Hawkesbury Bride 2015 by Alicia Sylvester

HAWKESBURY

Bride 2015

Your complete guide to planning a

Beautiful Wedding Published by the Hawkesbury Gazette and Hawkesbury Courier

FREE COPY

S I M P L Y

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Welcome F

IRSTLY, congratulations on your engagement. There is no doubt that a couple’s wedding day will be one of the most significant events in their lives. It is a day that is full of love, laughter and immense joy. It was only three years ago that I was in the midst of planning my own wedding. I remember all too well how hectic but exciting my life was in the lead up to the big day. That is why we have put together a comprehensive magazine that we hope helps in the planning of your own special day. So grab a cup of tea and take the opportunity for some much-deserved relaxation as you thumb through the following pages for plenty of ideas. From flowers, photography and

budgeting to the all important dress, Hawkesbury Bride offers tips and helpful advice from experts that will hopefully give you inspiration and guidance on the path to your nuptials. Of course, every bride deserves to put their own stamp on their wedding day. Whether your taste leans towards vintage, quirky, traditional or cocktail, your wedding should reflect the personalities of you and your fiance ´. So I wish you the best of luck and well wishes as you prepare to enter into the adventure that is marriage. May your wedding day — and all the days of your marriage — be full of happiness. Take care, Alicia Sylvester Hawkesbury Bride editor

A Fairfax Community Newspapers publication. Publishers of the Hawkesbury Gazette and Courier. Editor: Alicia Sylvester Commercial manager: Steve Ticehurst Advertising manager: James Lewis Advertising representatives: Angela Knott, Lorraine MacGregor, Ken Mitchell, Di Williams Graphic designer: Brenden Budd

Cover photo: Chris Lane Photography

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

Contents 08

A virtual wedding

Your guests can enjoy your wedding even if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thousands of kilometres away.

Lace and tattoos

A new love of lace and the trend of tattoos have influenced wedding gown designs.

Get the details right

For a winning wedding, there are some corners you should never cut.

Relationship support

Make the time to set the foundations for a strong and happy marriage.

Financial tips

There are ways to save money while still having the day of your dreams.

Couples must now decide whether to embrace or shun social media.

Modern dilemma

Emergency kit

A list of must-have wedding day items to help put any brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind at ease.

Lasting memories

There are many factors to consider when choosing a photographer to capture your day.

Stay calm

It is possible to avoid unnecessary anxiety on the path to the big day.

Snack stations

Wedding menus are increasingly including snack food stations to satisfy guests.

Wedding planner

This all-in-one guide will help couples take care of every detail.

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

virtual

OUR guests can be part of the event even if thousands of kilometres away because virtual weddings are becoming a ‘reality’. By the use of technology such as webcasts, a live interactive platform and a personalised Twitter hashtag a larger number of your invited guests can see your wedding. Couples can have the option of a password-encrypted website to limit who watches them marry. ‘‘The fact that guests were attending by the internet and computer screen didn’t make it any less touching to us,’’ a bride said. Live stream videographers range from a few hundred dollars if you do it yourself to more expensive and more fail-proof options. A professional videographer films the event that is sent to the website where your guests who received an e-vite can watch it. They also offer replays for anyone who wants to watch at a later time. You

wedding

can Password-protect the feed and only invited guests will be able to access it. Keep in mind that in order to stream you will need Wi-Fi or a 3G service. For a less expensive option you can use a phone, webcam or video camera to livestream your event.

By using Facetime or Google Hangouts You can broadcast the wedding to another user. You can even record a Google Hangout and post it on YouTube. Another way to include virtual guests at your wedding is through photos. A customised wedding app allows guests to take and share photos, which are instantly sent to an online album. Your virtual guests can log in and view the album as photos stream in. What’s great about the app is that they get to view photos taken by more than one person — it’s not just the photographer but also all the guests that are snapping away. All photos taken by the app are instantly uploaded to the bride’s album to be enjoyed by guests from any location. Simply purchase a wireless hub that allows for a good streaming signal and that is large enough for software applications like Skype. Virtual weddings are ideal for couples with family overseas.

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Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

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Lace

finds an unlikely

Wedding gowns have taken a delicate turn, writes Belinda Parkes. And the strapless look is no longer dominant.

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

HE strapless wedding gown has long been empress of the bridal fashion industry. However, a new love of lace and the trend to tattoos are combining in a more demure look, according to bridal wear experts. Bridal boutique owner Jenny Punch keeps a close eye on trends so she can bring the latest looks from designers such as Sophia Tolli, Wendy Makin and Alfred Angelo to her store, Vision in White. After a run of seasons when it was difficult to find a dress that wasn’t strapless, Ms Punch says the past two seasons have had a leaning towards lace. ‘‘Lace is used to give very different looks,’’ she says, adding it enables designers to create a point of difference for their labels. ‘‘A designer may use very fine lace to give a soft, romantic and billowy feel while others may choose a more structured threedimensional lace for more of an edgy look.’’ She sees a growing trend towards a more modestly seductive look where gowns can be revealing yet covered with lace peepholes. ‘‘There is a certain demureness you can achieve with lace, such as the illusion look of covering the back and arms with lace so you can see through it,’’ she says. Designer Maria Apostolou of Vellos Bridal specialises in vintage-inspired gowns and loves to work with lace. She believes vintage style, a growing trend in recent years, is still growing and its appeal lies in its femininity and longevity. ‘‘People don’t want their wedding photos to date,’’ says Ms Apostolou. ‘‘When you take inspiration from the past your own wedding day photos will looks timeless.’’ She says the vintage style draws on many eras — such as the sleek column look of the 1920s or the circle skirt and fitted body from the ’50s — and the key to creating the perfect wedding

