Avoiding the unwanted wedding gift

Let’s face it, most of your guests will want to give you a gift.  Without a gift list or registry you run the risk of unwrapping multiple sets of wine glasses, dinner sets and even towels and sheet sets that don’t match your colour scheme or taste.  Not to mention a table full of presents that you then need to arrange to be carted home after the reception.

It’s hard to keep track of who gives you what.  To avoid this happening, choose a registry early on.  Make sure you put a wide variety of gifts on the list, because people like to feel they’re giving you what they choose.

Not the traditional type?  Don’t feel restricted, you can ask guests to contribute funds towards artwork you love, furniture you desire, your honeymoon, or even a charity you are passionate about.  While it may feel a little awkward asking guests for a gift when their presence is a gift in itself, you’ll find most people prefer some guidance so they can get you something you really want.

Lucy's amazing day

We are delighted to feature one of our stunning brides Lucy.  Lucy had a relaxed and elegant garden wedding, set in the spectacular Royal Botanical Gardens in Sydney.   This was perfect for a relaxed, elegant feel that Lucy and Scott (husband) wanted.

Lucy’s gown flattered her petite shape perfectly as it was simple yet elegant. This structured silk gown was fitted at the bodice and had sweeping gathers up to the hip, giving a lovely silhouette.

By adding a crystal flower brooch where the fabric gathers, the eye naturally follows the asymmetrical gathers across the bodice and drawing up to the hip.

Lucy wore vintage accessories which really complimented the simplicity of her gown. The vintage inspired headpiece is by Stephanie Brown. Lucy added a touch of ‘something blue’ by wearing her grandmother’s vintage moonstone bracelet.

Lucy and Scott held their reception at the restaurant inside the Royal Botanic Gardens.  Lucy said “the reception venue was perfect for the 'theme' of our wedding - we wanted somewhere quite relaxed, whilst maintaining a tasteful and elegant atmosphere, and had to have excellent food. Being inside the garden was beautiful and allowed our guests to have a drink on the lawns, then linger across to the reception when they were ready”.

Congratulations Lucy, you looked absolutely stunning!

Tips to ensure your special day runs smoothly

To ensure your big day bliss, here are two tips for your day.

Tip 1. Allocate someone to do jobs for you on your special day

As organized as you are, there are errands that can only be done on your special day like picking up flowers or laying out place cards.  You don’t want to be worrying about these so delegate someone you trust to do each of these jobs.  Your focus should be to stay calm and relaxed as you are pampered with having your hair and makeup done.

Tip 2.  Enjoy your day

This is it. The event you have been planning for months is here.  Don’t make the mistake of rushing around on the day, trying to spend time with each of your guests to the point where you don’t get any time with your groom.  Make sure you take time to pause and soak up the precious moments.

You’ve been months planning your special day.  If something unexpected happens it’s important that you relax, go with the flow and enjoy your day. 

Bridal gown for the Petite

Famous petite shape celebrities include Kylie Minogue, Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham.  If you are petite you are in the lucky position of being able to wear sleek and elegant sheath gowns. 

Typically, petite women are smaller in the bust region.  Don’t despair, there are plenty of clever designs to help pump up the volume.  Detailing such as beading, feathers and lace around the bust line can create size in that region.

Another wonderful design for petite ladies is backless gowns or plunging backlines.  You can create an amazingly elegant and sophisticated style.

Of course you can achieve the ball gown effect.  Just avoid having too much fabric that overwhelms your petite shape.

Take a look at these gorgeous gowns that look amazing on petite style brides.