Create Your Own Wedding Website

About two and a half years ago I was invited to a close friends wedding. The invitation was gorgeous in its simple elegance. It took me a moment to realise the reason it looked so simple, neat and clean was that there wasn’t all of the usual information cluttering the space.

My eye fell on a note at the bottom of the invite which directed guests to a website for more detail. Clever.

Logging onto the website I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I got there I was in awe and completely impressed. In fact, it pulled at my usual ‘wedding-envy’ feelings that I try to keep squashed … the ones where I wish I got to plan my wedding all over again because it was so much fun the first time around!

The reason this website was so perfect was that it was both practical and emotional. There was information pertaining to the wedding but also stories and anecdotes, which aroused the overall feelings of a couple madly in love.

As the website loaded, a romantic song started to play. The homepage was full of pictures of the lovebirds, and the story of how they met captured your attention. Reading the story firsthand, in their words, made me feel closer to the couple and in a way also made me feel more involved in the wedding than if I had only received a paper invitation.

Further pages presented us with maps for the church and the reception, accommodation options with prices and lastly an itinerary.

As it was an ‘away’ wedding, the itinerary for guests was jam-packed for most of the weekend. There was golf, BBQ’s and a brunch for the day after the wedding. But instead of making you feel like you were obliged to attend all activities there was a simple RSVP button for each separate one so you could choose what you wanted to attend.

This couple were lucky enough to be great friends with a web designer, so their website had all of the bells and whistles mentioned above. If you like the idea of this but don’t have the money in your budget for a web designer, you can try creating a website yourself.

There are a lot of free options out there you can use. That way you can play around with it and if you aren’t happy with the end result you haven’t wasted any money. Check these ones out as a starting point:

WordPress

Blogger

Tumblr

Weebly

So if you are looking for a way to get some of the clutter off your beautiful invitation, or even if you are looking for a way to eliminate the need for a paper invitation altogether, look into creating a website specially for the big day!

A Perfect Wedding Dress for the Ultimate Occasion

It’s the day to shrug off inhibitions, leave everyday worries behind, and step into the role of princess, goddess and screen siren, all rolled into one. In short, it’s your day. It’s a day of romance, love, indulgence and yes, excitement. And there’s nothing quite so exciting, as starting the search for your ultimate wedding dress. Whether you’re looking for traditional, contemporary or vintage, your dress is out there waiting for you. Now you just have to start looking.

The first consideration when deciding on a dress is of course, your style. Are you formal, fun, or perhaps into elegant with simple lines? Even colour is an option for many women these days. The choice really is unlimited. It makes sense however to stick to cuts and styles you already know suit you and are flattering to your shape. Then, and here’s the fun part, start browsing through magazines and visiting bridal shops (or designers) to try on a range of dresses. Take a friend or take your mum, sister or a soon to be sister-in-law. Weddings can be stressful times so it’s worth making this very exciting part of it as light-hearted and enjoyable as possible.

The one thing to remember is to allow plenty of time. Whether you’re having a dress created from scratch, or buying one that’s ready made you may still need time for it to be altered, and you don’t want to leave this until the very last moment.

We know you’ll look gorgeous whatever you decide on. So go on, get to it. Start the search for a dream wedding dress that will have you looking and feeling like a princess on your big day.

The Last Minute Wedding Checklist

If you have already started planning your wedding, you will know there is a lot of detail that needs to be prepared in the lead up to the big day. It is a wise idea to have a timeline that you can follow so nothing gets left out and this will also ensure the big items – such as the dress and the cake – will be ordered within plenty of time before the wedding.

But what about those last minute details? What happens when you are only a few weeks out from the wedding and the preparations have reached fever pitch? Try to keep a checklist handy just for the purpose of these last minute tasks, as these can often be the most important ones of all.

3 – 4 weeks out:

– Have your hair and makeup trial runs if you haven’t already. Take pictures of the style and look you want to make it easier to explain to the hairdresser/makeup artist.

– Pick up your dress and your wedding rings. Try both of them on to make sure everything fits well.

– If you are having ceremony programs, proof read them one last time and print them out.

