Plan My Wedding Sunshine Coast - Volume 9 by CNW

Plan My Wedding.... SUNSHINE COAST VOLUME 9 - 2020

FOUNDER & EDITOR IN CHIEF JULIE-ANN BROWN

EDITORIAL JULIE-ANN BROWN SHEREE GALEA

ADVERTISING NIKKI STAVELY 07 5443 6484 advertising@planmyweddingsunshinecoast.com.au

REAL WEDDING FEATURE SUBMISSIONS submissions@planmyweddingsunshinecoast.com.au

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS EDI submissions@planmyweddingsunshinecoast.com.au

COVER PAGE TAWNY PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

STYLED SHOOT Backlane Urban Wedding Shellbells Photography Mooloolaba

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Table of Contents... !

! Planning Wedding ! 15 !Wedding Vows Outline ! 19 !Places To Say “I Do” ! 31 !Epic First Dance Songs ! 44 !Inspiration Style Pages - Hair & Makeup ! 53 !What’s Your Style - six on trend styles to get you started ! 63 !Luv Bridal & Formal - wedding gowns !Wedding Planning - top 10 do’s & don’ts 68 ! 75 !Photography Shot List ! 92 !Save the Date - the when, who and what guide ! 106 !Videography 101 - how to be your videographer ! 115 !Reception Questions - 22 things you need to know before you book! ! 125 !Private Property Weddings - benefits of a backyard wedding ! 132 !Wedding Transport - who should I provide for? ! ! ! ! ! Real!! Weddings Style Shoots 21 !Lucy & Rich - Maleny Hinterland by Amy Higg Photography ! 37 !Hazel & Ivan - Noosa Elopement by Lisa Pearl Photography ! 57 !Anastasiya & Matt - Caloundra by Shellbells Photography ! 80 !Cassie & Tom - Twin Waters by Forever in this Moment Photography ! 100 !Georgia & Angus - Pelican Water by Shellbells Photography ! 109 !Keleigh & Matt - Montville by Nicole Brander Photography ! 135 !Uban Chic Styled Shoot - Cellar Door on First, Mooloolaba ! ! ! ! !

Articles ! !Quarantine Blues - How to use your lockdown to your advantage 5 ! 7 !Mooloolaba’s spectacular ceremony locations ! 28 !Wedding Day Rules - six rules you can definitely break ! 34 !Photobooth - Why you should have one at your wedding! ! 48 !Make Up Tips - four tips for looking your best 52 !How To Pick Your Bridal Party ! 67 !Groom Guidance - top tips for being the best groom ever! ! 85 !And The Winner Is… ! 97 !Special Memories - personalised Keepsakes ! 112 !Wedding Signs - which ones do I need? ! 123 !How to create the perfect wedding budget ! 141 !Honeymoon Tips - things to consider before you book ! 143 Hens Party - fun & quirky hens party ideas ! 145 !Extra Special Ideas - six ideas to make your wedding day stand out! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Just breathe

It’s going to be ok! With the craziest of times upon us all we can do is take a step back and see what happens. Weddings will be looking a little different for the next few months but given time things will settle down to the new normal. If you were almost about to be married or just part way planning your wedding big day just keep in mind that the Sunshine Coast Wedding Industry is here to support you as much as possible. Chat to your suppliers and let them know of any changes. Ask questions if you are unsure, it is a close network of suppliers and someone will have the answer you need. Enjoy the extra time to inject special touches to your wedding day to make it a truly memorable celebration of your LOVE!

! JulieAnn Brown

Thank You

We would just love to thank all of the wonder ful photographers and wedding suppliers for all of the amazing images that you are about to see.

Also a special thanks to the beautiful bridal couples who have allowed us to share they're amazing wedding days.

'E1B1>D9>5 <E5C How to Use Quarantine to Your Wedding-Planning Advantage If you're stuck at a home for a while, don’t let the current lockdown get you down! You can use this time to make a big dent in your wedding planning checklist. Here's how.

With all the extra time you’re likely spending cooped up in your home with your soon-to-be spouse, you might as well put it towards planning your big day, right? Unfortunately that’s easier said than done when it comes to the current state of affairs with the coronavirus pandemic. All non-essential businesses across the Australia are currently shut down—and sadly nearly all wedding suppliers fall under that category. catego You will be glad to hear most of them are still working from home! “Quarantine rules are shifting constantly so what normally would have been an in-person meeting has now changed to phone calls and Zoom meetings,” explains Julie-Ann Brown from Cloud Nine Weddings. “For example, whereas normally the couple would have met in person at our showroom to discuss their styling options, ideas and see mock-ups, we now catch up over the phone and direct couples to our Pinterest boards. The planning process is different but still can happen.” Suzanne Riley - Wedding Celebrant, agrees on seeing the positives, adding that it’s still possible to get a hold of suppliers (and it’s easier for suppliers to spend time with their clients as they currently have alot more time available). Suzanne says “Our local wedding industry is also incredibly sympathetic and are doing whatever they can to accommodate their couples.” While the situation is less than ideal, wedding suppliers agree that couples can use this newfound extra time together to check off tasks from their wedding-planning checklist. checklis “If there were decisions they were putting off because they hadn't had time to discuss or were never home at the same time to have a conversation, well, now they have the time and are home together,” says Julie-Ann. “If couples were a little behind in the planning process, this is going to give them time to catch up and likely get ahead of the game.”

Here are six recommended ways to use quarantine to get ahead on your wedding plans. Write your vows If you and your future spouse are planning on writing your vows, vow take the time to do so now, while you have lots of it. “Many of our clients leave vow writing and ceremony planning until the last minute, which can put added stress on them,” says Suzanne Riley Marriage Celebrant. She suggests taking this time to do a little research and put more thought into the ceremony itself, something she says is often overlooked, but is a critical and important part of the day. Play mixologist One business that is considered essential, meaning it’s still open during the stay at home regulations, is alcohol stores. This means you can order your favourite types of liquor as well as mixers to try out some cocktail recipes you might want to have at your wedding. We suggest researching on Pinterest for some fun ideas and then mixing them up with your partner while you're social distancing together. Create your playlist There’s no better time like li the present to start brainstorming which music you’d like to play at your wedding—after all, you have the time! Consider which songs you might want to play for personal dances, such as your first dance and parent dances. Also consider the songs you absolutely don’t want played at your wedding—those are important to note too! “Download and listen to these songs so you can practice your first dance,” says Peter from Oz Music Entertainment. “Have a dance party with your partner!” Iron out logistics You know all those to-dos on your list that you’ve kind of been dreading doing? This is a great time to get to work on them. Update your wedding website with any new information or simply reach out to wedding guests to let them know you’re thinking of them. Practice your thank-you note writing While we have plenty of time when not take the opportunity to write thank-you notes to your parents, wedding party, and each other. This kind of thoughtfulness goes such a long way and one of the best mood-boosting activities you can partake in during this difficult time is practicing gratitude. Give yourselves a break from planning, plannin too Even though you have the time, don’t make your entire quarantine about planning your wedding. “I know that advice is common even during normal times, but it's even more critical now that you and your partner are together 24/7,” says Julie-Ann from Cloud Nine Weddings. “Too much wedding talk can really get overwhelming and exhausting, so make sure you specify certain days and times of the week to tackle your wedding planning to-dos.”

locations

MOOLOOLABAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SPECTACULAR CEREMONY Imagine an idyllic beachside or parkland setting; arriving by boat, kombi or limousine; walking down a hidden pathway to reveal the ultimate wedding backdrop. All of this awaits you in Mooloolaba. Boasting an array of stunning ceremony locations, Mooloolaba has all you need to create the ultimate dream wedding including the #1 Beach on the Sunshine Coast according to Trip Advisor.

