Ideas to Create a Unique Wedding

Wedding can be a costly affair, with high expenses ranging from invitations and cakes to the chairs and everything in between. This need not be the case as a wedding can be special at a fraction of the price. Uniqueness does not necessarily mean spending plenty of mullah!

Preceding event

To get your guests in the mood for the exciting day, email them or have handwritten notes delivered with fun and amusing anecdotes about yourselves a couple of days prior to the wedding. A huge amount of respect, time and thought will be evident in your guests.

Ceremony

In the event of you planning a beach wedding ask your guests to pick up pebbles and toss them into the water while make a wish. Asking guests to bring a single flower and placing it into a vase will eventually create a beautiful arrangement which symbolizes the coming together of family and friends.

Reception

A professional photographer is costly. To avoid these costs set up a camera on a tripod in a designated area and have guests take funny photos themselves. A great idea is using photos of the guests taken with either the bride or groom as place cards. Another idea is placing photos of your guests to a string with clothes pegs, bringing back memories. Guests enjoy the fact that they have been part of your lives.

Guest book

Traditional things at wedding have unfortunately fallen by the wayside, but a guest book is great idea to keep memories alive. Blank cards in a glass bowl can be placed on a table for guests to jot down notes, which can then be glued into a scrapbook. These small messages will turn to great memories as time passes.

Dancing

A unique idea to keep the dance floor alive is; asking all the guests to RSVP to the invitation with a list of 3 of their favourite songs.  A dance unique to your family traditions and culture will give the reception a distinct flavour.  Place your parents in the spotlight by inviting them to join you in the floor-opening, first dance.

Walking down the Isle

Instead of the traditional “Wedding March” by Vivaldi, play a slow tempo, song which has special meaning to you while you were dating.

Fashionable Trends for a Summer Wedding

Vibrant Colours

Vibrant shades are fashionable for a summer wedding. Be careful not to turn it into a carnival with too many colours.

Nowadays: Focus on no more than two to three colours placing accent on one. Make the table centerpieces a vibrant colour and work around it. Another idea is to use the accentuated colour in table linen.

Relaxing Music

Consider an ensemble of string instruments in the event of a planned cocktail hour.

Nowadays: Create a relaxing vibe for the cocktail hour and dinner. a hint at the reception is sultry sounds adding classic swing or a live band to liven and quicken the tempo to the evening.  

Surprising Invitations

Embossed black and ivory invitations are popular and elegant. If your budget allows an invitation designers will format a startling and creative wedding invites to suit your theme and colour scheme.

Nowadays: Fabric printed invitation, escort card and a program is one of the trends these days. Furthermore this adds class and style.

Wedding Cakes

Every season is suitable for the conventional white wedding cake. Naturally, chocolate is a favourite under the grooms. With the large amount of baker found these days, the most mouth-watering creations are available.

Nowadays: Fresh strawberries and cream with a short-bread base and layers, or any seasonal fruit will play homage to the summer. Citrus-infused flavours are also very popular. 

Ecological Favours

Grown herbs planted in tins and glass jars decorated with ribbon or paper in the colours scheme of the wedding. These can then be given to the guests for re-planting.  

Nowadays: The advantage of getting married outdoors is the display of natural beauty. A great gesture is by making a donation to a local charitable organization.   

Popular Hair Styles & Makeup this Season

Hair Styles

Bridal hair dos for this season are natural, soft and up styles done to the centre or side at the back of the neck. Another style is loose curls on the top of the head. Flowing curls down the back are also worn. A crown of flowers or flowers incorporated into the hair is very popular.  Another alternative is a hair piece made of fabric or a something special. Braids are also all the rage not only for the bridesmaids but the bride as well.

Makeup 

                               

 

Fresh, natural makeup will always be chic. 

Soft hues of bronze and brown are in style with false eyelashes. 

Some eyeliner with soft pink lips gives a refreshing and graceful look.

Some brides prefer soft, subtle eye makeup with accentuated lips.

A chic bride mirrors elegance and sophistication.