mate:

tattoos

gown is to start with the silhouette that suits your body type. Her advice: Look to your existing wardrobe. What necklines do you usually go for? Do you prefer sleeves or strappy and what styles draws the most compliments? ‘‘If you have never worn a strapless dress in your life because you know you are top heavy, then why do it on your wedding day when all eyes are on you?’’ The flourishing tattoo industry has also affected the choice of gowns with an increase in sleeves, the addition of lace or alterations made to the cut of a neckline to either highlight or hide the body art. Ms Apostolou says because strapless styles have dominated the wedding scene for so long, many of her clients want something different, which has led to a shift towards sleeves, whether short and capped, or long and fitted. Ivory is the dominant colour as it is softer and more flattering than stark white,

however, Ms Punch says gold is also popular. A rise in destination weddings — a third of couples are now heading away for the occasion — has lifted demand for more casual dresses to be taken overseas. They are shorter and feature more chiffon and flowing styles. That said, Ms Apostolou points to a comeback in trains due to the drama they provide. Brides not having a train on their dress are often choosing to add one to their veil. Ms Punch says even brides on a tight budget can have the dress of their dreams. ‘‘Remember, most boutiques have to turn over their gowns for new stock. ‘‘I have had gowns sold for $200 down from $1400 and they are designer gowns.’’

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Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

For a winning wedding, spend in all the right places By Livia Gamble

T doesn’t matter how many times you crunch those numbers, when the average cost of a wedding in Australia is close to $55,000 your budget can quickly get out of hand. While cutting corners is a no-brainer when trying to save money, clipping them in the wrong places can be the difference between your dream wedding and one that is remembered for all the wrong reasons. ‘‘Thanks to the rise of budget advice blogs, DIY weddings and Pinterest, couples are cutting costs in all the wrong places, and the results are horrifying,’’ says Inlighten bridal coach Rachael Bentick. When planning your wedding there are some things you should never cut.

Flowers In theory, arranging your own flowers might seem like a good idea but Jennifer Kennedy from Bells N Whistles Events says it only adds pressure to you and everyone else around you on the day. ‘‘If you have to cut costs, don’t skimp on the bridal flowers. Even if they do die, they will stay in the same place because they are wired up,’’ she says.

Photography

Food If you’re a foodie then food is something that definitely shouldn’t be cut from the budget. At the same time, some people wouldn’t know the difference between a good scallop and a bad one, says Kennedy. But from a health and safety point of view it’s best not to skimp on the food. Belle O’Brien from Belladora Events says, ‘‘a majority of guests remember the food at weddings. If you think about every wedding you’ve been to, I’d guarantee that for most of them you can remember if the meal was fantastic, just OK or terrible.’’

Hair

‘‘A good photo and good video is all you will take away from the day other than memories,’’ says Marissa Welcome, the owner and founder of A Lavish Affair. When it comes to your photographer, Jennifer Kennedy says, price doesn’t necessarily guarantee you your money shots. There are really good photographers for around the $4000 mark, but also in the $8000 mark. Just because they charge a lot doesn’t mean they are any better. If you are looking to save money in the photography budget go for the ‘‘shoot and burn packages’’, where they give you your photos on a disk with no prints, says Kennedy. ‘‘You’ll want to make sure they’re edited with colour corrections, the money shots have been fixed up and they’ll tone you up a little bit.’’

‘‘

Dress Realistically, a bride is very lucky if she can walk into a dress store and find a dress that fits her perfectly, says Marissa Welcome. Getting the dress made might cost more but it will make the bride feel like a million dollars. At the same time the price ‘‘has to be comparable to the rest of the wedding. You don’t want the $20,000 wedding and the $18,000 gown and tiara to go with it,’’ says Jennifer Kennedy. But it all comes down to what the bride feels comfortable in. ‘‘If she feels really comfortable in a $99 H&M gown then it doesn’t matter,’’ says Kennedy.

It doesn’t matter how many times you have practiced for your big day. The combination of nerves, pressure and stress to get it right almost always ends in tears, says Rachael Bentick. There are ways to cut the cost of hair while still having a professional tame your locks on the day. ‘‘You can go to the blowdry boutique and pay $100 or you and your bridal party can go to the hair salon rather than have everyone come to you,’’ says Jennifer Kennedy. At the end of the day, newlywed Laura Smith says, the most important thing is to make sure your wedding is personalised and reflects you as a couple. ‘‘Don’t do the cookie-cutter wedding or plan what you think an ideal wedding is supposed to look like. It gets boring and it’s expensive.’’

Don’t do the cookie-cutter wedding or plan what you think an ideal wedding is supposed to look like . . . it’s expensive.’’

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

— Newlywed Laura Smith

Your Hawkesbury Escape Nestled in the historic hamlet of Wisemans Ferry, the Australis Retreat at Wisemans lies in nearly 50 acres of parklike grounds on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, sheltered by the majestic escarpments of the Dharug National Park. The Ceremony Marry on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in our Wedding Gazebo or beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the delightful photographic opportunities.