OSPREY GARDENS

PANDANUS GROVE BEACH ACCESS 192

MARINA GROVE

MOOLOOLABA COVE

www.heart2soulceremonies.com.au

www.glenyssearle.com

E: paulakoda@celebrantsunshinecoast.com.au M: 0415 780 346 / www.paulakoda.com

An elegant wedding chapel & ceremony venue to accompany your Sunshine Coast or Hinterland wedding reception. Featuring everything you expect from a premium quality wedding ceremony venue. Landscaped gardens, rolling hills and the nearby Glass House Mountains provide an exquisite country setting for your Maleny wedding day. Accomodating up to 120 guests, the Little White Wedding Chapel is available for religious or civil ceremonies for couples who dream of getting married in a traditional or vintage chapel setting. Hosts Cath & Rich Muldoon have been involved in the wedding industry for over 20 years, and will attend to all your needs ensuring your wedding ceremony runs perfectly. Call Cath now to talk about how we can help you create the perfect wedding.

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Waterside, Culgoa Point Beach Resort

Waterfront Restaurant, Noosaville

Maroochydore Beach, Maroochydore

Marcoola Beach Surfair, Marcoola

HMAS Brisbane, Alexander Headlands

Boat Shed Lawn Cotton Tree Park

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Matt Rowe Photography

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LITTLE WHITE WEDDING CHURCH - MALENY MONTVILLE VILLAGE HALL AMY HIGG PHOTOGRAPHY

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B51D9F5 *51= Celebrant - Dan Ford Hair - Sue McLaurin Make up - Danielle Robinson Music - Radio Club Band Stylist - Cloud Nine Weddings Flowers - Magnolia Grove Catering - The Spit Roast Company Wedding Planner - Cloud Nine Weddings Cake - Elizabeth & May Bar - Vintage Bondwood Bar Marquee - Montville Yurts

-5449>7 1I (E<5C Wedding Day rules have come a long way from the days of frilly unappealing bridesmaid dresses and party favors for each guest. There are still wedding customs like jumping the broom that may seem hard to leave behind. Today, more and more couples are making their own wedding rules for their special day.

Bad luck for the groom to see bride before the wedding You have found the love of your life it’s probably safe to say your luck is good. If you choose to take beautiful first look pictures as a new tradition or you stick to waiting until the ceremony reveal. Go with your heart & not supersuper stitions. Actually, this tradition dates back to pre-arranged marriages where the bride and groom didn’t even MEET before the wedding. Lots of couples are opting out of this tradition and taking advantage of “first look” photos, a rising trend in modern photo day weddings. This gives the photographer a better chance to capture that “magical moment” when the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding ensemble., It’s your decision. But don’t be afraid to break the mold of traditional wedding rules and celebrate the magic and romance of that “first look.”

Bouquet & garter toss Hit or miss for most, mos if you want to please and slightly embarrass your guests with this wedding tradition, go for it. Your guests will have such a good time at your reception that if you do decide to skip this tradition, they probably will not notice. This is a time-honored tradition that supposedly reveals the “next to be married.” Not all couples want the frenzy of single friends fighting over the wedding bouquet and garter. Nor do most brides want the groom displaying her bare thigh for all to see while he removes the garter and then tosses it to one of his drunken buddies. Many couples have been simply handing the bouquet to a cherished friend or loved one, or even the couple that has been married the longest as a sweet sentiment of love and remembrance.

The Bride must be escorted down the aisle There are a million reasons why stealing the show all by yourself can still be quite magical, even without an escort. Maybe you have more than one person you feel is fitting to walk you down the aisle. Maybe it is just not your cup of tea. te There is no harm in setting a new tradition and making this moment solo. Not everyone has that “special someone” in their life to walk them down the aisle. That’s okay if you want to fly solo, it’s YOUR day and YOUR moment to shine. Let all eyes be only on you. And besides, if you have a puffy dress and narrow aisle, aisl it might be best for you to go it alone. There’s no doubt every bride will be escorted out, by her husband.

Hiring your friends is a GREAT idea!

Wedding transport is your responsibility

You have to invite every child of every guest

Unless your friends are professionals and you have seen their portfolios, your wedding may not be the best time to give them that big shot or cut corners. You do not want the end of a friendship to overshadow the beginning of your marriage.

If you have the means to provide shuttle services for your guests, then go for it. But it is NOT mandatory, or necessary. Most mandato guests actually prefer having the freedom of their own transportation.

Consider an adult only wedding reception. Weddings are mainly an adult occasion. If there aren’t children in your wedding party (be it your own or your friends), it’s totally acceptable to forgo inviting children of guests. You can also make a note on your wedding invitation with a comment along the lines of “it is an adult only reception”.

One of your friends may offer to help with the food or styling your wedding - it may SOUND like an awesome idea, but many couples regret making this decision and it just adds a whole level of stress that you dont need. Also, hiring your flat mate as the DJ may actually turn out to be a disaster. Save yourself the drama and hire professionals. Let your friends and family attend as guests and enjoy the day.

Make sure your accommodations or lack thereof are understood up front. You do not want last minute disappointment from loved ones. This also allows time for compromise or alternate plans to be set.

Just make ma this fact clear on the “save the date” and the formal invitations so that guests don’t automatically assume their kids will be in attendance and can make advance preparations for child care for the big day. Of course, cours someone may get offended, but let’s get real, someone will ALWAYS be offended by SOMETHING, but don’t let this stop you from having the wedding you desire.

So go ahead, toss the tradition and REALLY take control of your wedding. Forget the myths, superstitions and conventional wedding rules and have the wedding of your dreams. Don’t worry about offending anyone. It’s YOUR wedding, YOUR reception, YOUR day and YOUR marriage! Make it everything you’d hoped it would be and more!

&8?D?2??D8 Why you should have one at your wedding! Great Entertainment One of the best reasons to have a photo booth is to entertain your guests. It’s important to consider that weddings have down times, and you have to think of a way to keep your guests entertained during those times. Guests can be goofy and stay entertained while they wait for the bride and groom to return and for the reception to start. As they say, time flies when you’re having fun and time will be flying for your guests if you choose to have a photo booth! They Make Great Memories! With most photo booths having the ability to print out multiple copies of photos, photo it ensures guests get a copy, as well as the bride and groom! Some photo booth companies even have the option of making a photo guestbook from the photos taken at the booth, which makes for a great keepsake for the bride and groom! After the big day, they can look back and see all the photo booth photos and remember how much fun their guests had at their wedding! They are FUN! Obviousl wedding photo booths are fun! The best thing about them is that they are great for all ages! I’ve seen everyObviously, one from kids to grandparents enjoy a photo booth! A photo booth provides endless entertainment from the beginning of the night, all the way until the end!

Always so much fun!

www.ishootphotobooth.com.au

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NOOSA ELOPEMENT CASUARINA GARDENS LISA PEARL PHOTOGRAPHY

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B51D9F5 *51= Celebrant - Dee Hamson Hair - Rolling Scissors Flowers - Magnolia Grove Make up - Backstage Beauty Planner & Stylist - Cloud Nine Weddings Reception - Picnic in the park

Let us help you write your love story...

www.lovestoryelopements.com.au

Multi Award Winning Wedding Hairstylist

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Inspiration Style Pages - Hair & Make up the best advice we can give you is keep looking until you find the look you love! Take your ideas along to your makeup & hair stylist and trust their professional advice.

Creating your day... your way!