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Weird and Amazing Modes of Transport to your Wedding Ceremony

Brides use different and interesting means of transport to wedding ceremonies. Often times the means of transport will be determined by the theme and venue. Decorations the mode of transport with ribbons will never fade away.

Cars

The most traditional form of getting to the church is the car. A sporty or classic will depend on your personal preference and style. The season of the years will also have a determine factor on the type of car used.

Horse and Carriage

A horse and carriage create a style of a fairytale and royal wedding and is by far the most classic.  When hiring the horse and carriage it is suggested that one with a hood be used to accommodate all weather conditions.

Boat

The couple can arrive at the wedding reception on a boat, especially in the event of the reception is held at a river bank venue. This means of transports will be determined by the season in which the big day is taking place. 

Tuk-Tuk

Basically all a tuk-tuk is is a motorized rickshaw. A tuk-tuk is a fast and easy mode of transport to your wedding ceremony or reception, which will make for effortless travel in hectic traffic.

Walk

Strolling hand-in-hand with your dad can be very special while sharing the last few minutes as a young unmarried young woman. Additionally a scenic route will make the experience even more meaningful.

Travel to your wedding ceremony and reception in style!

A Few Ways to Stay Calm and Unwind Before Your Wedding

Time can get chaotic and stressful leading up to your big day. There are many tips on the Internet to help you de-stress, which can be very costly. Here are a few tips without it costing you, an arm and a leg.

Take a Refreshing Bath

Enjoy a long soaking in the bath tub with bubbles, soft music, and relaxing fragrances. A refreshing glass of your favourite bubbly is relaxing. A couple of light candles on the bath’s edge will add to the soothing atmosphere. A soft fluffy towel you can wrap yourself in will also do the trick.

                                                      

A Girls Night

A pampering girl's night in can do wonders. Mani and pedicures by your girlfriend and to them is great. Snacks and some sparkling refreshments are also in order to allow it to “all hangout” without any hang-ups. If you have a friend who has facial experience, a facial it will be great, or else just apply a DIY face-mask. Relax and enjoy.

Spend time with your Favourite Pet

Animals have an amazing calming and therapeutic effect on a person. Domestic animals offer unconditional love and are a reminder of appreciating the simplest things in life. Taking your dog or a “shelter” dog for a walk also has a soothing effect on one.

 

Spend Time in Nature

Spend time with your soon to be husband in nature, pack a picnic basket full of your favourite “goodies” and treats. Camping in a tent can also be fun; sitting around a bonfire, roasting marsh mellows.  A good bottle of red wine will add to the ambience of a beach and sand picnic on a quiet beach.

Gazing at the Sunsets and Sunrises

While in the outdoors, as mentioned above, it is the ideal setting to experience amazing sunsets/sunrises. Out of the hustle and bustle of the city, Mother Nature provides the most paranormal “canvas” scene of the sun rising and the sun setting. Cuddle up next to your future husband and enjoy the show.

These tips will provide you with the gusto you need, in the finishing straight, before your big day! 

How to make your Wedding Reception more Fun

Wedding receptions can be a rather boring affair. Break away from the old traditions of a DJ or live band and make your wedding reception the something to remember. Keep in mind there will be guests who enjoy dance, so therefore incorporating it into the party. There are various “games” to get your guest involved in and make your wedding reception a fun time.

The games include:

Hula hoops

These can be very entertaining 

Table Games:

 Booklets

Place booklets on each table in which the quests at the table can write messages to read only on your 1^st Anniversary;

A booklet in which guests can answer questions you have written beforehand.

Board Games

An alternative to flowers as the centerpiece, place a board game on the table. Each table should have a different game, and the guests can rotate during the night.

Yard Games:

Oversized Board Games

A large checked blanket with plastic plates can be a Checkers game;

          

  Toss the ring

Arrange painted bottles in a wooden crate and decorate hoops colourfully.

