weddingsperth

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!

Did someone say canapés?

What kind of catering style do you need for your event?

 

If there is one thing we know to be true, no matter the event, everyone always remembers the food. Whether it was the best arancini you have EVER tasted, if there was too much food (though, is this even a thing? Doubt it!) or whether there was not enough, catering becomes a topic of conversation before, and during an event, while also leaving a lasting impression.

From large corporate functions, to intimate sundowners, catering should be one of the first things you put on your planning to-do list. But what kind of catering is right for your event style? Let us break down your options so you can be sure your guests are left happy, and not hangry.

Before we dive into the different catering styles, here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which style is best suited for you…

Image: @shannon_stent_images

Type of event:

The nature and formalities;

– The size: Is your event small and intimate or large and OTT?

-The Style: Are you hosting a presentation night, something glitzy like the ARIAS or something still formal, but a bit more low-key like your local Footy club B&F night?

-Are you having guest speakers or speeches?

-Seated or cocktail?

-And we can’t forget about the numbers – how many people are you inviting? 

 

What is the vibe?

Choosing food for the mood;

-Time of day: is it a Lunchtime soiree vs dinner kind of vibe?

-What’s the dress code? Casual, smart casual, formal, black tie?

-The location: Are there onsite facilities for a full service kitchen? Or does your caterer need to bring their own?

-The age group: is your event kid friendly or adults only?

 

We aren’t done yet, here are a few more things for you to consider:

-Dietary requirements. Hint hint*, put this on the invitation so you know well in advance what kind of dietary requirements you need to cater for.

-What’s in season? Be sure to keep in mind that ingredients are seasonal, so your menu choices may have to be a little flexible too.

-Last but not least, keep in mind your set up plan of attack and run sheet. Whatever catering selection you choose to go with, will need to fit into this plan!

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part! What catering style is more your style…

Image: @weareallstardust_

 

COCKTAIL

Includes:

-Roaming canapes

-Grazing tables

-Oyster bar

-Seafood station

-Dessert table

 

Style: The social option. For events where guests are encouraged to mingle and move around the room. Cocktail catering can be more of a budget conscious menu style, with smaller dishes and no hire fees for dining furniture and table wares.

 The downside of cocktail catering? The classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Guests may not cross paths with catering staff, or they may be too busy mingling that the grazing table is empty by the time they get around to paying it a visit. We suggest, if you are opting for a cocktail style function with a cocktail menu, that you make this known to guests prior to.  

 

Image: @alexcohenphotography

 

FOOD VANS

Includes: 

-Yep you guessed it, food vans! Paella, pizza, soul food?

-Psst, did you know you can also hire cocktail vans?! Check out some of our faves @mintevents  @caravanandtonic  @thefrosecart  @allurechampagnecart

 

Style: Social, casual and relaxed. Another option for a cocktail style event, with food choices designed to be easily devoured while mingling. Food vans are a great option is your event is taking place at a venue where there isn’t a service area, as the kitchen literally comes to you.

 

Image: @victoria_barker_photographer

 

BUFFET

Style: A ‘relaxed’, sit down affair. If you are wanting a catering menu that is a little more hearty, than a canapés, but your budget may not stretch to include table service, then a buffet might be a good fit.

This catering style works well on a ‘seats yourself ’  basis, where your guests can easily serve themselves up a plate from the buffet, and seat themselves. Another pro, buffets tend to include more food options, meaning more variety for fussy eaters.

 

Image: @madlovenation

SIT DOWN TABLE SERVICE

Includes:

-Banquet style

-Alternative drop

-A la carte

Style: A more formal affair; formal, black tie, gala style vibes. Whether your event is a fundraiser with an auction, a formal presentation night or awards night or a wedding, a sit down table service catering option will totally elevate your overall event. Think beautiful table styling, seating charts and place cards, and waiters to match.

Seated table service also brings efficiency to your event, allows for conversation between your guests, and of course your desired table service.

