In 2011, we will be advertising in the "Planning Weddings" magazine - a a great resource for Brisbane brides with advice from local industry experts and vendors.

We'll publish details when it's out, but here's a sneek peek at our half-page ad:

In January 2011, we'll also be doing the "Planning Weddings" Bridal Expo too, which we're pretty excited about! We'll keep you posted about dates! Stay whimsical! :) xo

The Spring/Summer party season is upon us - and we know what that means! Paper lantern time!! When I think of paper lanterns - there are so many words that come to mind, depending on their use. Elegant....timeless.....classy....bright...colourful...fun....

This diverse and inexpensive little lighting idea can add so much to an event - even when they're not lit. There's something just undeniably festive about them - and what I love is that they're so versatile! So without further ado, I give you:

5 Decorating Ideas for Paper Lanterns

1. Any trees nearby with branches at a reasonable height? Who says that lanterns need to be strung horizontally? Find some fishing line or ribbon in the colours that match or complement your event, and hang them at different lengths from the tree branch. 

2. Run some sturdy thin rope between structures, poles or trees and have the lanterns light up your dancefloor or dinner tables at night! Festive and enchanting!

3. Speaking of poles - hang lanterns from bamboo poles or similar - so they light up like impromptu and exotic lampposts!

4. Hang ribbon from the bottom of each lantern to create a magical multicoloured effect - that just gives your lanterns more of an interesting twist.

5. Accessorise! Wrap ribbon around them to complement your colour scheme. Add a feather butterfly or some flowers - and ta da! You have your very own ORIGINAL design! Hang them from poles to light a path - or from the back of chairs at your ceremony/reception - and the effect is simply divine!

Moonlight and Whimsy have an ever-growing range of gorgeous paper lanterns that suit any colour scheme and we stock them in a range of sizes, colours, and patterns!

As usual you can check them out at www.moonlightandwhimsy.com.au!

Don't forget - our range is expanding all the time! If you're after a particular product and we don't stock it - drop us a line and we'll do our best to find it for you. We also have a gorgeous range of floating lanterns and a truckload of cute and unique lighting ideas. Don't miss out!

Have you used lanterns in a wedding or event? Share your story with us and we may just publish it on our blog!

Until then - live whimsically!

Exciting times at Moonlight and Whimsy! Firstly I'd like to thank everyone for their support so far. Word has spread in 5 short weeks, we've welcomed almost 300 fans to our Facebook page! Orders have been flying out thick and fast - not only for weddings, but for parties and even gifts too! Keep them coming!

Yesterday we received confirmation that we would be displaying our wares at the "Planning Weddings" Bridal Expo in Redlands, Brisbane - January 2011. It's exciting to be taking what we do into the real world and to meet some wonderful new brides looking for original ideas. We can't wait!

New stock arrived last week - just as the weather in Brisbane turned apocalyptic - which meant that our planned outdoor lantern shoots did not go ahead. Never fear though - alternate options are in the works - and we have some gorgeous new products for you including retro polka-dot designs and HUGE 50cm lanterns too.

We've been working hard on three events coming up - one of which is a stunning Alice in Wonderland children's garden party, which we are all very excited about. I don't want to give too much away but it will feature custom-designed bunting from Giggleberry Creations, and a spectacular dessert buffet, as well as some stunning theming (of course) by Moonlight and Whimsy. I've been told that the Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit and the Red Queen will also make an appearance. What a lucky birthday girl!

Lastly - we're now taking submissions for our blog! Do you know of anyone who has had a creative or unique event? Or have you been to any weddings that were just that little bit off-beat and stepping away from tradition? Events that have been filled with vintage and/or retro ideas - or just plain whimsical? Or a DIY wedding that has been done spectacularly on a tight budget?

We want to hear from them!

Drop us a line at submissions@moonlightandwhimsy.com.au.

Until next time - live whimsically!

Planning an eco-friendly wedding or children's birthday party? Looking for a cute idea for favours that will cost you next to nothing? I found this great tutorial for Paper Roll Seed Packets! These are so adorable - I had to look twice when I realised what they were made out of!

(Brides? This is a great DIY project to involve junior members of the wedding party in, too!)

Birdsnests, skeleton leaves, lovebirds, trees, bunting, lanterns...these are at the very heart of Moonlight & Whimsy - inspired by the stunning vintage and whimsical weddings that are becoming a staple of the Spring/Summer wedding season!

I've been dying to do an Inspiration Board for our Whimsical Collection for quite some time. This collection is so large, we're going to have to split it into two boards!

Enjoy!

Don't forget all of our products are WELL BENEATH the Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Why shop anywhere else?

1. Miniature Natural Birdnests ($9.95 pkt6) (RRP $13.25)
2. Ring Pillow - Lovebird ($41.50 ea.) (RRP $42.15)
3. Skeleton Leaves - Cafe Au Lait ($3.75 pkt.5)
4. Wooden Die Cut Trees w/Lovebird Silhouette ($21.95 set 2) (RRP $29.95)
5. Bunting Flag Banner - Lotus Lacework ($30.50 ea.) (RRP 35.95)
6. Paper Lanterns - Pink/Green/White - 20cm ($2.95 ea.)
7. Guestbook - Fingerprint Tree - Classic ($23.95 ea.) (RRP $25.00)
8. Cupcake Wrappers - Perfect Pair ($16.25 pkt 12) (RRP $16.50)
9. Cupcake Wrappers - Lavish ($16.25 pkt 12) (RRP $16.50)

Have you used our products for your own special event? We would LOVE to see photos! Email us and we may feature it on our blog!

Our new shipment of lanterns arrived the other day! Stay tuned for new product photos! Exciting times!

One of my guilty pleasures is spending my morning, idly scrolling through my favourite wedding blogs and sighing over the gorgeous whimsical, vintage & DIY weddings that are happening around the globe. I'd like to share a few pics of one in particular with you today - which made me smile.

So simple and so gorgeous!

Are you planning (or have you planned) a wedding, party or event that can be classed largely as DIY, Whimsical and/or Vintage? We'd LOVE to feature it! Send us an email and we'll get back to you ASAP!

Forgive me dear readers, I have been so busy with new products and projects that I've barely had a moment to update my blog in the past week. I'm hoping today's post will make up for it!

Cherry Blossoms are my absolute favourite flower. I love their fragility, and the fact that they bloom within a very short window of time every year. I visited Japan for the second time this year, and was blessed to be there in the midst of Cherry Blossom season. As we travelled throughout Tokyo and Kyoto alike, we saw them both bloom and fall and it was the most unbelievably magical experience that I will never forget.

I've been building up quite a little collection of products for Asian-inspired weddings, and particularly ones with Cherry Blossom motifs. So today I couldn't resist putting them into a little Inspiration Board to share with you all.

1. Cherry Blossom Basket - $41.00 (RRP $49.50)
2. Cherry Blossom Guestbook - $41.00 (RRP $49.95)
3. Cherry Blossom Ring Pillow - $41.50 (RRP $52.00)
4. Favour Boxes - Asian Pink Brocade - $3.95
5. Cherry Blossom Fan - $4.50
6. Favour Boxes - Takeout - $2.20
7. Round Paper Lanterns (20cm) - $2.95 (ea.)
8. Feather Butterflies - $7.50 (pkt 5)
9. Floral Decoration - Sugared Cherry Blossoms - $3.20

Aren't they gorgeous? Of course you don't have to be getting married - our Cherry Blossom collection is perfect for gifts, garden parties and for entertaining in general! All of our products are well below the RRP, and are considerably lower than all of the major online wedding stores! All products can be found at www.moonlightandwhimsy.com.au. See you there!