Group Games:

The Shoe Game 

The bride and groom can get to know each other better with this game. It is great fun and can be very funny. Sit back-to-back, take off both shoes; give each other a shoe. Wedding guest must then ask questions about the two of you and your relationship. On each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think will have the best answer;

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   Stand Up - Sit Down

Ask a variety of questions such as: “Is your birthday a prime number?” – sit down. If you know the answer to the next question – stand up. The question should subsequently continue, and the last person standing is then the winner of the game.

Make your wedding reception a memorable occasion for you and your guests.  

Wedding Dessert Alternative

Desserts can vary from ordinary and traditional to the “Out of the Box” alternative wedding desserts. The wedding cake can comprise of desserts such as a “An Éclairs Cocktail” a “Tower of Crème Brulee.” 

Other ideas are: “Ice cream Sandwiches,” a “Classic Cheesecake Shooter Bar,” something out of the ordinary a “Pumpkin Pie Dessert Table."  Fruit pizzas which are sugar cookies, plenty of fruit served with a gorgeous cream cheese sauce. The ideas are endless: “Cheesecake Lollipops,”  “Roasting marshmallows over an open fire,” Oreo cookies and Milk, Frozen Yogurt or Yogurt and fresh fruit, a “Doughnut Table.”

Make the wedding dessert at your wedding something special and steer clear of the mundane! 

Stylish Wedding Presentation Bouquets

Fresh flower presentation bouquets are always a hit among brides. A handful of various materials and textures will compliment the wedding gown.

The fresh flower presentation bouquet add a fresh burst of vibrate colour and beauty to the whole occasion. In addition the fragrances are also something to be admired. Depending on the style and theme of the wedding ceremony, the simplest bouquet is often times more eye-catching than the intricate designs.

Below are a small selection to choose from; from the plain and ordinary to the extravagant presentation bouquet. 

Soft & Simple 

  

Fresh, Flamboyant & Extravagant 

Stunning Naked Wedding Cakes

Conventionally iced wedding cakes are fading out; naked wedding cakes are all the rage. The trend has exploded in Europe and the United States and is very popular in Australia. The traditional wedding cake is overwhelming and presents the impression that it should be left untouched, whereas a naked cake provides an atmosphere of enjoyment and a “Want to Eat” feeling. The appearance is simplistic and rustic, yet beautiful.

Naked cakes are basically several layers of sponge cake layered and oozing with butter cream icing with a fruit filling, without the traditional icing covering the outside, topped with fresh flowers and/or fruit.  The wedding cake is created in all shapes and sizes and to suit all tastes. Similar to the traditional wedding cakes, naked cakes have several tiers, if preferred. Naked cakes are created to suit and blend into the theme and colour scheme of the wedding.

Create your own spectacular picture of flavour and splendour – opt for a Naked Wedding Cake!

A large Array of Wedding Gowns

A large Array of Wedding Gowns

A truly memorable wedding will be brought to the fore with a well-designed wedding gown. The European and American fashion and style are meticulously designed by well-experience Australian designers. The fabrics offer a diversity ranging from elegant, draped Angel Satin to laces to appealing Satin Chiffon.  Beads, including crystals, will add to the elegance and shimmering sparkle.  The bride can customize her wedding gown by adding a modern twist such as a lace or open back fashion-design and in so doing, adding a stylish touch.

Design and Couture

The neckline on wedding gowns varies depending on your unique style, that includes halter, one shoulder, strapless, sweetheart, V-neck and strap/sleeve necklines.  The silhouettes comprise of an A-line, ball gown, fit and flare, mermaid, sheath and trumpet styles. Waistlines can be one of many, including asymmetrical, dropped, empire or natural. Wedding gowns have an array of trends, such as stunning back details, memorable skirts, romantic lace, chic sparkle and elegant straps. The length of wedding dresses depends entirely on the bride and the climatic conditions. The short style is a big favourite in the summer.

Colour Trends

The contrast of black and white will always be fashionable. White and various colours combined offer a stunning contrast to any wedding gown. The colours vary from classic white and ivory to Red, a variety of shades of Blue, Olive and Spring Green, Maroon and Deep Burgundy. The wedding gown will determine the theme colour scheme, accessories, shoes and headpiece.

