Weddings

Winter, Weddings & Wonderlands

Our checklist for pulling off the ultimate winter soiree

 

There is something truly magical about a winter wedding. The beautiful lush scenery, intimate indoor ceremonies, the warmth of a fire and elegant moody lighting all make for a cosy and romantic affair. Is there really a better excuse to celebrate love by toasting with red wine and kick starting the d-floor to get the blood pumping?

We have been lucky enough to be a part of many magical winter soirees which maybe has made us a little biassed. So if you are planning on tying the knot in the ‘down season’ we have a list of items to add to your checklist list:

Photo: @mayflowerweddings

 

PLANNING

First things first, plan ahead!

Although vendors may have more flexibility during the winter months, it’s also a time where a lot of vendors take some well-deserved R&R. So first in, best dressed.

Plan B:

We have said it before and we will say it again, your plan A should always be to have a plan B.

The truth is, no one can control the weather. Heck, who is to say you won’t be struck with a drizzly, 10 degree day in the peak of summer? If you have pictured an outdoor vineyard ceremony since you were a little tacker then we are all for it #doitforthephoto. But be sure to have a backup plan in case torrential rain is thrown your way. Talk to your venue to see if they have an option to move your celebrations inside, or otherwise, hire a marquee!

IDEA: Add a basket full of cosy blankets at your ceremony for your guests to take the chill off. Why not even add some umbrellas to the mix in case of a little sprinkle. 

Photo: @keepercreative

QUEST COMFORT IS KEY

Heating:

Sorry if we are stating the obvious here, but nothing kills the mood more than a bunch of shivering guests who can’t feel their toes. If you are having a marquee wedding, put heaters on the top of your list (do it now). Otherwise, make a big fat note to talk to your venue or marquee supplier about heating requirements.

 Kick it up a notch:

Planning a small, intimate affair? Maybe an open outdoor fire is something to consider. We mean, is there anything better than snuggling up around a fire with your nearest and dearest? Red wine is optional but highly recommended.

ATTIRE

Dress to impress:

Long sleeve dresses and fur coats. Do we need to say anymore?Or maybe custom denim jackets and statement leather boots are more your style… This is your moment to shine, so why not dress to impress? Winter fashion brings layers, textures, beaded details, plus a ton of accessory options!

The Details:

This may be common sense, though reminding your guests of the season is never a terrible idea. Pop a little note under your ‘dress code’ or instead add a details card to your invitation suite and mention there will be a cloak room at the reception as a hint. The more details the better we say.

Photo: @coolafweddings

LIGHTING

 We are placing double emphasis on this one.

Firstly, winter comes with shorter days and longer nights, so make sure you consider lighting in ALL aspects of your day, especially your photos!

Consider starting your ceremony an hour earlier so you have enough natural light for your bridal shots. Or, if you are open to it, why not have your bridal photos pre ceremony?

Secondly, lighting sets the mood, so have fun with it. Think fairy lights, festoons, pendant droppers, rattan pendants. Make a statement that lights you up inside.  

Oh and we can’t forget candles! Nothing screams winter wonderland like the warm glow and flicker from a candle, TO DIE FOR.

Photo: @alexcohenphotography

OUR TOP FURNITURE PICS

  • Anything VELVET! It’s a statement in itself. Not only is it moody and elegant, it is also super plush and comfortable. 
    • To lounge: Velvet lounge in navy, pink or black, or have you seen our black curved velvet lounge? Pair these with our Interchangeable coffee table
    • To dine: black velvet dining chair
    • To socialise: black & nude velvet bar chairs
  • Dance floor – this is a must have so you can warm up with a boogie
  • Fairy lights – to set the mood. Whether they complement the stars from a clear top marquee, or decorate the ceiling of your reception.
Photo: @petethephotographer.co

 

Make it memorable, make it personal: How to add a little personality into your big day

A stunning ceremony, kick-ass cocktail hour, and totally WOW reception, what more could you ask for when putting together the look and feel of your big day? It’s your day after all, so why not make it all about you and your partner to be? 