• A very special setting for your reception, ceremony and photographs. • Highly professional staff to care for your every need. • Delightful cuisine prepared by our award-winning chefs. •A dedicated wedding co-ordinator to work with you to plan every detail for your special day.

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With 54 well appointed accommodation rooms, guests can share your special day without the need to drive home. An extensive range of recreational activities await your closest family and friends as they escape the day to day and celebrate with you.

A setting from a different world yet merely an hour from Sydney. It is here you’ll find everything you have imagined as the perfect wedding venue.

Personal

and

EDDING vows are a very special part of your marriage ceremony, and now more than ever it is becoming commonplace for couples to write their own vows to each other. Rather than reciting the traditional ‘‘til death do us part”, couples are creating their own individual vows as a heartfelt expression of their love and commitment to one another. Personalising your vows makes your wedding all the more meaningful and it gives the bride and groom the chance to truly understand and appreciate what they are saying and committing to. Well-written vows are guaranteed to add to the romance of the occasion and will without a doubt have your guests pulling out the tissues! Once you have made the decision to write your vows and been given approval to do so from your ceremony officiate, you then have the hard task of writing something that perfectly captures your commitment to love, honour and cherish each other. Be sure to allow plenty of time to write your vows as it may take several drafts before you are completely happy with what you have written. Set the scene before you begin writing; perhaps play some music in the background. If you and your partner-to-be have a special song then play that as it will remind you of them. On a blank piece of paper write down in point form all the things you love about your partner. Reminisce about your first date, think about what made you fall in love with them, envision what your dreams are for your future together and write down any special memories or times you have shared.

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

poignant: Take all your notes and from there your vows should start to take shape. If you are not good at creating a literary masterpiece ask a friend who is good with words to help you mould it into a vow that will melt your partner’s heart all over again. Remember to keep your vows simple — they need to be understandable to everyone present as your guests are there to bear witness to the vows you are making; and of course make sure your vows are actual vows – while expressions of your love are nice, your vows need to be a reflection of the commitment and promise you are making to each other. Once you are happy with your vows, practice reciting them. Read them to a friend or relative and make sure you can get through them without turning into a blubbering mess. While some emotion and even a few tears are appropriate, you’ll want to get to the end, as it is your vows that legally bind you together. Try memorising your vows but be sure to take a written copy with you on the day just in case your nerves get the better of you. If you are still struggling to come up with the perfect testament of your love speak to your ceremony officiate as they have usually conducted many weddings and heard many vows, so they may have some valuable suggestions for you. There are also numerous books and websites out there to help you.

do-it-yourself vows Examples: I will take you in my arms when you need to be held. I will listen when you need to talk. I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sadness. I will love you for who you are, and help you to become all that you can be. I will grow old with you.

■

You are my best friend, my confidant and one of my favourite pests. You make me laugh and cry, you are honest and wise. You are my strength and you are kindhearted. You always love me no matter what. You have always managed to help me through bad times and I cannot imagine my life without you. Today, I want to make a promise to you and to myself, in front of our friends and family, to love, honour and protect you for all the days of my life.

■

I promise to give you the best of myself, and to ask of you no more than you can give. I promise to respect you as your own person, and to realise that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own. I promise to share with you my time and attention, and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship. I promise to keep myself open to you. I promise to grow along with you – to be willing to face changes as we both change in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how completely and forever.

■

Source: easyweddings.com.au

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Choose flowers

to reflect your personality

O matter the theme or colour scheme, flowers are the icing on the cake for any wedding day. Adelise Berghouse from Angel’s Florist in Windsor South said flowers were the little detail that could help to make a wedding elegant, glamorous, vintage or unique. ‘‘Roses are the most obvious flower favourite for brides, they are the eternal symbol of love,’’ she said. ‘‘Orchids are also popular, so are peonies. ‘‘It is becoming more and more popular to pick flowers and colours, not based on what someone else says that they mean but what they mean to you, your partner and your family.’’ Mrs Berghouse said coral, apricot and watermelon tones were very popular this season, along with mint greens and mauves. ‘‘Whites, creams, champagnes and ivories will forever be in style,’’ she said. ‘‘But you must remember when picking your wedding colours that it should reflect you and your personal style.’’ Before looking online and in magazines, Mrs Berghouse said it was best to speak to a florist. ‘‘It is always good to have a back-up choice or even go for general looks and styles rather than exact flowers,’’ she said. ‘‘Even if you know for sure that phalaenopsis orchids are available in summer, you just never

know what Mother Nature is going to dish out.’’ She also said when looking at photos in magazines and online, brides should remember that a lot of things can be digitally enhanced. It is important to choose a florist who is trustworthy, professional and you feel comfortable with. ‘‘Sometimes your great aunt, second removed, who did a six week floristry course back in 1989, is not the best choice, however cheap they might be,’’ Mrs Berghouse said. ‘‘If you pick your florist well, they can quite often work with you to organise flowers that can stay within your budget and meet the requirements of your theme.’’ Angel’s Florist is a family-run business that has been operating for 15 years. Mrs Berghouse said each of the florists had a different background in floristry, ensuring a unique style of arrangements and bouquets. ‘‘All in all, you have to remember that it is your day. ‘‘We hate the term ‘bridezilla,’ there is nothing wrong with knowing what you want and wanting the very best for your big day. ‘‘There is also nothing wrong with not having a clue of what you want, and that is why we are here. We are here to help you get the most out of your wedding flowers.’’

