A beautiful Indian Wedding Ceremony in progress – Photo Courtesy: m-bot
Traditional Indian Weddings happen within a span of days! It can be a span of 6 days or a span of 7 days and during these days there are over 40 different traditions that are observed. It is indeed a beautiful and culturally rich wedding which deserves all the photo and video coverage (and the best one at that) that it can get.
The different traditions can also differ from regions, families and castes. For the Hindus, marriage is very, very important as it also celebrates not only the joining of two individuals but two families as well.
The wedding has different parts; the pre-wedding ceremonies include an engagement which has an oral agreement as well as a written declaration, the next part would be the arrival of the groom and his party to the bride’s residence. The celebrations continue with the bride and groom entering their new home.
Here are more details on the ceremonies and traditions that are observed:
The Misri – the Ring Ceremony
Ring Ceremony of an Indian couple – Photo Courtesy: Rishabh Mathur
The Misri – the ring ceremony needs seven married women who will draw the sign of Lord Ganesha in red powder which is spread above a bowl of rock sugar. Then prayers are said by the engaged couple and their parents; the couple will then exchange flowered garlands and gold rings. All of these is done in front of your priest. The groom’s parents then place a basket of fruit on the future bride’s lap to welcome her to the family and the bride’s family is then fed misri (rock sugar) which confirms the engagement and promises a life of sweetness.
The ‘Mehendi’ – Henna
Beautiful Mehendi on an Indian Bride’s hands – Photo Courtesy: Christine Long
Another ceremony is known as the ‘Mehendi’ which takes place before the wedding and is a ‘ladies only affair’. During the Mehendi, intricate and detailed henna patterns are applied to the hands and feet of the ladies which symbolize the deepening bonds with the future husband. The Mehendi is often celebrated together with the Sagri which could also be considered as an acquaintance party where the groom’s female relatives visit the bride giving gifts and flowers.
‘Shaadi’ – The Wedding
During the wedding day, the priest will perform a tradition known as Nav-Graha Puja which will be done in both the houses of the bride and the groom; here the priest says prayers to the Gods of the nine planets. Afterwards, the priest will perform the Ghari Puja which is a series of prayers that is done with offerings of betel nuts, wheat, coconut as well as rice and spices.
Happy girls dancing during Prema & Mohin’s wedding celebrations – Photo Courtesy: Nono Fara
The mothers of the bride and groom will wear their wedding clothes and have earthenware pots with water on their heads; they will walk to their respective doorways. The water will be cut with a knife – this is to ward off evil spirits; relatives and friends will then give the parents flowers and money. The next part of the tradition is a fun one, where the the celebrations begin with dancing and feasting.
There are definitely more traditions during Hindu weddings, so make sure you prepare for it and have a great wedding videographer to catch all of the rich culture.
This article is by Tom Hewett from Octavo Pictures who produce Affordable Wedding Videography for capture your special day.
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Above: Here is a unique idea for wedding centrepieces – This centrepiece at Bionda and Mike’s wedding had fish. Live fish. Swimming around. Photo Courtesy: Guy Dickinson
The wedding day is considered one of the happiest days of your life. Whether you are working to a low budget or money is no object, wedding breakaway centrepieces can create a nice touch for the guests and family and are perfect for enhancing the beauty of your wedding photographs.
These pieces contain a selection of elements that will separate into a gift that your family or friends can take home. Examples include miniature bells, dried flowers, potted plants, small mirrors or floating candles. Breakaway centrepieces may be set in a box, fixed onto a stand, or positioned in the centre of the guest tables in the wedding reception area to create a focal point for the guests and wedding photographer to concentrate on.
Floating or Votive Candles
Autumn Centerpiece at Carol and Benz’s wedding in Tuckahoe, New York, USA. Photo Courtesy: Eden, Janine and Jim
An attractive wedding breakaway centrepiece is a candle, as they are relatively inexpensive, available in a variety of colours and sizes and can romanticise and scent a room. White candles or tea lights may be the preferred choice for weddings as they are neutral, bright and white blends with all furniture and lighting.
