Get your creative juices flowing with these fun ideas…

Aisle

Watching the bride walk down the aisle is the most anticipated moment of the wedding, so ensure your aisle has style! A scattering of rose petals, a glamorous red aisle runner, an outdoor aisle of fern fronds, toi toi or river stones – the choice is yours!

Buttonholes

Flowers aren’t just for the girls – the guys will need to organise buttonholes that complement the bride’s bouquet. The groom usually wears a bolder buttonhole to ensure he stands out from his groomsmen.

Chocolate

Tingle your taste buds with the decadent taste of chocolate at your reception. Serve rich Italian hot chocolate, give chocolate truffles as favours or have a chocolate wedding cake.

Date

Book early! Saturday is the most popular day of the week to get married, and many wedding venues and suppliers are booked up well in advance for summer weddings. Setting the date early is especially important if you have your heart set on a date with personal meaning.

Entertainment

String quartet, jazz band, jukebox, DJ – whatever your preference, music is the perfect way to create ambience. For more unconventional entertainment, have jugglers and comedians amuse guests between courses.

First Dance

Everyone knows the truism that ‘practice makes perfect,’ and your wedding dance is no exception. If possible, book a time to practise your routine at the reception venue, as new spaces can be disorientating.

Gifts

Marriage is about two people – don’t forget this when it comes to the wedding register! When choosing presents for your register, select items that you will both use.

photo credit: Elin B

Hen’s Party

For the daring bride to be, the hens’ party is the perfect time to do something a little risqué such as pole dancing classes. For a more sophisticated approach, indulge in high tea at an upmarket hotel.

Invitations

Order at least 10 extra wedding invitations in case you decide to invite additional guests or make mistakes when writing people’s names.

Jewellery

As symbols of your love and commitment, you’ll want your rings to stay sparkling clean. Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned a week before your wedding day, and your rings checked and cleaned annually thereafter.

Kids

It’s a long day for little guests, so provide some fun and games to keep them amused. You could hire a magician or babysitter to entertain them.

Lighting

Mood, atmosphere, ambience – lighting is the key! Line the aisle with flaming torches or lanterns, or frame the wedding party’s table with twinkling fairy lights at the reception.

Menu

Make your menu meaningful – serve your favourite cocktail, re-create the menu from your first date, or serve ethnic food from places that you have visited together.

Numbers

Deciding on your guest list can be a tricky task. If you’re finding it hard to pare down the list, consider a more informal canapé style reception or afternoon tea instead of a three course meal, so you are able to invite more people.

Outdoor

Gardens, beaches and vineyards make stunning locations for wedding ceremonies and photos. Choose a sheltered location out of the wind, have a backup plan for bad weather, and provide sunscreen for your guests.

Pets

Thinking of including your furry friend in the celebrations? Visit the wedding location with your pet before the day so there are no surprises.

Quotes

Why not choose a pithy quote and print it on your stationery? Mignon McLaughlin, for example, once quipped that ‘a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.’

Ribbon

Ribbon is a simple, pretty and cost effective decoration – wrap around napkins, encircle around cake tiers, tie around favour boxes, or thread with beads and use to decorate centrepieces.

photo credit: jorgemejia

Shoes

Wear in your wedding shoes before your wedding and have a supply of plasters on hand in case they start rubbing during the day.

Theme

Whether it’s pearls, a koru motif or the 1920’s, a wedding theme ties all the elements of your wedding together. If you’re stuck for ideas, draw inspiration from your venue, whether it’s a grand historic home, country vineyard or elegant hotel.

Umbrellas

Be prepared for wet weather – have enough white umbrellas organised to keep all of your wedding party dry. For a summer celebration, parasols will protect you from the sun’s heat and can be a great prop for photos.

Vintage

Vintage glamour is back! For a touch of vintage, wear your mother’s veil or your grandmothers antique brooch.