 

Amazing Flower Necklace Wedding Accessories

Flower necklaces have become very popular wedding gown accessory. Necklaces add the finishing touch to any wedding gown. A flower necklace can be worn with any theme, from the dramatic to the beach theme. The exciting part is that you can design and create your own necklace to suit the theme, colour and personal preference.

Silver, bronze and gold metal flower necklaces are beautiful, elegant and stylish and go with any theme. Other materials used to create the necklace include pearls, crystals, enamel, beads and shells. Fresh flowers are fashionable and at the same time offer a lovely fragrance. A variety of fabrics and materials are used to create flower necklaces.

Designs range from chucky to delicate details and everything in between. There are a variety of styles; from plain to the flamboyant, to “make a statement” designs.

A unique idea for an outdoor or beach wedding is the Hawaiian Island fresh flower necklace, the “Lei,” which will add colour, fragrance and something different to the occasion.  Leis are also made from sea shells, feathers and bones.   

Add style, class and elegance to the wedding gown with eye-catching accessories, which match the gown and the special occasion.  

Wedding Etiquette

Wedding etiquette is quite simply being courteous and taking all those involved feelings into consideration. An important thing to remember is that the parents of both the bride and groom meet prior to the wedding day to avoid any misunderstandings and awkward situations.  When planning the wedding it is vital that both couples’ parents are involved to avoid any feelings of not being part in the process.

Traditional wedding etiquette is that the bride and groom’s parents have the responsibility to bear the costs of certain items, respectively. The modern era has changed these and often times the bride and groom foot the bill for most expenses or make a substantial contribution to the costs.

In general, if opting for the traditional way, the bride’s parents pay the bill for the reception, all flowers, invitations, and photographer and of course, the wedding gown and accessories. The groom’s responsibility includes his outfit, the bride’s bouquet and wedding rings.  

The do’s and don’ts regarding wedding etiquette are as follows:

Do’s:

• When the decision has been made with regard to whether or not the invitations should include or exclude children, stick to it. Specify this clearly on the wedding invitation
•    A written “Thank you”  note showing appreciation,
•   The seating arrangements are important – it will be uncomfortable for strangers or old/young to be seated together throughout the entire wedding ceremony,
•  Draw up your guest list and stay firm as to the numbers, as this can exorbitantly increase costs,
•  Be subtle when it comes to wedding gift requests,
• By informing the quests as to venue and theme of the wedding will allow for the correct dress code to avoid being overdressed or under-dressed guests. 

Don’ts:

•  Avoid the direct approach to the cash option as a gift - it can be subtly conveyed to quests via intimate family and friends,
•  Take the bridesmaids feelings into consideration when deciding on the outfit to be worn. A cocktail-style outfit can be more appropriate and less expensive to either the bride or bridesmaids,
• According to the experts, a cash bar is a not a good idea.

Unfortunately, according to etiquette experts, bad behavior has become the norm, therefore, adhere to sound wedding etiquette and in so doing, avoid conflict before and on the special wedding day.

 

Roses and Romance Themes

Roses seem to, throughout the ages, add to and be associated with romance. The rose theme has always been popular, even in the 21^st century. This ceremony is ideal for an outdoor, beach or garden wedding and is taking preference, compared to the formal church event. With this theme, the bride can choose the barefoot or in comfortable open sandal's option. You can combine ideas to create your own personal touch, taste and style.

The romantic rose theme adds colour as well as a beautiful fragrance to the venue. Roses are obtainable throughout the year.  There is a large variety of colours, which will give you a wide range to choose from when deciding on the colour scheme. Traditional confetti can typically be substituted with rose petals. By using rose petals down the aisles will add a special ambience to the venue. A Rose Bud corsage or even a bouquet of feathers will add unusual detail.

Slides, combs and headbands or just a few rose buds interwoven into the hair will transform your entire wedding gown.

Make this day not just special but different and a day to remember!