Alternatively, choose a candle shade that compliments your wedding decorations. A pleasant idea for a centrepiece is to position a floating candle in the centre of the table in a small dish, which your guests can take home as a reminder.
Dried Flowers
Above: Poutpourri Centrepiece – Glass bowl with real pine cones. Dark red and off-white potpourri petals act as fillers and give off a very light scent – we call it “Cinna-linnen” (apple/cinnamon and linen scented potpourri). Surrounded by 4 ivory-colored unscented candles. Photo Courtesy: Mathieu Plourde
Dried flowers are colourful and easy to scent with essential oils. They can be placed into small decorative bags as a beautiful wedding centrepiece. Decorate the small bags with a ribbon or make small bags of potpourri and fragrance it with a neutral scent like vanilla or lavender.
Fresh Flowers
Beautiful wedding table centerpieces made with tulips, orchids and roses. Photo Courtesy: Tracy Hunter
Floral centrepieces are the epitome of elegance on every table at a wedding reception and you don’t need to be a flower expert to arrange them into a pleasant display. However, if there is no set budget for your wedding reception, why not hire a florist to create beautiful displays for you.
Tulips or white roses are neutral, delicately scented and elegant. Flowers subtly scent and brighten a room, retain their freshness for several days and can be recycled into pot pourri by flower lovers.
Flat Mirrors
A nice flat mirror wedding centrepiece – Photo Courtesy: Megan
Flat mirrors are a nice touch to a wedding breakaway centrepiece. Arrange pot plants, dried flowers, chocolate or sweets, miniature bells or colourful votive candles onto a small flat mirror for a charming finish. To add further elegance, sprinkle glitter or gold dust onto the wedding centrepiece. This type of decoration is available from all retailers of stationery.
Miniature Bells
At Kimberly & Mickey’s Wedding in Sunnyview Farms, Delaware, Ohio, USA. Photo Courtesy: Claire P
Miniature bells can be positioned around a flower display in the centre of the table or they can be put into small boxes and arranged around the table as a take-home gift. Alternatively, why not tie a delicate bow around the miniature bells with ribbon.
Small Pot Plants
Mossy Centerpiece – at a wedding in Piedmont Monticello, Charlottesville, VA, USA. Photo Courtesy: Paulo Ordoveza
Pot plants add a nice touch to a wedding reception. If you have the time, grow a selection of pot plants and provide enough for your guests to take home as a gift.
All that is required to arrange these are flower seeds, compost and enough small pots to cover all of your guests. It will take several weeks for the seeds to flower, so plan this centrepiece well in advance. Finally, decorate the pot plants with colourful ribbon.
Food Centrepieces
Heather and Shane’s Wedding Centerpiece filled with candy in Gilbert, Arizona, USA. Photo Courtesy: Ashley Rehnblom
Small fairy cakes can be decorated with decorative icing and sweets and placed on a dish in the centre of the table. Alternatively, decorate a wicker basket and fill it with homemade bread or muffins.
There are a great many ideas that you can use to create your own unique wedding breakaway centrepiece. Choose from tasty sweet treats, pot plants, floating candles, miniature bells, flat mirrors or fresh or dried flowers. If your wedding is traditional, stick to white candles to complement the furniture and lighting.
Gem Wilson is a writer who believes that a great centrepiece will enhance your photographs of the reception. You should seek help from a specialist like Owen Lucas Photography to help you set up your displays to get the best pictures possible.
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Regent wedding car outside Manchester Town Hall, Manchester, England – Photo Courtesy: Gene Hunt
Your wedding is the most important day of your life, so it’s essential that any decisions regarding this special day are well-informed. Everything from the sit-down menu to the venue, the entertainment and transport needs to be carefully considered to make sure everything runs without a hitch and everyone remembers the wedding for the right reasons.
And who’s normally responsible for organising proceedings?
The bride, of course!
But how do you go about choosing the perfect wedding car, especially if you have little to no knowledge of motors? It goes without saying that the car you choose for your wedding is very special and needs to reflect your tastes and personality, but obviously there are some other factors to take into consideration too, so you need to consider your requirements and more importantly your budget prior to hiring a vehicle.