Website

Keep information on your invitations minimal by setting up a wedding website. You can even create a virtual guest book for guest to post memories after the wedding day.

XX’s

After you’ve promised each other love and commitment, your guests want to see it! The kiss is a special moment – just remember that too little is disappointing, but your guests don’t want to see too much either!

You

Stamp your individuality on the occasion. Write your own vows, hand make jewellery for your bridesmaids, arrive in a speedboat, or walk down the aisle together.

Zoom In

It’s the little things that count. From the detailing on your gown to your place settings, ask your wedding photographer to take plenty of detail shots.

There are so many aspects to wedding planning it’s easy to forget something. Here are a few handy hints to help with organising your speical day.

Make sure you have a guest book handy at your reception, it’s a great way to remember all your guests. Another new idea is to have a photo guest book where each guest writes a message next to a photo of themselves. Either put the photos in yourself before hand, or have a polaroid camera next to the guest book for the guest to take photos of each other. This can often produce some of the best reception photos!

If you’re having kids at the reception, have a designated table for them with colouring books and games to keep them entertained.

Ask your caterer or reception venue to make up a little nibble basket for the bridal party to consume while getting their photographs. Often the bride hasn’t eaten anything all day and can be starved by this stage!

If you’re decorating your venue yourself, make sure you allow heaps of time to do so, you don’t want to be fiddling with last minute decorations when you’re supposed to be at the hairdresser! Better yet rope some family and friends into doing it for you so you don’t have to worry about it!

A good way to save money is to make your own decorations. Invite your friends over and make a day out of putting together funky center pieces.

Photo print quality is important; Make sure your photographer uses a good quality, professional printer.

Common Planning Q&A’s

How can I “interview” my officiant seeming rude?

Your officiant is one of the most important people to attend your wedding, so it’s crucial you find one who suits you as a couple. Whether religious or civil, officiants understand that you want to find a perfect match. They meet with couples all the time who, like you, have a truckload of questions, and they won’t be offended by yours!

Take a list of your ideas when you meet with officiants, for example: what you would like them to say, whether it’s formal/informal, etc. Let them know you’ll be interviewing others, and don’t forget – first impressions count. If you don’t think they’re the one for you, don’t feel pressured to hire them.

What’s the correct etiquette on greeting guests at the reception?

A receiving line is the traditional way to welcome guests, and ensures you and your new hubby chat to everyone. The receiving line goes like this: the hostess (historically the bride’s mother), the bride’s father, the groom’s mother and father, then the bride and groom, maid of honour and bridesmaids. If you want to include the best man (not done traditionally), he stands between the maid of honour and the bridesmaids. But this method of greeting can be slow-going (and painful if you’re in heels!). Not to mention the who-stands-where issues with today’s complex family units. A less formal welcome might be the way to go, such as mingling at the wedding reception. Or, you could join each table for a moment during the meal. If you’re worried you might miss someone, make a toast to all your loved ones during dessert, singling out any who made a special effort or gave extra support.

My fiancés parents haven’t mentioned a thing about money. How do we get them to contribute?

With your fiancé, have them to dinner and explain why you’d like their help. Give them an idea of what you want them to pay for (and how much it’ll set back). The general rule nowadays is that the groom’s parents pay for the alcohol at the reception, so perhaps they could make this payment as their wedding present to you (which takes the pressure off if they can’t afford both a contribution and a present). Make sure they know they’re not obligated to contribute. Remember, weddings are expensive, and parents’ contributions are voluntary, not a given. If they choose not to, listen to their reasons, and maybe you can find a compromise (if the reception is too much, maybe they can help with the cost of the wedding cake).

Do we have to supply meals for the entertainers?

It is a nice gesture to provide the band/DJ and photographer with meals. Yes, we know you’re paying for their services, but keep in mind that they’ll be working hard to make your wedding perfect! Many reception venues provide ‘crew meals’, which cost less than your guests’ menu, and will suggest somewhere separate for the entertainers to sit with their meal – just to make sure you talk to the venue about this well in advance so that no-one goes hungry!

