In these difficult financial times, card and gift retailer Clinton Cards has reportedly had to ask its landlords for more time to pay their rent as they struggles with falling sales.  In news reports, it has been stated that they have  been contacting the landlords of over 700 of their stores to ask to pay a third of its rent two weeks late (Independent on Sunday).  Rent payments for the company are due today and it is expected that many retailers will find this month tough as consumer spending is weak after what has been a difficult summer in the retail sector

The same can’t be said for online businesses though – many of whom report a rise in sales as people are looking to make their money go further, and are comparing internet sites for the best deals.  The card Gallery are one such company who are going from strength to strength and are expanding their business to incorporate new ranges, fantastic new ideas such as ‘Save the Date’ and ‘Thank You’ magnets, as well as introducing hand-made cards, DIY kits and a whole Social Media campaign to expand followers through Facebook and Twitter.  The Card Gallery’s save the date cards are still among the most popular items on their website and they have a huge range available.

So, if you are looking for some save the date cards, or any other occasion stationery, have a look online to see how they can help you make your pennies stretch a little further in these tough economic times.

I attended a wedding recently where they had a lovely idea to get their wedding guest book signed.

On entering the reception venue and after the line-up, each person, couple or family had their photo taken before sitting down.  Once everyone was seated and enjoying their meal, the wonderful ushers were ‘backstage’ in the bar printing out all of the photos on a portable printer to put into the album.

It didn’t take very long at all and, once all of the photos were in, the book was passed around all of the tables while we guests were enjoying the meal, and we all got to sign and write a personal message under our photo.

By the time dessert had finished, the book was completely signed and the happy couple had their complete wedding guest book to take away with them the same night.  This ensured that everyone who was at the wedding wrote something special for the bride and groom and there was a picture of every single person who was there.

Okay, here are my fantasy table plans if I could invite anyone in the world to my dream wedding.

On my top table, I would have Kylie sat next to me as my best friend and Maid of Honour (I am sure my sister would understand!)  Next to my new husband would be Tiger Woods so he has someone to talk golf with.  My dad would be joined by Jeremy Clarkson, and my mum would have Colin Firth to flirt with while dad’s back is turned.  My mother-in-law has always had a soft spot for Brad Pitt so he’d have to come – we’d sit Angelina and brood on the kids table and she can be in charge there!

The rest of the table plans would include Oprah and president Obama – I think I’d put them with the aunts and uncles who’d appreciate a bit of culture, while various young boy band members would be dotted throughout the room to keep all of my single girlfriends happy.  For the boys I’d throw in a couple of Jessicas – Alba and Biel – although I would request (along with Angelina) that they toned it down a bit for the reception.  After all it’s my day and, even with all those celebrities, I should still be the centre of attention!