A beautiful wedding car at Gemma & Andrew’s wedding in Barnacle, England – Photo Courtesy: Kevin
Well, take a look at our guide to picking a stylish yet practical mode of transport that will get you and your bridal party to the church on time and give you the perfect first drive as a married couple as you leave the ceremony.
Size
Before you start flicking through luxurious car magazines, you must first establish how many people will be travelling in the car alongside you. Traditionally it’s just the bride’s mother and father who travel in the bride’s car, but ultimately it’s up to you who you take with you to calm your nerves!
Look at this beauty – A beauford Tourer wedding car in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. The Beauford design is based on the 1920′s 1930′s Duesenberg and the Packard Eleventh Series Eight Sedan. Photo Courtesy: Grey World
Should you decide that you want your whole family in the car on the way to the church then a limousine is really the only way to go (a minibus hardly screams ‘here comes the bride to be’, after all). If you just want one fellow passenger then the choices are wide open; you could be driven to the church in a high performance car such as an Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes or Maserati for the real ‘wow’ factor. And if you’re not much of a show-off and high performance cars aren’t for you, you can always go for the more traditional wedding cars such as a Rolls Royce, Bentley or a Daimler.
If you want something REALLY BIG, then how about this Wedding Truck!?!! Photo Courtesy: Joynergy
View Some Cars
It’s always a good idea for any bride who is not that familiar with cars to go and look at some in person to get an idea of what she can get for her money. Search for your nearest wedding car hire service online and visit their showroom well in advance of the big day. Make sure you have a good look at all of the cars (inside and out, as you want to be comfortable as well as stylish) and try to picture what would really complement your wedding’s theme.
1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III in Tonbridge, Kent, UK – Photo Courtesy: Richard Fisher
See whether you can be taken for a little test drive around the block to really get a feel for the car. A bride should always be contented and relaxed on her big day, so if the Ferrari looks flashy but is ultimately too fast and uncomfortable, then maybe try a classic car such as a Rolls Royce or Bentley.
Theme
If your wedding has a particular theme, why not hire a car or limousine to continue that theme? If your wedding is to take inspiration from a certain time period you could hire a car to match the fashions of the era. A Mustang or Cadillac would really compliment a fifties themed wedding, for example.
Cadillac – The wedding car for Bettell O’Shea wedding. Photo Courtesy: George Grinsted
If you have decided upon a more traditional wedding and you don’t have a particular theme in mind, why don’t you opt for your ‘dream’ car? If you’re not much of a car enthusiast, though, then you may want to keep it simple yet elegant with a limousine or town car.
Choosing the perfect wedding car is no easy feat, but as long as you’re prepared to weigh up all your options and do a little research beforehand, we’re confident that you can make a thoughtful and informed decision on a car that ticks all the boxes. Best of luck!
Gareth Jackson used to work as a chauffeur before moving into the competitive world of local car and van rentals. He provides wedding cars for hire in Essex and looks after a stunning S-Class Mercedes and an impressive Ford Mustang.
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A glamorous wedding needn’t break the bank, and it doesn’t mean trimming the guest list, sacrificing the must-haves, or going crazy with DIY. All that’s really required is a little resourcefulness. So what are the secrets behind a high style and yet low cost wedding?
Go through the list given below and you’ll find that by following these tips, you may be able to save a lot of your precious money while at the same time fulfilling all your wishes for your big day.
The Gown
A bride in a beautiful laced wedding dress and pearl necklace with a bouquet of white rosebuds. Photo Courtesy: Smartphotostock.com
Opt for simple and elegant, as it’s the handwork of adding beads and trim that skyrockets cost. Even better, leave the bridal boutiques behind and shop for a designer evening gown, many of which come in wedding-worthy shades and styles but cost hundreds or even thousands less. Check out formal wear rental shops, which are constantly selling off last season’s gowns at deep discounts. Where accessories are concerned, borrow items like the veil, purse, gloves and shoes from friends and choose family jewelry like grandmother’s pears instead of buying new bling.