Will the people I invite to the engagement party expect an invitation to the wedding?

You shouldn’t feel obligated to invite everyone from the engagement party to your wedding. Relationships may change between the two events and it might not feel right to invite certain people. The party can actually be a great opportunity to see all the people you can’t invite to the wedding, but be prepared to offer an explanation to those you’ve left off the guest list. When you invite people to the party, explain that you’re having a larger engagement due to the wedding being a smaller, family affair, and you’re having this special party to see all your loved ones.

I really don’t want a pub-crawl for my hen’s night. What can we do instead that’s tasteful?

While your bridesmaids may think the festivities are up to them, your hen’s night is about you. Pick out an understanding friend (perhaps your maid of honour – there’s a reason she’s got this title) and explain that you don’t want a drunken rampage. Instead, how about cocktails at a suave bar? Or book a room at the Hilton and indulge in manis, pedis and facials all night (jump online for last minute hotel specials).

Can I use the Internet to help me plan my wedding?

Yes, the Internet is a fantastic research tool, so if you’re planning a wedding it’s a must as one of your key planning tools. Good wedding sites can provide you with the tools to plan your wedding from start to finish. Man sites offer personalised supplier directories covering everyone from photographers to florists, a wedding calendar so nothing is left to the last minute and a budget calculator to help keep you on track.

What are the advantages of using the Internet for wedding plans?

There’s so much to organise when wedding planning, so let your mouse do the walking (clicking), saving you time and headaches. By using the various planning tools available you can keep track of what needs doing and stay in control. Moreover, there’s plenty of valuable information and guidance. Read about how other couples tied the knot and what they went through, review the tips and advice or find honeymoon specials for your dream holiday.

Are some wedding services or products easier to source online than others?

Not really – the Internet is a great source of information for all wedding services and products. Certain products and services you may even be comfortable booking online, such as honeymoons, bonbonniere, stationery, cars and bridal registries. Others you may prefer to visit personally after initial research on the Internet.

What arrangements could be made entirely over the Internet?

A bridal registry, whether for gifts or so guests can contribute to your honeymoon, can be set up entirely on the Internet.

How do I get started using the Internet for my wedding plans?

Begin by sourcing wedding websites from magazines, by using an Internet search engine or as recommended by friends. Once you have found a few, review them thoroughly and determine which are best suited to your needs. Then save these sites in your ‘favorites’ folder in your Internet browser to ensure easy access.

Trying to keep your wedding on budget can quickly become are some handy hints to help keep your wedding costs under control.

Dressing to impress

1. Intricate appliques, pleating and multiple layers require costly man-hours.  Choose a simple dress and decorate with an ornate brooch

2. Most designers have an annual sale to clear space and sell of samples and seconds. Call around and find out when the next sale is on.

3. If you’re considering buying off the rack, ask for an alteration quote first, as this can vary a lot

4. Reduce, simplify or eliminate beading and detailing.

5. Consider changing your fabric choice. Silk is a lot more expensive than satin, but can give a similar look.

6. If a designer veil isn’t important, pick up some tulle from (spotlight) and make your own

7. Why not borrow a friend’s dress?

8. You could buy second-hand – no one will know the difference

9. Not one for sentimentality? Hire a gown.

10. If traditional isn’t your thing buy a glam off the rack dress from a designer at half-yearly sales

11. Into vintage? Hit second-hand stores, eBay or your local classifieds for a gown.

12. Ask you designer if they have a cash upfront discount policy.

Something floral

13. Ask your church if they have a flower service.  They may not be design professionals, but they’ll have plenty of experience.

14. Call a floral design school to see if you can get a student.

15. If orchids are too pricey, as for similar, less expensive flowers such as gardenias. Or you could ditch a bouquet and carry feathers and pearls.

