We know how expensive weddings are! We’ve been there ourselves! This is why we recommend to our couples that they reuse wherever possible.

Quite a few flowers used for the ceremony can be relocated to the reception.

Arbour flowers can be moved to the back of the bridal table for a stunning backdrop.

Bud vases and/or candles can be used as aisle decorations and then moved onto tables.

End of aisle arrangements or barrel arrangements can be moved to the end of tables or in front of the bar.

Once the ceremony is over and you've had your photographs taken, you generally won't be using your bouquet again. We also don't recommend lying your bouquet on the table as it can get squished! So pop your bridal bouquet and bridesmaid bouquets into a vase and use at the bar, near the cake, on the signing table, etc, to save on extra arrangements.

Your venue co-ordinator is usually more than happy to transport items from your ceremony to your reception for you. If not, it's also a service we offer after setting up.

Think outside the box with this one and save room in the budget for more important things (like hiring us of course! hehe).

What is golden hour?

Golden hour is the creme de la creme of when to have photos done. It’s anytime within that one hour in the lead up to sunset.

Golden hour is when the sun has dropped lower in the sky, giving off softer light and that beautiful golden glow that many of us love.

When is golden hour? Golden hour will change significantly throughout the year. In the middle of Winter, it can be as early as 4pm and in the height of Summer as late as about 8pm. The light will also disappear faster in the Winter, leaving a smaller window of opportunity. This will also differ depending on where in Melbourne you are situated. The sun sets a lot earlier in the Dandenong Ranges for example, making golden hour earlier.

Timing It’s best to set aside a small amount of time for this. Even just 15 minutes will render some really dreamy results.

When considering the timeline for the day, think about the best time for the ceremony and schedule for the evening and build time into capturing these gorgeous shots at an optimal time. Be guided by your photographer. They should have a solid understanding of the best time to capture these shots and where to capture them.

These shots do give a different look and feel to your overall gallery. They are often a little moodier, with that heavenly warm glow. You may have had a chance to sneak in a couple of drinks by this stage too, making it easier to too inhibitions aside!

- Tamara Little Photography

@tamaralittle_photography

Combining faux and fresh flowers is a fantastic way to get the best of both worlds; the everlasting option of faux with the incredible colours and smells of fresh.

Faux flowers have come a very long way. High quality faux flowers look and feel just like the real, fresh thing! If you haven’t seen them in person, you’ll definitely be amazed!

There are many different reasons to choose faux flowers for your wedding. With faux, there is no limit on seasonal availability. If you have your heart set on a certain flower or colour, it doesn’t matter if the fresh option isn’t in season, faux is available all year round! If you’re getting married in the warmer months, faux flowers wont wilt or discolour in the heat. If you have allergies, faux will be your best friend on your wedding day.

One of the main reasons couples choose faux flowers for their wedding is that they are everlasting. You can keep your bouquet as a keepsake for decades, rather than days!

Why mix the two types?

The simple answer is that not all faux flowers are at the standard that meet our standards. Mixing in fresh flowers and greenery can create an overall look that looks incredible.

Make sure you choose flowers and foliage that will dry well. There is nothing worse than having wilted and browning flowers on your wedding day!

Natives like gum, billy buttons and banksia and grasses such as pampas and bunny tails dry incredibly well on their own and last for years.

I love marrying couples; it’s one of the best jobs in the world. I have officiated over 1,000 Melbourne weddings, guiding my couples through the planning process, offering advice where necessary, making everyone feel comfortable on the day, creating that fun and relaxed vibe and sharing lots of laughs and memories. I want your ceremony to be memorable for all the right reasons.

So, how can you make that happen? These ten tips should help you realise your wedding ceremony vision.

Book a celebrant you LOVE: A fabulous celebrant can significantly enhance the atmosphere and feeling of your ceremony and kick-start your celebrations.

Keep it personal: Your wedding should reflect your unique love story and those you love. Incorporate personal touches like meaningful quotes, inside jokes, and anecdotes and have fun with it!