Our advice; if you really want to make your day one to remember, fill it with things that are important to you as a couple. 

We have put our brains together and compiled a list of simple ideas you can use to personalise your wedding day. So, if you are wanting to add a little extra zing or something that is totally unique, something that will be memorable to all of your guests and will set your day apart from the rest, then you have come to the right place. 

Take a look below, we hope some of these spark some interest!

Photographer: @raemarie_loveclub

PLANNING:

▪️ Elope and party after!

Nothing is more personal than sharing your special moment with just you and your other half, (or a handful of your nearest and dearest if you wish). Our very own Kristy did exactly this and tied the knot on holiday in NYC with her husband, then celebrated the news with loved ones on their return. SO SWEET!

▪️ Surprise wedding:

Surprise your guests with a wedding at your engagement party. We have all heard of this before, but it’s not something you see all the time. If a big traditional white wedding isn’t your style, then this may be something you consider. 

▪️ Surprise location:

On the topic of surprises, why not keep your venue a secret from your guests? Instead of putting a venue on your invitations, put a pick up location instead and organise transport for your guests to the secret spot. And make sure the spot you choose is unique to you!

▪️ Glamping Tents:

Planning a private property wedding? Invite your guests to glamp under the stars. If you are a fan of camping yourself, then it’s only fitting you incorporate it into your big day. This will be a totally unique experience for your guests and one they won’t forget.  

Photographer: @weareallstardust_

CELEMONY:

▪️ Include your audience:

Whether it be at random, or pre planned with your Celebrant, include your audience in your ceremony. Whether you surprise your Dad, childhood best friend, or your Grandma with whom you share a special bond, in front of all of your guests, asking them to sign your wedding certificate calls for a seriously heartwarming moment. Asking those who mean the world to you to be involved with your ceremony is truly special, not only to you but also to them and your guests! 

RECEPTION:

▪️ Get creative with your table names:

Name your tables after things that represent you as a couple. Are movies your thing? Do you both share a passion for a particular band, country or series of books? Choose something that reflects your interests, your guests will get a kick out of it.  

▪️ Backdrops:

Create an epic backdrop that showcases you as a couple. Display a custom neon sign with a quote symbolic of you both, or create a love map like the one below, a visual of the couples’ travels together made out of coloured string. AH-MAZING.

Photographer: @weareallstardust_

CATERING:

▪️ Signature cocktail:

Create a cocktail that represents you as a couple. Pair your favourite flavours, give it a fun name and offer it to your guests at your pre reception drinks. It could be inspired by your first date, the first holiday you went on together, or the restaurant you both love. Oh and need we say that taste testing is a must?!

▪️ Serve something special:

If you are both a lover of gelato, popcorn or even a cheeky late night chips and a kebab, serve these favourite foods at your reception! A gelato cart makes for the perfect dessert and dare we say it, hiring a kebab van for a late night snack may be just what the doctor ordered. 

THOSE LITTLE EXTRAS:

Photographer: @petethephotographer.co

▪️ Temporary Tattoos:

A totally unique and fun way to show your personality as a couple to your guests. Your faces will literally be all over your reception! 

▪️ Caricatures: 

A lover of art, jokes, or expressing yourself in unique ways? Hire a stationery designer or artist to draw your guests’ faces! Incorporate these into your stationery through your place cards or drink coasters. You will be guaranteed a few laughs, plus not to mention, it’s a great icebreaker.

▪️ Live painting:

Hire a live painter to capture the moment you said ‘I do’. Not only will you have it forever, but it can also form part of your pre-reception entertainment for your guests while you have photos. 

 

Although these are all unique ideas in their own way, our number 1 tip for making your wedding special and personal, is to only choose things that you and your partner love. Your story is one of a kind, so make it shine through all of the details on your wedding day! 

Finding Your Style – A little guide to help you nail your overall wedding (or event!) style

finding-your-style-21_10_22_Peta-Casey-0245
Photographer: Symmetry Weddings

So you’ve:

  • Finalised your budget - tick
  • Set your date - tick
  • Locked in your venue - tick
  • You have started to secure your Vendors - tick (go you!)
  • Chosen your wedding style… Ah HELP!