2 weeks out:

– Confirm payment due date with all suppliers, and also how they would like payment – i.e. cheque, bank transfer etc.

– Call guests who were unsure if they could attend the wedding or have not RSVP’d yet (interstate guests, pregnant friends etc) to finalise numbers.

– Give caterers/reception manager the final head count – it is likely you will also be required to pay a further deposit for the catering at this stage.

– Pack for honeymoon. It may feel early but next week will be busy so get this out of the way now, especially if it requires washing clothes.

1 week out:

– Finalise speeches and toasts if you are giving them.

– Prepare a final running order sheet and give to the MC.

– Practice walking in your wedding shoes. If they are a bit tight wear thick socks with them around the house for a couple of hours until they stretch.

– Have a manicure and pedicure and don’t forget to buy the nail colour so you can do touch ups and fix chips.

– Go to the hairdresser to touch up the roots if you need to, but don’t experiment with a new hair colour!

– Groom and groomsmen to pick up suits and try them on.

– Groom to get a haircut.

– Call all suppliers one last time to confirm bookings and details.

– Call ceremony/reception site to ensure suppliers will have access on the day.

– Give seating chart to reception manager.

– Put together a beauty emergency kit to keep with you on the day. This should include things such as band-aids, safety pins, ladies hygiene products (even if you are not due – stress can do funny things to a woman), gloss, the lippie you will be wearing for touch ups, a small vial of perfume etc.

Stick with this and the lead up to your wedding should be smooth sailing. Good luck!

Finding a Perfect Spot to Tie the Knot

So you’re getting married! One of the first steps is to decide on the perfect spot for your nuptials. Choosing the right location shouldn’t be stressful, but it is tremendously important. It will be the centrepiece of the most romantic of day in your life so you’ll want somewhere that suits you both and caters to all of your needs for a sparkling, romantic wedding ceremony.

If you are looking to marry within your faith, there are several churches in the Hunter Valley region that could provide the location for your ceremony, and are close to a myriad of wonderful reception venues. Or if you are looking to make the most of one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, then you may decide on an outdoor ceremony. How about an English style garden or a gathering among the vines? You may wish for a backdrop of sweeping valley views. The choice is entirely yours.

To be organised, consider the number of guests you will have, proximity to the reception, transport, and bathrooms. Don’t forget to check if there’s easy access for delivery of chairs and other hired materials if needed. It’s also vital to have a wet weather option so it’s wise to opt for somewhere with cover nearby. You may try restaurants, reception venues, hotels resorts or even cottages to see if they have locations where ceremonies can be held.

So why not start your search online right now? Or hop in the car – what better excuse to spend a weekend enjoying the Hunter Valley than the urgent need to scope out the location for your perfect wedding ceremony?

TLC Design and Events

Planning a wedding is a big job. No matter how much you may be a naturally organised person, there is still a lot of detail to be considered and it can all become quite stressful. If only there was such a thing as a company that already had every contact you need in one place, and the time to do the running around for you … but of course there is! TLC Design and Events to be precise.

The best part of using the help of a company like TLC Design and Events is that you can get as little or as much help as you need. If you are simply looking for some advice and inspiration they can provide this, alternatively they can also assist with the planning of the entire wedding itself. Are you a bit unsure whether you would need a planner to help you? Read our previous article Should You Use a Wedding Planner for the pro’s of having a wedding planner before you make a firm decision either way.

Take one look at the TLC Design and Events website and you will see this company is both classy and elegant. But they have also combined this class with the perfect amount of personality and are very friendly to deal with. Check out their facebook page as a testament to how much they truly care about each couple they work with.

The wedding inspiration section is a delightful showcase of photos and products that will do exactly as the title suggest – give you inspiration. Getting started on planning your wedding will be fun with TLC Design and Events.

As discussed above, TLC can help you with as much or as little as you need for your perfect wedding day. Take a look at the packages they offer which can be found on their website and you will see you can enlist help with just the ceremony if you like or you could have them assist with every detail from budgeting through to actually planning the wedding.

Even if you haven’t decided just how much assistance you are looking for, get in touch with TLC for a free consultation to see what they can do for you. If nothing else, you will be impressed by the individual treatment you will receive and the inspiration they can help provide.

