Cost Effective Bridal Shower Ideas

As we all know, when it comes to planning any sort of party, get together, event or any other name we choose to call a collection of people socialising in the one setting, this generally means money. Don't get confused with the word "cost effective" either, thinking it means "cheap" it doesn't!! This just means that there is an alternative way of hosting your friends & family by adding that personal touch which usually tends to mean that little bit more. With weddings costing more than what they used to, brides & grooms being more money conscious it is important to address these concerns by coming up with some fun alternative ways of entertaining your guests & still remain with a little bit of integrity (before the drinks kick in, at least ;-)


Classy Cocktail Party

Why not throw a cocktail party in a friend's house so you can save serious cash.There are oodles of ways to keep it classy.You can get a variety of cheeses or a fabulous cheese tower,beautiful breads, flavoured oils and specialty dips. You can really make it interesting, by serving some colourful, sexy drinks, like a cosmo or be more adventurous by making up some signature cocktails.


High Tea

Show off your worldliness by hosting an afternoon high tea, so you can keep food light and to a minimum. You can serve a variety of teas for everyone to sample along with scones,finger sandwiches & those delicious petit fours. Why not check out flea markets/vintage stores for wonderful old teacups, saucers, and teapots. It's even more interesting when they don't match.


Recipe Shower

Probably the most inexpensive idea is a recipe shower. Everyone else does the cooking, taking much of the work and cost off of you. The bride and groom then get oodles of great recipes to use in their new life together & perhaps add some cooking inspiration to the mix. A recipe card can be sent to each guest with their invitation where guests are then asked to make a favorite dish and bring it, along with its recipe.

You might choose to have each guest say a bit about the recipe and what it has meant to her over the years. For example, Aunty Jo can bring the recipe for the roast beef that she and Uncle Bob ate on the night he proposed, and share the story with everyone. A fantastic way to integrate all your guests & make some new memories from the old ones.


Cutting Corners on the Extras

You'd be surprised at how the little things add up (maybe not!), so for the invitations, why not get in touch with your creative crafty side ; buy some specialty stationery & use your computer if you are that way inclined or DIY invites from a reputable stationer. A great idea is to put a crossword puzzle on the invitation with questions about the bride and groom. You can include questions like 'where did the bride go to school,' or 'what is the bride/groom's favourite drink'.These small touches make the invitations quite unique, so they're not just boring, and also manages to add that little bit of "je nais se quoi" by involving your guests that extra bit more.


Just remember that what really matters when you're planning a shower is the thought, love, and personality you put into it, not how much money you spent.




Happy Planning & remember to always.......Honour ~ Love ~ Cherish & PLAN

Times are changing.......

It has been a while since I last blogged & I have been meaning to write about some of the changes I have been experiencing as a planner. The world of weddings as we know it has always been about the fantasy, the glitz & glamour, & when you pick up a wedding magazine/subscribe to a wedding blog etc you are blown away by the price of weddings, and the pure extravagance of the entire event. The carrot is dangled & before you know it you are immersed into the world of weddings; especially the ones that seem to have that elusive "unlimited budget" ~ one should be so lucky :-)

My mantra has always been and always will be: "let us work on your wedding & you work on your relationship". Too often I see couples, placing so much unneeded pressure on themselves to have the perfect wedding reception; and what they are missing out on is the ability to enjoy the wedding planning journey & the one of self discovery. Let's face it, this is usually the only time in your life that you will ever stage such a big event; so why not enjoy the experience & leave the details to the professionals. 

With more & more couples working together on financing their wedding; this has now become the foundation for the couple to learn to work together & reach compromises which means the wedding is becoming more about the relationship and less about an extravagant party; the way it should be! All the stresses associated with hosting such an event has always been the catalyst for "couples" transforming into people they are not.

So in short, enjoy the planning process ~ these days with couples working longer hours (to subsequently fund the wedding) the convenience of having a planner has now become quintessentially the 'secret weapon' for the couple’s sanity. So do yourselves a favour and focus on your relationship first & foremost and let the wedding be a reflection of what it is you hold dear.

Wishing you all happy planning.......Natalie xx

Pre-wedding angst

It's one of the subjects that we go all through when planning a big event like a wedding. As soon as the ring is on the finger and the date set, we become so obsessed about everything to do with the wedding that we sometimes neglect the most important thing and that is "our relationship". As a wedding planner, I like to use this motto when working with my brides....."we take care of the wedding" and "you take care of your marriage"!

You never expected the downside: glaring at each other in bridal registry departments, screaming matches over the wedding guest list. The engagement period can be a minefield of hot topics that can trigger huge blowouts sometimes a seating plan is not just a seating plan.

At the end of the day it isn't about the wedding as such you should worry about, it's the marriage that is really important! Below is a list of the most common prewedding blowouts and how to resolve them.


