When decorating favour boxes, reception tables, organza bags, bomboniere nets, Wedding cakes and floral arrangements, the decoration has the make-or-break factor. So, when deciding how to 'finish off' wedding accessories, consider your choice of feathers, flowers, ribbons and jewels very carefully.

Once the bridal party's outfits have been finalised and the venue confirmed, you are on the way to choosing what theme your wedding will have. Then - and only then - can you start putting the finishing touches together.

So many brides make that fatal mistake of buying metres of ribbon or pearl cluster jewels only to realise that they have to base the entire wedding around that!

Of course, in some cases it can work. Some [lucky] brides, see a shocking pink marabou feather and a silver fabric heart and know that everything else will have to work round that. However, this is only the case in a minority of weddings, so ideally you should have the basics in place first before you add the detail.

If you are having a fairty tale/princess wedding, then the chances are your dress will be strapless and meringue-like. No doubt your handsome groom will be attired in a light coloured morning suit, possibly with a tall hat?

Some of your bridesmaids will be children and dressed in pretty outfits. Is this ringing any bells with you? If so then you will probably be looking at lots of flowers and hearts to add details to your wedding. Go for pinks, silvers and lilacs when looking for table decorations. Get your cake decorator to use feathers on your cake and ensure these appear in any floral decorations [including bouquets]. Why not have young bridesmaids with silver jewels in their hair, pink feathers and lilac flowers - perhaps all woven together on an aliceband.

Perhaps you are a simple bride and want a wedding that's plain yet elegant? Maybe you'll be wearing a non-frilly gown, strappy sandals and a going for a hair-down style? Strike any chords? If so, then decorations on your favour boxes, tables, cake and floral arrangements need to be elegant yet stylish.

Why not go for a diamante or pearl feel? Arrange flowers with pearl or diamante stamens and ensure cake jewels are eye-catching. Scatter the tables with white feathers intermingled with silver organza ribbon. Choose white favour boxes finished with white feathers and silver jewel sprays. You and your wedding will ooze class and sheer sophistication!

So many people think that the little things do not matter, but they really do. Choose carefully when selecting ribbons, favours, jewels, flowers and feathers. And, be clear of your theme first as it's the decorative accessories that tie everything together [or not, in some cases].

(c) World of Wedding Favours