Hiring a Wedding Planner VS DIY

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Is Hiring a Planner Right For You?
No one needs a wedding planner, but in certain cases the service makes good sense. Larger events automatically come with a great deal of envelope-stuffing and escort-card calligraphing that a planner can help with. Anyone having a destination wedding should also seriously consider professional help, someone who'll check out the location beforehand and make sure you're getting exactly what you want. And if you're throwing a last-minute wedding, a planner can be a lifesaver.

Budget Concerns
Find out exactly how much the wedding coordinator charges, and exactly what services you will be paying for. Some charge an hourly rate, while others bill a flat fee or percentage of the overall wedding cost. Most wedding coordinators ask clients to sign contracts; many also ask for deposits, which may be non-refundable. You and your fiancé should work with the wedding coordinator to draw up a detailed contract, specifying what the coordinator's responsibilities will be, to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Be Realistic
Be honest and realistic about your budget. Fees for wedding coordinators vary, but in general you can expect to pay somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of your total wedding cost. That may seem like a lot of money—money you might prefer to spend on more flowers, music, and Champagne for the reception.

What Do You Need
Not every bride requires a full-service planner. If you've already done most of the work yourself, you may want a "day-of" coordinator who will attend your wedding and resolve any snafus that may occur. You can also hire someone for the final weeks leading up to the event.

What Does Your Planner Need?
Before you start your search, gather a few basic details. The most important, by far, is how much you can spend. You'll need to relay your budget to potential planners when you first approach them. If someone is out of your price range, he can tell you so right away, over the phone, so you don't get your heart set on a person you can't afford. Planners you interview will also want to get a sense of the framework within which they'll be working.

Important Details
It's also good to know approximately how many guests you hope to invite, the general tone of your wedding, and the approximate date of the event. If you've already chosen a specific day, that's fine. Just keep in mind that this may narrow down your choice of planners, as some may be already booked.

Find a Planner
Once you're ready to start looking for a planner, ask around for referrals. Make a list of everyone you know who's gotten married in the past five years—especially those whose weddings you attended and loved—and ask if they used planners. Before you contact any coordinators, make sure to visit their websites for photo galleries of past weddings, and narrow your choices to about three favorites.

What Questions Should You Ask?

Your first meeting with a planner should take place over the phone. You'll want to ask some basic questions: How much does she charge? And how does she figure out the amount? Ask about availability, background, and experience; if she says she's certified by a professional association, contact the organization to double-check. 

Source : www.marthastewartweddings.com

Building Your Sweets Table

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A sweets table is a great way to intensify your colour theme at your wedding reception. When choosing your colour scheme, find colours that complement one and another rather than clash - or your wedding might end up looking more like a circus than a classy affair! From orange to red to violet, blue, green and yellow, the following list contains a few sweet suggestions that are made in a wide range of shades:

Rock candy
Sherbet bombs
Fizzos, Jelly beans, Gummy bears and snakes
Smarties and m&ms
Chocolate lovehearts wrapped in coloured tinfoil
Old fashioned boiled lollies
Homemade marshmallows
Flavoured macaroons
Gingerbread with coloured icing
Sprinkle covered cake pops
Iced cupcakes
Chocolate-dipped strawberries with coloured sprinkles

Not all sweet varieties look appetising across a range of colours, so if you have picked a cooler shade like blue, green or purple, you might like to pair it with white or cream to facilitate a more feasible lolly bar colour scheme. From marshmallows to Turkish delight to nougat, mascarpone, meringues, sugarcoated almonds, mints, and white chocolate-coated treats, there is an abundance of white and cream-coloured lollies on the market.

While warmer tones like orange and red certainly look striking and bright when featured alongside white, they look equally great when paired back with chocolate browns. Tempt your guests with chocolate-dipped strawberries, Lindt balls, Ferrero Rocheres, liquorice bullets, chocolate caramels or a decadent chocolate fountain.

When selecting candy to feature in your colour-coded sweets table, start by brainstorming the flavours most commonly associated with your chosen colour. For example, an orange colour scheme

might cover apricot, peach, orange, mandarin, caramel, ginger or cinnamon flavours, while a green
colour scheme is more likely to be linked with flavours like mint, spearmint, apple, lime, basil,
pistachio or green tea.

To get you started, we've put together a list of some basic colours and a few flavours we commonly
associate with each.

Orange: apricot, peach, orange, mandarin, caramel, toffee ginger and cinnamon

Red: strawberry, raspberry, ruby grapfruit, toffee apple, watermelon and red velvet

Violet: lavender, cassis, blackcurrant, violet and grape

Blue: blueberry and peppermint, blue raspberry

Green: mint, spearmint, apple, lime, basil, pistachio, kiwi fruit and green tea

Yellow: passionfruit, lemon, mango, banana, saffron, butter, honey, treacle, maple and burnt
caramel.

www.bride.com.au

Your Big Day Beauty Timeline

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A foolproof guide to your bridal body, skin, hair and makeup!