The Flowers
Find out whose weddings are scheduled just before and after yours. If you can coordinate flowers with either bride, you can share expenses. Ask the florist to use plentiful in-season blooms rather than expensive exotics and don’t overlook blossoming shrubs like lilac and hydrangea. For the bouquet, an arrangement in a holder will look larger and fuller than the same flowers hand tied.
The Invitations
DIY Wedding Invitation of Yaffa and Kerin – Photo Courtesy: Yaffa Phillips
Avoid extra postage by saying no to anything that weighs over an ounce in its envelope or is a square or other non-standard shape. Handle RSVP by email and phone rather than enclosing cards and envelopes. For super savings and the option to personalize, design and print your own invitations.
The Music
If you have a friend with a beautiful voice, explain that you’d love to have a solo as a wedding gift. If there’s a nearby college, music majors often support themselves by playing events, and hiring a trio or quintet for the ceremony and receiving line is an affordable touch of elegance.
The Photography and Video
Many a time, wedding pictures clicked by friends come out even better than a professional would have taken. Look above at this excellent shot of Lotta & Sebastian clicked by their good friend Camilla. Wow. Photo Courtesy: Camilla
Hire professionals only for the ceremony and start of the reception, then rely on friends and family for the rest. Look for a photographer who offers a gift registry, where guests give cash to defray the costs, and skip the extras like special effects, editing and multiple copies.
The Cake
Order a modest two tier cake for the bride and groom to cut, and serve guests less expensive sheet cake, or order a cake that’s been frosted but not decorated cake and have your florist add a few blossoms and ribbons. The current trend of replacing the huge cake with fanciful cupcakes or a cake tree is popular and saves $1-2 per serving.
The Food and Drink
Go with hors d’oeuvres, finger foods or a dessert buffet instead of a full meal. Limiting beverages to wine and soft drinks, rather than liquor, cuts the bar tab and eliminates the need for a bartender.
The Decorations
Alex & Brin’s backyard wedding in Westport, Bristol County, Massachusetts – Photo Courtesy: Kenji Ross
Bypass the done up wedding hall and look for a reception venue you can decorate yourself, such as a friend’s large back yard, church hall, or community center. Rent good quality linens, silver, glasses and plates, and instead of expensive flower arrangements, opt for simpler centerpieces like lanterns, candles floating in water tinted to your colors, scattered rose petals, trailing ivy, crystal bowls of fruit sprayed gold or silver, flowering branches or placemark flowers in miniature pots.
A good general strategy is to get married in the off-season months of January through April, which means more choice and bargaining power in everything from the DJ to the reception venue. Post-Christmas is also sale season, and a good time to stock up on candles, ribbons, and other decorations. Be an indefatigable bargain hunter and use the internet, where Ebay, Save on Crafts and other sites discount everything from gowns to chair sashes to shaded tea lights, vases, favor tins and other accessories.
Stylish Weddings Melbourne specialise in stylish yet affordable accessories and decorations for your wedding, including essential items for the bride & groom.
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No guests should cause a happy bride to have a sad moment on her big day. Photo Courtesy – Alex Proimos
A couple of weeks ago, I went to see my cousin get married. It was a great ceremony but as soon as we arrived at the ceremony, things started to go downhill. There were some guests there that didn’t seem to know how to behave correctly, and it certainly tainted the day. My cousin was upset but I reminded her to focus on the day and her new husband and let everyone else deal with the guests.
That day made me think, some people just don’t know how to behave at weddings. It’s not just guests; it can be the wedding party too. So I have decided to write a list of wedding faux pas for anyone who is holding a wedding or attending one as a guest in the future. That way, at least you know the common rules to follow. If there is any one you are worried about, you could subtly share this list on your social networks to establish the rules without actually pointing fingers or laying down the law.
Wedding Guests Horrors to Avoid
1. When you receive a wedding invitation, take the time to read it. If it says you can invite one guest then just invite one. Never invite more than one person, or assume the invite means you, your partner and your children if their names aren’t included. If you aren’t sure about who the invite covers, or who you can invite, check with the couple – never make assumptions.
2. Don’t wear white unless you are the bride. Many guests feel that white is a great colour for them but you cannot upstage the bride on her big day. Shades of white are also not allowed. Stick to another colour all together, else you will be frowned upon by other guests and the bride too.
