Good morning friends! Today we’re all about pretty country shabby chic style, starting with this inspiration board (and come back later for something extra special!). This is actually a look I’ve seen quite a bit recently in the UK. It’s a really pretty alternative to the vintage look that was everywhere in SA this season, and is all about pastels and mixed floral fabrics (in this case inspired by Cath Kidston style). This board is a request from one of our lovely readers, Jenny, who is getting married in her local church and travelling on to the reception (in a tented marquee in a field) on a motorbike and sidecar – so cute! She’s made loads of bunting using Cath Kidston fabric, and will be serving sandwiches, pastries and cakes at their tea party. It reminds me of a village fete, and Jenny could even consider having some of the games and entertainment you find at a fete – tombola stalls, hay rides, etc. I really like the idea of having a cake table with lots of different cakes and labels for each of them, just as if they were a baking competition, instead of one cake. She could even use Cath Kidston cupcake cases to tie in with her bunting. Other Kidston touches that I love are the mini cake bunting, the escort card board, and the LOVE letters (you could also make these yourself into table numbers). Carry a beautiful rose bouquet (I’m in love with this one, which has a slightly wild, natural touch). Teacups should be a big part of the decor – collect random ones on eBay and place them at each table setting with a rose inside – this doubles as a favour. Another cute favour is the little button badges, which are just adorable. You could also pile teacups up under bell jars or hang them at different levels from the ceiling. Serve a range of teas, as well as lemonade (or better yet, this marital bliss special cocktail) and consider hiring in a specialist coffee machine – I’ve seen how popular these are! Hope you like your board Jenny – good luck with the rest of your planning!

Colour: Pink, blue, green, cream pastels

Top row (l-r): Marquee in field; bouquet {P: Odalys Mendez Photography S: Storybook Wedding Consulting}; teacup decor {P: Allan Zepeda}; motorbike with sidecar {Wild Weddings}
Row 2: LOVE letters; Cath Kidston cupcake cases; cake with bunting {source unknown}; button badge favours; cake table {Cynthia Brown Studio}
Row 3: Teacup with rose; marital bliss cocktail; Cath Kidston escort card board {My Vintage Tea Party}; flower girls {Loverbird Photography}