The lead up to your wedding can be more stressful than letting your hyperactive puppy loose in a fine bone china boutique. (Read: major damage control!). To ease your anxiety, we’ve sorted your beauty routine. Now, you can worry less, and look pretty more. You’re welcome.

Six months before…
If your brows need shaping, start now. Your eyebrow expert will need this time to allow for potential growth and alignment correction.

By this stage, you should’ve also locked in your hair and makeup artist, so book a trial before it’s too late to change so you’re 100% happy with your look.

4 months before…
Begin your body waxing routine if you haven’t already. It means you’ll have approximately four appointments to help regulate your hair growth, and amp up your skin’s exfoliation process – hello, even tan. Just remember your last appointment needs to be at least two days before your spray tan.

It’s around this time you should have your hair attended to. When your next appointment comes around (the really important one), your hair colour and cut will be nice and consistent, so you’ll only need a freshen up later.

3 months before…
Sign up for a course of facials and omnilux treatments. One per week is ideal. It may be a costly exercise, but those professional photographs are exxy, so you need to be looking your absolute best. By working so far in advance, your skin will be able to flush out everything, leaving you with nothing but a smooth glow.

Facials and omnilux will work double duty on your skin for clear, smooth and even-toned skin, which is also plump and hydrated to the max.

On that note, amp up your workout routine around this time too. Even if you can only manage working out three times a week and eating healthily, if you stick with it, you’ll reap the rewards (and you won’t have any ridiculously sudden weight changes).
2 months before…
It’s time for the tan trial. Yep, already. Be sure to tan two days after your body waxing to reveal the
true colour and effect on your skin. Moisturise daily for lasting results. (Important knowledge for the
old h-moon).

1 month before…
With only 4 weeks to go, I’d consider teeth whitening and booking a follow up appointment for the
week prior to your aisle date. If the thought of that scares you, start brushing with a whitening
toothpaste.

Two weeks before…
Okay ladies, hopefully you booked this a few months ago at your last appointment. Today, you’re
getting your hair coloured. You don’t necessarily need a cut, in fact a little bit of damage in your ends
will help keep your hairstyle in place.

The week of…
7 days before will be your last pre-wedding facial.

Also, aim to have your body waxing done 4 – 5 days out, including your brow tidy. (They should only need a tidy, because the shape is sorted).

2 days before…
Tanning time. Your waxing was the exfoliation entrée two days out, but be sure to exfoliate with mits
and a non-oily body wash the day before too. (If you same day exfoliate with an oily or heavilymoisturising
product, it’ll stop the tan from absorbing properly). Your tanning therapist should
moisturise any dry skin patches on arrival.

FYI if you have enlarged pores, you may want to avoid a spray tanned face. Instead, ask your
makeup artist to match your foundation to the depth of your tan. (Otherwise, you may look like
orange and poppy seed cake with your dark, tan-filled pores).

1 day before…
Your tan has developed, and any residue on your nail plates and cuticles has hopefully washed off.
But, if not, your manicurist can exfoliate your hands and cuticles gently so they’re clean and fresh
before any polish is applied. If you book your manicure for before your tan, you run the risk of icky
stains on the nail plate and fingers. (Which will be especially noticeable if you’re only having a soft
colour, like ballerina pink).

The day has arrived…
Wake up and enjoy a shower with fragrant body wash. (If you can, use the same scent as your
signature perfume for the day). Buff your skin gently with a soft loofer. Depending on your
hairdresser’s advice, you may need to shampoo and condition, or maybe you can get away with
second day hair. (Confirm your hair sitch before you turn the tap on!).

Next, moisturise your whole body with your signature bridal scent for super hydrated skin. A little
cuticle oil also never hurt anyone for glossy, strong-looking nails. (There will be close-ups of your
hands in bouquet and ring shots!).

Now, sit back, relax, and let the professionals work their hair and makeup magic. Remember, you
want to be the last person having your makeup done so it goes the distance.

Source : www.cosmopolitan.com.au

HONEYMOON IDEAS

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Whether you want to relax and soak up the sun on a deserted tropical island or laze in front of a log fire, follow our guides, tips and blogs to help you plan the perfect honeymoon. You’ll be in for the holiday of a lifetime…

Choose honeymoon destinations that are everything your heart desires, so you’ll remember this
holiday forever.