Planning a wedding can be super overwhelming, with so many decisions to make, the ‘fun’ tasks such as choosing your wedding style, can often seem like a headache, especially if you are your own wedding coordinator and stylist.

Never fear, the Team at Hire in Style are here.

We have put together a few inspo boards to help you narrow down your styling choices, with furniture and décor options for your ceremony and reception space, using our 5 very different package options as a starting point.

These styles can be tailored to suit you and customised to your personal taste, there is bound to be something that sparks some inspiration.

So, take a look, gather your ideas and use these pics as part of your wedding mood board (your vendors will love you for it!). And just in case you didn't know, we also offer styling & coordination services  So, if you don't want to DIY and rather someone else takes the reins, we would love to hear from you! Click here to see a full list of our services.

CLASSIC WHITE

Your style is:

Timeless, clean and crisp with pops of colour throughout your décor and styling.

You Love:

  • Colour palette: White, neutrals, a subtle (or not so subtle) pop of colour
  • Florals: elegant white blooms, coloured posy vases, installations packed with greenery and neutral tones.
  • Dress code: semi-formal or formal attire
  • Dining: gourmet dishes and drinks to match
  • Cake: a 3 tired, all white masterpiece
Image Credits: Top Left: Pete the Photographer Co | Top Middle: Stephanie Burma Weddings | Top Right: Sarah Tonkin Photography | Bottom Left: Emma MaCaulay Photography | Bottom Right: Sarah Tonkin Photography
Image Credits: Top Left: Pete the Photographer Co | Top Middle: Stephanie Burma Weddings | Top Right: Sarah Tonkin Photography | Bottom Left: Emma MaCaulay Photography | Bottom Right: Sarah Tonkin Photography

RUSTIC ROMANCE

Your style is:

A modern take on rustic all while keeping an effortlessly romantic feel. Soft lighting, a rustic setting and a tone of pretty florals.

 You Love:

  • Colour palette: raw and natural finishes mixed with golden accents and deep warm tones.
  • Florals: Australian natives, or, greenery mixed with pink and red roses
  • Dress code: semi formal, a more relaxed feel
  • Dining: hearty, banquet style feast
  • Cake: naked cake and dessert table

 

 Image Credits: Top Left: Rae Marie Photography | Top Middle: Shannon Stent Images | Top Right: Shannon Stent Images | Bottom Left: Shannon Stent Images | Bottom Right: We Are All Stardust
Image Credits: Top Left: Rae Marie Photography | Top Middle: Shannon Stent Images | Top Right: Shannon Stent Images | Bottom Left: Shannon Stent Images | Bottom Right: We Are All Stardust

MODERN ELEGANCE

Your style is:

A contemporary look filled with clean lines and sophistication.  

 You Love:

  • Colour palette: black and white
  • Florals: roses, orchids, or anything white or black! Statement bouquets, bar arrangements or ceremony sculptures, the bigger the better
  • Dress code: black tie, formal  
  • Dining: gourmet 4 course sit down or gourmet canapes for cocktail
  • Cake: something unexpected, or a modern tiered cake decorated with total elegance
modern-elegance
Image Credits: Top Left: Teneil Kable Photo | Top Middle: Flossy Photo | Top Right: Stephanie Burma Weddings | Bottom Left: Natasja Kremers | Bottom Right: Flossy Photo

TRADITIONAL STYLE

 Your style is:

The classics - a traditional look adjusted to suit your personal taste.

 You Love:

  • Colour palette: white with a hint of colour
  • Florals: roses of course – displayed in posy bunches or a dramatic hanging installation
  • Dress code: formal or semi formal,  whatever you want it to be!  
  • Dining: 3 course sit down meal or gourmet canapes for cocktail
  • Cake: A traditional 3 tiered cake

 

traditional-style
Image Credits: Top Left: Gordon Becker Photo | Top Middle: Rae Marie Photography | Top Right: Symmetry Weddings | Bottom Left: Katie Grant Photo | Bottom Right: Sarah Tonkin Photography

COASTAL LUXE

 Your Style is:

Cool, calm and luxe! An uber chic look and earthy nuptials complimented by a relaxed atmosphere.

