Author: jenniferjustmarriednetau

Bride Business

Why am I getting wedding planning overwhelm? (and how to stay chill)

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Why do they say wedding planning is so stressful?

Planning a wedding is just planning a big party, right?

It should be fun, exciting, and all about you!

So why do people say that wedding planning is more stressful than Britney’s year of 2007?

Even in the midst of loved-up engagement bliss, there are some wedding-related stresses that can be so sneaky, you can’t even see them coming. Before you think you’ve failed at the whole wedding planning thing, because this isn’t actually shaping-up to be the most ‘magical time of your life’, I’m here to let you know that wedding planning stress is completely normal.

Here, I will show you how to get from wedding blues to bridal muse…

Great Expectations

Growing up, you would have noticed society makes, not a big deal about getting married, it’s more like a MASSIVE deal about getting married. Who hasn’t heard: “Your wedding day will be ‘the best day of your life’.”

So what if something goes wrong? What if your ‘perfect day’ isn’t completely, well, perfect?

It’s normal to start feeling frustrated that you can’t control everything. It’s completely normal to get nervous that things might go wrong.

On the other hand, it’s also inevitable that things will go wrong. I don’t mean that a major catastrophe is likely to completely ruin your day, but little glitches and disappointments will happen that will be entirely out of your control. If you think your wedding day has to be perfect, you are likely putting a bit too much pressure on yourself. So how to skip the stress?

Re-phrase

Rather than think: ‘my wedding has to be perfect’, re-phrase to something like: ‘my wedding will be a wonderful celebration of our love’, or ‘my wedding will be such a special day’.

Step away from the Wedding Planning

If you’re starting to feel like the pressure is too much, step away from planning your wedding for a little while. Maybe you need a week or two off, where you can concentrate on other things you love doing.

‘I was cursed with expensive taste and a low budget’

Weddings are expensive.

Weddings you see on Instagram and Pinterest are ridiculously expensive.

It’s easy to feel the pressure (especially after a couple of minutes on social media) that your wedding should look a certain way for fear that it won’t be good enough. The images you are scrolling through are weddings of celebrities and the rich-elite; or styled shoots showing wedding professionals’ most elaborate work.

Remember 99.9% of the population can’t afford these weddings either.

Before you start wondering if your fiancé will really mind paying off the florist bill for the first 30 years of married life, stop the stress now:

Prioritise

Make a list of wedding priorities. You will be able to see where you want to splurge and where you can choose cheaper options that will keep within your budget.

Make a Budget

Speaking of budgets… Create a wedding budget. You will feel so much more in control when you know exactly how you are spending your money and what you need to spend it on.

Get Inspired

Take inspiration from the social media images you love and ask your wedding vendors how you get the look for your budget.

Wedding stress is all relative

I was already a wedding planner before I got engaged. I had helped many couples prepare for their wedding day, which at times would include helping brides with difficult family dynamics. This was just a normal part of wedding planning for me- until it came to my own wedding and my own family!

Whatever family you are in, there are bound to be a few tricky relationships.  Whether they are your parents or the outer-reaches of distant relatives it can feel personal and stressful having to think about including them in your wedding plans. So how can you skip this stress?

Elope! (Just joking …. maybe).

Delegate

If you have a particular family member who you have to invite but might cause you any sort of stress, try to delegate another family member to ‘look after’ them during the wedding planning and on the wedding day.

Keep the guest list small

Do you really have to invite them? If the thought of inviting fifty cousins gives you the heebie-jeebies, maybe a small wedding suits you better. (You can always have a bigger backyard celebration party after your special day).

Catch up for coffee

A problem shared really is a problem halved. If your family- or any part of wedding planning is getting to you, find a friend, grab a coffee and talk about it.

Do you have any other tips on how you have dealt with any wedding planning worries? I would love to hear about them! Leave a comment or contact me with any questions you might have.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Jen xx

How to Plan your Wedding, Wedding Planning Ideas

How to save on wedding catering

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When thinking about weddings one of the first things we think about is free food and (potentially, lots of free) drinks! (Or is that just me??) Anyway… food and drink is often the biggest budget-item on your wedding planning list. Understandably, there can be a lot of pressure to reduce costs and get the most value for your money.

