perthweddings

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.

Wedding Invitations 101

If there is one thing your wedding can’t go without, it’s an invitation!

It’s the who, where, when and why of your wedding day. It sets the tone, it communicates and informs, and it gives off a whole lot of happy vibes when it is received by your guests.

Whether your invitation resembles a 3 piece suite of letter pressed paper, or it’s a simple text message with a link to your wedding website, there are a few invitation 101’s that need to be covered before you hit send.

 Let’s dive in…

Photo: @holliandash | Designer @paperfusiondesign

 

INVITATION MEDIUM

Printed or digital?

Before we tackle the must-haves of what to include ON your invitation, we need to discuss your invitation style.

With tradition becoming more of an ‘optional’ term in today’s wedding world, so does the need to send physical invitations. So, what is more your style – printed, or digital, or both!?

No way is it better than the other, it all comes down to personal preference. Let’s discuss the pros & cons of each:

PRINTED

Pros:

– The options are endless – colour combos, paper textures, die cut shapes, letter press, emboss, multiple piece stationery suites, printed envelopes… If you have a creative mind and appreciate design, then this is the biggest pro of all!  

– It’s a sure way to create some buzz about your wedding before the date.

– It makes your guests feel totally special when they see a pretty envelope sitting in their mail box.

– You will have a keepsake for your wedding box or album.

– You can use your invitation in your ‘details’ shot.

– They will take prime position on your guests fridge in the lead up to the special day.

– You can still host a wedding website while also having a printed invitation – it’s the best of both worlds!

 

 Cons:

– It can be a costly item. Printed invitations include the cost of paper, printing and labour of your stationery designer if you are going for a custom suite. And of course we can’t forget the cost of postage! All of these things will need to be factored into your wedding budget if you are considering printed invitations.

 

DIGITAL

Pros:

– It’s a lot cheaper – with less fees involved, your stationery budget can be kept better under control.

– Digital invitations make it a lot simpler to keep track of RSVPs.

– You can easily update your guests with wedding related details throughout the leadup to your wedding date.

– Digital invitations are an environmentally friendly option.

 

Cons:

– You won’t have a physical copy of your invitation to keep as a keepsake.

– Elderly guests or guests that aren’t so tech savvy, may find it difficult to navigate your wedding details and RSVP process.

Photo: @katiegrantphoto

 

INVITATION DETAILS

The must haves, and the optional deets – what do your guests need to know: 

Must have details:

Who: The couple – include your full names, first names or your nicknames, your tone of voice is completely up to you.

What: The occasion, AKA your wedding – include a line to recognise that your invitation is in fact, an invitation to your wedding.

When: The date –  the day of the week is an optional.

Where: Your venue, the location (address and the city). If your ceremony and reception are being held at different locations, be sure to mention both.

Time: Ceremony start time – be sure to make this clear, you don’t want your guests missing the main show. 

RSVP: Your RSVP deadline and where to send it – whether it be an email, phone number or your wedding website.

 

Photo: @emmamacaulayphotography

 

Optional extras:

 You may want to include a separate details card to your stationery suite, or maybe you have also opted to put together a wedding website to collate your RSVPs. Here are some extra details to include:

P.S.: Hosting a destination wedding? We strongly encourage you to include the following details… 

Dress code: Black tie, formal, semi formal, cocktail – let your guests know how to dress for the occasion.

Transport: the ‘getting there’ section. For destination weddings, this one is a biggy! If you are arranging buses to transport your guests to and from the venue, then use this prompt to provide details on pick up locations and times.

Accommodation: Planning a destination wedding, or multiple day event? It’s worth sharing details on local accommodation options for your guests.

Adult only affair? If your wedding is a strictly, no kids event, then this is your opportunity to say it to your entire guest list without having to have any awkward conversations.

Gifts: Opting for a registry, gifts table or wishing well? Say it here.

Dietary requirements: This is a good inclusion to put with your RSVP details, so when the time comes to update your caterers on your guest list, you aren’t left chasing up your guests on their requirements.

 

Photo: @benandebony | Designer @saje.creativeco

 

Invite FAQS:

When should our RSVP date be?

If you are hosting a sit down reception, we recommend your RSVP date be set 6 weeks prior to your special day. This will leave you with enough time to finalise other stationery items such as your seating chart and place cards, and will provide you time to coordinate your menu requirements with your caterer.

When should we send out our invitations? 

