wedding tips & advice #1

Where to start:

Congratulations on your engagement! Now comes the exciting task of planning your big day. The best way to avoid unnecessary stress is to start planning as early as possible.

Things to consider before you lock in dates are:

What season do you want to get married in? Would you like to have a cool wintery wedding or do you prefer the warmer months? October through to April are still the most popular months for weddings amongst Australian brides and suppliers tend to book out quickly.

Consider your budget:

How much money will you have to put towards your wedding. Do you need to create a savings plan and what can you realistically have without taking out a second mortgage?

Start your planning with your ceremony and reception venues: 

Both ceremony and reception venues will help you tailor the style of wedding you are hoping to create. Ticking both of these off the “To Do List” may well be one of your biggest tasks. Consider what type of ceremony you would like? Would you prefer an indoor ceremony, or perhaps an outdoor beach or garden ceremony. If you choose an outdoor location it is important to consider if there is a wet weather alternative close by in the event of inclement weather?  What type of reception do you have in mind? Sit Down, Buffet or Ala Carte,  Tapas / Cocktail, marquee event, winery, hotel or function hall. The number of guests you intend to invite will also play a deciding factor on choosing the perfect ceremony and reception venue.

Are you going to have a bridal party?

If you are, then it's time to start thinking about how many people are going to be involved.

The Dress:

Many brides dream about finding their perfect wedding dress but aren’t quite prepared for how long it may take for “The Dress” to arrive. Some bridal boutiques require up to 6 months lead time to ensure delivery in time for your wedding. Need an excuse to get out there and try on wedding gowns, now you have one! Go forth and shop!

Suits for the boys:

Finding suits for the Groom and his attendance doesn’t require as much ordering / delivery time as a wedding gown. Most grooms are quite content to hire a suit, which should be arranged at least 3 – 6 months prior to the wedding. It is becoming increasingly popular for grooms to purchase their suits in lieu of hiring.

Photography and or Videography:

Professional wedding photographers can be booked out 2 years in advance. As soon as you have decided on a style of photography you both like (photo-journalistic, candid, contemporary or traditional) make arrangements to meet with several photographers to view their portfolios. It is always recommended that you view a complete range of work, or several complete wedding albums prior to engaging your preferred photographer.

The Rings!

If you are having your jewellery custom made, allow at least 6 months for your rings to be tailor made. If you are purchasing rings which only need re-sizing, it’s best to allow a minimum of 12 weeks. Again, as with everything, it's always better to over estimate the amount of time things will take to get done. It will save you a lot of stress in the long run.

Hair and Makeup:

Arrange meetings and trials with a few Make-up Artist and Hair Stylists. Consult with your hairdresser on how to get your locks in tip top shape for the day and consider what overall hair style you would like.

Health:

Many couples also embark on a fitness regime to look their best on their wedding day. Some brides and grooms are even going to the trouble of laser hair removal and teeth whitening for the big day.

What about flowers?

Employ a reputable florist for your floral needs. Have you considered employing an event stylist? If you are having trouble deciding the overall look to your wedding, an event stylist and co-ordinator may be able to provide you with immeasurable amounts of inspiration and put everything together for you on the day.

Transport on your special day?

How are you going to get to and from each venue? You will also need to consider your transport options. Would you like to be driven or drive yourself? You will also need to consider transportation for your bridal party.

Invitations and Stationary:

Are you creative enough to make your invitations yourself, or do you need to enlist the help of a specialist stationer? Consider your colour themes and the overall look of your wedding. Many couples these day are setting the scene when sending out their save the date cards or invitations. The colours used in invitations can match your attendance outfits, table centre pieces and any other decorations you are going to be using. Invitations should be sent to your guests at least 8 weeks prior to your wedding day. Additional notice for guests who will need to travel and arrange accommodation is always advisable.

Have you thought about having a gift registry?

You may like to consider a gift or honeymoon registry for your guests. These are easily established through retail outlets such as Myers or David Jones. Travel Agents are able to set up honeymoon registreis and there are also various other online companies offering registry services.

This final piece of advice is relevant when considering all wedding suppliers. Request their quotation and list of services on offer be provided to you in writing. This will ensure you know exactly what you are receiving and helps to ensure there are no misunderstandings between any of the parties involved. We also recommend you interview a number of suppliers before deciding who fits best with your plans.

Final thought:

While planning a wedding can be inherently stressful, try to take the time to have fun and enjoy the planning!
Your wedding day will be here before you know it and it will be perfect!