 You Love:

  • Colour palette: airy and fresh – neutrals all the way with the added hint of colour if you wish
  • Florals: boho dried arrangements mixed with white roses and peonies
  • Dress code: a relaxed, semi formal vibe
  • Dining: family style table banquet 
  • Cake: a naked cake or donut wall!
coastal-lux
Image Credits: Top Left: Alex Cohen Photography | Top Middle: Holii and Ash | Top Right: The Bib Approach | Bottom Left: Flossy Photo | Bottom Right: Alex Cohen Photography

One thing to remember:

These styles can be mixed and matched to make something totally unique. 

 Our number one piece of advice:

Stay true to what represents you as a couple. Make sure your personality shines throughout the look and style of your day and keep it consistent in every aspect.

 After more? Check out our furniture packages on our website and your hands on a copy of our look. Or better yet, send as a message to see how we can create something unforgettable together!

 

The elephant in the room – Planning a wedding or event during a pandemic

There is no point tip-toeing around the topic any longer, considering it’s an issue that is consuming the wedding & events industry…‘What the heck does COVID and the mandates mean for my wedding/event!?’ 

We wish we could have a straightforward answer to this question, but unfortunately, we don’t. There are SO MANY FACTORS that will influence you (and all of your Vendors) differently over the next few months.

Styling: The Bib Approach
Styling: The Bib Approach

Whilst we can’t make all of this disappear we can (and we will) do our very best to ensure your event is still a damn good one!

We have put together a little list of things you should prepare yourself for as the borders set to reopen on March 3rd, as in reality, COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. Though we are no experts on the subject, we have had a few ideas that we thought may make your planning a little easier. So, let’s talk and break down what it means if you are planning a wedding or event during the pandemic.

CANCELLING OR POSTPONING YOUR EVENT

Unfortunately, this may be a tough decision you have to make which will more likely result in frustration, tears and some disappointed guests. We get it, it sucks! But it is something you may have to consider if your nearest and dearest can’t make the big day or you have to go into isolation yourself.

What you need to be prepared for:

  • Broken hearts
  • Some tears
  • Losing your deposit with your Vendors
  • Not being able to re-book your original Vendors after you reschedule

What you should do when booking:

Ask all of your Vendors straight up for their COVID Policy. Vendors know how hard it is at the moment and we are all understanding and flexible. Be sure you read each and every one of your Vendors COVID Policies so you know what is to happen if you do postpone or cancel your event. Every policy will be different to the next.

The current situation has had a HUGE impact on your Vendors alike. We all want to stay in business so we can continue to create amazing events for all of our clients. Because of this, most Vendors will require you to pay a non-refundable deposit when you make a booking with them.

CHANGING YOUR SIT-DOWN EVENT TO A COCKTAIL FUNCTION

As much as we want your event to run exactly how you pictured it, restrictions to guest limits at private properties and venues may mean you won’t be able to have the sit-down event you planned. Buttt, hold the phone, you may have the option to change the style of your event from sit-down, to cocktail to keep in line with the 2sqm rule now in place for venues.

What you need to be prepared for:

  • Cutting down your guest lists
  • Changing your furniture hire order
  • Potentially rescheduling your event to a later date (above)
Photographer: Shannon Stent Images
Photographer: Shannon Stent Images

Here are some pointers on how to tackle your planning process:

  • Use a wedding website or create a Facebook Events page.

An easy way to send updates to all of your guests with a click of a button! So simple and so effective, saving you time and money on printed stationery.

  • Livestream with those who can’t make it.

For our future couples - rethink your unplugged ceremony. Instead, let those that can’t be there tune in through livestream, facetime or  Love Cast.

  •  Elope then have a party #2!