Destination weddings (interstate or overseas) / multiple day celebrations – send a save the date! We suggest giving your guests as much notice as possible so they can book flights, accommodation, request time off of work and plan. You can do this as early as you see fit, especially if you are planning a long engagement. 

For local weddings, aim for your guests to receive their invitation 4 months our from your wedding date.

How can we avoid people asking for a plus one?

Make it clear on your invitation who is actually invited – clearly state who is receiving your invitation on the envelope by including your guest names only (avoid using terms such as ‘Thompson Household’ unless you are inviting everyone in the household! Or, include your guests names on the invitation, OR RSVP card itself. 

What are some nice ways to say we aren’t having kids at our wedding?

 Here are some examples for your details card or website:

“We love your little ones! However, to allow all of our guests, including parents, the chance to have an evening of relaxation, our wedding will be an adults only affair.”

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“As much as we love your little ones, this will be an adults-only celebration. We hope this notice means you’re able to let your hair down and celebrate with us on the day!”

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“Unfortunately, our venue is unsuitable for children under 16. We hope this will allow you a much-deserved night off to celebrate with us!”

 

One last final tip:

Your invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so make it pop! Work with your stationery designer to create something totally unique that compliments your wedding style.

Photo: @emmamacaulayphotography

 

 


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Just married? What’s next?

What to do after you have said ‘I Do’

You’ve planned, you’ve partied and said ‘I Do’. Together, you and your partner have just gone through one of the most spectacular experiences of your lives. Months of planning, many decisions have been made, and chances are your pockets may be feeling a little lighter.

Whether you have or have not yet taken off on your honeymoon, or have had a little downtime to soak it all in, or maybe you are still riding the post marriage high, this is a reminder to you that your work is still not yet done…

With so many resources out there on how to plan a wedding, we thought it would be fitting to put together some info on what to do after your wedding. So here you have it, our ultimate newlywed checklist; covering all the things you should be ticking off of your checklist after your magical day has come and gone.

 

Image @alannahliddlell

 

The Thank You’s

Spread the love and give a big thank you to all that were involved in your day. This includes:

 

– Your guests:
Send thank you cards, hand written notes, an email to a text to all those who came to celebrate with you. Don’t forget to include an extra thank you for any wedding gifts you were gifted.

 

– Bridal party, parents & those who went above and beyond:
You will know who they are! Whether you buy them a thank you gift, or maybe regift them the floral arrangements and leftover champagne from the day, showing your gratitude will not go astray.

 

– Your vendors!
Send them a message or write them a review! Reviews are what you used to narrow down your vendors, so why not give future couples the same helping hand by leaving your venues with some love?!

 

Image @_thelovediaries

 

The Clean Up

– Dry-clean your dress:
If you are reading this prior to your wedding date, we suggest you add this item to your wedding budget pronto!

 

– Return anything borrowed:
The Groomsman’s suits, your Aunt’s cake knife, or your mum’s earrings, whatever you borrowed for your big day, be sure to give all items back before life gets the better of you.

 

– Re-sell your wedding décor:
Don’t want the 20 white vases you purchased for your reception tables? Selling them is a good way to make back a little bit of cash.

 

– Put together a keepsake box:
Keep a copy of your invitation, your vow books, or anything you want to look back on in 10 year’s time. Maybe you want to keep your beautiful bouquet alive? Press the flowers into artwork, or if you are extra crafty, maybe make something cool with resin as a keepsake you can display on your bookshelf.  

 

Image @twobirds_and_co

 

Life admin

Changing your name? It’s not mandatory, though if you are planning on changing your name, here is checklist for you to start ticking off:

 

– Drivers Licence & car registration

– Passport

 – Bank accounts – are you joining these with your spouse?

– Medicare, Australian Taxation Office & Centrelink (if applicable)

– Insurance policies (car, health, home and contents, life, income, etc etc)

– Phone and home internet accounts

– Australian Electoral Commission

– Doctor/dentist/health specialists/Australian Organ Register/ or any other health practitioner you see

 – Rates and services: water/gas/electricity/solar

– If you are renting, your Real Estate agent or landlord

– If you are a property owner, notify local council

– Employer or Australian Business register (if you are a director of a company)

– Superannuation

– Lawyer and accountant (maybe even think about putting together a will now you are married) 

– Any investments and shares you own

– Frequent Flyer programs 

– School, university or educational courses (if applicable)

– Your memberships & loyalty clubs, e.g. gym, sporting clubs etc ect

– Subscription services such as Spotify & Netflix

– Personal email if you wish

– Social media if you wish

– And your voicemail! If you have one