weddingsouthwest

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.

 

~

 

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.”

_

“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!”

_

“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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Dress Codes Explained

Have you ever rocked up to what you thought was a smart casual event in jeans and boots, yet everyone is in a dress and heels. Not a vibe…

Dress codes are confusing, they seem simple and straightforward, but we do admit, sometimes you are left guessing ‘WTF am I meant to wear?!’.

When we think smart casual, our mind automatically jumps to relaxed vibes with a ‘help yourself’ drinks table, opposed to black tie which paints the picture of bow ties and tuxedos, saxophones and caviar.

So, what do black tie, cocktail and semi formal dress codes all have in common? Well, other than the fact they are a description on what you should be wearing to the event on your social calendar, they don’t have a whole lot in common! Especially when you throw a ‘formal fancy garden party’, or ‘boho-chic cocktail’ dress code into the mix.

Image @alicemahran

Wouldn’t it be great to have a cheat sheet which tells you point blank, the do’s and don’ts for the dress code we see on our social calendars? 

We have put our fashionista hats on to brainstorm what we think falls under the socially acceptable dress standards for the typical dress codes you hear on the daily. So, here you have it, our dress code cheat sheet.

Image @_westerly

BLACK TIE

Meaning: the epitome of formal. In other words, as fancy as it gets. This is your opportunity to dress to the nines in your finest threads.

What should I wear?

Guys: Tuxedo, bow tie and dress shoes. Stick to a black and white palette, or dark colours and skip the trendy colours and patterns, black tie is not the time or place. Don’t forget your suit jacket!

Gals: Full length gown, heels, and bling. Go all out – when do you ever get the chance??

Image @adamlevibrownephotography

 FORMAL

Meaning: Sophisticated and fancy, otherwise known as a black tie optional event. A formal dress code tends to have the most wriggle room. The classic tux, bow tie and full length gown is acceptable at a formal event, though you can still get away with a three-piece suit or cocktail style dress. The one key piece to remember: Formal is still formal! 

What should I wear?

Guys: Stick to the classic suit and white shirt combo, tie (or bow tie) and dress shoes. opt for darker colours such as black, navy or grey and keep the bright colours for a cocktail dress code. 

Gals: Full length gown, midi gown, or formal dress, just steer clear of casual materials and patterns – in other words, no cotton or palm trees. A two peice suit combo is acceptable as is a bold pattern or bright colours. Dress it up with heels and accessories to match.

Image @_thelovediaries

COCKTAIL

Meaning: Fun, flirty and fabulous. AKA ‘Semi-formal’ or ‘After five’. We are talking party dresses, bold ties, pocket squares. A Cocktail dress code is still an opportunity to dress up  – in other words, effort is still required! Just with a shorter hemline that isn’t too revealing and a tie is optional. 

What Should I wear?

Guys: Suits are still encouraged, however feel free to mix it up. Opt for chinos and a blue suit jacket, colourful shirts and patterned ties, or if ties aren’t your thing, you are free to ditch it! Brown shoes, boat shoes and loafers are acceptable.

Gals: Fun, but still elegant, dress, pant suit, jump suit or separates. Heels or wedges and accessories are encouraged. Cocktail means you can break out your favourite mini, floral patterns, or bold details that will turn a head.

Image @nickwhiteweddings

BUSINESS / CORPORATE

Meaning: Classic, ‘professional’ and more on the conservative side, something that can turn from 9 to after 5. In other words, something that isn’t uniform or overly formal.

What should I wear?

Guys: Think, a well-dressed day at the office. 2 piece suit, shirt, tie and dress shoes. Basic colours – black, brown, grey and blues.

Gals: Something a little more on the conservative side. Pants, classy midi skirts, a button down shirt and blazer, or a midi pencil dress. Hem lines should be kept below the knee and a sensible heel height should be your heel of choice, ideally with an enclosed toe. Muted colours or neutrals are your best friends for a business/corporate. 

Image @tessaeckersley.photo

SMART CASUAL

Meaning: Your classic, jeans and a cute top dress code. Relaxed, neat, and ‘informal’, otherwise more on the comfortable side. Denim is acceptable when paired with something classy, though keep the active wear at home. Our advice, consider the occasion and venue before choosing your outfit. A casual wedding will have a different dress vibe to a casual backyard BBQ.

 What do I wear?

Guys: Jeans, chinos or dress shorts with a long or short sleeve shirt. Boat shoes and loafers are given the tick of approval.