Here are my top picks of the most budget-friendly catering options for weddings.

Cocktail Reception

Cocktail receptions can be a cheaper alternative to a full sit-down meal. If you have a big guest list, serving cocktail-style food can reduce your overall price-per-head which can add up to big savings. If you enjoy gourmet food and beverages, serving in smaller quantities can allow for better quality. Champagne and oysters anyone??

Brunch

If the venue you want is a bit out of reach, consider a brunch reception. Many venues will provide this option at a reduced rate- especially if they can cater another evening function the same day.

While everyone loves a mimosa or two, your alcohol bill probably won’t be quite so steep if you are catering for a morning reception.

(If you don’t mind an early start, a morning wedding will give you more of the day to celebrate as a couple!).

Picnics

Nothing can beat the relaxed vibe of a good, old-fashioned picnic! Picnics are a fantastic idea for couples who want to DIY their catering. Most elements of a picnic basket can be prepared in advance- with no culinary skill required!

Buffets and Gourmet BBQs

Buffets are DIY-doable if the cooking and preparation can be minimised. Think of creative ways to serve cold dishes that are simple to prepare and serve. The more you are able to prepare your buffet in advance, the less stress you will have trying to throw things on a table just before the guests arrive. Some examples of a no-fuss buffet are:

  • A selection of high-tea inspired sandwiches and sweets
  • Lolly and dessert buffets
  • Seafood buffets (keep the seafood on ice to keep fresh)
  • Grazing boards

If you have a family member or friend who likes nothing better than getting behind a barbeque at social events, consider asking them to help you out and ‘fire up the barbie’.

Bonus Tip:

Don’t feel like you need to do everything yourself just to cut costs. Who wants to be washing up 100 plates straight after their wedding! Many venues will allow BYO beverages and provide the food. Or, you may wish to prepare the cocktail hour platters and only have the main course professionally catered.

 

Wedding Planning Ideas

Weddings on the Web

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There are days when I feel like my eyes never leave a screen. Whether it’s my computer or my phone, it’s easy to spend most of my day online. Heck! I even complete my daily workouts online (read that as: I aim for daily). Like me, the world of weddings is progressively finding its way into cyber space.

Here are three ways weddings have come online in the hope of making life easier and saving time:

Instagram Photos

Set up an Instagram account with a personal, wedding-related hashtag and let your guests know about it. You will have all the guests’ photos in one place- #instantphotoalbum!

Wedding Websites

Wedding websites are relatively new and can sound a little bit scary. There are options where you can create your own wedding website with little computer experience and for little expense. On your wedding website you can include much more information than in an invitation, so they can actually save you money in printing and postage costs.

One thing to keep in mind though, not everyone may want to get online to find their way to your wedding. If you are aware of guests who don’t enjoy surfing the internet, ensure they have a paper copy of everything they need.

Wedding Planning Programs

Online programs and apps that can be accessed through your tablet or phone are great for ticking wedding planning jobs off your list while you’re on the go. If you’re on your commute to work or waiting in line, you can easily get some wedding planning done. Some programs can include budgets, vendor contact details, checklists and even floor plans. These programs can be especially handy when you need to share information between your wedding suppliers and special helpers.

If I can give any advice about online options for your wedding planning or wedding day, I would say, choose anything that will help you save time and ultimately get you offline and enjoying time with your family and friends. So, if you’ll excuse me I better go do my ‘daily’ workout. Today, I think I’ll skip the screen time and talk my dog for a walk.

Bride Business

Quick and (practically) free stress busters for busy brides

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If you’re planning a wedding and trying to ‘live life’ at the same time it’s easy to feel physically and emotionally burnt-out. These simple stress-busting ideas will have you feeling that just-engaged-bliss in half an hour or less!