Wedding Hair & Makeup - servicing the entire Sunshine Coast

www.pure-elegance.com.au

HAIR

MAKEUP

BEAUTY

Â WWW.BACKSTAGEBEAUTY.COM.AU

#1;5 +@ *9@C FOUR TOP TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST Schedule a Trial Run Kate Middleton (a literal princess) is rumoured to have done her own wedding-day makeup â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and she nailed it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but many brides prefer to bring in a professional. Find someone who understands your style, being able to consult with a few times and who offers a trial run. Book at least six months ahead, then schedule your trial at least two months before the wedding. Make Your Makeup Last Though it might feel otherwise, othe your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint, and you'll want your makeup to hold up through every last photo, dance, toast, and selfie. When you book a professional makeup artist they only use products that will hold up to anything your wedding day throws at you. If you decide to DIY your makeup make sure you pack an essentials makeup kit to take with you on the day for touch ups. Aim For Looking Like Yourself Whether you normally wear minimal makeup or whether you prefer a more dramatic look. Your wedding day is not a time to experiment, you want your photos to be timeless. One look that never fails: radiant skin, ski rosy cheeks, flushed lips, and some definition on the eyes. Falsies Are Optional but Waterproof Mascara Is Not If you're a big crier, think twice before tacking on false lashes. Tears will lift the lash adhesive right off. Curl your lashes and stick with a volumizing mascara instead, and whether you wear falsies or not, waterproof mascara is a must.

▪Freelance

Hairstylist▪ ▪Workshops▪ ▪Studio▪

Contact -Kylie Sutton

With over 19 years experience in the hair and beauty industry, specialising in Bridal, Long hairstyling, Catwalk & Studio.

?G D? @93; YOUR BRIDAL PARTY It’s time for a real talk about your bridal party. Look, on the best day, to-do lists give us mixed feelings. On wedding-lead-up days? Constantly nagging you to call back the cake maker, confirm your spa day, lock in your final hair trial, figure out where your fiancé nonchalantly tossed the rings, stop procrastinating about telling Gran you won’t be having a priest … oh, say hello to STRESS. Enter the wedding-community support system, or what the rest of the world calls your bridal party. This is the squad who will be there when you need a third or fourth or fifth (you get it) hand. Or, for when you need an ear to cry to because that is not the shade of champagne you ordered. Or, to act as the buffer between you and the dreaded other people’s opinions, about which there will be many, and which are harder to ignore than you think. In other words, word you want to think carefully about who you have in your corner, not only because you’ll need their support (whether it’s emotional or physical), but also because being in the bridal party entourage can be a lot to ask of a bestie. The short answer to the process? Think about what you want, think about who you want, think about what they want. At the same time, remember that selecting who stands next to you at the altar, showing their support, is a beautiful way to honour the people who have been amazing friends to you and your partner. Asking them to share the moment with you so intimately is a way to show them—and the world!—your gratitude. WHAT’S THE “BRIDAL PARTY” JOB DESCRIPTION? Newsflash: Not everyone—often bridesmaid, matron of honor, groomsman, brides man, or junior bridesmaid don’t actually know. Some people would only presume that they show up on time, look presentable, and stand at the altar with you. Other people expect their ladies and gents to throw them lots of parties and take on half the DIY projects. See the potential problems?

Ivory & Rose Photography

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Ah, the touchiest of the touchy subjects. First, do yourself a favor and don’t Google “What do bridesmaids hate about being a bridesmaid?” because that’s a bucket of anxiety-worms you do not need. We’ll summarise it for you: Overpriced everything. Even if you’ve made the decision to go next-level with your wedding budget, remember that your ladies and lads may not have the funds to spend on your nuptials—and the many events that can lead up to them. You definitely don’t want to put your besties in a tough or awkward situation. Who’s picking the dress? What’s the price range? Are you mandating all bridal party members come to the events, buy the same shoes, purchase special accessories, and get their hair done? Is your wedding out of town, which means flights and accommodations? Are you hoping for a 5 star weekend away for your hens party? Who pays for what? Managing your expectations with everyone else’s before the trip is planned will save you some serious grief. And remember, remembe there’s nothing bad, wrong, or unreasonable about cutting out all financial obligations for your bridal party. One hugely amazing and important reason to ask someone to be in your bridal party is to honour them. When they stand at the altar with you, it’s a way of saying, “Hey, look how important this person is to me! Look how much they’ve supported me in my life and my relationship! Kudos to them!” That could mean having the wedding party pick their own dresses or suits (or wearing ones they already own) and maybe treating your people to accommodations on the weekend of your wedding. LET’S TALK POLITICS Except we mean the white dress kind, kin not the White House kind (we hope). It’s true that there may be people in your life that will expect an invite, if you’re having a bridal party of any serious size. Sisters, brothers, close cousins, and your sister- or brother-in-law are some common wedding party contenders, for instance. While you obviously aren’t obligated to ask them, think about the possible repercussions (as unreasonable as you may think they are) and honestly ask yourself if you’re ready to accept that. It could mean anything from losing a friendship to a year of having to mediate your nosy aunt’s emails demanding why Cousin Carly isn’t on official Team Wedding. Once you make a decision, stick to it. Don’t torture yourself with “maybe I should haves” down the road. You’ve got a wedding to plan! OKAY, YOU HAVE A CANDIDATE. NOW, THINK OF HER (OR HIM) It deserves saying again: Put yourself in their shoes. Where are they in life right now? Are they financially able to meet your expectations? Are they preoccupied with other big personal events in life that will interfere with what you’ve got planned, or add to their stress levels, such as planning their own wedding, having a new baby, etc. Or, is there some emotional baggage, like a divorce or contentious relationship situation, that makes the lovey-dovey wedding prep stuff seem like the hardest thing in the world for them to do right now? Take it all into consideration when you’re crafting your requests. HAVE A CONVERSATION If you’re yo skipping someone for the above reason, it may warrant a chat. If you’ve been best friends since third grade and they’re not in your party because you (very considerately) anticipated that their divorce would make it too difficult for them, try talking it out with them before you set things in stone. They may be hurt if they get zero explanation, or you may be completely reading the situation wrong and being in the wedding party would be just the distraction and fun time needed to get their mind off their home problems!

Or, consider paring down your initial job description to make things emotionally easier—no dress shopping or lovey-dovey stories or cutesy gushing. gushin Ask them to be there for you, as they always have, to stand next to you as you launch into this new phase of your life, which will also, as always, include them—and that’s it.

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B51D9F5 *51= Celebrant - Dee Sunshine Coast Celebrant Hair & Make up - A Vision of Pure Elegance Flowers - Magnolia Grove Cake - Cloud Nine Weddings Transport - Deluxe Kombi Stylist - Cloud Nine Weddings Photobooth - Kombi Photobooth Box Brownie

B??= E941>35 TOP TIPS FOR BEING THE BEST GROOM EVER!

You bought the ring, popped the question, and now you get to kick back until your wedding day rolls around, right? Well, that's one option, but the best way to keep her happy -- and you out of the doghouse -- is to get involved. Here are our top tips for being a great groom. Have an Opinion - This is your wedding too, so get in on the planning. Pick a few things that interest you - the food? the wedding music? photos?. Wouldn't it be nice to know a little something about your wedding before you attend it? Give Her a Break - If she's doing the majority of the planning for your wedding, she's probably bordering on wedding overload. You need to make sure she doesn't have an ulcer (or a grudge!) by the time she walks down the aisle. Give her a night to relax and cook her dinner, do the dishes, download her favourite movie (yes, even a chick flick), and remind her why wedding planning is worth the stress. Be a Buffer - If your mum is calling your fiancĂŠ every hour to talk about the wedding, you run the risk of major family conflict, with you stuck in the middle. Your mission: Keep the peace. Call your mum and let her know that while you appreciate her interest and excitement, excitemen it's your wedding and she needs to give you two some planning space. Get Some Help - Has your fiance really hit the wall? Suggest hiring a planner for the day of your wedding. Your onsite wedding planner will handle all the little details that neither you nor your bride will want to deal with, and it'll be a relief to have a professional on hand to fix any little mix-ups. Arrange the Attire - Send out detailed emails to all your groomsmen filling them in on the relevant info for the formalwear -let them know when and where to get fitted for their tuxes, and remind them to return the suits the day after the wedding to avoid annoying late fees. Get Sentimental - The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she's getting ready. Or, at the reception, pull the videographer aside and tape a special message to her. She'll see it later and we promise, she'll love you all the more.