Let the bride only shine in her white wedding dress. Right: Beautiful bride Lauren in her glowing white wedding dress – Photo Courtesy: Lee Haywood
3. Alcoholic drinks are nearly always flowing at weddings but it’s not polite to get too drunk. Try not to cause a scene by drinking some water in-between drinks, not mixing your drinks and eating some food before you start on the booze. If you have many hours ahead of you, put off drinking until later on in the day or evening to avoid the mid-afternoon slump that often comes with daytime drinking.
Bridal Party Horrors to Avoid
1. Many people are offended if you ask for money instead of gifts and it can cause your guests to feel uncomfortable. Allow your guests to buy your gifts from any store other than registering with one and make quiet suggestions in the ears of close friends or family if you really would prefer money. That way the word can spread quietly and you may find you receive the perfect balance between presents and money on your special day.
2. Forgetting to thank your guests is unacceptable. Your friends and family have taken time away from their routine to celebrate your day, have been on their best behaviour and perhaps have lavished you with presents too. Remember to say thank you on the night and to send thank you cards or notes after the big day.
The Wedding Kiss is one of the most special moments of your life. Photo Courtesy: David Joyce
3. Kissing at the altar is always a special moment but remember your manners. The altar is not the time for a passionate clinch; keep it emotional yet respectful for the wedding guests and the person that married you.
4. Just like guests that attend your wedding day, it’s not appropriate for the bride and groom to get too drunk. You should also remember to space out your drinks, keep hydrated with water and line your stomach with food. A drunken bride and groom can lead to all sorts of unfortunate events that could scar your wedding day memories for life.
Stick to the above rules and the day should be a success for everyone. Remember to have fun too, yet be respectful to all of the wedding party and fellow guests for the best possible day. Leave fights and conflict for another day.
Treat the bride and groom to personalised wedding gifts they will enjoy. Turn a present into one to cherish forever.
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Sweet Pink Embellished Shoes – Photo Courtesy: Sherry Rose
These days, brides are going for that little something extra when it comes to their bridal shoes. They want the shoes to be as showy, if not more so, than the wedding dress. Some brides like a subtle embellishment and some like to go all out. A DIY embellishment to bridal shoes has become a huge trend over the past few years. Whether your shoe is white, or in many cases now, colored, you can still add personal touches to give them that “wow” factor to truly bring your bridal ensemble together.
Below are some great ideas on how to do just that.
Earrrings:
Vintage earrings as shoe embellishments – Photo Courtesy: Maegan Tintari
Yes, you heard it right, earrings. A nifty idea is to shop around at department stores, thrift stores, consignment shops and more to find some clip on earrings that suit your taste. They can be large and in charge or soft and subtle. Rhinestone earrings are a very popular choice, and vintage clip-on earrings can be gorgeous. Simply clip them to the shoe and there you have it. A new look that couldn’t be easier.
Brooches:
Brooches serve so many purposes and as an embellishment for shoes, they are ideal. Like earrings, take your time and shop around to find something that compliments your wedding gown and your look. They can be pinned on for extra security. Also, there are so many styles from which to choose. Don’t forget to shop online where you can find a ton of different sizes and beading.
Beaded strands:
Pretty White Embellished Boots – Photo Courtesy: Sherry Rose
Beaded strands such as pearls, rhinestones or crystals can be found at any fabric or craft store. This DIY embellishment requires a bit more time and effort to get on the shoe, but is so worth It if done correctly. Basically, the fabric part of the strand needs to be hot glued (very carefully) to the shoe in the pattern in which you desire. You can do a straight across look or patches of curves for a funkier finish. Get creative!
Bedazzle!
As many brides have seen on the televised bridal programs, DIY brides are loving to bedazzle their wedding shoes. And by bedazzle we are talking full blown glitz by covering the entire shoe in rhinestones or pearls—rhinestones being the most popular choice. Talk about sparkle! But be careful… this can be a messy job and quite time consuming. Make sure you have the time and patience, and a very good glue gun.
Sex Toys (Oo-la-la)!