 

Mini Spa Routine

We are so busy this time of year the first thing we strike off the priority list is ourselves. Grab an hour, head to the bathroom and lock the door! Not only will get a temporary time-out, you will feel put-together and ready to handle anything the season can throw at you.

 

Take a Walk

Just getting out and going for a walk can do wonders for your perspective. You can walk for as little or as long as you want- and it doesn’t cost a thing! Walking is perfect for removing yourself from what’s stressing you and getting those happy endorphins pumping!

 

Make a List

If you feel like you have a hundred things running around your head, write them all down. Once all your to-dos are out of your head and on the paper you won’t feel as pressured to remember all the things you have to do- and hopefully it won’t look half as bad either.

Phone a Friend

Planning a wedding can be an emotional rollercoaster. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, chat it out with someone.

 

Light Candles

Instead of harsh electric lights, light some candles. Just creating a calming ambience can help you find your Zen.

 

Massage

If you can’t afford a professional to iron out the knots in your shoulders, I’m sure your fiancé would be more than willing to assist- especially if you offer to reciprocate!

 

Breathe

Close your eyes and take some deep breaths, ensuring you breath out all the air in your lungs. It’s great for centering yourself and detoxing any stale air.

Laughing Out Loud

Laughing gives those fabulous ‘happy endorphins’ easing your tension. Watch a comedy, make a date with your funniest friends or even do a You Tube search. A good belly laugh will leave you wondering why you were feeling stressed out at all.

Destination Weddings

Destination Weddings: Six things you need to know

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There is something very appealing in running away to an exotic location to get married! Many couples are choosing to tie the knot overseas, or in popular wedding destinations within Australia. Budget advantages; combining your wedding with your honeymoon; and keeping your wedding small and intimate are a few of the reasons couples choose to marry away from home. Destination weddings do have unique planning challenges. So, if you’ve chosen the perfect faraway location, here are six tips to help you plan the destination wedding you’ve always dreamed of!

 

  1. Good things come in wedding packages

Destination wedding packages can take so much stress out of long-distance planning! There are a couple of options for choosing packages:

              Resort Packages

Resort wedding packages can offer all-inclusive ceremony and reception options. These packages are especially good for the long-distance bride because they look after many of elements of a wedding you would ordinarily have to organise individually. While you don’t have to worry about many of the micro-details with all-inclusive deals, do check what is included in your package- you would hate to realise on your wedding day that you were stuck doing your own hair and makeup!

              Wedding Planners

Another option for packages is through a destination wedding planner. These packages can be more tailored to your preferences and give your more options since you are not restricted to a resort. While you may pay a bit more for this type of service, you are getting expert local knowledge and recommendations of reputable venues and vendors, which will give priceless peace of mind!

  1. Setting the date

Deciding when the best time to have your wedding will be different for every couple, according to personal preference. There will probably be times you want avoid, like monsoon season, local school holidays and local significant events. But do keep in mind, the most popular times for a particular destination will attract the most expensive rates. Choosing shoulder seasons, where the weather may still be nice can mean getting a good deal- and not having to compete with as many holiday-makers. Travel agents can be invaluable for their expertise in picking a time just right for you in your chosen destination.

  1. The guest list

Booking early can mean some pretty good early-bird deals, especially for accommodation and airfares. With this in mind, sending out invitations early can ensure your guests will enjoy early-bird discounts too! Depending on how far away your destination wedding is, guests may also need a bit of extra time to save money and apply for holiday leave.

Another tip when inviting guests is to keep your guest list small. Inviting only your nearest and dearest means you can look after your guests with a more lavish wedding. Do keep in mind, that as much as they would love to attend, not everyone you do invite will be in a position to travel to your destination wedding. Money, time off work and family commitments can prevent people from attending.

A good way to include everyone who wants to share in your wedding day is to give guests who can’t make it an option to celebrate with you when you get back. This could be as simple as a backyard BBQ or a cocktail reception.

