I've always wanted to hold a '4th July' party but as it falls smack bang in the middle of wedding season, it'll have to go on hold for at least another year!

That said, there's nothing wrong with embracing the spirit of independence this week and allowing yourself to please just you, and the lucky person you're marrying of course, by

It's been a week of intensive supplier sourcing, just the type of challenge I thrive on! It's not enough as a wedding planner to have a contact book bursting at the seams with suppliers of every different type, catering to every different budget. The most important thing to do is to listen to the couple you're working with, find out exactly

Venue hunting, stationery sourcing, table decorations brainstorming and bridesmaid gift ideas went some way towards filling my time this week, as well as the usual checking and double-checking of information for the 'On The Day' co-ordination projects we're working on over the next couple of weeks

I've talked before about questions to ask of your venue, preferably before you commit any money but definitely before the wedding day itself. So here's another one for you to add to the list if it's appropriate to your celebration:

"How many staff will be working the bar during the reception?"

There is nothing worse than seeing

This week I met up with Patrick Wyatt, a fabulous jeweller in Hatton Garden, and he in turn introduced me to the sparkliest, most beautiful diamond I have ever seen. It was the size of a Minstrel and it looked absolutely perfect sitting on my finger... well, a girl can dream can't she!

Patrick's work

It was really great to see so many lovely ladies at Hartwell House on Wednesday - the Athena 'meeting of minds' is a highlight in my diary every month!

I have compiled a quick update about Magic Dust that is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to refer me (should you choose to, obviously!) to anyone you know who may appreciate