8 Great Tips to Keep Your Wedding Costs Down

To avoid post marital bankruptcy, check out the following list of suggestions for keeping your wedding costs down. Decide what’s crucial, what’s tempting, and what’s not needed.

 And if you’re saving up for a house, the honeymoon can always wait a year.

Invitations

• Find a good printer. The invitation is one of the first things guests see that’s connected to your wedding, so it should look nice, but this isn’t the place to go overboard. People will remember the event, not the invitation
• DIY invites are becoming more and more popular among brides, and sometimes the most creative projects actually cost the least to make
• Go paperless and invite guests to your wedding by email which is cost effective, easy and eco-friendly
• Create a wedding website which can save you lots and gives your guests more information than a written wedding invite does.  Additionally you can send the weblinks to other friends who can simply add a message of goodwill

Bonbonniere

• Think fun and memorable, not fancy. Your wedding guests are honoured to be invited to help celebrate your marriage
• Bonbonnieres are meant to be a little 'thank you' not extravagant purchases
• Some edible gifts are yummy and affordable and you may have friends or relatives who would love to help you make these
• Alternatively homemade craft items can mean more to guests than something purchased
• Charitable favours can save a life and many couples like to use their wedding day to give to others
• Some brides enjoy showering their guests with gifts while others appreciate the amount of money forgoing this tradition will save

Reception Venue

• Try being flexible with the time or day. Saturday night is the most sought-after time to wed. Often a reception on a Friday night, Saturday morning/afternoon, or Sunday will often not only save money but also may give you more choices for dates
• Many venues offer weekday specials which may fit into your plans for your big day
• Don’t overlook the obvious. Think about places that are familiar to you eg a friend's or relative’s backyard may be perfect for a BBQ style reception. Or does a friend own a small restaurant where you and your guests could be VIPs for the night?

Transportation

• Wedding transportation is always a good place to save. Leased Bentleys and horse-drawn carriages are kind of corny anyway (unless you’re a debutante or Cinderella, of course)
• Ask around or call up a friend who can loan you a nice car for your getaway

Flowers

• Go with a florist just for your bridal bouquet
• Ask yourself if the groom and groomsmen really need flowers in their buttonholes?
• Shop for your own fresh flowers for the other bridesmaids bouquets
• Have a trusted friend get flowers at the local flower market on the morning of the wedding, and ask them to decorate the ceremony/reception venues

Catering

• Consider dinner alternatives
• Along with the menu, discuss the cost of service, alcohol, the wedding cake, overtime, and insurance when you meet with prospective suppliers.
• Also, a brunch, luncheon, or hors d’oeuvres reception will probably cost less than a dinner.
• Serve dinner buffet or family style. Both options, in many cases, will save you money and could allow you the chance to showcase great recipes of some family members (preferably those that don’t have other responsibilities in the wedding)

Music

• DJs tend to be less expensive than live bands
• If you really want to save money in this area and you’re having a more intimate reception, rent speakers to plug into a high quality stereo; then have fun switching back and forth between his and her playlists

Photos & Video

• Just record the ceremony. Don’t skimp on photographs or you’ll regret it forever
• It is certainly worthwhile interviewing several photographers and comparing their quotes before you make up your mind
• Your wedding video is another important keepsake you won’t want to pass up; however, recording only the ceremony will save you some cash.

Do you have any successful money saving tips to share?

Adapted from http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-planning/budget-wedding-planning/tips-tricks/little-ways-to-save

MARK & FELICITY’S COUNTRY WEDDING IN MURWILLUMBAH Posted by Modern Wedding

MARK & FELICITY’S COUNTRY WEDDING IN MURWILLUMBAH

Posted by Modern Wedding

28MAY

M A R K  &  F E L I C I T Y

Mark and Felicity always knew they would marry each other, but the timing was left to fate. After three years as friends the pair reunited in Sydney and have been together ever since. A year long trip through South and Central America lead to Mark’s Antarctic proposal, an event that Felicity will never forget. They were married on a rainy February day in a country wedding in Murwillumbah NSW, but the rain didn’t dampen the party for a second. Pelizzari Photography captured all the vibrant colours and happy moments.

