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

Your First Wedding Planning To-Do's

Once the initial shock of being engaged wears off (and you take a second to peel your eyes away from that sparkly ring on your finger!), you'll need to make a lot of decisions. Don't get overwhelmed -- here are the first nine things you need to do after you get engaged.

Set a Timetable

The first thing to consider is how long your engagement will be. This will depend on a couple of factors, such as your ideal wedding date and how much time you'll need to prepare. A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year and a half or more. If you got engaged during the holidays but always wanted a summer wedding, make sure you've got enough time to plan without making yourselves wedding-crazy, and keep in mind that many of the best suppliers and reception sites book a year or more in advance.

Envision the Style

Your wedding style will be reflected first and foremost in the location, whether it's a luxe ballroom or an intimate backyard reception. Discuss with your fiance where your wedding will take place (in one of your hometowns or in the city where you currently live, for example), and then start scouting sites that can accommodate your wedding style. 

Set Your Budget

In the end, dollars, not dreams, are a main determining factor for the size and style of your wedding. So, what affects the price tag?

• Formality: In general, the more formal the reception, the more expensive, considering you'll have to match the site, food, and decor to the overall upscale tone.
• Date and time: Saturdays, summer months, and evenings tend to be the most costly times to have a reception.
• Location: In many cases, a wedding in a major metropolitan area is simply more expensive than in a smaller town.

Determine a Date

Choosing a wedding date can be tougher than you'd think. There are a few things to consider: How much time will you need to prepare for your wedding? Do any loved ones have a conflicting event, holiday, or pregnancy due date? If you have your heart set on a particular place, caterer, band, or photographer, the availability of these crucial suppliers may also play a large part in your decision. Try to avoid dates of big conventions or other events that draw large crowds, since that might make it harder for out-of-town guests to get hotel rooms. 

Once you've picked the date, start your  to-do list of what to do when.

Announce Your Engagement

Call your local newspaper, post it on Facebook, and anywhere else you want your engagement announcement to appear. Calling your nearest and dearest is a nice way to let them know your good news, but if you can't see or call everyone, consider emails and other social media networks.

Choose Your Attendants

It's time to honour your closest friends and family members by picking your wedding parties. Remember, the earlier you ask, the sooner you can enlist their help. Keep in mind that your wedding party is agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their precious time -- be considerate and kind by informing everyone about all your plans, showing them a good time, and making sure they know how much you appreciate them.

Make a Guest List

As you begin to build your guest list, you'll need to consider a number of factors. If you have a particular ceremony or reception site in mind, for instance, you're going to be limited by how many people it can accommodate (you can't squeeze 300 people into a lighthouse). Would you rather have one-on-one time with each guest or to throw a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and family? If Mum and Dad are adamant about inviting throngs of friends and family, you'll have to hear them out -- especially if they're footing a major part of the bill. Obviously, the more relatives you must invite, the larger your list will be. And more guests means a bigger bill, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis. So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the size of your guest list.

Consider a Planner

If you're a super-busy couple, hire a full-time wedding planner to help you prepare your entire event, from the announcement to the honeymoon. You can also hire a part-time consultant to devise a wedding blueprint -- including budget, schedule, and lists of good supplier and site choices -- before you launch solo into the preparations. Another option is a day-of coordinator (which we definitely recommend), who will make sure everything goes as planned on your wedding day.

Start Gown Shopping

It's never too early to begin thinking about your wedding dress. Start by figuring out which style will look best on you. How? Learn the lingo before stepping foot in a dress salon. Read up on silhouettes, necklines, trains, and hues that might flatter you. Season will also affect your choice. Getting married in the sweltering summer? Go with lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. Having a winter wedding? Brocade, faux fur, and velvet fabrics will keep you warm. Satin, shantung, silk, and tulle are perfect year-round.


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

Why hiring a Wedding Planner is Essential

For the modern couple on a budget, a wedding planner may seem like an unnecessary expense, even an extravagance.  However, many couples find that hiring a qualified, competent wedding planner is the most valuable investment they make in their wedding.  The benefits of having an experienced professional to guide couples through the planning process, or to ensure that the wedding day proceeds according to plan, far outweigh the investment, according to many brides and grooms.  Below are a few of the most significant benefits to hiring a wedding planner:

1.     She will save valuable time

The average couple will spend between two and three hundred hours planning their wedding.  Balancing wedding planning with a career, a social life and the other demands of the modern world is often a huge challenge.  Hiring a wedding planner will save time because she will do a lot of the legwork and research, presenting her clients with only the vendor options that really fit their budget and desires.  She will guide her clients through the process, ensuring that each aspect of the wedding planning happens at the appropriate time, and helping them avoid the pitfalls that come with inexperience in the wedding industry.  All that remains for the couple to do is make the final decisions!

2.     She will save money

Hiring a wedding planner can help you save big bucks!  Couples often find that the cost of hiring a planner is offset by the savings they provide.  Most planners have connections with photographers, venues, and florists, and can often negotiate discounts or the addition of extra services or products. 

3.     She will help reduce stress

In this day and age, many couples have high-powered careers and other important commitments that demand a lot of intellectual and emotional energy.  They often find that adding the intensity and potential complications of planning a wedding is enough to put their stress level over the top.  Most wedding planners also act as therapists and friends, providing moral and emotional support through the family related, logistical and financial issues with which the bride and groom deal during the planning process.  The planner will also ensure that the planning stays on schedule and that nothing is forgotten.  The reduction of stress is often the most compelling reason to hire a planner.