Has there ever been a wedding night when these were actually used? Regardless, DIY brides stimulate (not only themselves) but the economy with this $15-$45 average purchase. As a rule, buy new in original packaging.
Find great deals on designer wedding gowns, including discounted Reem Acra bridal dresses, online at bridepower.com/designers.
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The Groom turns Photographer for the Bride and her Sister – Photo Courtesy: Gary Knight
There are so many things to organize for your big day that it can be a little overwhelming. If your dress is chosen and your venue booked, the next thing you should do is look for a photographer. One of the most important things that you can do when choosing a wedding photographer is research. Get a thorough idea of the photography market before you make any decisions. Looking at a number of websites and brochures should give you a fairly good idea of the kind of prices that you will be looking at. You could also ask around amongst your family and friends for recommendations.
What to look for in a wedding photographer
Now that’s an adventurous photographer AND a brave bride! – Photo Courtesy: Mike Baird
The first thing you want to see when you speak to a photographer is their portfolio. This will give you an idea of their style and experience. It is very important that you ask questions like ‘how long have you been doing this’ and ‘is photography your main job or just a hobby’ as this will allow you to further gauge how much experience they have and ensure you get a real professional on the day. Their photographic style is also very important as it must match the kind of photos you want. Some photographers are very traditional and work with posed and group shots and others prefer shots that are more candid and modern. It is also very important to find a photographer that you have a rapport with as you want to know that both you and your guests will get on well with them on the biggest day of your life!
Money saving tips
Photo Courtesy: Daniel X. O’Neil
Photography can be very expensive these days but in this industry you really do get what you pay for. However there are a couple of ways in which you can reduce some of the costs.
Opt for a ceremony only deal. Many professional photographers will offer you a package where they only come for the ceremony. You can then ask an amateur photographer (every family normally has one) to photograph the meal and evening reception.
Go digital. Many photographers these days shoot in digital and will offer you the option of having your photos on disc. Not having a printed album made by the photographer will save you a fortune as there are no printing costs to be covered. You can then buy your own album and print the pictures online for a fraction of the price.
Consider a training college. There are many talented photography students who are looking for all the experience they can get. The great thing is that they will be supervised by a professional and charge next to nothing.
The bride & the little boy – a beautiful picture.
Photo Courtesy: Kate Hiscock
Photographic styles
Traditional – Traditional style wedding photography is still one of the most popular. It is where a large proportion of the shots to be taken are pre-decided and posed for. Many couples want group shots with close family and friends as well as posed shots together as a couple.
Photojournalistic – This style is described as the ‘telling of a story’ through images. Pictures are taken spontaneously and in an unobtrusive way. The images are always in chronological order and tell the story of your big day.
Candid – Very similar to photojournalistic, candid shots can also be called ‘fly on the wall’. Normally the subject does not even know that they are being photographed. Candid photos capture moments naturally as they happen.
Vicky works with The City Rooms Wedding Venue in Leicester and has been writing about weddings for a number of years now. Her favourite topics are money saving, wedding finance and wedding DIY.
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An elegant wedding guest book – Photo Courtesy: Emily Stanchfield
A guest book is a great way to keep track of who actually came to your wedding, and it’s a keepsake the two of you will want to look at over the years to come. Many couples, though, are moving away from the traditional guest book and toward the world of creativity in this area these days. Looking for something innovative? These ideas can help.
A Sign and a Pic
Get more than a signature on a page. Put a dry erase marker board in place of the guest book along with a camera. You can either have a digital camera so guests can see themselves and grab the right pic or an impromptu photographer standing to take a pic of each guest. Have them write a message to the two of you on the marker board, then snap the pic. It’s one history of your wedding you won’t soon forget.
Right: For their wedding guestbook, Tara and Liam wanted people to take pictures of themselves with an available Polaroid camera, then attach the pictures to the book with a message. Photo Courtesy: Phil Gold
Wine and Dine
Set out four bottles of wine. Each one should be labeled with a different anniversary. There should be a bottle for your first anniversary, your fifth anniversary, your tenth, and your twentieth. Have guests select which bottles they’d like to sign, and make sure they leave a bit of advice with their signature.