Wedding/ Bridal Trends

Traditional brides dream of walking down the aisle, on their special day, in the so-called traditional white, lace and sequenced wedding gowns.  This has changed over the years, and ivory has become very popular colour for wedding gowns. Australian brides and grooms play a large role in setting global trends.

Some of these trends are the smaller, intimate weddings, which are held at indoor and outdoor venues. Others tend to opt for the larger celebrations, and these can also be held indoors or outdoors. 

Dramatic/Theatrical Theme

Colours

The incorporation of various colours will create a stunning decorative theme and unique touch to your style and preference. The popular colours are bright citrus shades, warm coffee colours and rich, stately chocolate-box purples. The theme can be anything to suit your personality and personal taste, a prominent classic or retro style or a bold statement of floral decorations, or a rose theme reflecting romance.

Details

In the event that your colour preference leans towards bold colours a dramatic theme is for you. In this case theatrical, extraordinary venue with open fires creates the dramatic themes.  Spacious revenues with high ceilings, prominent picture windows add to the dramatic theme.  Large floral decorations provide not only for a bold statement, it adds beautiful and in the case of using roses, it adds to the fragrance.

Accessories & Jewellry

A variety of tiaras are available depending on your style and theme of the wedding. Striking flamboyant tiaras accentuate the theatrical, dramatic themes and large elegant headpieces. Earrings add the finishing touch to your bridal outfit. A string of pearls, or a plain gold or silver chain will add style to the theatrical theme, especially when your hair is done up to soften the neckline.

In conclusion

Remember, this is the first day of the rest of your lives. Stamp your own style, colour scheme and theme on this special day. Make it extraordinary.

  

Wedding Day Run Sheet

Its very important to have a running sheet on your weddings day. Your maid of honour, MC, ceremony and reception venue contacts, fiancee and best man should all have a copy. Below is an example copy of a run sheet that we use with our brides. Have you considered making a run sheet for your wedding?

• 3pm ceremony

• 20 minute drive from hotel to ceremony

• 5 minute drive from ceremony to reception

9.30am  Shower and wash your hair then put on a button-up shirt or light dressing gown (this is so that you don’t ruin   your hair and makeup later on).If you are departing for your honeymoon straight after your wedding ensure your luggage is packed.

10.15am Hairdresser arrives

10.30am Hairdresser begins bridal hair. It is a good idea that bridal hair is done first so that the stylists are not  rushing before you leave

11.30am The makeup artist and the rest of the bridesmaids arrive. Once your makeup has been applied enjoy a bit of a break – have something to eat and drink before getting into your wedding gown. 

12.00pm Photographer arrives

12.45pm Photos of bride getting dressed

1.00pm Photographer departs for grooms house

1.20pm Photographer heads to ceremony site and get in a few photographs of guests   arriving, your fiancé waiting for you and your arrival.  Strings/guitarist/singer arrives at ceremony location to set up

2.00pm The Mother-of-the-Bride leaves with her escort (your brother, for example).   The Groom and his groomsmen leave for the Ceremony site.  Final touch up of bridal makeup

2.25pm Wedding cars arrive

2.30pm Depart for ceremony location

2.50pm Arrive at ceremony location Photos of arrival and last minute touch ups

3.00pm Cue music, ceremony begins

4.00pm Ceremony concludes

4.20pm Strings/guitarist/vocalist departs Formal photographs begin

4.30pm Band/dj arrives at reception venue and begins set up

5.00pm Band begins first set Guests at the reception are enjoying drinks and a few snacks. 

5.40pm Guests escorted to seats

5.45pm MC to announce bride and groom arrival

6.00pm Entrée is served

6.30pm First speech and toast begins Band has 30 minute break

7.00pm Main meal is served

7.45pm Speeches finish Band resumes

8.00pm The two of you cut your wedding cake, dessert is served and you begin circulating among your guests. 

9.00pm The first dance takes place.  The rest of the wedding party join in. 

10.30pm Tossing of the bouquet and the bridal party leave Band finishes Evening concludes 

so there you have it, a general run sheet for your big day!xx