Planning your Honeymoon

So much time and effort goes into planning your dream wedding that you could almost be forgiven if you forgot about planning the honeymoon altogether. Almost.

Whether it is big or small, long or short, expensive or cheap, the honeymoon is the beginning of your life together with your new husband or wife.

For their honeymoon some people plan to trek around Europe for months or have a romantic resort escape while others just want to take a road trip down the coast for the weekend. Whatever it is you are planning, you need to do just that … ‘plan’.

First of all, choosing a destination should be a mutual decision and may even be the very first compromise you both make in your long and happy marriage.

Next step is to keep the time of year in mind when deciding. Don’t head somewhere without any regard for timing just because you’ve always wanted to go there. If your dream destination isn’t in season for another six months, perhaps have a weekend away now and take your big honeymoon later.

The same goes for budget. Agree on a budget together before planning and booking your holiday so you aren’t tempted to go overboard once you are talking with the travel agent. If you find your dream destination is just too expensive right now (especially after paying for the wedding!) you can take the holiday for one of your anniversaries, which will give you time to save and something to look forward to down the track.

But what if you can’t think of a destination you want to visit? A helpful trick is to try writing down what you would like to do on your ideal honeymoon. This could be along the lines of: sip cocktails by the pool, trek through wilderness with just a backpack and your new spouse or travel a country that has a completely different culture and language to what you are used to. Take this to a travel agent so they can match your wish list to the perfect destination. And by doing this, you will already have a part-planned itinerary!

Once you, or your travel agent, have planned and booked the honeymoon there are a few things you need to organise. These points are especially important for anyone planning an overseas honeymoon:

– Make sure both your passports are up-to-date and have at least 6 months on them.

– Purchase travel insurance and read the fine print.

– Make a copy of your passports and all travel documents such as hotel and plane confirmations. Hide a spare copy in your suitcase to have on hand if you lose your handbag or wallet. Also give a spare copy to someone you trust at home for the same reason.

– Along with the travel documents, leave a copy of your itinerary and also your contact details with at least one person at home. You may not want to be disturbed while on honeymoon but there should always be an option for contacting you in case of emergency.

Because the days leading up to your wedding might be quite hectic with last minute preparations it is best to have the honeymoon organised well in advance. That way it becomes one more thing where you can just relax and enjoy!

Delicious Hunter Valley Wedding

Not only is the Hunter Valley blessed with spectacular scenery, lush vineyards and mountain fresh air, it’s also home to some truly fine dining. If you are looking to marry among the vines, you can be reassured you’ll have access to some of the freshest and most innovative cuisine around. Because we all know, a wedding isn’t quite a wedding without a wedding feast.

With such a variety of reception venues in the Hunter Valley you may decide on a restaurant which will provide and serve your menu. If however you’ve chosen a gorgeous spot to gather under a marquee, a beautiful flowering garden, or another wonderful venue that doesn’t supply food, then you’ll require a caterer.

If you’re unsure where to begin, visit websites and phone some caterers in your area to get an idea of possible menus and prices. It will certainly help to have an idea of numbers and the time of the wedding – lunch, dinner, or even a breakfast affair.

Choose a professional caterer who is experienced in wedding parties and will be able to advise you on the dishes, and amount of food required. Then all you need do is devise your perfect dinner (or lunch or breakfast). Take into consideration the time of year and the weather to help you decide on summer seafood, fresh spring produce, or a hearty winter feast. And of course remember canapés, and the champagne. You’re in vineyard country, so it’s the ideal spot to take advantage of some award-winning Hunter wines.

Fresh, innovative and delicious bites, decadent desserts and mouth-watering flavours will not only give your guests a treat, they’ll make your wedding truly tasty!

Driven to Delight in your Hunter Valley Wedding Transport

Looking to be swept away in the gorgeous Hunter Valley? With its lush rolling hills, fields of vines and sweeping panoramas, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most scenic regions, and a perfect spot, many have discovered, to tie the knot. If you’re about to embark on your own wedding adventure, you’ll need transport to carry you to the ceremony, and whisk you to the reception, and the start of your new life together.