  1. Destination: celebration!

One of the best things about destination weddings is that the celebrations can last more than one big day. Organising a few group activities before and after your wedding day can extend the festivities as well as entertain your guests. As much as your budget allows, keep group activities and meals all-inclusive for your guests. This is a great way of acknowledging their efforts to travel to your wedding. Check out group discounts through your hotel or local travel guides. If children are attending, many resorts host a kid’s club which can be really good value for the kids- and their parents!

  1. Keeping it simple

There are plenty of extra logistical issues to consider when planning a destination wedding, so keep what you can as simple as possible. If you are planning on shipping décor to your destination, less is more. If you have chosen a particular destination for your wedding, chances are it is stunning already. You won’t need to add much to it to have a beautiful wedding.

Hopefully, one of the appealing aspects of choosing a destination wedding is that it will automatically transport everyone to holiday-mode. Keeping things simple allows everyone to relax- including you!

  1. Welcome Bags

Welcome Bags for guests on arrival at their accommodation is a lovely way to greet and thank your guests for coming to your wedding. When deciding what to include in your welcome bags go with more ‘thoughtful’ than ‘extravagant’. While a bottle of local wine, a fruit basket, or chocolates are always a good choice, don’t forget little incidental items that guests might have forgotten and will make their stay more comfortable. Toiletries, sunscreen, bug-spray, beach towel, a bottle of water and a pack of cards can all make up a perfect welcome bag guests will appreciate.

(Check with the accommodation whether there is an extra charge for delivering welcome bags to guest’s rooms. One way you might be able to by-pass these extra costs is to have them given to guests on check-in.)

Wedding Planning Ideas

Love your way: fun ways to celebrate your special day

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I love celebrations! I believe the celebration of a marriage is an important element in your special day and the beginning of married-life. I’m happy to see there has been a significant trend away from the formal sit-down dinner reception to a celebration unique to the newly-wed couple.

So many brides look back on their wedding photos and say ‘but it looks like everyone else’s wedding!’. Well, while the colour scheme might be different, if you bring aspects of other people’s weddings into your day, no matter how fabulous they are, there’s no doubt it’s not going to look as ‘unique’ as you might have expected.

Here is a list of alternatives to a formal wedding reception which are no less fabulous and quite possibly more fun!

Champagne Brunch

There’s a reason so many cafes offer all-day breakfast. Breakfast food is delicious! A brunch can be fancy, with gourmet pancakes or casual with bacon and egg rolls. Add some champagne and you are in instant celebration-mode!

Perfect Picnics

Personally, I think eating outside makes the food taste better! Yes, you are at the mercy of the weather, but get prepared with shelter, throw some blankets and cushions on the ground, choose a picturesque location and you have set a gorgeous scene for a fun celebration- no seating charts required!

Backyard BBQ

If you’re a couple who loves backyard get-togethers on the weekend and you don’t want to scrimp on the guest-list, a backyard BBQ can be the perfect option for your wedding celebration. Decorating with easy DIY projects can transform the most boring backyard into any theme you can imagine. Scattered tea lights and fairy lights throughout the garden look spectacular with very little cost and effort. Think about getting a caterer to save the groom getting stuck behind the BBQ. There are many caterers now offering packages specifically for weddings.

High Tea

If you enjoy the elegant things in life, a pretty high tea full of dainty delicacies can be a memorable occasion. High tea’s can be a sit-down affair or a stunning buffet-display that will get your guest’s talking- with their pinkies extended, of course! You can incorporate mini wedding cakes into your sweets selection to add a touch a wedding tradition.

Hire a Boat

If you live near water, whether it’s a river or the ocean, getting out on a boat can feel like a mini-holiday, even if it’s for only a few hours. From cocktail cruises at sunset to lazy lunches drifting down a river, there are so many ways you can create a celebration to suite your personal style.

Winery Tour

Most celebrations involve a few drinks and winery tours can get pretty jolly! The best thing about winery tours is while you are enjoying the vino, you also get a taste of some stunning winery locations; and lunch is usually provided. Make sure you grab some bottles to open on your wedding anniversary!

