedding gifts. Silver photo frames have been replaced by digital frames and kettles have been replaced by Nespresso Coffee Makers. 

Selfless couples are jumping on the celeb bandwagon and opting out of lists completely by requesting charitable donations for needy causes! Others are being more practical and asking for contributions to honeymoons and houses and even new baby funds.

At the end of the day the list is only a guide! No member of the congregation is contractually obliged to buy a gift and at MBS we are sure that no matter how big or small your gift will be very much appreciated by the blushing bride and groom!

MBS x

Whether a wedding is child free or child friendly it is totally up to you. It is a very personal decision and a bride and groom should never feel they ‘have’ to invite children just because there are children in the bridal party. Just because you dote on a niece or nephew does not mean you have to put up with your beloveds work colleagues screaming monsters.

That said if you do decide to request the pleasure of everyone’s company no matter how little, MBS have put together some suggestions on keeping the youngsters entertained so you can enjoy your day safe in the knowledge the congregations little darlings are being looked after!

Hire Help – Not all wedding budgets stretch to Norland Nannies but there is help out there to fit every budget. Ask friends with Kids about there babysitters or au pairs or ask your vicar if any youngsters in the congregation could help – for some extra pocket money of course! Have a child friendly zone dedicated in the reception and let them play under a couple of watchful eyes.

Table Art – Paper table cloths and crayons! Simple, cheap and very fun! Pop in some glitter pens and the kids will be good to go!

Bubble Machines – What is it with children and bubbles? No matter how old, kids love bubbles, set up a bubble machine in the grounds of your venue and watch the kids go wild (chasing them will tire them out for later too!)

Entertainment Experts – Bring in the experts by hiring clowns or children’s magicians. Get them to sit down with the kids and teach them tricks and jokes but make sure you have an area set aside for this, you don’t want speeches interrupted by the sounds of squeaking balloon animals!

Outside Activities – If you are lucky enough to be holding your reception at a country house or by the beach utilise your outside space. Get staff to make up assault courses or ask your babysitters to take the kids to the beach to fly kits and build sandcastles.

Whatever you decide on your big day it will be fabulous with or without the little ones!

MBS x

It seems Autumn/ Winter 2011 is welcoming the return of Tartan from the catwalk to the high street tartan is everywhere this coming season. Everyone from Burberry to Tory Burch and everywhere from New York to Milan have adorned their models in tartan and Scotland couldn’t be happier.

This gives our Scottish brides the excuse to not only don their family fabric but also to be uber en vogue whist walking down the aisle. Sometimes there is nothing better than a splash of colour on a wedding dress and you cannot often beat something as sentimental as tartan.

Anta hand sew some of the most fantastic bespoke wedding dresses on offer in Scotland, with a touch of tartan of course! Truly beautiful tops with boned corsets and skirts made to your exact specifications make Anta brides the Quintessentially Scottish Belle. Traditional white wedding dresses can be transformed into tartan masterpieces during the reception by simply turning a corset inside out or changing a skirt.

If you fancy adding a bit of Tartan to your big day but you want a bit more subtlety why not look at the M&S Autumn/Winter 2011 lingerie collection. With some absolutely fab tartan Bras and matching knickers – your man will be impressed whether he is Scottish or not!

MBS x