Gals: Your nicest pair of jeans, or dress pants, jumpsuit, dresses and skirts are also encouraged. There really aren’t any rules other than, ‘dress with a degree of polish’. When in doubt, add a blazer, jewellery or cute pair of heels or flats.

Image @marikimedia

Our top rules to live by:

  1. When in doubt, always over-dress.
  2. Use your common sense – in other words, if the dress code says formal attire,  don’t wear a Hawaiian shirt.
  3. Always remember to include a dress code on your invitation!

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

 

 

The difference between a wedding planner, stylist & coordinator

Wait, I need a planner, coordinator AND stylist?

Confused?

Don’t worry, we were once too!

Though they may seem like very similar job titles, and it is true that a lot of planners, stylists and coordinators actually do more than one of these roles, some even all three!

They are actually, in fact, three different job titles, and it might not be until you begin to plan your wedding that it hits you, ‘Heck, I really do need a stylist AND a coordinator’.

These wedding wizards know the ins and outs of the wedding world, they have the contacts, the ideas, and the experience, so trust us when we say, they are worth every penny.

So, without further ado, and so we can restore the calm back in your wedding planning, here is our little cheat sheet outlining the difference between wedding planners, stylists & coordinators.

Photo: @stefanieburmaweddings | Stylist @hitchedweddings

WEDDING PLANNER

The Logistics

Think of J.Lo in the ‘Wedding Planner’

 A wedding planner is all about the logistics – they are there from the very beginning to help to navigate the details of your wedding from start to finish and every­thing in between.

On average, it takes about 400 hours to plan a wedding* It’s a full time job, so a good wedding planner is worth every penny. They take on the stress for you; deal with deadlines, plan your plan B’s and tackle emergencies, they even check for typos in your stationery! Literally everything that is involved with planning a wedding they do for you.

A wedding planner’s role:

  • – Refer and assist in choosing vendors, as well as schedule & attend vendor meetings
  • – Overseeing & managing your budget, track deposits and payments for vendors
  • – Attend site tours
  • – Communicate with vendors during the planning stages & in the lead up to the wedding
  • – Create timelines & floor plans
  • – Be there to support you with any questions or queries they may have
  • – Work with the stylist and coordinator

 

Photographer: @tylerbrownphotography | Stylist: @confettiandcoevents

 

WEDDING STYLIST

The Aesthetics

A wedding stylist designs and conceptualises the creative aspect of your wedding, ensuring you have a cohesive theme throughout the event, from altar to dance floor. It is all about the aesthetics for a wedding stylist; from lighting design, furniture selection, flowers, linens, tableware, and stationery. They will literally bring your vision to life!

A wedding stylists role:

  • – Developing a mood board and style concept for your overall wedding
  • – Develop a colour palette
  • – Attend a site visit to visualise where you want everything to go and plan the layout
  • – Develop detailed floor plans of the ceremony, pre-reception & reception space
  • – Source styling pieces
  • – Coordinate all decor elements during bump in and ensure all styling pieces are in place prior to the wedding commencing
  • – Assist in the pack down of styling pieces during bump out
  • – Work with the planner and coordinator

 

Photo @teneilkablephoto | Planner & Stylist @white_events

 

WEDDING COORDINATOR

The Point Person

Think Monica Geller at Phoebe’s wedding in Friends, but the non-scary version. Not to be confused with wedding planners, a coordinator’s role is to look after the wedding day itself, ensuring the whole day runs as smoothly and stress free as possible.

 A wedding coordinator normally comes into the picture 2-3 months prior to your wedding, to assist in the preparation of the day, to confirm the vendor scope of services on the day. They create an on-the-day timeline to provide a seamless execution of the on-the-day set up, and ensure a smooth running of the entire event right up until pack down.

A wedding coordinators role:

  • – Meet you 2-3 months prior to the wedding to get an understanding of where everything is to date
  • – Check in with your vendors and review signed contracts
  • – Ensure all loose ends are tied prior to the day
  • – Complete a final venue walk through
  • – Manage and coordinate the rehearsal
  • – Be the point person during bump in and the morning of, to free you up on the day

 

Photo: @sarahtonkinphotography | Set Up & On the Day Coordination @hire_in_style_wa

 

So, what’s the best fit for you?