Left: “When Jeremy and I got married on January 8th, 2000, our friend Joe gave us a bottle of champagne to be opened on our 10th anniversary – a really beautiful wedding present.” – Jessica Spengler
A Rocky Start
A bowl of river rocks is all you need for this unique guest book. Leave a few permanent markers nearby, then have each guest sign their name on one side of the rock, and a small bit of wisdom on the other side. After the wedding, put your rocks in a beautiful vintage aquarium where you can pull them out once in a while and reflect on your big day.
A Wise Man Once Said 
Grab that typewriter in your Mom’s basement and some small scraps of paper for this idea. Have each guest type a bit of advice to the two of you on a sheet of paper, then place it on self-adhesive pages in a scrapbook or memory book. The advice will be as much fun to look through as the names of the guests.
Photo Courtesy: Beatrice Murch
Hang ‘em High
Place clothespins and some small note-cards on your guestbook table with some pens. Have guests write brief notes of well-wishes to you as they come in the door, then have them hang their notes on a clothesline suspended above the table. They’re certain to be sentiments you won’t want to miss.
A Puzzling Affair
Have a variety of blank puzzle pieces laying on the table. You’ll need one piece for each guest, so be sure your blank puzzle is large enough. Have each guest sign a puzzle piece with his or her name as well as a brief message to you. The two of you will have a great time assembling the puzzle and reading the messages in the weeks to come.
Needling Your Way to the Altar
Happily Ever After Wedding Signature Quilt – Photo Courtesy: Dana
Have each guest sign a fabric quilt square before the ceremony. Afterward, have a quilter piece it together for you. Whether you hang it on your wall or sleep under the well wishes night after night, it’s a keepsake you won’t soon forget.
The ‘You’ Factor
Is there something unique about the two of you? It might make a great guestbook idea. For example, if he plays guitar in a band, have all of the guests sign a guitar that you can put on display in your home. If the two of you met playing beach volleyball, why not have the guests sign a volleyball? Factor your own interests and tastes into the wedding guest book equation, and you’ll have a treasure you look to time after time.
Sarah has a passion for party planning and weddings. See more of her work at the Wedding Favors Unlimited Advice Blog.
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Wow! This couple is so having real fun.
There are many tough decisions to make before the big day rolls around, not the least of which is choosing from Australia’s most romantic venues. Selecting a wedding venue can be a bit complicated, but here are some of the country’s most optimal venues from each state.
Choose any one of these wonderful Australian wedding venues listed below and make your wedding real special for you and for your guests.
Australian Capital Territory: Cockington Green Gardens, Nicholls
Photo Courtesy: Cockington Green Gardens
This location is the ultimate storybook setting, and the Gardens set aside their Garden Wedding Area to add a bit of extra romance and privacy to a nuptial event. Bride and groom take their vows beneath a garden rotunda within sight of a waterfall and an arched bridge.
New South Wales: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Photo Courtesy: ARIA Catering at Sydney Opera House
Couples who wish to wed in one of the world’s most iconic structures jump on the opportunity to commit to one another under the arches of the Sydney Opera House. Wedding parties can contact ARIA Catering to take advantage of one of four venues at this location, each with its own unique view of Sidney Harbour.
Northern Territory: Longitude 131, Yulara
Photo Courtesy: Longitude 131°, Australia
It’s not difficult to see why Longitude 131 calls itself the luxury outback wedding resort. For couples who want the guests to experience some of Australia’s true wilderness without having to stint on luxury, this is the optimal venue. The resort offers a number of options for parties, including private tents atop an isolated sand dune or beside a lagoon pool closer to the actual resort.
Queensland: Cloudland, Fortitude Valley
Photo Courtesy: Claire from Eatout-Brisbane
Cloudland is truly one of the country’s most unique venue spaces. The restaurant is undeniably modern; it’s lavish yet understated, and provides couples with six venue options. Each space can host anything from a luxurious sit-down dining affair to mere reception cocktails.
South Australia: Silvestri’s of Claredon
Photo Courtesy: Silvestri’s
The garden at Silvestri’s is a bit of Italy come to South Australia. It was built especially for the purpose of hosting weddings, and is suitable for events large and small. In springtime, the garden is a wash of white buds, and in autumn it becomes a canopy of red leaves.