Save your party for later on down the track when you can do it how you originally planned.

  • Make the most of your invitations.

If you haven’t yet sent out your invites, here is your chance to ask your guests those ‘hard’ questions. Provide a little background on the current situation +  your Venues rules + Vax-passports. Ask your guests to RSVP along with their vaccination status so you have this info on hand for your Venue. You can do this in the form of a details card to include with your invitations, or pop it up on your website/event page.

  •  Be kind to your Vendors.

Just like you, this is a whole new ball game for your Vendors! It’s not their fault that they can’t source the specific flowers you are after, or your printing has been held up in a shipment from Interstate. Your Vendors are doing the best they possibly can to keep on top of the everchanging mandates while ensuring your event goes off how you imagined it would.

  • And lastly, keep yourself safe and in the know!

Stay up to date with new information as it becomes available and keep yourself ‘isolated’ as best as you can in the lead up to your event. The last thing you need is having to go into isolation and miss your own party!

Photography: Photo Gerson
Photography: Photo Gerson

Styling Your Bridal Table to Perfection: Come Behind The Scenes with Us

Screen Shot 2022-01-26 at 3.17.00 AM

The reception is here and you can finally sit your bum down, have a drink and refuel with your best mates who have supported you throughout your special day. The bridal table is your space to unwind and debrief the day as well as sit pretty for a barrage of photographs and kiss your spouse when demanded by the sound of knives clinking on champagne glasses.

You want this space to be as stunning as the rest of your reception space, but you want to add in an extra special flair to set it apart too #helloVIP.

Recently we had the privilege of collaborating with some stellar vendors to showcase the Grand Chardonnay room at the stunning Aravina Estate. Let us take you behind the scenes to show you how to create a stunning bridal table that will wow your guests and make you and your bridal table feel pretty damn special to be seated there.

Essentially there are two things you want to achieve when designing your bridal table. First, you want to tie it in with the rest of the styling in the room and, second, you want to elevate it with special features so it stands out.

Screen Shot 2022-01-26 at 3.19.48 AM

1. Tying everything together

When choosing what items to hire for your bridal table, you can either include the same tableware you have chosen for your other tables, or choose tableware within the same colour palette.

Here in the Grand Chardonnay room, we’ve gone with the former option and matched the tableware on the bridal table to the other tables (see image above). With the exception of the grey linen tablecloth, all other hire items match the bridal table. Our white lipped dinner and side plates lay beneath crisp sage linen napkins and stunning blush pink menus (by Emma Louise Design). Together with our matte gold cutlery and crystal glassware the whole table sings in harmony with the beautiful floral arrangements (by Lara Rose Botanical Stylist) that bless all the tables in the room.

With the tables having common tableware or atleast a common colour palette, the bridal table will tie in nicely with the rest of the room. Now all that is left to do is add some special features to the bridal table to take the styling to the next level and make it the hero in the room.

Screen Shot 2022-01-26 at 3.22.55 AM

2. Setting your bridal table apart with special features

With this stunning display above, how could the bridal table NOT be the first thing you see when entering the room?

The bridal table we’ve put together here has two distinctive features. First, distinguishing it from other tables, our white acrylic bridal tables are not dressed with a tablecloth, allowing it to be a point of difference.

(Just as an FYI, one very cool feature about our acrylic tables is that you can add custom decal stickers to the front of them to add a personalised element. That will definitely make it stand out!)

Secondly, our metal feature frame sits above the table and is adorned with the most stunning display of floral wizardry (again by Lara Rose). This installation ties in with the tabletop florals but takes things to that next level. 

There are lots of items you can use to create special features on or around your bridal table. From mesh floral backgrounds to hanging installations to custom acrylic signs backdrops, we have lots of options to level up your bridal table.

Screen Shot 2022-01-26 at 3.25.01 AM

Ultimately, the effect you want is a show stopping wow factor that not only helps you find your seat easily, but makes you feel so special while sitting there.

We had such fun working on this project!  Get in touch today to see how we can work with you to create a bridal table styled to perfection for your special day. 