■ Angel’s Florist is located at shop 1 and 2, 483 George Street, Windsor South. Contact: 4587 7681 or angelsfloristwindsorsth.com.au 14

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

Work on your

couples can receive a $200 voucher to see a counsellor of their choice. Relationship education and counselling can help couples cope with changes and challenges such as moving in together, having a baby or managing their money. Importantly, it equips couples with the skills to deal with challenges before they become big issues. Relationship education aims to help couples develop new ways of working together to keep your relationship happy and healthy. Counselling focuses on solving

specific issues that have arisen within your relationship. Working with both members of a couple, the counsellor will help you to consider what is important to you in your relationship and discuss how you can both make the relationship stronger. As there are a limited number of subsidies available, couples are encouraged to register for the trial and make a booking with a service provider as soon as possible, at www.dss.gov.au/ strongerrelationships.

BOOK ONLINE www.viktorias.com.au Viktoria’s Hair and Beauty is one of the Hawkesbury’s most talented wedding hair stylists and Makeup artist’s on offer. With 11 years experience in the hair and beauty industry, we know how important it is to you as a bride to have everything run smoothly for one of the most important days of your life. Our bridal hair stylists and makeup artists are trained professionals, offering exceptional attention to detail. Whilst the Viktoria’s Hair and Beauty team pamper you, sit back with your bridal party enjoying a complimentary continental breakfast, all at the convenience of one location. Mobile services are available; the Viktoria’s Hair and Beauty team can travel to you anywhere within the Hawkesbury, and the outer Hawkesbury region.

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Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

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HILE planning a wedding is the main focus of brides and grooms, taking the time to set the foundations for a strong and happy marriage is just as important for engaged couples. And those about to walk down the aisle can now register online for a $200 subsidy towards the cost of relationship education and counselling services. The federal government’s ‘‘Stronger Relationships’’ trial means up to 100,000

relationship

Handy tips D

O you solemnly swear to make a budget, honour it, be true to it in good times and bad, in sickness and in health from this day forward? Creating a budget for your big day and sticking to it will start good financial habits that you will benefit from for the rest of your life. The MoneySmart website, run by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, offers tips to save on your big day.

Talk about money early Have a discussion with your partner early about how both of you will fund your wedding. If your parents are willing to help out with the cost, speak to them about how much they might contribute. Add their contribution to the money you have put aside for your wedding and make this your wedding budget.

wedding car? Write a list to help you figure out what really matters and what doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Have a picnic or backyard wedding Have your special day in your backyard, at a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house or at a local park or beach. These weddings are often the most memorable because you can do it exactly as you want and put in those personal touches.

Prioritise your dreams Prioritise the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you. Can you happily wed without a photobooth but would love a

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Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

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"Phoebe and her team ensured my skin (and state of mind!) were the best they could be for my wedding day. I had a few facials with microdermabrasion leading up to the wedding, a trial spray tan and then I had my waxing, pedicures and manicures all done at the salon. On the day, my make up was amazing - more than I could have hoped for. My sisters were my bridesmaids and I factored their treatments in to our (rather tight) budget. I was totally spoilt by Indulgence at Kurmond - thank you" ~ Trudy, Kurrajong NSW

Have an out of season wedding Consider a winter wedding and expect to save a third of the price. A summer package of $120 per head at a wedding reception centre can easily become $80

to save on your day over winter. Venues and guests are also more available during the cooler months. Or have a Friday wedding. It’s usually cheaper and you and your guests can enjoy a self-imposed long weekend.

Car, photography and decorating shortcuts Cut your car hire costs by finding a reception venue that will also hold your wedding ceremony or choose a reception venue close to the church or park you want to get married in. Alternatively, ask a friend who has a nice car to drive you to the wedding. You can also save by hiring a photographer for the formalities only and arrange for a friend with a keen eye to photograph the rest of the night. You can reduce your decorating costs by skipping the floral centrepieces and using simple tea lights or candles instead. If centrepieces are a musthave, buy less by putting more guests on fewer tables or make your own.

Save on drinks Find a venue that offers an allinclusive food and beverage package, as you may save taking that option. Try to avoid paying for alcohol on consumption at reception venues as the bill can skyrocket.

Cut your cake, guest list and bridal party costs If you are at a reception venue you can scrap the dessert course and just have your wedding cake for dessert. Be tough when you are working out your guest list. Ask yourself: ‘‘Is this person an active part of my life?’’ before you add them to the list. Reducing the number of people in your bridal party will decrease costs. Consider giving the people not in your bridal party important jobs, like ushering or doing a reading.

■ Source: moneysmart.gov.au

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Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

Facebook and

marriage:

may not go together like a horse and carriage Whether or not to allow guests to post shots from the wedding on social media is a choice modern brides and grooms have to make. Katherine Feeney reports.