• What are best times of the year to travel to your destination? You don’t want to arrive at your secluded hideaway to find it’s full of children on school holidays!
• When choosing your honeymoon hotel, indulge – don’t skimp! Book the beachfront bungalow; the ‘room with a view’; the king sized bed; swish bathroom with a spa; and enjoy the finest champagne! 

Australia has many magnificent honeymoon destinations from way up in Far North Queensland all the way down to Tasmania, with many beautiful retreats in between. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Secluded beaches and rainforest of Coffs Harbour
• Rugged romance of the Blue Mountains
• Ancient rainforest, orchids and beautiful butterflies at Airlie Beach
• Stretch out on the endless sands of the Gold Coast
• Take a cruise, flight or tour and seek out the heart of Kakadu
• Culinary connoisseurs can head south to Launceston
• Enjoy the wine country of South Australia or Victoria
• For nature lovers, who can beat the beauty of Western Australia’s untouched coral reefs? 

So you’re heading out of the country, and imagining long lazy days under a coconut palm tree, a quiet walk along a white sandy beach where the only footprints are your own, spectacular sunsets and a thatched roof hut just for the two of you? Great honeymoon destinations for a tropical getaway are:

• Fiji
• Thailand
• Tahiti
• Vanuatu
• Bali– and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

If lying on the beach is not for you and you are wanting a little more culture and adventure why not:


Explore beautiful Vietnam
• Visit the Roman ruins in Italy
• Taste glorious wines from the vineyards in France
• Go shopping in Paris
• Go on an African safari
• Ski in Switzerland, Japan or Canada

For more honeymoon destinations Honeymoon Destinations Around the World is a must-read! It’s a good idea to enlist the help of a travel agent. Try to have an idea of what you want before you go – that way the process will be quick and easy, and you’ll be on your way. Travel agents can also obtain special honeymoon bonuses to make the trip extra special. MW Tip: Many travel agencies offer really great packages in the off-seasons that can save you a motza! 

11 Fun Rehearsal Dinner Themes

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You don’t have to have stuffy sit-down rehearsal dinner. Rethink the typical setting and go for something a little more inventive. From a backyard to the bowling alley or on the beach – just about anyplace will work. Steal one of these ideas and your rehearsal dinner might be just as memorable as the wedding itself.





A BBQ Rehearsal Dinner
Host a relaxed outdoor dinner with all of your cookout favorites on the menu, like burgers, dogs, and mac and cheese. Upgrade traditional BBQ dishes and serve a gourmet version. Think: pulled-pork sliders and caprese salad kabobs. Have it in a backyard, at a local BBQ joint or even a nearby public park. Decorate the tables with wildflowers in galvanized tin pails and tie in classic details, like a checkered-print tablecloth and homemade citronella candles.
What to Watch for: Like any outdoor event, you’ll need to prepare for the elements with anti mosquito spray, fans (or heat lamps if it’s chilly) and an indoor plan in case of rain.

A Fondue Rehearsal Dinner
Instead of a traditional sit-down meal, guests can mingle over a buffet-style feast from fondue pots or even fountains. Start with toast points and various cheese pots: Blue cheese and Gruyere are good starters. Move on to meats, potatoes and veggies, which can each be dipped in sauces, like teriyaki and red wine, and cooked right on the table. For dessert, have fresh fruit, squares of pound cake or brownies, bananas and marshmallows, and pots of melted chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, honey and yogurt.
What to Watch for: Fondue can be messy. You’ll want to have plenty of napkins on hand, as well as tables and chairs for guests to sit down and eat. If you’re hosting at home, you may want to hire a cleaning crew to wipe up tables and chairs to keep the fondue neat and tidy.

A Bowling Rehearsal Dinner
There’s no rule that says a rehearsal dinner has to be, well, just dinner. Bowling and arcade games are just the kinds of activities that will help break the ice between your families and friends. You could even make it a competition and give awards at the end of the night (don’t for-get to honor ―Most Gutter Balls!‖). Serve up beer and pizza right there at the alley or move to a nearby restaurant after the games are over.
What to Watch for: Aim to rent out private lanes or even a separate room for dining. And steer away from any decor that’s too whimsical, like pennants and balloons, and decorate with a few fresh flowers to add a touch of elegance.

A Casino Night Rehearsal Dinner
Host a Monte Carlo–inspired affair, complete with classic casino games, like blackjack and rou-lette. 
Send out wedding rehearsal dinner invitations on customized playing cards for your casino night, and decorate surfaces with chocolate poker chips. Let your bridal party take turns dealing blackjack, poker and other card games (or hire a real dealer), and consider having bingo and raffle prizes. No casino is complete without lots of chic sips, so keep the champagne flowing as gambling guests spend the evening toasting the bride and groom.
What to Watch for: Because guests will be moving around the room and having fun with the games, it may feel less intimate than if everyone is sitting at tables. You can solve this by having a seated dinner or cocktail hour first, so guests don’t miss out on mingling.