Special thanks to the dream team:

Venue: Aravina Estate 

Hire items and styling: Yours truly

Flowers: Lara Rose Botanical Stylist

Photography: Jessica Josie Weddings 

Stationary: Emma Louise Design

Our Ultimate Guide to Bar Decor: Achieve Next Level Styling with these 5 Tips

We know you want to set the bar high (pun intended!) with a stunning wedding and reception, so we’ve put together this styling guide to help you wow the pants off your guests with your wedding bar

Photographer: You, Me and the Sea
Photographer: You, Me and the Sea

1. Start with the right bar

Ok, let’s start with the most important piece; the actual bar you will use as your service bar. To make the decision about which bar to hire you will need to consider both your practical and aesthetic needs.

How many guests will be served? You may need to hire more than one to cater for higher quantities of guests. What other items need to be present at the bar, but hidden (e.g. rubbish bin, glassware etc)? You will need to consider what size bar will accommodate these extra items behind or underneath them.

The other big factor in your decision is the style and colour palette of your wedding. We have neutral coloured bars that will go with just about everything, and we also have some other unique styles that might suit a provincial or country style wedding. Whatever the style, we have options to suit.

2. It’s personal, baby.

Your bars don’t need to be personalised, but if they can, why not right?? Some of the best we’ve seen at weddings have had a personalised element to them. For example, “Cheers to the Smiths”. There are numerous ways to add a personalised touch, some we’ll get into below when chatting about signs and backdrops, but here’s a fun fact, our bars themselves can be personalised! Our panelled service bars can be personalised with a custom decal. You will be sure to wow your guests with one of these babies.

Photographer: Teneil Kable Photo
Photographer: Teneil Kable Photo

3. Signs and backdrops

You can also add personal touches with any signs or backdrops you use to complement your bar. This can range from a large backdrop behind the bar (e.g. an acrylic backdrop with custom decal in phrase of your choice) to a sign sitting on the surface of the bar, to a big easel sitting beside it. We have an impressive range of signage and backdrops for you to check out, find our signs under the “Signage” tab, and our backdrops under “Arbours and Backdrops” in our hire range. Again, what you choose will be determined by the style and colour palette of your wedding, but we have something for every style.

You also don’t need to add a personalised element. You can very successfully wow your guests with a frame backdrop or arbour decked out in flowers, for example. The options are endless! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a particular product in mind and want to brainstorm some ideas for it, we absolutely love to help!

4. Dress to impress

The decor items you dress your bar with can be just about anything you want. That said, don’t forget to leave plenty of room for the essentials (glasses, champagne bowls etc) and do think practically about what belongs and what doesn’t.
Some items to think about including are:

-Natural elements

A beautiful bunch of flowers, or a lush bunch of greenery cascading down one side would be sure to draw the eye.

-Stationary

Let your guests know what’s available by including a drinks menu for them to peruse. This menu can sit in one of our gorgeous signage boxes or on one of our table number holders or easels (find these in the section “For the Table”).

Grazing platters or scrumptious desserts

Add pops of colour and play with creating different heights on your service bar by including some yummy snacks for your guest to nibble while waiting for their drink. This is both a pretty and practical way of dressing up the bar that will definitely be appreciated by your guests.

Photographer: We Are All Stardust
Photographer: We Are All Stardust

5. Glassware

Glasses all lined up on the bar tell you guests one thing: they’re in for a good time! Which glasses you choose will depend on your style and also which drinks you are serving.

Choose from our huge selection of crystal, ribbed and premium glassware to create your look. Champagne saucers for cocktails, martini glasses for a luxe vibe and shots for, well, fun! We’re salivating just thinking about it.

Don’t forget your guests will need to keep hydrated between drinks, so make sure there’s room for some of our gorgeous water carafes and tumblers too.

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With these tips you can elevate a standard service bar up to the next level. We are so keen to help you achieve a gorgeous and practical set up for your wedding, so please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask about our products, get ideas and find out about the many services we offer to make your day hassle free. Cheers to that!