Extreme Adventures

Is there some crazy thing the two of you have talked about doing, but never got around to? Maybe skydiving, bungy jumping or a hot-air balloon ride on the day you ‘take the plunge’- yes okay, the clichés are endless! You can invite family and friends to witness your heroic feat- or dare them to join in. You are guaranteed to never forget your wedding day if you start married life with a thrilling adventure!

I think it’s exciting that couples have the freedom today, to move completely away from the traditional wedding ‘checklist’ and celebrate in a way that is as personal and meaningful to them as their wedding vows. You can now celebrate, your way.

As an additional service to our pop up wedding package, we can assist with any of these alternatives to a formal wedding reception- or perhaps you have your own unique idea!

Have you been to a unique wedding celebration? We would love to hear about it!

How to Plan your Wedding

How to get married- legally!

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This isn’t the most exciting topic, but knowing what you need to do to get married is pretty important if you want to make sure that at the end of the day, you are really and truly- and legally married. In Australia, the legal requirements for marriage are relatively straight-forward (which can be very appealing for those thinking about a destination wedding). Here is a guide to tying the knot without getting tangled in red tape.

Am I eligible to get married?

If you are over the age of eighteen, not currently in a legal marriage- and not closely related to each other, you can go right ahead and tie the knot. To show that you are not currently married you can either make a statement that you have been ‘never validly married’ or produce an original certificate showing how all previous marriages are not current. This is usually in the form of a divorce certificate, or a death certificate.

Do I need a marriage licence?

In Australia you don’t need to apply for a marriage licence but you do need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form and submit it to the person authorised to marry you, at least one calendar month prior to the day you want to marry. While you do have to wait one month before you get married, the Notice of Intended Marriage form is valid for eighteen months so don’t worry, you have plenty of time to plan a spectacular wedding.

Lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage

Your Notice of Intended Marriage is basically a Statutory Declaration that needs to be witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or other authorised person, such as your celebrant. (Make sure you bring along photo ID for the Justice of the Peace to witness your signature).

When you lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage you need to produce some identification to show who you are. This identification needs to be an original birth certificate or a current passport. Any divorce or death certificates to show that you are not married anymore also need to be shown at this time. If any of your documentation is in a language other than English, you may need to provide an official translation to your celebrant/officiant.

You will also need to show your celebrant photo identification so they know they are marrying the right bride to the right groom!

On the big day!

Okay, I know that on the day of you wedding there is so much to remember about already, but there are two more requirements you need to bring with you along with the rings and the bouquet. You need at least two witnesses to see you tie the knot.

 The only criteria for choosing your witnesses is that they are over the age of eighteen. Your witnesses will be there to hear your special vows and sign your certificates of marriage.

Vows

While there are a few lines you need to legally incorporate into your vows, what you promise to each other on your wedding day can be completely up to you.

So, while there are a few important steps to follow in order to get legally married, none of them are very tricky.  It’s the job of your celebrant/officiant to guide you through the whole way. You can easily have your ‘happily ever after’- with a certificate to prove it!

Wedding Planning Ideas

Should Man’s Best Friend be your Best Man?

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Many couples already have a pet or two as part of their family when they tie the knot. It’s only natural that you would want to include these precious members of the family as part of your wedding day. From proposals, to walking down the aisle there are so many ways you can involve your pets in your wedding celebrations. There are a couple of things to consider however, before turning man’s best friend into your best man.

Will your pet be happy and comfortable at your wedding?

Some animals will not relish a crowded, hectic and really, really long wedding day! If your pet doesn’t enjoy crowds or would find it difficult to behave, having your pet physically present may not be the best idea.

Will your venue and guests welcome your pet?

Some venues just won’t allow pets and some guests may not appreciate them as much as you do. While you might not be able to do much about the rules of the venue, if your pet does make the guest list, just make sure everyone knows so it isn’t a surprise.

