Balloons are a simple yet effective way to add brilliant atmosphere to your wedding reception. As they come in a very wide range of colours they can be co-ordinated with your chosen colour scheme, or just sophistically arranged as a colourful backdrop for your wedding photographs and videos.
Probably the most common use for wedding balloons is to arrange them into stunning centre pieces for the tables. However they do have other uses….

Some couples will choose to have ‘balloon arches’ where they are arranged accordingly over the doorway where the bride and groom walk through. Some party specialists will also help you to create sculptures and exploding balloons which create the most spectacular effects. Another popular idea for those couples wanting to get their party off with a bang is to have a net of balloons above the dance floor; these are then released over their guests for that shock factor.

If you decide to work with a professional company to decorate your venue it is a great idea to ask to see a portfolio of their work, their qualifications and feedback from clients. Make it clear to them how much you are willing to spend, and see what is available for you in that price range. No matter what your price range is, you need to make sure that they are going to be well presented and fitted balloons. To ensure no let downs, always get a written contract, stating how much you wish to spend and what they will be supplying.
If balloons are not your thing, then why not consider banners and posters? New technology allows you to have exactly whatever you want, printed in full colour on high quality photographic paper, even with photos if that is what you want. If you want the banners and posters for outdoor use, they can even be printed onto vinyl.

The Card Gallery offers a wide range of other accessories you may need for your wedding, including guest books and disposable wedding cameras.

Five news presenter 36 year old Natasha Kaplinsky has decided to take a £300,000 pay cut to spend more time with her baby Arlo.

Since the Birth of son Arlo eight months ago, Kaplinsky has been taking time out from the 7pm slot and hosting the 5pm news bulletin instead. Natasha decided to return to her job part time, four and a half months after giving birth. Only wanting to do the early slot to ensure that she could put her son to bed in the evenings.

Natasha had been on track to retuning to both slots as Arlo gets older, but has decided to stick to her current arrangement, denying her opportunity to restore her salary to £1m a year.

A close friend of Kaplinsky’s said that Natasha understands that she will not be able to keep her big salary but really isn’t worried about it. Apparently she just just wants to make the most of her time with Arlo, getting the work-life balance right.

The presenter fell pregnant only six weeks after working for Five, admitting that it was a difficult situation. Natashas first apperance on the news show attracted nearly double the amound of viewers that Five usually expects on a week night.

The Card Gallery caters for all your special baby occasions – products include a range of baby photo albums and Christening invitations.

In past times it was traditional for the brides girl friends to organise the Hen Night. Recently the bride herself has taken more control in what she wants to happen on her ‘last night of freedom’. Some brides also decide to hire an entertainment company to arrange the whole thing.

It is important to have a think about what you want from your hen celebrations. Of course, budget, venue, guest list and entertainment are the main things you should be considering.

A great way to spread the word about your special party night is to use the internet. Use social networking websites to keep all of your friends up to date with events.  Great nights out can be had by all types of budgets. Why not consider a pub crawl or meal, followed by a boogie in a local club?

Remember to check out any special offers on nights or weekends, some places will even do a hen night party package. Why not make your night more fun by deciding on a fancy dress code?!

If you have a higher budget popular destinations for hen weekends include Amsterdam and Prague. Just remember if you are travelling further afield check that your passport is in date and ensure you take out travel insurance.

The Card Gallery offers hen night products to help you remember all those entertaining moments!  Take a look at our hen night disposable cameras and our hen night photo albums!