Tasmania: Home Hill Winery, Ranelagh
Wedding within a winery – Heady! Photo Courtesy: Home Hill Winery of Australia
Couples who wish to take their vows in an outdoor setting will appreciate the unique venue offered by Home Hill Winery. During colder months, couples often opt to set up their ceremony inside the actual winery, framed by oak barrels and lit by rows and rows of candles.
Victoria: The Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne
Melbourne Aquarium – Photo Courtesy: eGuide Travel
The next best thing to hosting a nuptial celebration beneath the waves is hosting one at this gorgeous five star event venue. The happy couple who celebrates their wedding here will also enjoy a complimentary room in the Rendezvous Hotel, a bottle of bubbly and a box of chocolates.
Western Australia: Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, Broome
Cable Beach Wedding ‘Amphitheatre’
Photo Courtesy: Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa
This trendy resort in Broome offers beach wedding ceremony parties – the quintessential romance-by-the-sea. This locale does more than provide a beautiful beach backdrop: wedding guests will be impressed by Cable Beach Club’s tropical and luxurious accommodations.
Broome, Western Australia is a romantic, unique and relaxed wedding destination.
For more information on planning a wedding in Broome, contact the planning professionals of Broome Weddings.
Filed under Destination Weddings, Wedding Venues by . Comment.
Planning your wedding is a very exciting time, but it can also be a very stressful time. While you are trying to remain loyal to the ideas and traditions that you and your partner share and enjoy, you also want to make sure that your guests will enjoy themselves. In addition to that, you have the constant worry of staying under your budget. Feeding your guests can be one very stressful aspect of a wedding. Some caterers cost a tonne of money, but you certainly cannot cook all the food yourself. Fortunately, there are some creative solutions to the issue of catering your wedding.
A Potluck Wedding
If you find that you are coming in over budget in terms of some aspects of your wedding, you may wish to consider having a potluck or covered dish supper. In this scenario, your guests each bring a homemade dish to share in a family style buffet. If you provide one main course and desserts, having your guests supplement the food with potluck dishes can provide the perfect alternative to traditional catering and save you plenty of money. Most guests are glad to participate in a potluck and try new things.
Right: Wedding Party Buffet – Photo by usdalton
A Brunch Wedding
Perhaps as you explore your wedding options, you have already realized that having a catered dinner and open bar is far more costly than having a brunch or lunch wedding.
A wedding lunch like the above at Botanic Gardens Restaurant, Sydney will give you an opportunity to take beautiful sunlit photos.
A romantic champagne brunch for your guests may not be traditional, but it is certainly still lovely and enjoyable. Appetizers, brunch dishes and bellinis can be just as nice as a heavy and filling dinner, and a morning party allows for beautiful sunlit photos and guests who are fresh faced and filled with energy.
Your Special Place
The beautiful Wedding dining tables laid out at The Pavilion in Sydney
If money is not an issue and you are simply looking to have a creatively catered wedding, consider consulting with the staff at your favourite restaurant. Do you and your partner have a place you love to go for dinner? Perhaps it was the location of your first date, or where you got engaged. Wherever it is, that favourite place has your favourite food, and tasting it always reminds you of your happy memories there with your partner. Even if the restaurant does not typically cater, they may be willing to work with you if you explain your story. Serving the food you have shared over the years of your romance is a creative and fun catering idea.
Choose Wisely
No matter what food you choose for your wedding, be sure to choose something that you and your partner feel comfortable with and enjoy. There are tonnes of different catering options available for you, so do your research and take your time choosing the perfect fit for your special day. Many restaurants and catering facilities will offer you and your partner an opportunity to taste a sampling of the menu items they could provide for you, so take advantage of this enlightening opportunity when making your catering choice.
Jessica is an events manager with Trippas White Group in Sydney, Australia. Jessica has assisted many couples with planning their wedding day, and believes that getting a bit creative with things like catering can make your wedding all the more special and memorable for everyone involved.
Filed under Wedding Catering, Wedding Planning by . Comment.