ACEBOOK updates at weddings are extremely bad taste. Same goes for live tweeting. And Flickring. And whatever other social media updating might explode from your smartphone enabled hand. This is the message a range of soonto-be-newlyweds are sending their guests. Have they lost the plot? It’s no secret people get control-freak crazy when it comes to The Big Day. Weddings can transform otherwise normal, reasonable, sane folk into strange and peculiar creatures. But is requesting your guests refrain from sending photos of the bride, or groom, or gropey Uncle Marty live to the world from the ceremony or reception utterly outrageous? The compulsion to share is so secondnature and so enabled by today’s newfangled devices, can anyone really expect people to refrain? They are your ’friends’ after all. ‘‘Hell yes, you should ask people not to update from the wedding,’’ one girlfriend with particularly strong feelings about the issue said when I mentioned I was writing this blog. ‘‘It’s my big day – I don’t want people posting photos and making comments while it’s all going on. ‘‘One, there are some people who I don’t want seeing my wedding, including people I didn’t invite, so having people post photos is only going to pose problems. ‘‘Two, they’re guests at the wedding, so they should be focusing on the wedding and not their network. Why did they come if they weren’t going to properly participate? ‘‘Three, think about who’d be seeing

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

the updates and how they’d be judging the wedding. Not that I care, but the thought of people commenting on posts or unflattering photos throws a bit of a shadow over the whole thing. ‘‘Plus, I’m spending a score on photography, and I fully intend to upload those photos to said social media when and how I please — it’s not anyone else’s place to share photos of my day, especially photos that don’t do it justice. . .’’ I’m a sucker for etiquette, so on one hand I completely understand reactions against rude behaviour. Picturing someone stuck to their phone, taking photos and sending tweets during the vows and toasts and whatnot certainly paints an offensive image. Not to mention the awkwardness outlined above regarding ’’friends’’ not friendly enough to make the invite list . . . But is there a touch of vanity wrapped up in the desire to so totally protect the wedding from being revealed in a light less than flattering? Does the desire to prevent any information from seeping out, unsanctioned, smack of self-obsession? Is this but more evidence we’ve become trapped in a world gone mad with selfconsciousness? Whatever your thoughts on the matter, it’s up to you if you keep your wedding a closed book, or you’re happy for your big day to be shared with all on social media.

Trash the dress: are you up for it?

OULD you trash your dress? Call it crazy, call it artistic or call it fun. Whatever your thoughts, there is no denying the new post-wedding craze of ‘‘trashing the dress’’. A ‘‘trash the dress’’ photo session is where a bride gets back into her wedding gown days, weeks, months or a year after her wedding and goes somewhere or does something that you would not usually see a bride in a gorgeous white gown doing. The idea is to get a series of fun or artistic photos and it gives the bride a chance to wear her wedding gown once again. A trash the dress photo session may see brides rolling in the sand, swimming, standing in a fountain, under a waterfall, climbing trees, jumping in muddy puddles, having a food fight, playing a game of paint ball or going on a rollercoaster. You may say what a shame to destroy a lovely wedding dress that

the bride probably spent countless hours finding and lots of money to purchase? However, depending on how far you decide to take your trash session, there’s a chance the dress will come away from the adventure totally unscathed. It will certainly need to be dry cleaned. Most dresses can still be preserved and kept as a memoir or passed down as a heirloom. However, if the bride wants to be sure her dress will be intact at the end of the photo session she should discuss it with her photographer and a dry cleaner beforehand. Brides who have embraced the trend say that their shoot gave their gown new life rather than it simply sitting in the wardrobe. Many say trashing their dress was a form of symbolism to show their husbands that they will never need to wear their wedding dress again. Others just see it as a chance to let their hair down.

By George Events

www.bygeorgeeventstyling.com.au bygeorgeevents@ live.com.au | 0410 419 606 Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

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An emergency kit Stories of wedding disasters are terrifying for those who are still in the middle of planning. Here’s how to put those worries aside: make a kit with things you need, just in case something goes wrong. Laura Noethiger has devised a list. 1. Stain-removing aids. Baby wipes, bleach pen and/or club soda. 2. Bobby pins in black, medium brown and light brown, and hair clips. 3. Assorted safety pins and straight pins, for corsages and dress emergencies. 4. Clear nail polish, good for both stocking runs and split nails. 5. Super glue, in case a shoe heel breaks or centrepiece breaks. 6. Bottled water and your favourite light snacks, such as walnuts mixed with dried fruit. 7. Colourful umbrellas. They can turn a rainy tragedy into a beautiful photo opportunity. 8. Sewing kit with clear thread, white thread, black thread and thread to match the maids’ outfits. Also include hooks, buttons and scissors. You never know when a seam or clasp will break. 9. Spare makeup. Especially powder, eye

makeup (waterproof) and lip gloss. If you’re crying, sweating, kissing and eating, these will all rub off. 10. Wrinkle release and static cling spray. Always test on a small part of fabric before you spray the whole thing. 11. List of vendors, bridal party members and their phone numbers. Don’t rely solely on your mobile phone directory because your phone can die. 12. Spare phone charger. Don’t forget your phone. 13. White or silver ballet flats. Your heels might hurt by the end of the night and you’ll want to keep dancing. 14. Your wedding day timeline.