-5449>7 &<1>>9>7 TOP TEN IDEAS TO PUT ON YOUR DO & DON’T LIST Do your research and hire professionals This is one day in your life where your research will pay off in bundles so read reviews, checkout online social media history, ask questions until you are confident your supplier is a professional and respected industry supplier. Your Marriage Celebrant will be a fount of golden information so ask your celebrant for suppliers they know will suit your personality, have a proven quality track record and are professional and fabulous. Do hire a videographer A video captures words and actions, action micro looks and laughter, moments with guests that you may not have experienced on the day. Your children and their children will adore watching this footage for years to come. This footage will become priceless to you as the years roll on, featuring moments with your most important friends and family and those very important moments you share as a couple on the day. This will become one of the most treasured decisions after the day. Do send out a ‘save the date’ card Send your ‘save the date’ cards as soon as you have your date locked in. Your important guests will appreciate the lead up time to organise themselves, this is especially important for guests travelling to the wedding for flights and accommodation. Do book a Wedding Planner A wedding planner can seem like an extra expense on the surface however your planner will guide you with suitable suggestions for all of your needs knowing your budget and style. Your planner will make the entire process so much easier for you, they do this every day, they know the ins and outs of the industry, so trust them, they really do know what they’re doing AND as well as saving a lot of stress and running around for you, will more than likely save you money in the long run. Do consider the weather Book a ceremony venue with a wet weather back up option OR have a separate wet weather option planned. If holding the ceremony outdoors, do cater for guests in hot weather, they’ll be standing in the heat for sometimes more than an hour. Think about booking an all weather ceremony venue where weather will not impact your ceremony such as a Chapel. Do Consider a Chapel Most Chapels cater for civil (non religious) ceremonies. ceremonie When choosing a Chapel you will be confident when sending out your invitation with details no matter the weather, your ceremony will be held there, no stressing about weather and last minute wet weather alternatives. All guests will be seated and comfortable, the acoustics will be perfect, parking and toilets will be available. Costs for a Chapel are set pricing, as opposed to a beach or garden style ceremony set up where you pay for settings, delivery and permits. So pricing is usually comparable for either option. Do consider a ‘first look’ on your wedding day This is becoming so popular! So what is this? The bride and groom meet all dressed and gorgeous earlier in the day .. usually as a surprise, photographed unveiling and usually with tears and joy; accompanied by their bridal party they can enjoy lunch or nibbles and champagne, start the celebrations with the photographer for those special portraits and on location shoot… This allows for a later ceremony, and bridal party are ready to join and mingle with guests as soon as the ceremony is over. The additional bonus is no waiting guests whilst you leave for photos, no rushing off for photos, no worrying about timing after the ceremony… This is a fabulous idea Do have an unplugged ceremony Do ask all guests to put away their devices and be present for your ceremony, ceremon HOWEVER Do also ask your photographer, your celebrant or one guest to take a few photos of you at the signing table and then standing at the ‘altar position’ with YOUR own phone or camera or their own phone and send them to you after the ceremony. Only the professional photographer will have these photos and you can wait days or weeks to see them so having this sneak peek will be beautiful. This is a great idea if you’re planning on posting a photo on social media before your guests .. you’ll have a few gorgeous photos to choose from Do book a professional MC for your reception It’s lovely to have a friend to introduce speeches however, the role of MC for the evening is a big responsibility. The MC is on duty all evening… and won’t be able to relax until their role is complete. The role of MC is much more than just speeches, a professional MC will be keeping time with all of your important moments, and the kitchen for service and be able to entertain your guests professionally from the beginning to the end of the evening. Consider your DJ or a band member may be an MC so ask the question of them, a professional MC keeps the timing perfect and keeps the energy flowing. Do book fun! Add something unexpected to your run sheet and plans for your day. da It could be an ice-cream cart to arrive after the ceremony on a hot day, release doves! Invite a troupe of samba dancers at the reception to entertain and get the guests dancing, a magician walking around mingling with guests, something different! A photo booth is always fun and questionnaires to complete about the couple for guests can be hilarious if used later by the MC and a great keepsake for the couple. So think outside the box.. your weddings will love it.

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Don’t use public forums for advice Don’t ask for supplier recommendations or advice for your wedding on public social media forums, you don’t know the calibre or quality of the advice or person giving it. i So, best advice from me is to go directly to the web, google and do your research, speak to professionals directly and see who ‘you’ love, ask friends who’s taste is similar and who’s advice you respect. Once you’ve started booking suppliers you love, ask their advice on who they love to work with, who they recommend, and if you like the social media forums join the private professional groups, such as The Brides Tree online, their ‘Brides Tribe’ is for brides only, (They also have a fabulous free quarterly magazine you’ll love too!) no suppliers or general public allowed so a qualified group of people experiencing the same as you are I LOVE this. Don’t take too many people bridal Gown shopping. Too many differing opinions can be confusing and upsetting when choosing the iconic gown, so take one or two people with you who’s opinions you absolutely value. OH and make sure you wear great underwear for the shopping day Don’t book your ceremony too late in the day You really do want to enjoy the entire day…. think about your own experience and what ‘you’ want for your day. One suggestion … check out the ‘do have a first look’ suggestion OR alternatively consider a late morning or early afternoon ceremony which gives you and the bridal party a gorgeous relaxed afternoon to have something to eat, have photographs, refresh and touch up makeup and head to the reception with absolutely no rushing. Guests can go off and have a free afternoon before re-grouping at the reception. This might seem different however it’s much easier and much more relaxed and fun on the day! and after all, it is ‘your’ wedding day. Don’t leave payments to the day of the wedding. weddin Make sure to plan for all suppliers to be paid in advance so there are no awkward moments on the day handing over or forgetting or misplacing envelopes full of cash. Don’t ‘go cheap’ for the sake of saving money Of course organise your budget, budge and when planning, remember you really do get what you pay for so find your favourite suppliers who are going to make your day perfect and fabulous, and if they happen to be slightly more expensive, you’ll find out soon enough why, a couple of hundred dollars extra can mean the difference between and ok experience and a fabulous one! You Don’t have to have a huge bridal party Keep in mind that every person you add to your bridal party is a lot of extra $$$’s.. It’s another dress or suit, shoes, jewellery, gift, hair and makeup, bouquet and of course an added personality into the mix. The reality is you don’t actually require any bridal party at all legally, not even for signing, that can be any person over the age of 18 who is present and can understand the language in which the ceremony is held. So think outside the square, you can choose one attendant each or even none at all. Don’t organise your own reception music You’ve poured your heart into every detail of your day and the reception is where you let your hair down, have fun, laugh and dance… If you’ve booked a DJ or band your night will start to pump and have an energy that will have everyone dancing, they get to know you and your music taste, they read the room, get everyone up and it’s their job to do that. If you choose to have a speaker and ipod with a playlist you will find there maybe really no heart to the entertainment and there could be a lack of atmosphere. These are usually the weddings where you may find guests waiting for the cake cutting to leave and the dance floor sees not much action. Don’t plan for too many speeches Keep speeches short and give instructions for the length of time these speeches should be given. Speeches going over time can create a problem with the kitchen and hold up service of courses so make sure the MC is aware of timing and informs the speakers. Don’t skip the wedding cake If dessert is included with your menu, a cake can seem like an extra that isn’t needed .. don’t underestimate how fun and special it is to ‘cut the cake’ on the evening, it creates a great photo moment and many guests look forward to the cake. Even if you choose a small cake for cutting it can be topped with flowers and look fabulous and really does finish the wedding decorations. ( I love cake!!) Don’t go dashing off on the honeymoon too soon I went on mine the very ve next morning and missed out on a lot of the after fun! So many guests love to stay around especially those who have travelled to the wedding… a post wedding day late breakfast or BBQ is a great way to de-brief, find out about all the shenanigans that went on the night before, see the photo evidence of said shenanigans, laugh and bask in the glow of memories made. Cocktails the night after can be a wonderful wind down, and this creates more of a wedding festival feel rather than just one day.