F R O M  T H E  B R I D E

The Meeting…

Mark and I met living in Canada in 2004 whilst cross country skiing near Lake O’Hara in the Canadian Rockies. We met through a mutual friend that day and became instant friends – Mark told me then that someday we would get married! We stayed friends for 3 years only seeing each other when I was home in Australia as I was living abroad during that time. One afternoon in early 2007 when I had finally moved home to Australia after many years away we both happened to be in Sydney and met for a quick catch up drink. There was an instant recognition about how I felt (and maybe had always felt) about Mark and I even told a friend that night that I had just had drinks with the man I would marry. While it had always been our little joke I suddenly realised then that it was true!!

The Proposal…

In 2010 we took a year long trip travelling South and Central America together – an amazing adventure that cemented our relationship. On this trip we sailed to Antarctica and Mark proposed on a mountain overlooking a place called Paradise Bay. It was a complete surprise to me and an incredible moment with the snow falling, a gorgeous view and a once in a lifetime event. It was mind blowing. Our wedding rings have the co-ordinates for this special place engraved inside!

Planning The Wedding…

We wanted a slightly vintage theme wedding so using Marks creative photographic style we had film strip wedding invites which we made and a polaroid camera shoot at the reception. I chose the colour orange as its bright and fun and I wanted a dress with a bit of vintage lace.

The Ceremony…

Mavis’s Kitchen Murwillumbah NSW. We chose to get married ‘atop the hill’ in a private spot in the rainforest with views of Mt Warning.

The Reception…

The reception was also held at Mavis’s Kitchen – a gorgeous Queenslander set at the base of Mt Warning serving fantastic organic food grown on the property!!

The Dress…

My wedding gown was designed by Lusan Mandongos a Cambodian designer and I bought it in London. It had one shoulder with a feature piece and a grecian style upper bodice with a feature open back lace piece – my favorite bit! I wanted something soft and feminine but classy. My shoes were diamonte covered flats. I wore antique earrings and bracelet that Mark and I bought in Beunos Aires Argentina after getting engaged on our travels. My wedding ring we designed and had made in London (by the same jeweler that made Kate and Williams rings!) and features a diamond my father gave to my mother. Mark’s ring was made in Antwerp Belgium. The bridesmaids wore strapless floor length dresses in Icelandic colour – by Dessy and groomsmen wore matching suit to Mark – dark blue by Boss.

The Flowers…

My flowers were burnt orange calla lilies supplied by Mater Childrens Hospital Florist – proceeds support the hospital – and they were arranged for me by my bridesmaid Penny!

Styling…

The tables were laid with white table cloths and then we scattered long stem orange calla lilies amongst vintage style jars with candles. Each table was named after the 7 continents we have visited and a corresponding printed picture of us there was stood on each table. Fairy lights decorated the roof of the dance floor and orange pom poms were hung in the garden for the afternoon drinks and crochet/bocci playing. At the entrance was a map of the world for guest to see what table they were sat at and a table with a vintage box for cards.

The Cake…

The cake was a red velvet cake – my favourite- iced with cream cheese frosting and decorated with orange ribbon.

On The Menu…

We served sangria and canapes in the garden in the afternoon – oysters, tempura prawns, turkish bread with home made dips and thai chicken rolls.  Dinner was sit down with shared platters on each table – options of oven roasted beef or crispy coated snapper served with garden salad and mixed vegetables – all grown on the property.

The Bomboniere…
Each guest recieved a sky lantern which together we released at sunset and everyone got to keep the inscribed box of matches they used – it was a very
fun event! We also wrote tags on the table flowers requesting they take them home at the end of the night – most of these tags the ‘single’ people ended up wearing!

Photography…

Melissa and Pete were our photographers on the day and were fantastic at adapting to the changing situation with the rain!! We were looking for a photographer with a creative and artistic eye and Melissa shot some fantastic angles and details on the day. I love the shots that capture us laughing and enjoying the moment. The colours looked great in the photos and they will all look great in our wedding book.

Memories…

So many….
I was delivered breakfast at 7am by Marks groomsman with a gift of L’Occitane cream that I wore on the day and a beautiful card from Mark. It also POURED with rain 5 minutes before the ceremony was meant to start!! – we delayed by half an hour and everyone had to shelter in the house where I was getting ready whilst I hid in the bedroom – funny! The following day Mark and I put back on our wedding clothes – who said you only get to wear the dress once! – and we had our own polaroid photo shoot of us up ‘atop the hill’ using the props and lighting the remainder of the sky lanterns – great memory!