A Clam or Lobster Bake Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re near a beach, go the most traditional route and hire a crew to dig a two- or three-foot-deep pit lined with rocks and build a wood-fire top (there are catering companies that can take care of this for you). The alternative landlocked version works too: Order steamed clams and provisions and then set them up on big picnic tables for everyone to nosh on. Top your tables with checkered tablecloths and a few fresh flower arrangements. If you have the means and the space, end the night with a bonfire and s’mores. 
What to Watch for: It’s messy, so make sure your guests who aren’t as familiar with this style of party know they should wear super-casual attire.

A Sports Game Rehearsal Dinner
Get the wedding festivities underway with a rehearsal dinner excursion to a local football or baseball stadium for some tailgating followed by a game. Look into group packages —many ballparks have them, and some even offer options like a congratulatory message on the score-board. Have all the guests sign a ―game ball‖ for you to keep.
What to Watch for: You’re a superfan, but all of your guests probably aren’t. So instead, con-sider having the game-going portion of the night follow a more formal dinner. If you actually want to host evening at the ballpark, choose a game or team that’s fun to watch, but that you won’t be glued to, like a minor league game.

A Wine or Beer Pairing Rehearsal Dinner
It’s your typical dinner, but with a twist. Bring in a wine, beer or even whiskey specialist to help craft the menu to teach your guests how to pair the perfect sip for every course (even dessert!). So you might choose six to eight different wines of the same grape varietal (do all Shiraz or all chardonnay), so guests can really taste the difference. And make sure to pair each course with a great cheese.
Décor-wise, let your theme be the guide. Use grapes and cheese boards as your centerpieces. If it’s a beer tasting, fill cute vintage beer bottles with a few fresh flowers.
What to Watch for: You’ll want to get in on the fun, but don’t drink so much that you start off your wedding day with a hangover. Plan for plenty of food, so no one’s staggering into the cer-emony the next day -- and drink lots of water in between courses!

A Tee Time Rehearsal Dinner
Go one step further than the traditional country club or golf course rehearsal dinner and let eve-ryone spend cocktail hour perfecting their swing at the driving range. At dinnertime, name the tables after scores (birdy, par, bogie and eagle) and decorate with miniature hole flags anchored with colorful tees.
What to Watch for: Golf courses and country club venues can be pricey, but don’t let that stop you.
This idea also works in your backyard with a homemade, obstacle-laden, mini-golf course.

A Picnic Rehearsal Dinner
Spread out in a park with your guests for a low-key, fun outdoor affair during the day or early evening. Set up an old-fashioned spread (think: salads, sandwiches and lots of fresh-squeezed lemonade). You’ll want a mix of tables and blankets for seating, but use picnic baskets with a pretty decorated handle filled with food instead of traditional centerpieces.
What to Watch for: Even though it’s picnic style, you still need enough food for your guests to make a meal, or you should let everyone know it will not be a full meal with some careful word-ing on the invitations. If you don’t want to be responsible for an entire meal, move the time to sometime in between lunch and dinner.

A Dessert Buffet Rehearsal Dinner
Here’s a sweet alternative to the traditional sit-down dinner hosted at a later hour (around 9 or 10 in the evening). It’s great if a lot of guests will be traveling in and won’t be able to attend until later in the day anyway. Host the dessert buffet at a local coffee shop, dessert bar or even at your home with a variety of pastries, chocolates, tarts and candy. Offer a few non-sweets too, like fruit or even bite size sandwiches.
What to Watch for: If your ceremony rehearsal has to happen early, but the party doesn’t start until late, you may have some time to kill in between. That’s okay -- just spread the news. Guests will most likely end up finding dinner on their own before the dessert party. You can do your part by suggesting a few restaurants in the area.

A Beach-Inspired Rehearsal Dinner
Going somewhere tropical for your honeymoon? Give guests a little sneak peek and transform your rehearsal dinner into your honeymoon destination. Hang hammocks from trees in your backyard, serve dinner buffet-style on long surfboards, and blend up some pina coladas and daiquiris. For fun favor ideas, try personalized messages in glass bottles or flip-flops. As an ac-tivity, have guests write in ideas for things to do on your honeymoon.
What To Watch For: Transforming a ballroom or restaurant into a tropical paradise might re-quire quite a bit of decor, so it’s best suited for a spot that’s outdoors (when it’s warm of course!) or that already comes with a built-in beachy vibe.