Your wedding jewels are something you can cherish forever and enjoy for many different occasions after the big day.
Lydia Jewels designs beautiful pieces and I just had to share! Based in Sydney, Lydia-Jane Saunders creates unique custom jewellery from pearls, signature swarovski crystals and antique touches.
By making an appointment with Lydia you can sit back with a glass of champagne and plan your “dream jewels”.Just gorgeous, for more information please visit www.lydiajewels.com
Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility, and depending on the bride it can be a time consuming and costly commitment. The maid/matron of honour has the biggest role to play but generally all bridesmaids need to assist in the lead up to the day.
Listen to the Bride
The bride is going to be stressed at times, and it is your job to keep her calm. Planning a wedding is a big undertaking so be understanding and don’t take her bridezilla moments personally. If your friendship is important to you, put it down to wedding crazies, she should return to normal after the day.
Not all brides have the same expectations, so don’t be afraid to ask what she would like help with as well as what she expects you to contribute to financially.
Costs
Typically bridesmaids are required to pay for their dress, shoes and accommodation. Sometimes brides will offset this cost by covering the hair and makeup, as well as the bridesmaid’s jewellery. Expect to reasonably pay up to $300 for your bridesmaid’s dress, if you are on a budget you can discuss this with the bride and steer her in the right direction when shopping.
If the bride has her heart set on a designer bridesmaid’s dress, gently explain your budget and suggest having them made instead.
The Hen’s Party
One of the best jobs as a bridesmaid is organising the hen’s party. This can be a surprise, or you can discuss options with the bride. It’s best if the bridesmaids take over this job because it is one less thing for her to have to deal with. Get some ideas on the sort of thing she is after and you do the rest – hen’s parties range from a nice afternoon tea or pamper day, to a drunken stripper-filled evening.
Dress Shopping
Be enthusiastic when you go dress shopping with the bride, even if your feet ache and she has tried on every dress in the state she needs your support. Same goes with your bridesmaid’s dress, it might take time to find the right one so be flexible with your time. Remember, she chose you to be her bridesmaid because she trusts you, so give her feedback and help her with the decision.
On the Day
On the day of the wedding there will be little things you need to help with, depending on the venue you might need to assist with the set up – but most importantly you need to help the bride get ready!
If she is nervous help her to take some time out, and make sure things run smoothly – photographers, makeup and hair all needs to be coordinated.
You may also be responsible for her flowers, helping her getting out of the car, signing the registry etc. Brides with a large dress may also require assistance when using the ladies room!
Most Importantly
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, being a bridesmaid is an amazing experience as you are sharing her special day with her!
BRIDE: Dionne Taylor – Polkadot PR
When did you get married?
22nd February 2009
Where did you have your wedding?
Doltone House, Pyrmont
What was the theme of your wedding?
No official theme, but apparently it was ‘timeless elegance’.
Tell us about your “dream dress”?
I never had any idea or design in mind but after seeing a dress online that I loved, but was only available in London with a 6 month wait list to get an appointment with the designer, I opted to find a local designer who adapted elements of the dress that I loved to make my dream dress.
It was strapless with a slight sweet heart neck line, corset, with
a skirt cut on the full. the top had rouching and then carefully beaded crystals that came to a point creating the illusion of a tight fitted waist. It was very hourglass and I loved it.
What was your favourite moment of the day?
There were three; first seeing Danny my husband for the first time after spending a week apart. This was before the ceremony, then dancing with my two grannies and the third favourite moment was dancing our choreographed dance that we spent 6 weeks rehearsing!
What do you wish you had spent more time planning?
I actually didn’t plan my wedding at all. I was lucky enough to have a mum who took it under her wing. I knew if I planned my wedding then I would be too stressed out on the day, and given I plan events for a living, the less I knew, the less expectation I had. I think that she had more than enough time though
What are your tips for the perfect day?
Wear your shoes before the big day so that your feet are comfy and take a spare pair of ballet flats just in case. Also remember to take your credit card for when you book into your hotel. We forgot and had to borrow one from a friend! Oops.
Did you have any Bridezilla moments?
Nope, not that I can think of. Like I said, I didn’t really organise my wedding so there was nothing for me to be disappointed about!
Did you go on a honeymoon, and if so where?
Yes we spent 3 weeks in Thailand.
Did the groom have much input in the planning process?
He chose the band and the play list. He also had to learn a dance which showed his dedication
What personal touches did you add to your wedding?
We gave Glasshouse Candles in my favourite fragrance, Cashmere Blanket to all the guests with a special message. We also had an after party at BLUE Sydney for all our close friends.
Also, when we entertain at home we often serve our guests apple martinis, and we had plenty of these during the high tea component of the wedding. Guests who have dined in our home would have recognised the similarity.
Is there anything you wish you did differently?
No, i loved every second and would love to do it all over again
Photographs by Jeremy Byrnes.
