Why are there bridesmaids?

Ever wonder why bridesmaids are often asked to wear matching dresses to support the bride? It wasn’t always to ensure the bride stood out.  In fact it was quite the opposite, as bridesmaids originally wore similar dresses to the bride to confuse and outsmart evil spirits. That way, the evil spirits wouldn’t know which woman in the […]

Do couples still throw the bouquet and remove the garter?

Traditionally towards the end of the reception, the bride will throw a bouquet to all the single ladies and the one who catches it is expected to be the next to marry. This is usually a second bouquet provided by the florist (often for free), it can be your main bouquet if you do not […]

Six ways you can save money on your wedding reception

Venue costs are a significant part of any wedding budget Usually because food and drinks are provided to all of your guests for a significant amount of time.  The equivalent cost at a restaurant or using external caterers would be substantial. Nevertheless, here are six ways you can spend prudently. Use your wedding cake as […]

How should you leave your wedding reception?

Farewelling you at the end of the reception is the culmination of the celebration. At Australian weddings the traditional way to leave the reception is straight after a farewell circle.  This is where the guests form a circle and the bride and groom farewell each person individually. It is a nice touch, but can take […]

Bonbonieres – should I bother?

Years ago the traditional gifts were a small organza style bag of sugar coated almonds or chocolates. Nowadays a quick search of the internet reveals numerous options – from chocolates with the bride’s and groom’s names on them to personalised candy, picture frames, succulents, seed packets, stubby holders and little boxes with lollies or chocolates.  […]

We can’t dance! Does it matter?

While the cutting of the cake symbolises the bridal couple sharing their first meal together, the dance represents their ‘entrance as a couple into society’. The dance also usually marks the end of formalities and the start of party time. Years ago the dance would traditionally have been a waltz.  Nowadays the type and standard […]

Should you organise a winter wedding differently?

Winter weddings can be magical, with cooler weather, lush green gardens and softer light for photographs. However, there are some special considerations. For instance, when selecting your menu remember that as a general rule the colder the weather the more people eat but the less they drink. So maybe choose some heartier, larger portioned meals. You […]

DJ or band? Which is better? How do I choose?

bands are generally significantly more expensive than DJs. Bands can be more interactive with the crowd, but DJs have more flexibility in that they can play a wider range of music. However, we do suggest that if you choose a DJ you ensure they are professional – not just someone’s friend who DJs occasionally.  As […]

Is a wishing well appropriate?

particularly as brides and grooms are increasingly living together before their wedding.  In fact most weddings have them nowadays. It can be a practical alternative because will they already have toasters, crockery, glassware and many of the other traditional wedding gifts. It is also not unusual for the bride and groom to request contributions towards […]

What can we do about the weather?

other than arrange back ups for everything you are planning to do outside. In recent years we’ve had hail on Christmas Day, the wettest spring on record, and dry winters. Melbourne is notorious for its highly variable weather. While we cant change that, what you can do is ensure you have a wet weather fall […]