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can rescue your day 15. Cash and coins for parking metres or vending machines. 16. A few spare pairs of men’s black socks. Men sometimes forget these things. 17. Makeup sponges. Many makeup issues can be fixed simply by blending. Blending can make the difference between a natural and artificial look. Blending sponges are also good for getting rid of deodorant marks. 18. Plenty of tissues and handkerchiefs. It’s a wedding. Trust me. 19. Lint roller. 20. Clear earring backs. 21. Medicines: include pain reliever medicine, antacids, allergy medications and prescriptions.

22. Hand sanitiser. You’ll be shaking a lot of hands. 23. Mints and gum. 24. Makeup remover and nail polish remover. 25. Tools like tweezers, cotton swabs, combs and brushes. 26. Products like hairspray, lotion, and on-the-spot zit treatment. 27. Gel inserts in case your feet hurt. 28. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. 29. Manicure kit. 30. Redness-reducing eye drops. 31. Double-sided fashion tape. 32. First aid kit.

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Six questions to ask your

celebrant There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing the right celebrant to solemnise your marriage — not just their fee.

IVIL marriage celebrant Jacqueline Slater says there are several questions that you should ask your celebrant before you ask their fee. ‘‘Whenever I take a call from a prospective bride or groom the first question they usually ask is ‘‘how much do you charge’’? But there are more important things to take into consideration than just the fee. Yes, price is important, but what is more important is what the fee includes,’’ Mrs Slater said. ‘‘As part of their appointment all civil marriage celebrants are required by law to abide by a Code of Practice and failure

to do so can resolve in action being taken by the appropriate government departments. ‘‘When talking to someone and making contact for the first time I ask that they make notes of what is covered in my fee so that when talking to other prospective celebrants they can make sure that any quotes they receive all have the same inclusions enabling a fair comparison to be made.’’ The questions a couple should raise before asking the fee would be such things as: Are you available on the date we are considering? Planning a marriage ceremony takes time, and many celebrants are booked months in advance. There is no point talking to a celebrant any further if they are not available on the date you are planning to be married.

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Do you have insurance? Insurance is not compulsory for celebrants, however, a professional celebrant would have insurance covering professional indemnity and public liability.

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Do you have a PA system? As part of the code of practice the celebrant must make sure the ceremony is audible to everyone present, using audio equipment if necessary.

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Is your ongoing professional development up to date? All civil marriage celebrants are required to undertake ongoing professional development every year, failure to do so can result in deregistration.

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Do you provide resources to help us decide on the type of ceremony we want, or do we have to pick from your examples? Your marriage ceremony is the important transition from that of two single people to a married couple, and should not be taken lightly. Celebrants should provide you with resources to help you so that your ceremony is exactly right for the two of you.

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How much is your fee, and what is included? By this time the caller would have an idea if they could work with this celebrant, and if they feel comfortable with the information they have received so far, now is the time to ask that all important question. ■

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Insurers now offer

wedding cover By Leah McLennan

W If you’re thinking of taking out insurance to cover your big day, you need to read the small print. Many products will only cover weddings held in Australia. And cancellation costs incurred by either the bride or groom deciding not to go ahead with the wedding will not be paid.

ORRIED about your wedding dress being damaged before the big day, your cake supplier going bust or your wedding day being rained out? There’s insurance for that. With the cost of the average wedding upwards of $30,000, brides and grooms are increasingly taking out insurance. The products insurers are selling protect the wedding party against such events as severe weather, the bride or groom being struck down with a sudden illness, loss of wedding documents and damage to gazebos, staging, flooring, chairs, tables. Some products will also protect the bride and grooms’ home contents while away on their honeymoon if the home is burglarised and their wedding gifts are stolen. Sejal Patel spent about $200 on insurance to cover her destination wedding in Thailand. ‘‘I probably got it because of the large

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cost of the wedding and I’d heard of it. I assumed it was the normal thing to do,’’ says Sejal. ‘‘We were also thinking about weather and if something happens to the hotel before we get there we’d need to be covered.’’ The insurance is currently offered by a small number of Australian companies. Online company ourweddinginsurance.com.au, which is underwritten by AIG Australia Ltd, details on their site what scenarios they cover. ‘‘Cake maker goes out of business. Wedding cake cannot be made. Wedding insurance pays the out of pocket expenses in reordering a new wedding cake.’’ Other scenarios include the bride tearing her dress, for which the insurance would cover the repair cost; the groom getting food poisoning so the insurer pays the costs involved in rearranging the wedding day; and the photographer losing the photos, which would mean the insurer would cover the cost of a re-shoot.

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Photography is all about

trust

By Alicia Sylvester

FTEN there is one person brides spend most of the day with — and it’s not their groom. Photographers are there from the early hours before the wedding to capture bride getting ready and they are often the last person a couple sees before being whisked away to the honeymoon suite at the end of the night. That’s why it’s important to choose the right one. Chris Lane from Chris Lane Photography says choosing a photographer is as much about personality as talent. ‘‘Obviously, it’s important to choose someone you trust and normally that comes through referrals, ideally,’’ he says. ‘‘You’re going to spend most of the day hanging out with your photographer so it’s got to be someone you get along with. ‘‘In addition you have to look at their work and have confidence in their ability to deliver on the day.’’ Couples must have a clear idea of the style of photography they want and find a photographer with an appropriate portfolio. ‘‘If you want a more candid photographic style, seek out someone who does that,’’ Mr Lane said. ‘‘If you want someone who does posed and set up shots, find the right person. ‘‘You need to be happy with the end result when you pick up your photos and that decision is made when you pick your photographer and the style you want.’’ When it comes to whether or not pre-wedding shoots are necessary, Mr Lane says it’s up to individual couples. ‘‘Some people like to use it as a bit of a promotion for the wedding on social media,’’ he says. ‘‘And some people want to meet and work with the photographer for a little bit to make the day a bit less daunting, especially if they’re not used to getting their picture taken.’’ And remember, you’re paying a professional to capture your day — let them do their job. ‘‘You have to have faith in the photographer and listen to them if they suggest an idea,’’ Mr Lane says. ‘‘Have faith they’re going to steer you in the right direction for the betterment of your day.’’ ■ Details: www.chrislanephotographer.com