Traditionally weddings are all about white – white dress veil, lingerie, shoes…but you can add some personality by painting your toes a fun shade. If you are wearing open toed shoes it will make your garter toss a lot of fun and you can be as subtle or daring as you like.
(Pictured: If the Fuschia Fits – OPI)
Try OPI or Bloom for long lasting colour, there is any shade you can imagine and you can match your toes to your bridesmaids dresses! Alternatively, go for blue, it will make the decision of “something blue” much easier.
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Use your Time Management skills to match the right guests together at the new cocktail tables to earn a love bonus, but watch out for dastardly wedding crashers!
Download the FREE trial: Wedding Dash: Ready, Aim, Love
Nikki Collins from Elise Garland Public Relations
When is your wedding?
Saturday 5th September 2009
What have you planned so far?
Pretty much everything – working in public relations and having done events most of my working life, organising our wedding was a wonderful and stress-free time.
Are you having bridesmaids?
Yes – I am having 3 dear friends as my bridesmaids – Claire, Natalie and Julie.
What is your theme?
My theme is black and white with a ‘hint’ of orange. Orange is my fiancé’s Ashley’s favourite colour in the whole world, so I wanted to incorporate that into the theme of our wedding.
What do you still need to do?
Not much…. We still have to start our dance lessons, as I would love to learn an amazing dance routine for the night. My dress and the bridesmaid dresses are being made by one of my best friends, and I have only had fitting – so that is my biggest priority.
Have you had any Bridezilla moments?
NONE….but the wedding isn’t over yet!!!!
Tell us about your dress…
As I mentioned, one of my best friends William Lazootin is making my wedding gown – he totally understands my vision and I have 100% faith that he will produce an amazing gown. I can’t tell you too much as I haven’t seen the finished product, stay tuned.
What personal touches are you adding to the day?
Ashley, my fiancé and I are very social, chatty people, so we have decided not to have a sit down dinner as we would rather mingle with all our guests. Instead we are having an elegant cocktail party with a fantastic jazz band.
What makeup will you be wearing?
I love smoky eyes, that is a look that suits me, so I am going to stick to that but go with a brown/gold smoky eye and pale glossy lips. I think it is best to stick to what you know suits you and looks like you – I have seen so many brides do a completely different makeup look on the day of their wedding and they end up looking like a different person.
Do you feel like you are organised?
Ummmmm…Yes, maybe a little too organized – the girls in the office all laugh at me when I announce I am going home to have a Wedding Update with Ashley.
Is the groom involved in the planning?
Yes, he is involved, but only in certain aspects. He has given me total freedom when it comes to the overall look and feel of the wedding, Ashley and I sat down when we started planning the wedding and he decided what he would like to organize, he was responsible for booking the honeymoon, organizing the band for the reception, booking the wedding night and booking the wedding cars – all of which he has done!
I haven’t thought much about weddings since my own, but within the past few weeks everyone around me seems to be getting engaged. I have been asked to be a bridesmaid in my sister’s wedding, so now it is my turn to be the world’s best bridesmaid!
She has given herself just 6 months to plan her special day and hopefully I will be able to help her to stay calm and I will share the journey here. I sent her a wedding to do list and the poor girl nearly fainted!
To be honest, I am really going to enjoy this process…being a bridesmaid means you get to help with the fun bits without all the crazy emotions that go along with planning your own wedding.
Good morning,
I know two couples who recently got engaged, and just wanted to say a big congratulations to Tim and Krystal, and Tim and Alison!
I think I am at the age now where weddings will be happening more frequently and I can’t wait! I think I will have to quiz them on their wedding plans so I can post about it here,
xx
Flight 001 (pronounced Flight one) has arrived in Australia! This US based shop has everything you need for the perfect travel experience.
There are luggage solutions, stylish accessories, and loads of beauty options that are plane friendly.
They stock everything you need for your honeymoon, including the Flight 001 Exclusive 5 Star Hotel Kit (pictured).
Includes Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner, Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer, Bergamot Body Wash, Grapefruit Face Cleanser, mending kit, F1 shower cap, F1 dental kit, do not disturb hanging door sign, Dylan’s Candy chocolate square, and Maura Peters scented candle in pear moss.
For more information and to check out the huge range of products visit www.flight001.com.au
The Bride’s Mini 411
Checklists, Calendars and Contacts
By Amy Nebens
I wish I had this little book when planning my wedding! The Bride’s Mini 411 is a petite sized planner, designed to fit in your handbag so you can have all your wedding information and notes on hand at all times!
It contains a variety of checklists of things you need to get done, both prewritten including the bride’s emergency kit checklist, photography and accommodation, as well as space to add your own special to do items.
There are calendars for you to schedule your appointments and an address book for all your important contacts.
With an RRP of just $10.99, the information stored in this pocket book will be invaluable when planning your big day!
Available from all good bookstores.