The Soundtrack…

Walked up the aisle – At Last Ella Fitzgerald
Down the aisle – Better Together Jack Johnson
Cake cutting – Short Skirt Long Jacket – by Cake
First dance – These Arms of Mine Ottis Redding

The honeymoon…

On the wedding night we stayed in the ‘Secret Cabin’ hidden in the rainforest beside the hill where we got married – gorgeous views of Mt Warning. We are going to Africa later this year for our official honeymoon but on the way back to London we stopped in Bali and stayed at Acacia Bungalows Bingin in their private poolside villa – amazing!

The Future…

We are living in London UK and we are going to be in London for a few more years with Marks media work and plan to start a family someday soon.

Photography Pelizzari Photography Ceremony Venue Mavis’s Kitchen Reception Venue Mavis’s Kitchen Bride’s Dress Lusan Mandongos Bridesmaid’s Dresses Dessy Groom & Groomsmen Suits Boss Flowers Mater Childrens Hospital Florist

MW x

6 Quick Tips for Planning a Perfect Outdoor Wedding

 If the idea of exchanging vows under a sunny blue sky in the middle of Mother Nature’s awesome beauty excites you, here are some tips on how to make the most of your outdoor venue.

Garden, park and beach weddings are very popular for couples living in Australia as many parts of our country enjoy a lovely temperate climate.

Exchanging your vows with that special person in your life in such a beautiful and picturesque place surrounded by nature is, for many, their romantic dream.

Most local councils require you to submit an application to use a designated public garden, park or beach. Be sure to submit your application (often this can be done on line) in plenty of time.

Carefully choose your date

• Working with Mother Nature means it’s important to carefully choose your date and the time of day for your ceremony and/or reception
• Check the seasons when outdoor venues are at their best
• Consider temperature, wind, likelihood of rain, tide times, sunset time etc

Check that your outdoor venue has the appropriate facilities

• Make sure all guests are aware that the ceremony and/or  reception is taking place outdoors so they are prepared with sunscreen, hats, insect repellent etc
• Have seating for the elderly
• Don’t keep guests standing too long prior to the ceremony ie the bride should not be too late
• Ensure appropriate facilities are available eg toilets, running water and electricity for lights, music and catering. If the venue does not have the necessary facilities consider hiring them for the day

Have a backup plan

• Whether your wedding is to be on the beach or in a park or garden it is essential to have a wet weather back up plan
• Marquees and gazebos are always available for hire and will protect from unexpected showers
• Alternatively hire an indoor venue just in case
• Ensure that key people within the wedding party know what the plan is and who will make the decision should you wish to move to an alternate venue!!!

Don’t forget your flowers

• Flowers in the hot sun may wilt quickly. Speak to your florist about keeping your flowers bright and alive outside during the day
•  Keep bouquets and arrangements out of the sun for as long as possible and make sure there is a shady spot where you can water them throughout the day

Prepare yourself

• Outdoor weddings are more popular during the warmer months so dress accordingly. Go for lighter materials so you can handle the heat
• Also make sure your makeup is durable and always carry extra in your purse for touch-ups

Decorate the venue

• You may be allowed to personalise the garden or park by adding potted plants, antique utensils and flower pots in colours that match your wedding theme
• You may wish to decorate the area of the beach where the ceremony will take place with words or symbols (often a large heart) made from shells or rose petals for example
• Additionally have a pathway for the bride to walk down outlined in rose petals and a shaded pergola for the bridal couple to stand under
• If you are planning to remain outdoors into the evening be sure to add lighting to the venue. Fairy lights and lanterns look amazing in garden venues and create an enchanting atmosphere

 Hire a qualified outdoor photographer

• Make sure your photographer is experienced in shooting outdoor locations and take him or her to visit the venue before the wedding. This will ensure the right equipment is brought along on the day

So, which beautiful, natural venue have you chosen for your wedding?

Rosemary Logan, Authorised Civil Celebrant, NSW and QLD, Australia      

Adapted from “EIGHT TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT GARDEN WEDDING” Danielle Meloney 

25 August 2011

Marriage Vows the Legal Way

Your wedding vows are the basic legal foundation of the marriage ceremony.

Among other questions I am often asked when discussing couple’s wedding ceremony plans with them is “Can we write our own wedding vows?  In fact, it is usually the bride who asks that question where as the groom often says very quickly “how short can they be?”

The answer to the first question is “No and Yes”!!

The Compulsory Legal Vows

The Marriage Act 1961 and Marriage Regulations 1963 from the Attorney-General’s Department of the Australian Government (the body responsible for marriages in Australia) states very clearly that - 

“each party say to the other, in the presence of an authorised celebrant (who is not a minister of religion) and the witnesses, the words:

‘I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, A.B. (or C.D.), take thee, C.D. (or A.B.), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)’; or words to that effect.

