eventsouthwest

Wedding Registries for the Modern Day Couple

It’s a known fact that we all like to give a gift to our loved ones on a special occasion, and a wedding is no different. As much as we may find it uncomfortable and awkward to tell our friends and family what you want as a wedding gift, the truth is, they would probably prefer it… It saves them the worry of gifting you something you actually want, and in return, you get what you actually want.

So, let’s dive into the topic of wedding registries. That’s right, they are making a comeback and we are all for it.

What once was considered an old tradition, the concept of gift registries has recently gone BOOM, providing modern day couples an option to combine all the things they actually need, with the things they want, on the one digital platform. It’s the best of both worlds!

Need to paint your house? Tile your bathroom? Or maybe you want a Thermomix or some honeymoon funds? Yep, these are all items that you can include on a digital wedding registry –  mind blown!

Image: @emmamacaulayphotography

A digital gift registry takes out the awkwardness, allowing you to not only have some fun putting together a shopping list, but also lets your guests decide how they wish to contribute to your life as a newly married couple.  

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the newly invented gift registry, to see if any style tickles your fancy…

 

For the jet setters

 Have you heard of Hitchd?

Wanting to use your gift registry purely for your honeymoon? Well this is the registry for you. Hitchd is your one stop shop for all things travel, and experience. 

You can set up your personalised honeymoon fund that truly reflects what your heart desires. You can share your honeymoon vision to your guests as you see fit, whether it be aeroplane tickets, luxury glamping, hotel stays, spa treatments or guided tours, and your guests can choose which aspect they would like to contribute to.

 

 

The ‘all inclusive’ list

For all gift types, whether it be a physical item, a gift card, a savings fund or a donation to a charity, Gravy is the gift registry for you. Heck, it even has a range of pre-written gift ideas you can add you your registry. Like a ‘wine tasting experience’, ‘a new coffee machine’, or a pledge like ‘becoming an organ donor’ or ‘prepare you a home cooked meal’ – how heartfelt.

Gravy is the one-size-fits-all kind of registry. You can tailor make it however you please, and you will have some fun in the process!   

Another one-size-fits-all registry you should check out is Wedit – A very modern Registry. Wedit is another Australian digital platform with the emphasis on freedom of choice, and ease of use to make gifting a more efficient and enjoyable process for couples and guests alike.

 

Image: @emmamacaulayphotography

 

For the givers 

Maybe you have already got everything you could possibly ever need, and you don’t have plans to jet set across the country to spend a week sunning it up on the Whitsundays. Maybe you both have a cause that is very close to your hearts that is more important to you than the materialistic things in life. My Cause might be the registry for you.

My Cause allows you to raise money for a charity through a donations page. With over 1500 causes to choose from, you can personalise the cause to you and your wedding.

 

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We do still suggest having a card box at your reception for your guests to pop their handwritten cards into. Though, if you are getting married in 2024 and beyond, add ‘check out digital gift registry’ to your to-do list.

Summer Soirees & Boozy Banquets: Four festive event planning tips you should know

The Festive Season is upon us! The season where your social calendar fills up with long luncheons, end of year celebrations, boozy banquets and of course, Christmas festivities. Is there any better time of the year?

If you are throwing an outdoor soiree, here are a few little pointers from the experts on how to make it one to top this festive season.

 

1. Comfort is key

It’s safe to say that everyone’s ideal weather situation for an outdoor event is a beautifully clear, mild day with a light breeze and a warm, balmy evening. Though let’s face it, this isn’t always the case, especially in December…

Our number one piece of advice; be prepared for every possible scenario and keep your guests comfort your number one priority. We are talking adequate shade, furniture, food & beverages, and last but certainly not least, always have a backup plan just in-case the weather gods decide to put on a show!

For example:

If you are longing for classy, long table lunch, at midday, set up on the grass so your guests can take in the picturesque views of the gardens or vineyards. Then be sure you provide:

–    SHADE! A luxury tent, marquee or canvas umbrellas.

–    Plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Heatstroke, sunburn or mosquitos are not a vibe.

Oh and if there is a forecast of 40 degrees (this is a high chance in December), consider changing your event start time to a later time, or moving your event inside or to an undercover shot where there are outdoor fans.

 

Image: @blackbirdtale_

 

2. Styling & Cohesion

 

It is the silly season after all, so why not go big with your styling! 

Gone are the days where red and green are the key elements to your festive celebration colour scheme. Instead, break the boundaries, gimme that atmosphere and make it WOW.

 

Here are some tips to keep you on track:

–    Cohesion – pick a theme and stick to it. Think Parisian Party, Havana Nights or Backyard Boho for something different.

–    Base all of your styling choices around the theme: including furniture, florals, lighting and stationery.

–    Group your styling items based on colour, texture & materials.

–    Add some flare and personality to create something totally unique. Think of a seasonal menu, complete with a gelato cart, or oyster bar.

 

If you are traditional, and want to keep the Festive spirit alive, opt for a classic white theme and add a pop of colour with a sage green, terracotta and beige combo. Or instead play with duck egg blue and gold for a festive ‘Winter’ wonderland vibe.

 

Image: @photogerson

 

3. Use appropriate furniture

 

Festive events are usually when we see 20-plus people around the table, so look into hiring some furniture to fit everyone in with enough elbow room as well as to create a beautiful and consistent table.

Here are our top hire items we think are essential when planning a festive event:

–    Hydration stations – AKA, Bars. If you have a larger guest list, or two separate entertaining areas, consider hiring multiple bars.

–    Beverage Accessories: glassware, water carafes, champagne bowls and ice buckets.

–    Tables & Chairs – to suit your event style. Bar chairs & tables and lounges for a cocktail vibe, or long banquet tables & chairs for seated.

–    Shade – whether it be a marquee, or luxury tent, this is a big one if you are hosting a large celebration.

–    Lighting – especially if your festivities will run into the evening.

 

4. Communication and flexibility is key

 

Understand all of your vendors’ needs – from power requirements to space needed and time frames. Look at the event holistically and then make sure those needs are fulfilled as much as possible to avoid misunderstandings or issues on the day. Know what everyone is and isn’t taking care of so you can identify any double-ups or gaps that need to be resolved.