‘‘ 24

You’re going to spend most of the day hanging out with your photographer so it’s got to be someone you get along with.

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Pictures: Chris Lane, Chris Lane Photography

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TIP: Whether you are ordering your stationery or doing it yourself, be sure to start early so there is no last minute panic. ■

Stationery helps set a tone

OUR wedding stationery is an important part of planning your wedding. It will not only tell your guests important information like when and where the wedding will be held but it will also set the tone, introduce your theme and reflect what kind of wedding you are having. There are many different elements of wedding stationery that you will need to consider. To tie all the elements of your wedding together you should use a similar design for all your stationery. Save the date cards Growing more and more in popularity are ‘‘save the date’’ cards which are sent out well in advance giving guests basic details about the wedding — most importantly the date it will be held — so they can keep the date free and plan to be there. This is particularly important if your wedding is scheduled for a Friday or other weekday. Invitation The invitation is sent out approximately

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eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and should include every detail that guests need including the date of the wedding, the address and time that both the ceremony and reception will be held and an RSVP date. Order of service At the wedding ceremony you may like to have order of service books that are handed out to the guests as they arrive. They will include a list of the ceremony proceedings and may include important scriptures that will be read out, words to songs that will be sung and a thank you from the bride and groom for being a part of their special day. The order of service books are often a keepsake and reminder of the wedding. Place cards and menus At the reception the stationery you need is usually the place cards, so people know where to sit, and you may like to have menus on each table and a seating arrangement that is placed at the entry of the reception venue so people can see what table they are on.

Thank you cards After the wedding you may like to send out thank you cards to all who attended the wedding and to those who sent gifts.

There are ways to

avoid anxiety Many brides discover that stress sours what should be their greatest day. But the anxiety can be avoided, writes Belinda Parkes.

ETTING married is one of life’s milestones, but the path to the big day can hold a minefield of pressures. Combine financial worries, an important deadline, unrealistic expectations and family influences with a hefty dose of emotion and you have a formula capable of transforming even the most laid-back brideto-be into a feisty ‘‘bridezilla’’. Sydney therapist Jacqueline Stone is a specialist in stress and anxiety and says planning a wedding brings together all the major stress triggers. Ms Stone says couples should go into a wedding expecting to feel stress but understanding this is normal when you are incorporating a major event into an already busy life. ‘‘Go easy on yourself,’’ says Ms Stone. ‘‘We have a finite capacity to withstand pressure before we crack . . . something has to give, so look at what you can drop for six months — maybe not cook those flash dinners or give away a pursuit for a while.’’ Bridal coach Rachael Bentick, from Inlighten Photography, and wedding planner Jennifer Kennedy, of Bells N Whistles Events, both say the desire for perfection can push brides over the edge. Trying to do it all yourself is a recipe for disaster, says Ms Bentick, who says stress levels peak about two months before the big day. Be warned there is no such thing as a simple wedding and

delegating is crucial, says Ms Bentick. A wedding with 50 people and one with 350 both require a venue, styling, food and a gown. And sometimes the smaller wedding can be harder to pull off than a big one, with conflicts over how to reduce the guest list and a stricter budget. Ms Bentick offers one-off coaching sessions to help couples know where to start in planning their wedding. Her key advice is to decide what element they feel will best reflect them as a couple and spend your money there. She also urges couples to think about the long-term impact of their decisions. ‘‘I would love to say a wedding is all about you as a couple but weddings are a celebration for you and for your family,’’ Ms Bentick says. ‘‘You don’t want to burn bridges on your wedding day and cause rifts you’ll be paying for afterwards.’’ Ms Kennedy says tension often arises over a mother’s so-called ‘‘interference’’. While it is the father who usually gets the honour of walking the bride down the aisle, mum can get pushed to the background and left to make the coffee or clean up. ‘‘Include her in nice ways,’’ says Ms Kennedy. ‘‘Let her have her little moment.’’ ‘‘Mothers can feel the nerves too and taking her along to look at venues or for cake tasting can both help put mum at ease and involve her. ‘‘She doesn’t have to be part of the decision-making process, just part of the journey.’’

REMEMBER: ■ Stress can affect concentration, sleep, cause physical pain such as headaches and teeth grinding and exaggerate the negative over reality. ■ It’s important to take time out for yourself and that 20 minutes of light exercise each day can help significantly. ■ Walk an extra 10 minutes to the next bus stop — without using that time to text or look at your calendar — or take a massage, do yoga or pilates and tune into your senses and surroundings. ■ The best thing to do is to forget about attaining the perfect wedding. Instead remind yourself it is the unexpected things that create the stories you will laugh about later.