 

Image: @oviscreative

For a more modern take on traditional, a banquet style menu might be more up your alley. A bridge between a full-plated service, and a serve-yourself option, your guests will still experience the formal, seated dining style, yet they have the option to taste it all!

This catering option is a great conversation starter, we can guarantee the table dynamics will change when you have to ask someone you have just met to ‘pass the carrots’.

Image: @annimariaphotography

Are you hungry yet?

Here are some of our favourite catering suppliers in the South West: 

Tiller Dining @tillerdining

Supper Road @supper_road

Formaggio @formaggioformaggio

Hide & Feast @hideandfeast

Yallingup Cheese Company @yallingupcheese

Kirby’s Atelier @kirbys_atelier

Pepper & Salt @pepperandsaltrestaurant_wa

Wood Fired Catering Co Instagram: @woodfiredcateringco

Mint Event Collective @minteventscollective

Your Turn Events @yourturnevents

 

 

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 🥂

Champagne Towers – How to master the basics

They are big, they are beautiful, and they are bold. Champagne towers are a showstopper, and a (somewhat) easy way to add a level of opulence to your event.

A fancy New Year’s Eve party, wedding, or 50th Birthday celebration, whatever your occasion, is there really any other way to celebrate than with yummy bubbles trickling down a majestic tower of champagne saucers?

Like with most great things, there is still some science behind building a dazzling tower that will totally WOW your guests. So, if you are considering showing off to your friends and family with one of these bad boys, keep reading. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be the next ‘champagne tower fail’ hit on tok-tok. 

Image @katiegrantphoto

WHAT YOU NEED:

–   A super sturdy base or table of some sort

–   Spillage tray & a fancy tea towel or napkin – spillages are a risk

–   Coupe champagne saucers, NOT flutes

–   Bottles of bubbly!

 

THE STEPS:

 

1.Determine your tiers & number of glasses

First thing is first, figure out how many tiers you want your tower to be. The number of tiers will determine the number of glasses you need. We suggest you start from the top and work your way down!

For example:

Top = 1 glass (1×1=1)

Tier 2 =  4 glasses (2×2=4)

Tier 3 = 9 glasses (3×3=9)

We have put together a little cheat sheet for you:

Image: @peterthephotographer.co

 

2.Start with a base

Your base must be solid, sturdy and not on wheels!

Be sure your base has enough room to hold enough coupes without it being too squishy, though still within arms reach.

It’s also a good idea to think about its placement. Try and keep the tower out of congested areas, as there would be nothing worse than someone accidentally knocking it as they walk past.   

 

3.Build from the bottom up

Create the bottom later – then build her on up!

Your tower should consist of squares that get successively smaller as the tower rises.

For example, if the base was 6 x 6 coupe glasses, then the second bottom tier will be 5 x 5 glasses, the next  4 x 4 glasses and so on until you finish with one solitary glass sitting at the top.

NOTE | The glasses must sit snug and touch, creating a diamond shape in the middle of every 4 glasses. The glasses need to be placed directly in the centre of the diamond below it.

DOUBLE NOTE | Remember to use coupe style glasses, not flutes. Also be sure that all of your glasses are the same size so they balance easily when stacked on one another. 

Our ribbed champagne saucers & premium champagne saucers are the perfect option.

Image: @emmamacaulayphotography

 

4.Watch the magic happen

IT’S TIME TO POUR THE CHAMPAS!

Start slowly with a steady hand and let the champagne trickle down the tower.

TIP | Top up the side coupes as you go to make sure there is an even weight throughout the tower to avoid it collapsing!

If you can’t reach the top, grab yourself a small step ladder so you can pour from the top and not knock any glasses in the process. Or rather, as your 6’ft friend to do the honours!

Image: @photogerson

THE TAKEAWAYS:

  • Coupe style champagne glasses
  • A solid, sturdy base
  • A steady hand