Some tips on how to add some fun for your wedding

I love being a wedding planner and be able to use my imagination to where ever the wind blows. Those are the perks of the trade and when when working with a couple it's all about meshing the creative idea with the individuality of the couple.These are a few little ideas to add some FUN to your special day with your own personal twist to your wedding reception.


1. Photo Booths
Some may disagree with photo booths and think they are so passe - but I just love them! Especially the sepia toned ones (brown tint to the photos) since they add that vintage feel if that's what you are after, or alternatively normal colour and that is because it creates an interactive activity for you and your guests. You could also make a photo collage and frame it ~ which could turn out to be quite a talking piece at your next dinner party!


2. Low, Lush Centrepieces
Low centrepieces can still make plenty of impact with an abundance of colourful flowers teamed with candles and mirrored table tops. With the amount of flowers available these days the only thing stopping you is your imagination.


3. Cake/Dessert Station
Before I begin, this is the FUN part of wedding planning ~ cake tasting YUM!! Can't decide on what you want? Cake tasting and design has come a long way since the traditional fruit cake and mud cake(not that there is anything wrong with that) but who can decide one only one thing. If your budget allows it why not combine both options and have a cake for the traditional side of the proceedings and then have the dessert station as a bonus for you and your guests. Cake anyone??


4.Engagement Photos
Everyone does engagement photos most of the time and usually people give them away to family and friends and have them displayed around the house etc. Why not add these photos to your "Save the Date" cards or use them for your engagement party invitations. At least they are being put to good use and being used more than once.


5. Bridesmaids Dresses
Gone are the days when all the bridesmaids had to look the same. There is nothing wrong with everyone looking the same if that is what you like, however its great to include the girls individuality by choosing dresses that flatter different body types. An idea would be have all the girls with different styles of dresses, using the same colour palette. Just use your imagination an get some input from your friends if you dare!


6.Floral Arrangements
Having varied floral arrangements is another great idea too. By this I mean, having all the girls with different floral bouquets (ideally posies suited to the colour palette used throughout the wedding) and then the bridal bouquet to be a combination of them of all. A unique twist on a classic.


Hopefully after reading these ideas you are able to get those creative juices flowing and get some inspiration for own special affair.

Happy Planning..........Natalie

4 Tips to a Beautiful Wedding Reception

#1 – Invest the time

Take the time to experiment, and really try things out before deciding on your overall wedding décor, table linens, etc. Some colours, fabrics and textures look completely different in different lighting, so how it looks in the bright fluorescent lights of the showroom is NOT how it will look in your dim, candlelit reception room.

#2 – Come prepared
When you meet with your wedding designer and/or linens provider, it’s most helpful and efficient if you come armed with as much detail as possible about your wedding, such as photos of your wedding dress and bridesmaids’ attire, any cake or floral information you have and so on. Also, if you have a specific colour in mind, bring in an actual sample – verbal descriptions just don’t work!

#3 – Handle strong colour with care
If you love a bright, vivid colour but are concerned about it being “too much,” consider using it as an accent colour in the room instead, such as in the napkins and chair ties. If it’s a small wedding, bright fuchsia table linens may work, but a grand ballroom filled with 40 hot pink tables may be a bit overwhelming.

#4 – Make your own unique colour
By experimenting with different sheers placed over various coloured fabrics, you may find your own unique combination that gives you the look you want. Ideally, do this in the same lighting that your reception will be in for an accurate vision!

Happy Planning...........Natalie 

15 Tips to consider when choosing wedding colours......from CBWD

Set Your Eyes on Your Site
When deciding on a wedding colour palette, play up the prominent colours of your site or setting. 

Get Inspired by the Season
Let Mother Nature be your guide  they say she never makes a mistake. Pink may work year-round, but light pastels and barely there hues like buff can look washed out for a autumn or winter wedding. In the summer, reserve dark colours like burgundy only for accents.

Do Your Research
Become aware of colour combinations that you like, whether browsing art galleries or flipping through a stack of home or fashion or interior design magazines for the must-have colours for the new season.

Scout it Out
To choose an exact hue, visit a fabric store or paint shop and collect swatches or chips of colours you might want to use. This will help you get specific, so that when you decide on green you'll know if it's lime green, Kelly green, sage green, or forest green.

Choose a Dominant Hue
Pick one general colour first say, blue and then start thinking about shades and tints (aqua, tiffany blue, navy) or other colours to accent it with.

Play with Paint Websites
From seeing colours in action (by virtual room painting) to recommendations for popular colour combos, paint companies know a lot about colour. Visit sites like Dulux.com.au and Bristol.com.au.

Pair Wisely
Stick to wedding colours of the same intensity, such as lavender and baby blue rather than royal blue with light brown.

Set the Mood
Figure out what emotions you want your celebration to evoke. A peaceful, Zen-like retreat? A regal, romantic affair? A jumping, high-energy party? For instance, a vibrant summer yellow mixed with chocolate-brown (think sunflowers and bees) is perfect for a country-chic wedding -- add gold to the mix, and the combination becomes more reminiscent of regal France.

Get it on Paper
Spend time looking for wedding stationery in colour combos that inspire you and express your style and fit with the feel of the reception -- rich violets, oranges, and teals for a Mediterranean or Near East flair, or pink and green for a summer garden affair.

Vary it Up
Can't settle on one scheme? If your wedding takes place in multiple rooms, each can have its own palette. But choose one consistent colour to keep it from looking like a kaleidoscope.

Take Flower Notes
The most obvious way to add colour is with your wedding flowers. But first, get familiar with the different types of flowers - especially your favourites and the colours they come in. Secondly find a florist this able to understand your vision.

Don't Forget Your Linens
Look through party rental catalogues for colourful cloths like napkins and overlays that you love. Use them on guest, cake and buffet tables, underneath the place cards, and more. Or, focus on the table accessories. Maybe a beloved china pattern could set the palette for your reception tables. 

Light it Up
Lighting can make or break a space. Talk to your event designer/wedding planer or lighting expert about colours you can use to wash bare white walls (especially important for large spaces). Pink and amber tints will soften the room without overpowering it. Blue is tricky, but can work well if you're looking to showcase cool crisp angles.

Drive Home Colour
Don't forget about the impact of repetition -- trimming doorways, tables, centrepieces, and the bar with the same simple ribbon in your signature hue will give more oomph than one large, ornate display in the same colour.

Consider All of Your Elements
The last, but most important, thing to remember when making your final choice: Not all colours are easy to wear, and you've got bridesmaids to dress.



Happy colour planning.......Natalie xx