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SHOT LIST

DO YOU REALLY NEED ONE? There are so many moments that you want to make sure are captured by your photographer. Our advice is to give them a guide to what is important to you. yo That way after the wedding there are no surprises or disappointments when the only photo you really wanted of you with your great great grandfather - they didn’t take. Remember - if you are hiring a professional make sure their style is what you are looking for, there is no point booking a photographer that only takes family photos in a studio and expecting them to adapt quickly to your wedding on the beach at sunset.

HERE’S A FEW PHOTOS THAT GET OVERLOOKED

First Look Ceremony set up before guests arrive Groom’s first sight of bride Congratulation photos after ceremony Bridal couple “stolen moments” Reception set up before guests arrive Close up photos of centre pieces & stationery Guests mingling at pre-dinner drinks Bridal couple under the stars Father daughter / Mother son dance Parents dancing Sparkler farewell

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E . i n fo @ n i c o l e l a u fe r p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m

email: hello@lisape arl.com.au ph: 0411 760 103 facebook: /lisapearlphotography web: www.lisapearl.com.au

ShellBells PHOTOGRAPHY shellbells.com.au

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PALM BEACH, NOVOTEL TWIN WATERS RESORT LILYS ON THE LAGOON FOREVER IN THIS MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE ULTIMATE ESSENTIALS PACKAGE

The Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase is always delighted when a beautiful wedding couple win the major prize! Twice a year in January & June one lucky couple walk away with prizes valuing over $15K. Cassie & Tom were so excited to win this prize at the bridal show! Having met most of the wedding suppliers at the expo they knew that they would be in the very best of hands and get the wedding of their dreams. Most of their guests travelled from the UK and were shown the tme of their lives at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. Having the ceremony and reception in Resor one location made it easy for their international guests. “It was such a brilliant day, which wouldn’t have been possible without you all. We truly appreciated all your help and planning & of course winning the best prize! We couldn’t have wished for anything more, thank you”

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=1J9>7 )@?>C?BC LUV Bridal Suits Direct Oaks Oasis Resort Tonie Prasser Celebrant Rollling Scissors Empire Art Cloud Nine Weddings John Veloso Music Imperial Hotel Twin Waters Golf Club Forever in this Moment Photography Magnolia Grove Images by Lou O’Brien Pelican Waters Golf Club Intimo

Each Bride receives a show bag with bridal

magazines to the value of over $65 *Fantastic bridal gown to be given away* *Many other luckydoor prizes to be won* *Live music & fantastic fashion parades*

www.sunshinecoastbridalshowcase.com

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Save the Date Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve celebrated your engagement and the planning is underwayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;time to get your guests in the loop by sending them a wedding save the date. This pre-invitation officially announces your wedding date and lets guests know that they will, in fact, be invited to the celebration. This allows interstate or international guests to start to plan for flights and accommodation.

! Here are the answers to all your burning save-the-date etiquette questions. !

When? General rule is you can send out the save the date cards anywhere from 6-12months before.

Who? You send the save the date card to anyone you want to come along to your wedding. Just remember only send them to people you are defiantly inviting to the wedding. Make sure you only list on the envelope who is actually invited.

What? You need to let them know the specifics of your day. It defiantly needs to have the grooms name on it (remember its his wedding too), the date of the wedding, the location (even if it is only the area - so people can book accommodation) and finish by saying formal invitation to follow. If you have a wedding website you can include the link address as well.

The Digital Dilemma Email invitations for informal events like hens & bucks parties and post wedding brunches are becoming more popular, which, as a result, is changing the rules of â&#x20AC;&#x153;snail mailâ&#x20AC;? etiquette. We stand by old-school stationery for the big stuff like formal invitations, but leave the use of digital up to the discretion of the couple for any additional wedding events.

Î¸Ď Ď&#x201E;Ď&#x160;Îš Ď&#x192;ÎžĎ&#x192;Îş Endless design options available to suit your wedding style & budget

www.cloudnineweddings.com.au

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Herb in a Bag is a unique wedding favour that will help and inspire your guests, family and loved ones to grow their own herbs right in the bag you gave it to them in. It is the gift gi that keeps on giving! Choose from our three varieties of Basil, Chives and Parsley (or mix it up with some of each)

www.sowgroweat.com.au

Make your special occasion unique and memorable with customised honey favours that will 'WOW' your guests. We offer a wide range of personalised label designs, jar sizes, lid colours and ribbons to compliment your theme. Our honey is 100% raw, organic and produced locally in the Noosa hinterland. The sweetest way to thank your guests!

Please view our Facebook business page for further details and follow us on Instagram. E: meanttobeehf@gmail.com P: 0406 606 365

Bomboniere Ideas

SUNCOAST FLOWERS

Coastal Breeze D E S I G N S

Creating unique floral and shell arrangements with salty air and floral flair. Utilising artificial flowers and shells, arrangements are individually crafted to suit your style. Lasting keepsakes with a modern twist.

SHARLENE 0408075347 coastalbreezed@gmail.com @coastalbreezedesigns @coastal.breeze.designs.qld

)@5391< #5=?B95C Pesonalised Keepsake There is a long history of brides keeping momentos from their wedding days and like all traditions times have changed. Drying our wedding bouquet flowers and hoping they don’t fall apart (or get eaten by ants) is a thing of the past. This amazing new company “Painted Memories” have come up with something that I think will be the next big thing for brides. Imagine after your wedding day supplying them with a stunning image of your wedding bouquet and artist Holly Milner creates you a watercolour artwork of your flowers ready for you to hang on your wall forever. It is such an amazing idea as a gift for the bride from her mum or even her bridesmaids.

What is your favorite?

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Visit our showroom today Shop 2 / 1 Duporth Ave Maroochydore Qld (07) 5475 4037

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or just loÃ¹ them all!

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What makes Underwood's Fine Jewellers different? Just have a look at our web site our Unique by Design styles stand out from the crowd, having our own workshops in store, being able to talk to a Master Jeweller, a free design service, being able to vary one of our original designs to suit youâ&#x20AC;Ś are but a few reasons to shop with Underwood's Fine Jewellers . At Underwood's Fine Jewellers we offer quality jewellery that has a 10 year guarantee on any piece that we have made and a life time free setting check with cleaning as well. We have interest free options when purchasing to spread your costs over a longer period thus allowing you to obtain that perfect design.

Shop 357 Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore PH: 07 5443 2266 Shop 366 Kawana Shopping World, Kawana Shopping World PH: 0754526774

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THE LAWN PELICAN WATERS GOLF CLUB SHELLBELLS PHOTOGRAPHY

B51D9F5 *51= Celebrant - Coatal Weddings Hair & Make up - Samantha Kate DJ Music - Moove It DJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stylist - Cloud Nine Weddings Cake - Chocolate 2 Chilli Flowers - Magnolia Grove Dress - Grace Loves Lace

HOW TO BOOK A VIDEOGRAPHER: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS You’re going to want to come to your meetings prepared—with working knowledge of the videographer’s style, your own preferences, and a whole bunch of questions. Suggestions: WILL YOU BE THE ONE FILMING MY WEDDING? This is a super relevant question because—surprise!—some times the person you meet is not the person who shows up at your wedding. Always double check and find out if your videographer has a team, works solo, or something in between. HAVE YOU SHOT AT THIS VENUE BEFORE? Whether or not your videographer has worked wor at your venue before shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but you do want to inquire. If they have, great! They’ll know where the weird angles are, and where the bad lighting is. If not, see if he or she wants to tour the venue (with or without you), or at least ask the venue if there’s anything specific they need to know before the night of. WHAT IS YOUR STYLE? Like I said above, videographers often have their own vibe. If you’re into documentary style photography, you’ll probably want a documentarian videographer. If you are going for a more movie-esque experience, experienc look for someone who describes their style as cinematic. If you want Super 8, well, go with a Super 8 artist. ARE YOU SHOOTING ANY OTHER WEDDINGS THAT DAY? Sometimes videographers are able to book multiple weddings a day, depending on the length of services offered, or how long the wedding is in general. If it makes you nervous to know your videographer is filming a brunch wedding before your late night event, you probably want to find someone who will only shoot your wedding on that day. HAVE YOU WORKED WITH [X SUPPLIER] BEFORE? In addition to asking your photographer for suggestions, it’s worth cross-checking with your videographer and seeing if he or she is equally enthused by your photographer—and other vendors that you’re working with. The wedding supplier dance is delicate, and it works best when everyone genuinely likes everyone else. Granted, that’s not really your problem to begin with, but it’s always nice to know that your team is on the same page.