4.     She will help focus the couples’ vision

There are a LOT of beautiful images and wedding ideas out there – the internet, magazines and bookstores are full of photos, advice and ideas for the perfect wedding.  Additionally, celebrity weddings are highly publicized, creating a desire for couples to have a “celebrity” style wedding on an unrealistic budget.  Many couples find it difficult to narrow their vision to form a cohesive theme for their wedding and reception.  A qualified planner will get to know her couple, suggesting particular décor, floral and design elements that will incorporate the couple’s personalities and work within their budget, while producing a unified, distinct theme.

5.     She will keep the best interests of her clients in mind

Often, when the word “wedding” is uttered, the prices of hairstylists, photographers and venues skyrocket.  Most wedding vendors are looking out for their best interests – and rightly so; the business of weddings is how they make their living.  However, many couples find that their budget is quickly exceeded by a vendor who senses their inexperience with weddings and takes advantage by quoting prices that are not comparable with the rest of the industry.  Because brides and grooms typically only get married once, many fall prey to this common ploy by less-than scrupulous vendors.  Some venues provide an on-site wedding coordinator, leading some couples to believe that they don’t need a coordinator of their own.  However, it’s important to remember that this person is paid by the venue, and therefore has the venue’s interests in mind.  Often, this coordinator has no contact with the couples’ florist, officiant or decorator, and cannot possibly provide couples with the kind of one-on-one time and assistance a private coordinator can.  One of the biggest advantages of hiring a good wedding coordinator is that she has the couples’ best interests in mind.  A qualified coordinator can steer couples away from vendors who don’t meet their needs, and she knows the industry standards as far as pricing and services for wedding vendors.  She will ensure that her couple gets what they need, at the best prices possible.

6.     She will recommend quality vendors

It can be very overwhelming to sift through hundreds of photographers, DJs, florists and rental companies.  Couples with no experience in wedding planning find it difficult to compare packages and services, as each vendor presents his or her offerings in a different way, making it difficult or impossible to find the best value.  Much time can be wasted meeting with and interviewing vendors, only to find that none are a fit with the couples’ desires and personalities.  A wedding planner knows many of the vendors in the industry, and can narrow down the choices for her clients, recommending vendors she knows will be a good fit.  Often, couples find vendors who are perfect for them based on the recommendation of a good wedding planner.

7.     She will prevent and solve problems on the wedding day

The wedding day should be the most special, memorable day in a bride and groom’s life.  The beautiful bride and dashing groom should be able to focus on each other as they pledge to love, honour, and cherish, and to enjoy the result of the hard work they put into planning their wedding.  However, many couples find that they instead spend the day “working” – that is, they must call the florist when the wrong flowers are delivered, find a place for the unexpected guest to sit, and track down the DJ when he is late.  When a wedding planner is on site, these problems will be solved, often before the couple (or the guests) even know there is an issue.  The peace-of-mind of knowing that the bride and groom can just relax and enjoy their day is well worth the cost of a wedding planner in many couples’ books.

Article from Bridal Tweet : Amy Mc Nall at www.unmistakablyyou.com.

Carte Blanche Wedding Designs Top 5 Wedding Trends for 2011

Below are a few of the top wedding trends that Carte Blanche Wedding Design has found for 2011. A lot of the inspiration seems to also come from the newly engaged Prince William & the stunning Kate Middleton. Going back to the adage of "less is more" is back where couples are preferring to return to the simplicity of decor whilst focusing on what really matters.....


Outdoor Venues- Where It’s At
1.Couples tying the knot in 2011 will gravitate toward outdoor ceremony and reception venues. The raw, minimal backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on nearlyweds. Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces situated alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, and they’ll be spruced up with personalized touches that represent the bride and groom.


2.Sophisticated Elegance Returns
It's back to basics with elegant, sophisticated style in 2011. Wedding decor will be simple and understated, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches. Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms, and classic wedding cakes embody this trend. Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.


3.Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy
Gloomy no more, grey is the neutral IT color for 2011 weddings. Organic and natural, shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop! And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year. Wonder if Prince Will's royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend... what do you think??


4. Mad for Metallics & Bold Color Palettes
Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent, or several metallic shades used together, brights and metallics will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011. Gilded gold, shimmery silver, and sparkling champagne will used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal. And since metallics make such a bold statement on their own, couples will scale back over-the-top decor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.


5. Big Ball Gowns are Back
Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves. Wedding dress designers draped, ruched, and layered clouds of tulle, power netting, and chiffon to fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume. The outcome? Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011 I Dos.


Wishing everyone a blissful week till we meet again........Natalie


www.carteblancheweddings.com.au

First Blog Post for CBWD

Firstly let me start by saying that I am definitely a "newbie" to blogging and have finally decided to join the rest of the world in another way of letting people know what I am up to (as if facebook wasn't enough!) 


Being thrust into the wonderful world of wedding planning a lot of time is spent on the internet trawling through countless websites, blogs, facebook pages etc and keeping up to date with the latest and greatest trends around the world when it comes to anything "weddings". 


Hopefully this will now be a new tool for me to interact with "potential brides" and anyone that would like to chat about their special day.


I would love for you to see my website: www.carteblancheweddings.com.au & also check out my facebook page.


Happy Sunday...........Natalie