16. You’ll pay lots for out-of-season blooms

17. Don’t tell suppliers the flowers are fore a wedding.  Perhaps “Mum’s 50th” would suit?

18. Cruise flower markets and make your own bouquets and/or centrepieces

Let them eat cake

19. Top the cake with fresh non-toxic flowers instead of intricate, hand-made icing designs

20. Want a three-tier cake on a budget? Ask your cake make to incorporate a fake layer.

21. Forgo the dessert and serve wedding cake

22. Make your cake yourself, or ask a family member to

23. Have a small designer cake on display for the cake cutting, but keep a large, simpler one in the kitchen that’s ready to cut and serve

24. If you’re bringing your own cake, check the venue doesn’t charge a cake cutting fee

A grand reception

25. Make a guest list, check it twice, and cut cut cut. Question each person you’ve included, and if you can’t see them being part of your life in 10 years – chop them.

26. Rent a large house, you can have your ceremony outdoors and reception indoors.

27. Choose a venue that’s BYO

28. Keep alcohol costs down by avoiding an open bar. Serve only beer, wine and bubbly.

29. Having a brunch or lunch-time wedding dramatically cuts costs.

30. Buck the trend to marry on a Saturday in spring. Off-peak (May-Sep) is generally a less expensive option.

31. Know someone with a spacious garden? Hold you wedding there!

32. Historic council halls are charming and cheap to hire.

33. Having a cocktail or buffet reception? A community group could supply the food.

Friends in need

34. Give bridesmaids umbrellas or fans to carry instead of a bouquet.

35. Buy flower girls simple, white dresses from a dept store and jazz them up with ribbon at the waist.

36. Instead of a big bridal party have only a MOH and BM and have them wear the best outfit they own.

37. Ask your bridal party to buy their own outfits in lieu of a wedding gift.

38. If you like to buy the bridesmaids dresses, ask them to pay for accessories

39. GM can get away without suits.

The gift of giving

40. Make fudge and wrap it beautifully for favours

41. Buy a load of blank Cd’s and download your favourite wedding tracks as a thank you

42. Order favours such as bottle stoppers in bulk from wholesalers

43. Cook up some chutney or jam and put it in cute pots

44. You can always nix the idea of favours all together. Guests don’t expect them.

Visual feast

45. Curtain tassel from Spotlight make great pew wedding decorations

46. Buy fairy lights from Kmart and drape them where you see fit for a lovely ambiance

47. Take the flowers from the ceremony to the reception venue and reuse them

48. If there’s a wedding at the ceremony venue immediately before or after yours, speak to the other bride about sharing costs

49. Be creative with centrepieces. Fill vases with silver pine cones or shells or heap frosted fruit into a bowl.

Cruising along

50. Hire a sports car or classic Merc form a luxury car-hire store

51. If a friend has a nice car, ask to borrow it

52. If you’re not hung up on a traditional wedding car, jazz up a regular car or party bus

Where there’s a quill

53. Ask a graphic designer friend to make your invitations as a gift

54. Make invitations yourself

55. Send email invitations to o/s guests who you know already can’t make it.

Music to your ears

56. If your venue has a PA system, use your own laptop or iPod.

57. If you fancy live music, remember that one musician costs less than a group.  Try an acoustic guitarist or harpist.

58. Put ads in music schools to find a student

59. Want a live band? Scour newspapers or hit the pub circuit.

Beauty business

60. Have a pamper night with your BMs on the eve of your wedding, bring your best foot spas, treats and girlie movies

61. Book a pre-wedding spa treatment

62. Know a wedding makeup wizard? Ask her to do yours. Have a trial, then go out side with a camera and see how it looks

63. Call a local hair and beauty school.

Shoot to thrill

64. Hire a professional photographer for the ceremony and formalities only

65. Buy disposable cameras for guests

66. Have your ceremony and reception at the same place – this will cut a few hours off the photographers fee

67. Have a camera savvy friend video the wedding if you’re not keen on paying for a videographer.