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The current ‘normal’ - All you need is love …. Two witnesses and a celebrant. Amid a world locking down and so much uncertainty Keleigh and Matt married at Secrets on the Lake, in what seemed a haven of love, hand sanitizer, tears and magic on 5th April. They had planned a large Chapel ceremony and cocktail celebration however with the new 5 person restrictions for a marriage, like most couples faced with this hurdle, they chose to postpone the celebrations to next year, but one thing they were absolutely certain of and that was their marriage would go ahead. ahea For them, their marriage, the most important step in their lives would go ahead on their chosen day, their promises and the ceremony and also the date were so precious with the date being particularly significant for Keleigh. The date would have been her late fathers 40th Wedding anniversary, during her vows she shared how, from heaven, she knew he’d found Matt and sent him to her and this was the love she had been waiting a lifetime for. Being part of this ceremony was so personal, with only the sounds of the waterfall and birds, there was a wonderfully peaceful feeling, it really did feel like a private paradise. Such a personal occasion for me as a celebrant, celebran my iphone was set to video every precious moment for them to share with friends and family later, a ceremony so emotional and heartfelt to be shared from the heart and with the 1.5m distance the promise of hugs next year at their next ‘wedding’. Their postponed celebrations will include a second (renewal) ceremony next year in front of their loved ones, sharing every precious moment again followed by a cocktail reception where everyone can celebrate, come together and share the joy. Celebrant - Suzanne Riley Marriage Celebrant Photgraphy - Nicola Brander Photographer

-5449>7 )97>C WHICH ONES DO I NEED? Not only are wedding signs amazing decorations for your overall aesthetic; they are also crucial pieces of the foundation of your wedding day. Before I even jump into what signs you’ll actually need, there is something very important that I want you to think about before you start making a list. The two main reasons you have signs at your wedding are: 1 It tells people the information they need to know - This is where you are sitting, these are the specialty cocktails at the bar, these seats are reserved, etc. 2 It tells people what you need them to do - Please use this hashtag when sharing your photos, please take confetti to throw after the ceremony, please do not use your cell phone during the ceremony, etc. When you start thinking about what signs you need, start with thinking from your guest’s point-of-view. You think this day might be about you but in reality, you want your guests walking away thinking this was the best damn wedding of all time. You want a sign at every place you need to tell someone something or you want someone to do something. Walk through the entire schedule of events that your guests will follow on the day of the wedding. Literally write it out, step-by-step. Think about what interactions they’ll have and what they would need to know when they get to each step. The experience should be seamless. Your guests shouldn’t even need to think twice about anything because the information will already be there when they arrive. Why do we do this? You’re probably thinking that I’m over complicating wedding signs but I’m about to prove you wrong. You don’t want to give anyone a reason to have to ask a question because, in reality, you’ll want them to already know the answer. The last thing you want is to have people texting your mum or your bridesmaids asking questions on your big day and them having to ask you. You won’t have time for that! You need to be more preoccupied sipping champagne and getting your hair done than answering Aunt Betty crazy question about what time cocktail hour is.

CHECK OUT CLOUD NINE WEDDINGS CUSTOM DESIGN SIGNS & HIRE EXTENSIVE RANGE WWW.CLOUDNINEWEDDINGS.COM.AU

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Sunshine Coast www.cloudnineweddings.com.au cloud9weddings@bigpond.com 07 5443 443

(535@D9?> 'E5CD9?>C 22 Things you need to know before you book! 1. Is our wedding date available? The most popular of the questions to ask your wedding venue? Your date! Find out if your date is available and, if so, how to book it to ensure your date is saved. 2. How many other weddings are booked on the same day? It’s helpful to know how many other weddings are happening at the same time as yours. It’s fine if there are additional weddings the same day, as long as ample staff can handle the size of your event. 3. How much is the deposit? Be very clear about how much you owe to reserve the date, when it is due, and how you can make a payment. 4. How many deposits are required? If more than one deposit is required, find out when they are due and which method payment can be made. 5. Do we owe for “extra” costs? These extra costs are sometimes in fine print and can include a cleaning fee, overtime charge, or gratuity. Make sure you get all the costs before signing anything. 6. What is your cancellation policy? As with any contractual obligation, you should know what the cancellation policy is. You most likely won’t need to use it, but what if you found a venue you liked more? Or you had to change the date? 7. When do we need the final guest numbers / what is the last possible date for changes? 8. Who will be in charge of our wedding on the day-of? If you can meet them — that’s even better! It’s always helpful to know who will be in charge of your wedding at the venue; getting to know them beforehand is always a plus. 9. Can we make a payment arrangement? This is helpful if you are hoping to have a payment schedule set up to make fixed payments over a set period of time for the remaining balance. 10. What is included in your reception package? pac Find out all of the inclusions and who supplies them. You may want to meet with the wedding supplier directly to discuss your style and how you want your wedding to look and feel. If there are things not included i.e. cake and DJ check with the venue is they have a preferred supplier list and check if you are able to select your own suppliers if you wish to even if they are not on the venues list. 11. What time can wedding suppliers arrive for setup? and packing down rules? Depending on bookings sometimes venues let you have access the day before but please understand they may takes a booking closer to your wedding date which then reduces your access time. 12. Is this venue handicap accessible? Where are the disabled toilets, access ramps to all function spaces and carparking.

13. Will there be ample parking? How many car parking spaces do you have for weddings. if parking is limited are you required to supply buses for your guests. 14. What are your decoration rules? Most venues have rules on how you can decorate, and where. Make sure you find out before moving forward AND ask any specific questions before signing. If you wish to have roof draping, find out first if they’ll allow it, as many venues may not be able to. This could be a deal breaker for you. 15. What time do guests have to leave the venue? What time is last drinks and when do guests need to be out of the venue? Do we need to pack down our things at the end of the night? Make sure you find out if there is a charge for ‘overtime’, in which case the party goes longer than expected. 16. Who is responsible for setting up and taking down decor if it is not included in your wedding package? When does it need to be completely removed? What is included by reception staff and what do you need to do yourself? 17. Do you supply staff meals for wedding suppliers working at my wedding? If so what cost are involved and where to you serve them their meals? Are softdrinks included for them? 18. Do you have at the option for a menu tasting? Can we make menu alterations with the chef? If you do how many people come along to the tasting and is there any costs involved?

19. (If Outdoor Venue) — What is your policy on inclement weather? Is there a backup location? When and who make the call on wet weather? 20. What is your pricing for the beverages? Do you offer a drinks packages or can we have a bar tab? Could we opt for guests to purchase their own drinks? Are there any other charges for barstaff if that was the case? If you have the option that you can supply your own alcohol (if you wish), if there is a corkage fee (you’d be surprised how quickly this can add up), and make sure they have a liquor license. 21. What are your music / sound restrictions? Do we need to have the music off at a certain point? Are there any other restriction we need to be aware of? 22. Is this venue fully licences and insured? This is a huge one venues must be licensed and meet with local council guidelines and carry full insurance,

Mercure Sunshine Coast - Kawana Waters

, o d I Say

at Oaks Oasis Resort

Situated in Caloundra, Oaks Oasis Resort has a collection of inspiring venues to choose from to ensure your wedding day is truly memorable. From a romantic reception under the stars in a luxurious Tipi to a casual cocktail-style celebration overlooking the lagoon, we have something to suit weddings of all sizes and styles. To arrange a complimentary site inspection, please call 07 5491 0342 or email KellyE@minorhotels.com.au. oakshotels.com Oaks Oasis Resort 2 Landsborough Parade, Caloundra QLD 4551

Creating the perfect wedding is about choice...