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

Snack stations can add variety With the increasing popularity of after-hours parties, late night snack food stations are a trend in the wedding menu. Just modify the selection according to the time of the wedding and the season.

HE snack station trend for weddings is gaining in popularity. While the lolly bar has become a part of many weddings, the bar has now been raised to include mini meals. Guests can help themselves to the snack station during the reception in between the dinner, dancing, toast and cutting the cake. And the bride and groom can have their favourite nibbles! The snack stations can be sophisticated or fun, depending too on how much you want to spend. It can range from mini fast food to the more sophisticated such as a French breakfast of croissants, cre ˆpes, a selection of cheeses, champagne and orange juice. It also depends on the season whether you have hot food such as soup and pasta or intermediate food such as desserts. A snack bar allows for more interaction because guests have to get up and help themselves and invariably start chatting at the snack station. Also before sending your guests home after a long night of dancing and entertainment, a bite to eat will be

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appreciated. Dancing can make your guests hungry while other guests can get restless or peckish and would like to have something to snack on. Tasty choices include: Nacho bar with corn chips, salsa, guacamole, cheese, etc ■ Popcorn, chocolate fountain or fairy floss machine ■ Mini hotdogs, hot chips, mini burgers, pies, donuts and quiches ■ Choice of soups with crusty rolls and sesame sticks ■ Pasta bar with cooked pasta, cheeses and sauces ■ French breakfast with croissants, a selection of pastries and cheeses ■ Lolly bars are still a great option; have pretty glass jars filled with a selection of favourite lollies and chocolates. ■ If you are feeling indulgent, have mini desserts such as cheesecakes, cupcakes and cake pops. ■

Rope in your family for when the party is over Here are some helpful tips on what friends and family can do after the reception to take the load off the newlywed couple.

bride and groom and their families stress about what to remember before the wedding but there are a few things to remember after the reception is over. An obvious one is any gifts that have been brought by guests to the reception venue. Some gifts can be fragile or large so organise some drivers with space in their vehicles to take the gifts either to the couple’s home or to a designated home such as the parents of the bride.

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this, especially if the couple is going away on their honeymoon straight away. Some hotels don’t have their reception open late so make sure the staff have left a key or instructions – the couple don’t want to be locked out! Luggage can be dropped off beforehand. ■

The top layer or leftovers of the cake should be ready for you to take home. Remind the reception staff about half an hour before the event ends. ■

Make sure that everyone has a ride ■ You are also entitled to take home any home – usually the mother of the bride unopened bottles of wine if you paid for stays until the end to make sure everyone the drinks during the reception. gets home safely. ■ Any left over bomboniere plus floral ■ All items such as flower stands and arrangements can be collected – after all, bollards rented from wedding providers you paid for them! Someone can enjoy will need to be returned promptly to their the flowers if the couple are going away on their honeymoon. owners – usually the next working day. Ask a family member or close friend to do ■

If the bride wants her bouquet to be preserved, this should be collected by a nominated person and done promptly otherwise the flowers will wilt. It’s best to take the bouquet to an expert because it’s a tricky process to get right. ■

The bride will probably have purchased the cake knife and the toasting flutes so these should be collected from the venue straight after the ceremony or as soon as possible. The guest book and pen need to be taken home too. ■

The groom’s outfit and the bride’s dress should be collected either from the reception if they have changed into going away outfits or from the hotel the next day if they are going on their honeymoon – a wedding dress doesn’t travel well! ■

Check with the bride and groom if they want these items cleaned while in their absence. ■

Hawkesbury Bride Magazine

The

Wedding Planner Because every wedding is different Every bride needs to customise her own wedding planner as every wedding is different. A checklist is your best way to ensure every detail is taken care of, even for the most casual of weddings.

6 TO 12 MONTHS PRIOR

2 MONTHS PRIOR

Organise music for reception

MC for reception

Book photographer/video

Book bridal transport

Arrange gift registry Arrange dance lessons Choose gifts for attendants Book beauty and nails Shop for lingerie Post invitations 8 to 12 weeks prior

Choose wedding gown,

4 WEEKS PRIOR

Set the date

Book the church/minister

Book celebrant/venue

Book reception

Book hire equipment

Book caterer

Organise music for ceremony

or church

bridal party attire and accessories

Trial hair and make-up

Groom’s attire

Attendants’ gowns and accessories and suits

Book accommodation for out of town guests

Complete guest list

Book florist

Book reception decorator

Plan honeymoon Check all travel documents are organised - passports, visas and if required health insurance

Write place cards

Confirm numbers for reception Hen’s night out Finalise honeymoon (travel agent) Pick up wedding rings Organise newspaper notices Pack for honeymoon

Pick up wedding outfits

1 TO 2 WEEKS PRIOR

Organise rehearsal for ceremony

and inoculations required Choose wedding rings

Purchase gifts for ... Attendants Bridesmaids Best man Parents Finalise menu

3 MONTHS TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR Order wedding cake

Confirm all bookings under control Reception Church Music Photographer Car hire Florist Cake Accommodation bookings

LAST MINUTE “MUST DO” LIST AFTER THE HONEYMOON Have gown cleaned Send thank you notes Change name on all documents

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