News

Once you've taken the time to share the news and bask in the glow of your new relationship status, it's time to start planning the big day. It’s inevitable that orchestrating such a big event for all of the important people in your life can be pretty nerve-racking. Tackling these eight decisions first will help you enjoy the process and stay focused on what's really important.

While you don’t need to have the date set in stone, it’s an important factor which will drive many of your other decisions along the way. Consider if you want to have a long engagement and take time planning or if you’re in more of a rush. A slightly more rushed engagement could be decided if elderly relatives are unwell, for example. Other factors to consider are holidays and big games, these could significantly drive up the cost for your guests to travel and find accommodation if your wedding coincides.  

 

Your budget is another factor which will determine many of your wedding planning decisions. The first step is to sit down with your parents and discuss who will be paying for what. Then decide between yourself and your S.O what you can realistically afford. Note that it’s advised to have a 10% budget “buffer” for anything which may be more than you initially thought. So if your budget is $20,000, keep $2,000 aside for emergencies.

 

Some venues book up over a year in advance so getting in early will allow you to have a good selection of venues in the location you want. If you have a particular venue in mind, then give them a call to see how far in advance couples typically book. They will also be able to tell you key information such as the size of the venue and how many guests it can hold.

 

Work with your S.O to determine your VIP’s. Then discuss with your parents if there are any other relatives or close family friends who they would like to invite. From here you can begin to decide on the amount of guests you would like which in turn feeds into the size of venue you need.

 

Before you start flicking trough wedding magazines and scanning the internet for the next trend, consider your own personal style. Are you a couple who loves a casual wine night or relaxed Sunday brunches? Then don’t feel like you must throw a black-tie dinner. Your wedding is for you and should represent your own unique personality.

 

Having the perfect wedding photo’s is usually a must for every bridal couple. By securing your photographer early, you can ensure the pro’s aren’t already booked up on other weddings and thus limiting your selection.

 

Whether  you’re looking to convert or yourself or your S.O are a particular faith, it will be worth investigating how long preparations may take as you may need to take Marriage classes before you walk down the aisle. Alternatively, if you'd like a particular person to officiate your wedding, check with them as early as possible to confirm availability.

 

Whether you're having a destination wedding or not, people fly in from all over the country (and world) to attend weddings. If you know that any of your guests will need to book travel (flights, hotels, time off, and so on), try to set a date and share the information with these special people as soon as possible.

 



They’ve been your rock throughout your wedding planning journey and now you want to show them just how grateful you are through sentimental gestures on your wedding day. We’ve put together 5 ways thoughtful ways to thank your Mom and Dad on your special day!

1. You’ll be showered with gifts and special gestures all day – pay it forward to those closest to you. On the morning of the wedding surprise your Mom with a beautiful piece of jewelry or a special gift she’ll actually use such as our sentimental "Beautiful Mom" rose gold makeup mirror.
2. Incorporate part of your mothers gown into your bouquet handle. This is a super special way to include your Mom in your day and will mean the world to her.
3. If you and your Groom don’t have a tune which is particularly special to you, pay tribute to your parents by playing the same entrance song as they had at their wedding as you walk down the aisle. It will be a really special treat for them.

4. Consider a signature cocktail or treat that has special significance to Mom or Dad. It could be as simple as naming the cocktail after them or after something significant in your family memories. This small gesture will go a long way.

5. After so much time together planning your wedding, its natural that they will miss you more than usual after your wedding day. Thank them for their help and support by planning some activities or a getaway that you can do as a family.

As fun as planning a wedding is, with the cake tastings, viewing grand venues and bottomless brunching with your bride tribe, there are moments in the process which can make you feel overwhelmed, tired and well… stressed! We’ve put together some remedies to help you when it all feels like it’s getting a little too much.

1. Take a digital detox

Social media is a great way to get inspiration for your wedding but sometimes comparing your modest budget with the grand gestures of strangers online or comparing your wedding diet progress to a fitness influencer can quickly turn from motivational to frustrating. Take a time out for some “me” time, put on an episode of your favorite series or go out for dinner with your fiancé. Trust us, you’ll quickly feel so much better.

2. Lean on your support network

Planning your dream day doesn’t need to be a solo project. If you’re struggling to solve a problem, share it with your Mom, Aunt or friends. If they’ve planned a wedding before, they can most likely help solve niggling problems. Often some of the time-consuming tasks can be handled by your Maid of Honor, Groomsmen or friends. Ask nicely and they’ll only be too happy to help!

3. Schedule time for things which lifts your spirits and bring you joy

Whether your find joy in baking cookies, taking an hour Pilates class or having a long soak in a hot bubble bath, make time to schedule these little things which bring you joy and lift your spirits.

4. Get Moving

It’s no secret that physical exercise considerably lowers stress levels. Make time for a 30 minute walk, an hour in the gym or a some less intense Yoga. Just getting yourself moving will quickly lift your spirits and increase your motivation to keep going. It’s often these time outs where Brides get their best inspiration for new ideas for the big day!

5. Make a “done” list

Track your progress to date, you’ll be surprised to see how far you’ve come and just how much you already have sorted. Your to-do list will still be there but seeing what you’ve already achieved will give you satisfaction and a sense of achievement which will empower you to keep going.

6. Say “yes” less

You’re planning a wedding which is already very time consuming. Taking on too much at this stage will only cause your stress levels to go up. Saying no is not selfish but a sensible response to unimportant events during this time.