THE ROTUN

THE WOODS THE GARDENS

THE BEACH

YOUR CEREMONY

YOUR RECEPTION

The team at Twin Waters Golf Club understands that every Wedding and every Bride is unique, we have created special options to cater to all tastes and desires when it comes to your special day. Choose from the Rotunda, the Gardens, the Woods or the Beach. You owe it to yourself to call our specialist wedding coordinator today to experience the Twin Waters Golf

Work with our team to create highly personalized, tantalizing menus within a spectacular surrounding. We have a wide variety of reception options, from cocktail functions to more formal sit-down dinners. Contact our dedicated Wedding Coordinator to discuss your plans.

Twin Waters Golf Club 151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters 5457 2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

WEDDINGS

There is nothing like The Imperial Hotel and Eumundi Brewery on the Sunshine Coast. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a magical mix of historic hotel, bohemian art, fabulous food, boutique brews and creative groove. Image: Bonnie Jenkins Photography Florals: Heavenly Blooms WWW.IMPERIALHOTELEUMUNDI.COM.AU

WEDDINGS@ IMPERIALHOTELEUMUNDI.COM.AU

PH: 0458 121 972

WEDDINGS ON THE WATER AT

The Caloundra Power Boat Club The picturesque setting and the waterfront combine to make this venue the ideal place to hold your wedding. Our onsite Gazebo & three beautiful function rooms overlooking the Pumicestone Passage make this the perfect location for your wedding celebrations! www.caloundrapowerboat.com.au functions@caloundrapowerboat.com.au 07 5444 5800

CEREMONY | RECEPTION | ACCOMMODATION

The Hideaway is an all-inclusive wedding venue, offering both the seclusion and tranquility of over 2.5 acres of tropical rainforest gardens. With a wedding at The Hideaway, we promise that you will never have to compromise. We are proud to have created a venue that we know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love, the service you deserve, at the price you need! Contact us today to discuss your dream wedding day!

p. 5494 6270 | w. beerwahhideaway.com.au 1233 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519

?G D? B51D5 THE PERFECT WEDDING BUDGET For most couples, a wedding is the first time you’ll ever have to think about planning a huge event, let alone creating a wedding budget. That means lots of people start planning a similar way. First you think about the wedding you want. Then you think about how much you’re comfortable spending. And then you hope really hard that the two concepts match up. The problem is, it’s almost impossible to know how much the event you envision is going to cost until you start getting into the nitty-gritty of planning. Which is why you hear so many couples say “We set a budget of $15,000 but once we started actually planning, that number increased.”

The social media groups would like li us to think that these couples just got caught up in the expectations of the wedding industry and spent $10,000 on floral centre pieces. In reality? The culprit was that they thought that chair hire cost $2 when they really cost $5. Or they found out their dad would be heartbroken if they just served cocktail food instead of a seated meal. Then it turns out that the only wedding photographers in their area who had professional websites and wedding albums to show them during the initial meeting charged $3,000 instead of the $2,000 they were hoping to spend, and not wanting to risk their special memories with just anyone they felt like li it was worth finding an extra $1000 in the budget. Next thing they knew, the combined total of a few of these types of surprises added to their initial budget.

We’ve all read and researched the tips and tricks for how to save money, how to have a budget wedding, and even how to stick to a budget. But how do you figure out what that budget is in the first place? And how do you do it in a way that’s not going to give you big shock later?

What follows is a breakdown of how to even set a budget, because no matter what anyone tells you, it really is possible to have a perfect (for you) wedding on whatever budget you have.

THINK ABOUT THE KIND OF WEDDING YOU WANT TO HAVE This may be the one part of wedding planning that you’ve already knocked out of the park. But if not, it’s time to get to dreaming. Do you and your partner want a picnic in the park, an intimate urban party, or a huge party with all your friends and family? There are so many different kinds of weddings out there, and so much inspiration, that it can get overwhelming quickly. You shouldn’t spend too much time on specifics initially, but you should determine the general feel you want for your wedding. Think about the look, the style, the people, and the emotions—all the pieces that will make your wedding unique to you two. I often tell couples to think about weddings they’ve been to or seen, and figure out the words to describe them. Because while fun and fancy can coexist, they don’t always. For example, you may want your wedding to be low key and relaxed like your cousin’s last year—but a little more formal, while still avoiding a stuffy feeling. You can even start to get more specific, think: “Low-key ceremony, with a relaxed upbeat party, part and a family-style dinner that feels casual but looks kind of fancy-ish.” CRUNCH SOME NUMBERS Here’s where it’s time to get serious about figuring out how much you have to spend. Not everyone sets a clear and strict wedding budget total and sticks to it, and that’s okay. However, for most people in need of a wedding budget there is some discussion that needs to take place. Sit down with your partner and figure out how much money you are ready, willing, and comfortable spending on your wedding. Are other people going to be contributing financially to your wedding? This is also the key time to discuss with them what and how they will be helping. Sometimes this is a dollar amount that you can build right into your budget, and other times it’s a particular portion of the wedding that they’re going to pay (up to a certain amount) on your behalf. Either way it is important for you to know before you dive into budgeting and planning. I know that talking to our families about money isn’t always the easiest or the most comfortable thing to do, but sometimes it just must be done. Generally I think it’s helpful to start with the mindset that your families may or may not be able/willing to contribute, but that you are asking because it’s better to ask than to miss out. The conversation could start a little something like: “Hey Mum, we have been engaged for a few months and we’ve decided to start thinking about planning our wedding. We are really hoping to have a fun, laid-back gathering for all the people that are closest to us. I’m not sure if you’ve thought about it yet, so no need to answer today, but I was wondering if you and Dad are willing and able to contribute in some monetary way to our plans? Whatever you’re able to offer would be beyond helpful!” Another number that needs to be crunched at this point is your guest count. coun This is the time when you and your partner should open up an Excel file and start inputting names of people that you want to invite to your wedding. No matter where you are, or what kind of wedding you’re planning, the number of guests you plan to invite will make a huge impact on your wedding budget. PRIORITISE You and your partner should each pick your top three priorities for the wedding day. These could be just about anything: Rocking music, an open bar, that photographer your cousin’s friend’s sister had, a four-tier cake, late night tacos, a live string quartet, tons of flowers, or any other detail you each feel strongly about. Having this short list of priorities is just a good idea so that you can focus a little more money, or time, or energy, on the things that are most important to the two of you. I recommend making these lists separately and then sitting down together—you don’t want to be tempted to write down the same things your partner wrote down; it’s better to have an honest idea of your priorities! An example of how this could play out: budget priority chart

GET REAL You should now have a starting number of guests, an idea of how much money you’ll spend, and a vision of what your wedding might look and feel like. With these pieces of information, it’s time to start finding out if it’s all possible. The unfair truth about weddings (and money in general) is that sometimes the things we wish would work, just won’t. This is the “getting real” phase. Maybe you dreamt of a huge sit-down dinner for your 250 closest friends and family, but you only have $4,000 to spend. How’s that going to play out?

RE-EVALUATE, ESTIMATE, AND CREATE If your original plans and your numbers don’t match after doing some quick research, take some time to re-evaluate. Can you spend more money to make your ideal wedding happen? (And more importantly, do you want to?) Can you change the type of venue or overall look and feel of your wedding to make it fit your budget? Can you DIY or even remove some elements to save? While there are always ways to save money, if your budget and your vision are in direct contradiction, you have to find ways to level out the plan.