Family
"His family's guest list is getting longer and longer every day, and they're not even chipping in for the wedding."

This argument can sometimes be "a prototype for future financial dealings." The best advice would be to discuss things rationally and be business like with your approach. You could also suggest the breakdown of both families costings and ask the question: "What can we do to limit the cost and will/can your family chip in?" Sometimes a less invasive approach can be the way to go.Throughout this process there maybe some underlying issues so be on the lookout for conflicts like these as the respective partner may have a greater sense of obligation to their parents that the wedding be a certain way. It's a good way to try and find that balance of "fairness & balance" without offending anyone. 


Groom Involvement
"He doesn't even seem to care about the colour of the table linens"

You could be expecting too much: He's a guy after all!  Most men are clueless when it comes to design and decor." This doesn't mean that you should give up on including him, however. "Find out what he is interested in and encourage him to participate in that part.


Money
You're spending loads of money on your dress and your groom would like to spend some of that cash on the honeymoon.

The problem here is that this problem is fairly one sided, and really "what entitles you to spend huge amounts of money on the wedding dress,anyway? This needs to be an equitable deal. At least the honeymoon is something you'll both enjoy. Sit down with him, like two adults, and work out the finances of the wedding together."


Religion
"Why isn't he making an effort to understand my tradition/religion?"

If handled calmly and sensitively, a discussion like this can be an opportunity to get to know yourself and your partner better just by getting clear about what these traditions mean and say about each other.


Decor
He wants dark green ink on the invitation; you want pale green. He wants candles on the tables; you think they look silly. 


Both of you need to share the power and decision-making regarding wedding plans. Decide on priorities by having each person rate on a scale of one to ten the importance of each detail. Remember, it's good practice to learn early on how to prioritise, negotiate, and compromise. These skills will come in very handy later on.


Bridezilla Behaviour
He says, "Who is this detail-obsessed, wedding-magazine-reading woman and where is the girl who used to sit with me watching the footy?"

Your guy may have a point. "If the wedding has become more important than your relationship, that's a warning sign. Yes, you want a lovely wedding, but not at the expense of your relationship. After all, what's the point? Keep your future in mind."

Wedding Budget Blues......or.......Wedding Budget Bliss?

TACKLING THE WEDDING BUDGET
Quite a contradiction in terms, right! Well it is; it's the kind of thing that can bring both blues or bliss (personally I would opt for the bliss, as I think most couples would!) but to achieve this we must be realistic every step of the way. There is nothing wrong with having a "dream wedding" providing it is within your budget. 
                                
After meeting with a couple and discussing their "perfect day" I am often the one who has to bring the subject of money up and it's quite funny to me that as a planner this is the part of the wedding planning process that we tend to lose the "bride to be" for a while, it begins with the rolling of the eyes, the heavy sighing and the automatic flipping of "another" bridal/wedding magazine that has mysteriously appeared! However it is the "groom to be" who becomes attentive and is quite astonished as to what things actually cost when it comes to all things weddings, the furrowing of the brow becomes more visible particularly if he/they are shouldering the the entire bill or at least quite a big chunk of it. 


I really try to tackle this subject very tactfully as people tend to get quite defensive when discussing money, and let's face it ~ it's never really the right time to bring it up! My approach is to be non partial and make sure they get "the best value" for money and hopefully have some money left over for the honeymoon! It's all about being creative and making that hard working dollar stretch as far as it can go as well as trying not to lose the style and class that is synonymous with hiring me as their planner. 


Ideas of a fantasy wedding are often brought down to earth by the issue of money so it is important to discuss this pretty much after the engagement; because as any bride to be would know as soon as you get engaged on come the blinkers and its "wedding mode" all the way till you walk down the aisle. Setting a budget for your wedding is the second thing you need to do after the engagement. Your budget will be determined by the style of your wedding, number of guests and the type of reception you are wanting to have. Everything you do from now on will affect your wedding budget. By keeping accurate records/receipts of wedding expenses as you go along it will help you stay within your budget.


HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
As part of the many services my company provides budget preparation is fast becoming one of the things I assist couples with the most, aside from on the day coordination etc. I suggest to my couples that you both discuss what is important to each of you separately and try to find common ground  and then to decide what will be the area that you wish to spend a higher % of the budget on. The reception generally takes 40 -50% of the budget with the remainder of the funds being allocated to your priorities.


HIDDEN COSTS
Un-budgeted costs an result in unexpected higher wedding bills and being aware of the "details" will help avoid any hidden costs. Things to keep in mind are: corkage fees cakeage fee (fee for cutting and serving cake at the venue), any late fees to suppliers, church/celebrant fees and parking costs associated with guests attending your wedding etc.