I have a one-year old Labrador called Buddy, who was subjected to a little experiment. I attempted to dress him up in a typical doggy ‘wedding outfit’. While I managed with some struggle to get the bow-tie around his neck, he tried to eat the cute little cuff I had wrapped around his paw before I could get the other three on. I wouldn’t exactly call it a success; and I have a new-found respect for anyone who can get a half-decent shot of a boisterous Labrador in wedding attire!

Creative ways to include your pet in your wedding

There are plenty of ways you can include your pet and personalise your wedding without having them in attendance. Mention them in your wedding vows; use a cute ‘family photo’ for your invitations or seating chart; add them to your cake topper; or have some photos taken while you’re getting ready before the wedding.

If your pet will be making a cameo appearance, hiring a pet minder to ensure that your pet is well looked after is essential. It takes all the worry out of including your pet in your wedding day. A pet minder can take your pet to and from the wedding and even help with any ‘duties’ they may have.

Your pet can be a priceless addition to your special day. There is so much inspiration out there, with ideas on how you can include your pet in a way that you and your pet will enjoy. Here are some links to some of my favourite blogs about pets in weddings. And while I might have failed in doggy obedience and animal photography, there’s no reason why you can’t have your pet play a special part in your wedding day!

Wedding Styling

Double-duty Décor

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I have heard many brides and grooms say they have a very small budget for their wedding and they can be great at sourcing low-cost versions of luxury products, perfect for a wedding celebration. Unfortunately, even the little things can start adding up- especially when you have to multiply the cost by each guest! Here are five tips in getting some of your wedding expenses to do double-duty on your wedding day. So even if you have to multiply your costs by one hundred, at least you can divide them again by two!

  1. Stick the menu or table numbers on personalised wine bottles. If you don’t want to DIY there are quite a few online business where you can design your own label and they will send you the wine with the labels all ready for your wedding.
  2. Wedding favours can double as escort cards. Arrange them in a way that complements the rest of your décor and make them a feature of your reception styling.
  3. Decorate your reception tables with edible centrepieces. A gorgeous fruit and cheese platter, or a pretty dessert creation will feed your guests and pretty-up the table.
  4. Place small wedding cakes on each table as a yummy centrepiece. You can visit each table and ‘cut the cake’ more than once. At many weddings I’ve attended as a guest, it can be hard to see the cake-cutting from where I’ve been sitting. Cutting the cake with each table will make a special moment of your wedding day more intimate and something you can share with everyone.
  5. Give guests personalised glasses for drinking during the reception- and to keep as a wedding favour. This is especially good if you’re arranging the catering yourself. It could also reduce hire costs- and washing-up!
Wedding Styling

What is an Inspiration Board?

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I love loooove inspiration boards! I can get lost for hours on Pinterest or Instagram finding the perfect image. Inspiration boards are an indispensable tool for planning weddings. Generally speaking, they are a visual collection of pictures/items that tell a story. Here are a couple of reasons why they are so useful in wedding planning:

They help with communication

They are such a great way to communicate a wedding concept with clients as well as wedding vendors- so much better than describing something. If everyone has a copy of the inspiration board everyone is on the same page.

They keep you on track

Inspiration boards also help to keep the style of a wedding cohesive. There is no point buying things and hiring more things and hoping that on the day they are all going to work together. If you create an inspiration board before you go shopping, you have a much better idea what you need and how everything will fit together. This is going to save you a lot of time, money and worry in the long-run because you’re not sure if the table runners you bought on sale a few months ago will actually match the centrepieces.

So, how do I create an inspiration board?

If you want to design your own inspiration board, Pinterest can be an easy place to collate different images. If you want to create a collage, a couple of my favourite programs are Google Photos and Fotor. A good way to display these collages is to make them your desk-top or screen saver on or computer where you will see it often.

You don’t need to limit inspiration boards to the computer. A physical inspiration board can easily be created on a cork board- even the back of your bedroom door. You can include pieces of fabric, magazine cut-outs, pieces of jewellery- anything that inspires you.