These words must be included in the ceremony.  They are the minimum words which must be exchanged by the couple to ensure that they fully understand the nature of the ceremony and that they are marrying each other.”

Additional Vows

Once these required legal words have been said they can then be followed by additional vows if the bride and/or groom wish. I have had couples recite vows many different ways.

Some feel that the prescribed legal wording is all the words they wish to exchange publicly but the majority of brides and grooms like to add their own vows which they enjoy writing themselves or source from the internet, books, poetry, lyrics from favourite songs, or in some cases use wording they have heard friends or other family members exchange.

Many couples use the traditional wording from some prayer books ie “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow.” (Repeated by partner)     

 

Popular examples many of my couples have exchanged include:

"With all my heart I take you to be my wife. To live with you and laugh with you, to stand by your side and sleep in your arms.  I truly love you". (Repeated by partner)                                                  

And/Or "I pledge to share my life openly with you, and to speak the truth to you in love. I promise to honour and tenderly care for you, to cherish and encourage your own fulfillment as an individual, for the rest of my life." (Repeated by partner)

Whatever your decision the promises you exchange are the highlight of the marriage ceremony and are in fact what makes you married.

Writing Your Vows

Take the time together, away from too many distractions, and think carefully about what words you wish to exchange.  Some couples like to write a letter to each other and read part or the entire letter as their additional vows.  When you start from scratch expect to have a few drafts before you are 100% satisfied and, don't forget you can always read them to a family member or trusted friend if you are wanting help.

Some like to keep the wording a secret from their partner.  If this is your intention a word of warning...ensure there is nothing that would embarrass your partner or in fact any guest or family member and this is no time for silly words or smutty overtones!

And, by the way, the bride and groom can exchange different vows ie you do not have to say exactly the same thing to each.

Once you have decided on the wording and have given a copy to the your celebrant rehearse your vows a number of times before the ceremony so that you are familiar with them.  You can learn your vows by heart, repeat the phrases after the celebrant or read them from a piece of paper you or your celebrant holds.

Happy Wedding Planning.

©Rosemary Logan, February 2013 www.weddingcelebrantgoldcoast.com

Civil Wedding Ceremonies

Marriage is one of the most profound single rites of passage that a person or couple can experience. 

Through the act of the marriage ceremony you leave behind the single life and start a new life. A marriage ceremony is the space in which to make this transition by making a public commitment in front of friends and family. It is an incredibly important and powerful moment that demands a structure that reflects who you are, where you have come from and what your love means to each of you.  It also reflects your dreams, desires, aspirations, hopes and plans for your future life together.

A civil marriage ceremony gives you the freedom to be as creative as you wish.

The Elements of an Australian Legal Marriage Ceremony are outlined below. The only parts of the Marriage Ceremony which are compulsory in Australia and make your marriage lawful are given in bold.

The Basic Elements of a Wedding Ceremony are:

• Welcome and introduction - This is the personal part of the ceremony where we can touch on your history, love story, families and your views on marriage.
• Reading by a close friend or family member
• The giving away (optional) - A time-honoured tradition in which the father of the bride gives his blessing to the marriage
• Celebrant Monitum - Legally required to remind you of the commitment you are making today in relation to laws in Australia
• The Asking (optional) - Do you....take....to be your wife, your lover and your best friend? 
• The Vows - Expressing your lifelong commitment to one another.  Your vows must contain your full names and your intention – “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, ....., take.....to be my husband” or  “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, ....., take.....to be my lawful wedded husband/wife”.  (See Blog “Wedding Vows the Australian Way”)
• Ring ceremony - This is the public sign of your commitment to one another
• Declaration of marriage – The celebrant says “I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.”
• The kiss
• Signing of the marriage register with your two witnesses
• Presentation of the bride and groom as a married couple

You may wish to include in your ceremony readings, rituals (eg sand ceremony, candle ceremony, “tying of the knot” etc), symbols, music which together meet your dreams and visions and reflect the love you have for each other.

Of course the web is an excellent source of material but your marriage celebrant should be able to provide you with examples of readings, rituals and symbols as well.
Take the time to prepare your ceremony well as it is the most important part of your wedding day.  Without the ceremony there is no wedding and no marriage.  

Happy Wedding Planning
©Rosemary Logan, February 2013  www.weddingcelebrantgoldcoast.com