WHO PAYS FOR WHAT
Today there are no rules about who pays for what. Times have changed and what it really comes down to is the financial ability of the bride & groom and their families.Don't be afraid to discuss money so early in the planning process as this will hold you in good stead when dealing with financial issues in married life (and boy there are plenty!) Establish good communication with your partner and family if they are contributing to the wedding and always be truthful about your financial situation. Often couples find it difficult to discuss money with their parents, however in the long run if they are willing to contribute it's best to know up front so everyone is on the same page.

                                               
My aim for writing this blog was so that all couples can enjoy the wedding planning process, open the lines of communication when it comes to finances and by discussing this "taboo" subject of a "wedding budget" we can avoid the pitfalls of the "wedding budget blues" and have "wedding budget bliss" instead ;)


Happy planning...........Natalie

Vintage vs Retro vs Antique

Lots of brides to be use the word "vintage" fairly loosely these days to describe the look they are trying to achieve; however I often wonder if they actually mean "retro" or "antique". To try and de-mystify this dilemma I have decided to blog about this topic because as a planner it's my role to understand what it is they really want so I am able to translate that into their ideal wedding theme.

VINTAGE

If you decide to plan for a wedding that is inspired by the Roaring 20's, 30's etc my advice would be to get into that 1920's flapper fashion by dressing in a drop waist vintage beaded french lace will capture old time romance & accessorise with vintage crystal and diamond brooches. For the guys a suit with tails and top hat will compliment the bride just perfectly. Styling your vintage themed event with touches such as feathers, birdcages with silk flowers, venetian mirrors and candlelight will set the reception shimmering. You can even add antique silver bowls filled with flowers as centrepieces and have vintage cars as your transportation.                                                          

RETRO

When planning a "retro" style themed wedding, think about "all-american classic", "1950's rock'n'roll", "Happy Days" era of bobby socks and the big full tea length skirt, with the big  1950's cadillac.

ANTIQUE

This period is generally referred to as the Edwardian or Victorian Era. With this in mind, it's best to describe this theme as rich, romantic, old fashioned etc. Colours that are generally used are those in the pastel palette; ivory,pink,gold etc.Intricate victorian lace, beading and pearls are at the heart of this romantic wedding theme which just shouts "pretty & romantic".

I hope I have been able to at least shed some light on this topic and by having a clearer understanding of what each terminology is you will be able to exactly describe to your wedding planner/supplier what it is you want and get the wedding of your dreams with your own personality shining through.

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

Little Red Riding Hood Wedding Inspiration

Growing up in a family that loved reading (and I mean really "love") was a tradition I wholeheartedly embraced and it became a part of who I am so it was inevitable that I be a fan of the written word. I was always fascinated how you could immerse yourself in a world of mystery, history, fantasy or romance and be transported to another place and time without having to leave your room. This is where as a planner it is crucial that you be able to be see inspiration and have imagination when no-one else does.

Which leads me to the newest movie that has hit the cinemas: "Little Red Riding Hood". Having been quite familiar with this classic tale, I found it quite refreshing that there is some wedding inspiration that can be take from it, despite the dark and ominous storyline surrounding it. The robust and decadent colour palette of black & red may not scream wedding to some, but if done correctly it can say "decadent & romantic". 

Pictures by Tab MacCausland

Always remember that you can take inspiration from anywhere , be it a fairy tale or not and by putting your own personal twist, ensures that it is all about you.

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

Hearts Desire

Hmmm......what does this mean? Could it mean your dream wedding? Could it mean all your dreams coming true for your special day? Well sort of........this blog is about wanting everything possible thing and not really paying for it! How is this possible you may ask? Well the answer is easy.....I'm writing about tips for your Bridal Registry. Where you can literally shop till you drop and not pay a cent - not a bad deal, hey.

Creating a wedding gift registry can be a daunting task, so I've assembled the best advice to get you started.....

1. Have a PLAN 

Firstly draw up a list of what you want and what you need. Don't be afraid to choose larger, expensive items as it gives guests a chance to buy a group gift. Select gifts that cater for different budgets. Give guests plenty of choices at different price points.

2. Go back to BASICS

Move through the store thinking of each room of the house. List essentials including: glassware, dinnerware, towels and bedlinen.

3. Adding a touch of FUN & LUXE

Popularity  of Wedgewood & Royal Doulton is growing as designs become more modern. Wii consoles are also finding their way on a number of registries, its fun and both bride & groom can play. If travel is a priority to the couple, luxe luggage can also be included.

4. Living together

Don't worry this is a chance to either complete a set of dinner plates, glasses or upgrade to more sophisticated homewares

TOP 10 Wedding Gifts

• Coffee Machine
• Wine decanters
• Formal Cutlery set
• Set of LUXE wine glasses
• Pots & Pan set
• Digital camera/video
• Complete formal dinner set
• Set of quality cook books
• Gift Voucher for Couples Day Spa
• Cooking class voucher for bride & groom

I hope this these handy tips make shopping for wedding gifts loads of fun and hope that you get everything in your wish list!

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