If you already have a super busy workload, or maybe you don’t cope well with increased stress levels and decision making, then you might benefit from a wedding planner. Maybe you have no creative bone in your body so a stylist would come in handy! Lastly, we think everyone needs an on the day coordinator in their lives. Do you really want to be answering phone calls from your florist the morning of your wedding while you are getting your hair & make up done? We didn’t think so.

Fun fact, did you know we also offer styling AND on the day coordination as an add on to your hire order? Get in touch with us if you would like to know more.

Happy planning!

 

* Source: Instagram post @maeandcomonthly

Wedding Speeches 101

How to make the crowd laugh, cry and reflect in 10 easy steps

 

Have you felt the honour of being asked to give a toast at a wedding, only to realise you have never made a toast in your life and have no idea what to say? Don’t worry we have been there too.

 Whether you are in your best friend’s bridal party, the Mother of the Groom, planning your own wedding, or a guest at your cousin’s wedding, these few handy pointers are here to help you put together the speech of your life!

 

Image: @benandebony

 

1.Assess the room:

Think about your opening address and who you will be saying it to. Draw them in with a knee slapping one liner or instead ask them a question to gauge their attention. The trick; be sure your opening address fits the theme of the wedding, and your audience will relate to the tone of voice you are portraying. This will help you speak with intention and hook the audience in, to avoid the sound of crickets during your time in the spotlight.

 

2. Introduce yourself:

If you are making a speech at a wedding, chances are the majority of the guests will know who you are, though, this is not to say everyone will! Be sure to introduce yourself and make comment on how you know the couple, this will help to add purpose to your speech as a whole.

 

3. Congratulate the couple:

 Be sure to address and congratulate BOTH parties you are there to celebrate! Even if you have only met your best mate’s spouse a handful of times.

If you can’t think of a memory or story you experienced with them, think about things your friend has told you about them which makes them the perfect partner-to-be for your mate.

 

4. Read the room:

As the saying goes, this is a toast, not a roast…

Remember who is in the room, and choose your ‘funny’ stories wisely. In other words, leave the crude and embarrassing stories at home. Your besties’ new in-laws do not want to hear about what went on during your footy trip to Bali. Instead, make reference rather than recounting, you will thank us later.

This also goes for personal jokes, although they are great and hold meaning, they aren’t something the whole guest list will understand. So best to keep these to a minimum otherwise those crickets may appear.

 

 5. Remember your focus:

The couple! Or if you are the couple, show your appreciation to your new life partner and all of your loved ones who came to celebrate with you.

 

Image: @benandebony

 

6. Congratulate and thank:

An important one – hence the second mention.

Congratulate & thank the couple, the family, the bridal party and those who made the day possible.

 

7. Eject personality & bring the energy:

If you are shy and hate public speaking, we apologise in advance, but we highly recommend you smile, laugh, change the tone of your voice and praise the couple you are there to celebrate! This is what makes your speech heartfelt and sincere, we want to steer clear from monotone as much as possible.

If you are good at singing or if you are a poet, write something for the couple and perform it as your speech. Or, maybe dance is more your style? But remember, only go for something out of the box if it is relevant to the couple themselves.

And lastly, some liquid confidence will never go astray – though don’t go overboard. 

 

8. Less is more:

Get in, say what you need, and get out, no one likes a rambler, especially when the D-Floor is calling their name. The most ideal time for a speech is 3-5 minutes, so keep it short and sweet in order to keep your guests engaged.

 

9. Write it out and say it aloud:

 This one may seem like common sense, but there is nothing worse than forgetting to say something you wanted to tell the couple because stage fright got the better of you. It’s also a good idea to write out your speech as dot points on paper, in case you run the risk of your phone battery dying during the day. Plus, reading off of a phone is not the best look.

 And remember, practice makes perfect, so practise reading it aloud prior too. 

 

10: Don’t forget to toast:

Wrap up your speech by raising a glass to the couple, to love or to something relevant. Pause for a moment, take a sip, and relax knowing you have delivered a speech you are proud of.

 

Image: @tessaeckersley.photo

 

So, to sum up:

🎤 Practise makes perfect – we recommend against ‘winging it’.

🎤 Stay off the booze prior to speaking to reduce the risk of any potential embarrassment (a little is okay but know your limits).

🎤 Use note cards if you need to keep on track – this looks better than reading off of your phone and reduces the risk of your speech going missing because your phone died.

🎤 Remember your body language & eye contact.

🎤 And last but not least, don’t forget to toast 🥂