KEEP YOURSELF (AND YOUR MONEY) ACCOUNTABLE I’ve created a sample template for you to get you started when building a budget for your wedding. It is important to note that there is absolutely no way to create a wedding budget worksheet that fits every one of your weddings. There are simply too many variables, you can adjust the list to fit your priorities and your event. Getting married in Parent’s backyard? Your venue now costs zero percent! Is your cousin baking your cake as a wedding gift? Cut that down to zero! Just remember that this is your budget, and your wedding, so make adjustments that fit.

&B9F1D5 &B?@5BDI -5449>7C BENEFITS OF A BACKYARD WEDDING You can invite your furry friends A backyard wedding gives you the perfect excuse to include your pets in your big day! Your furry friend doesn’t need to stress over travel, and they can head back inside when they’re finished partying with your guests. You will save money When you decide to have a backyard wedding at a family member’s membe or friend’s home, you automatically save some money in your wedding budget because you aren’t paying for a venue, security deposits, per-person fees, and all the other hidden charges that go along with it. You can also save money on decor since you’ll have the natural elements to add visual interest. Yes, you’ll likely need to rent almost everything else, but those rentals will not outweigh the cost of a venue. You can choose any date This might seem like a small thing but having complete freedom to choose a date that works best for you and your fiance is actually a huge benefit of a backyard wedding! It’s especially helpful if you want to get married during peak wedding season when venues book up at least a year in advance. You can keep the guest list small Because a backyard wedding tends to be naturally more intimate than a wedding at a traditional venue, venu this is the perfect reason to keep your guest list small. If you’re nervous about how your families will react to a small guest list, remind them that space is the main limiting factor in your decision. Unless you’re getting married in the backyard of a multi-acre mansion, there simply won’t be enough space to accommodate a huge guest list. (But, really, you don’t need to feel guilty about your wedding guest list, no matter where you decide to tie the knot!) The sentimental factor There is nothing like li saying “I do” in the backyard where you played as a child or getting ready in the room where you grew up. The sentimental factor of a backyard wedding can’t be recreated at any other venue and shouldn’t be underestimated. You and your guests will feel more comfortable in a space that feels like home and it will be a special memory your family and friends will cherish forever.

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-5449>7 *B1>C@?BD WHO SHOULD I PROVIDE FOR? Like the song says, you're going to the chapel to do you-know-what. But how's your Mum getting there? Or your bridesmaids, or for that matter, your fiancé? And just as important, how's everybody (wedding guests included!) getting from the ceremony to the reception… and then home? It's time to work out some wedding transportation logistics. When Should You Book Your Wedding Transportation? Make enquiries at least 6 months ahead, if you are getting married in peak season the earlier the better. You need to consider your date, ceremony and reception sites and wedding party size. Tip: Make the final reservation in person so you can inspect the vehicles and ask which one(s) you'll be getting. Who Should You Transport? Some couples provide wedding transportation services for close relatives, out-of-towners or all guests. So where do you draw the line? The decision will probably come down to budget, but you should also consider the following: Distance: If your ceremony and reception venues are only a short distance away from each other, you're in the clear. But if they're more than 45 minutes apart, you should consider providing transportation for all wedding guests. Location: If you have lots of people coming in from out of town (who might not have cars with them) and/or have a hard-to-get-to or hard-to-find location, you should also consider booking transportation for guests. Parking: This can make it hard for guests if your ceremony location is in a high tourist area and parking is really hard to come by. You may need to think of supplying transport. Special needs: Think about anyone who might otherwise struggle to transport themselves and organise a travel plan for them—for example, asking your brother to pick up your 90-year-old grandma who isn't comfortable behind the wheel.

Also, check with the hotels you've reserved rooms at to see whether they provide any sort of shuttle service; if they do, definitely let your guests know, then cross another task off your list!

BREATHTAKING MOMENTS AND LIFETIME MEMORIES FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

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?>5I=??> *9@C You’ve been meticulously planning your wedding day for months and everything (hopefully) now in place. Now it’s time for you and your partner to plan the honeymoon - a time for you to revel in your first days as husband and wife. Just like your wedding, the honeymoon needs to be planned carefully to make sure you have the time of your lives. Before you start researching, here are seven things you don’t want to forget about. Set a Budget Yes, you want your honeymoon to be special, but do you also want to be paying the trip off for years to come? Be realistic about what you can afford, and do your best to set aside money for your honeymoon well in advance. Research the Weather This is especially important with tropical destinations, destination which can experience hurricanes and rainy seasons. Before you start planning, research the weather at your top choice at the time of your wedding. If it's not the optimal time to go, then either choose another location or think about postponing your trip for a bit until you know the weather will cooperate. Necessary Travel Documents You and your groom want to make sure you have up-to-date passports if you're traveling internationally. And if you're leaving the day after your wedding be organised and have those essential travel documents already packed ready to go. Another tip is to check-in on line the day before this will be one less thing to worry about. Pack Essentials You might get so excited about packing numerous bikinis and dresses for your tropical honeymoon that you forget about essential items such as sunscreen, lotion, and aloe vera. Couples who forget to pack skincare essentials for a week under the sun often pay a painful price at the hotel gift shop! Down Time It can be easy to pack your schedule with tons of activities, but then you'll leave little time for romantic moments with your partner. Even if you pick a place perfect for sightseeing, be sure to also schedule in some much-needed downtime. Health Requirements Some travel destinations require specific vaccinations to keep travelers healthy, so check with your doctor for a list of shots required for your honeymoon location. Your Newlywed Status Don't be shy about mentioning that you'll be honeymooning when booking your travel arrangements. Many places including airlines, hotels and restaurants--will offer you upgrades or extra amenities to help you celebrate your entry into married life!

5>C&1BDI Fun & Quirky Hens Party Ideas The date’s been set, the venue is booked and the seating arrangement is finally finished, now al that is left to do is plan the ultimage hen’s party. How to do things a little differently? Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town with the girls, a daytime picnic in the park or a brunch over the water, it can be hard to decide on what to do. Lucky for you, we have some really fun suggestions. The Art Hub are on a mission to bring fun and fabulous painting classes to hen dos, birthdays and even office parties. With such a relaxed atmosphere in their studio you can paint & sip the night away. www.TheArtHubSC.com.au Wanting something a little more girlie for your hen’s night then why not book a girls night in with eSentual Oils. A party with exciting games, a gift for the bride. Learn about blending oils where you make a special blend for your big day. www.esensualoils.com.au Ok so you like a drink! Why not try your hand at making some cocktails by organising a cocktail making masterclass before a good old-fashioned night of dancing? The amazing boys from The Bartenders could get your night off to the right start. www.thebartenders.com.au

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HDB1 )@5391< 451C Ideas to make your wedding stand out

If you have a fur baby why not make them part of your special day. Many ceremony locations are dog friendly you just have to ask. Our advice is to hire a professional to look after your four legged friend on the day.

Forget wedding cars! Pick an exit that best suits your style as a couple or wedding themeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a motorcycle for the edgy duo or a sleek tender jetting off into the blue for the chic and glam pair.

We have all seen traditional grazing stations but this will impress your guests. A seafood grazing station looks spectacular. You could replace your entree and keep guests mingling for longer.

Why not add a little magic to your day! I mean an actual magician they can do slight of hand magic and entertain your guests for hours.

Nothing like marking the occassion with fireworks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great focal point of your wedding. The fireworks can be done just after cutting your cake to kick of the dancing part of the night. nigh

Personalised neon signs and lite up letters are fantastic for adding fun to your wedding day and they make the best photo backdrops. They will keep guests occupied for hours.

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(51< -5449>7 )E2=9CC9?>C Planning your wedding now...dreaming of all the amazing special touches you are having for your wedding day. If you would like to see your wedding day featured in one of our magazines check out the submissions page on the website for more details.

-5 G?E<4 <?F5 D? 851B 6B?= I?E www.planmyweddingsunshinecoast.com.au