When it comes to wedding cars and transport, there are a myriad of options available to suit any mood or wedding theme. Vintage cars are always a favourite and can bring a touch of class to any wedding celebration. It’s the one day of your life on which you can be sure to be treated like a princess (or prince) for the duration, so why not immerse yourself in the role?

Picture yourself cruising through wine country in a gleaming vintage Rolls Royce or Bentley? Perhaps you’re more of a limousine couple. If there’s a time to be treated like royalty – and for a little indulgence – then it’s certainly your wedding day.

Or maybe you’re after something a little quirky. For a true talking point, how about being driven to your wedding in a traditional London cab? And for devotees of romance pure and simple, the obvious choice is a horse and carriage.

The wonderful thing about weddings is the chance to create something truly beautiful and memorable. Your wedding transport will be a big part of your perfect day.

Bomboniere Ideas

Traditionally a bomboniere was a gift of sugared almonds, given to guests as a symbol of the bride and grooms bittersweet union. They were wrapped in a mesh bag and given out in odd numbers as it was considered unlucky to give even numbers.

These days a bomboniere is given to guests as a thank you from the bride and groom, and a memento of the day for the guests to keep. Not everyone still continues the tradition of giving a bomboniere, but for those who do it is often a cute token that is far from the tradition of giving almonds.

To save time and money many people are now doubling up the bomboniere with the place cards. A bomboniere with the guests name on it can be placed on the table, which not only eliminates the need to create a seating card but is also very personalised.

Another way of making your guests feel special is to make your bomboniere’s gender specific. For example you could have a cigar for the men to celebrate your union and a fan or a mini bottle of champagne for the ladies.

For anyone who is planning to not serve dessert at their wedding a good idea can be to give a sweet bomboniere for guests to enjoy with their tea and coffee, such as heart-shaped chocolates or a cute, individually wrapped cupcake. The cupcake is also a good idea if you do not wish to cut and serve your wedding cake on the day.

An option that has become quite popular these days is mini bottles of alcohol. This can be spirits, liqueurs, wine or champagne. Labels can be printed with a thank you note from the bride and groom for that little something extra.

A quirky idea is handmade cookies cut into special shapes. This could be hearts, or wedding bells or for something a little bit fancy they could be shaped into a bride and groom. You can also add the guest names with icing.

If a bomboniere is really unique it will also become a talking point for guests when they arrive at the reception venue, acting as a sort of icebreaker where not everybody knows each other at a table.

There are many choices available for the modern day bride and groom. You may wish to continue the tradition of giving a bomboniere as a token of appreciation to guests, but if you want to get creative there are many alternatives to the age-old tradition of sugared almonds.

A Wedding Cake Celebration: Classic, Classy, Creative

Every celebration deserves a cake, but the most special, most delectable, most beautiful cake, now that deserves a wedding. Traditionally, wedding cakes have been fruit cakes, presented in an ivory marzipan tier and topped with a miniature bride and groom. Some traditions have become temptingly unfettered however, and today the wedding cake may be classic, classy or creative. The choice is entirely yours.

If your special day is approaching, there’s no better time to get to know the intricacies of baking and cake decorating. Not to prepare yourself of course (who has time for that!) but now you have the perfect excuse to become a cake connoisseur. Visit your cake supplier to view a range of samples, and even better, tantalise your taste buds. Fruit cakes are certainly an enduring choice, but there’s nothing stopping you from having a flavour adventure. How about a touch of the exotic with mango and coconut? Or perhaps you’re a devotee of the perpetually divine chocolate mud?

When it comes to design, tiers are still popular but really, anything goes. Choose a shape to suit, the number of layers you desire, and your overall look. Do you desire refined and elegant or are you partial to unique and fun? Decoration may take the form of subtle touches in white, or perhaps a vibrant burst of colour. You might even finish it off with real ribbon, fresh flowers or a gorgeous diamante accessory.

Whether you select an elegant cake to blend in with a perfectly themed wedding, or pick a fun and colourful centrepiece, it’s all about finding a cake to suit your day, and having a little fun in the process. The ultimate day deserves the ultimate cake, traditionally of course.