Don't overthink It: Remember, the goal is to have fun, so don't stress too much about the perfect ceremony. Let your suppliers guide you.

Involve your guests and family: This could be the wedding party, or consider interactive elements like a guest's pledge, beer boys or flower nans!

Choose the right location: The ceremony location can set the tone for your wedding ceremony. Opt for an area that aligns with your vision and relaxes you, although, you may have to pivot and go with plan B if the weather isn’t too kind.

Keep it short and sweet: A shorter ceremony can reduce stress and keep your guests (and yourselves engaged). You can still include everything you want or need in a fifteen-minute ceremony.

Don't be afraid to laugh: This could be at yourself, your partner, your story or something that may go wrong. A little humour can go a long way in creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Music: Choose music that reflects your love story and sets the mood; any genre is acceptable. Select an upbeat song to exit to get the party vibe started.

Don't forget the details: Consider the small touches like beautiful decorations, room for the wedding party to stand comfortably, seating, a refreshing drink and not starting late! A wonderful celebrant will have many ideas about those extra details to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Relax and enjoy: Remember, this is your special day! You’re marrying the love of your life. Take a deep breath and enjoy every moment. It goes way too quickly.

- Melbourne Celebrant Julie

@ melbournecelebrantjulie

Wedding cakes have long symbolised luck, purity, and unity in marriage traditions. In modern weddings, the cake cutting has evolved into a cherished and memorable moment at the reception. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect cake that reflects your unique style as a couple?

Start with Inspiration Begin by gathering inspiration. Browse wedding magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram for cake designs that catch your eye or that align with the theme or atmosphere of your wedding. Are you drawn to traditional elegance, modern minimalism, or something whimsical and bold? Having a collection of ideas will help guide your conversations with cake designers.

Know the Key Details Before reaching out to cake makers, it's essential to have a few important details in mind. Know your wedding date, your estimated guest count, and the size of cake portions you prefer. Do you envision a large, multi-tiered cake with generous portions for each guest, or are you leaning toward smaller, cocktail-sized servings accompanied by other desserts? These choices will influence the size, style, and cost of your cake.

Set a Realistic Budget When planning your wedding cake, it's important to set a clear budget from the beginning. Wedding cakes can range widely in price depending on factors such as size, complexity of design, flavours, and added decorations like fresh flowers or custom toppers. Be upfront with your cake designer about your budget so they can suggest options that fit within your financial plan. Keep in mind that intricate designs, exotic flavours, or larger cakes will generally increase the cost, while simpler designs and smaller cakes can help you stay within budget. Knowing what you're willing to spend will ensure you get a cake that both looks and tastes amazing without any unexpected costs.

Sourcing the Right Cake Designer Once you have a vision, start seeking recommendations for cake designers in your area. Ask your venue or wedding planner for referrals, or get suggestions from friends and family. Social media is another great resource—explore local cake makers' Instagram or Facebook profiles or even websites to get a feel for their work. Pay attention to not just the design, but also how the cakes are presented. Do the cakes look fresh, clean, and professionally styled?

Ask the Right Questions Once you've found a potential cake designer, it's time to reach out. A key question to ask is whether they handle both the baking and decoration themselves or collaborate with another baker. Understanding this helps ensure you know the full process behind your cake. If the designer partners with a baker, you can inquire about the quality and style to ensure it aligns with your vision.

Be sure to clarify what's included in the price—cake size, flavours, design details, as well as delivery and setup fees. Having everything clearly outlined ensures transparency and avoids any surprises later on.

Collaborating with Other Vendors The wedding industry often thrives on collaboration. For example, many cake designers work closely with florists. If you want florals on your cake, ask whether your cake maker can coordinate with your florist supplier to ensure a seamless match between your cake design and floral arrangements. This can save you time and help ensure a cohesive look on your big day.

Final Thoughts Your wedding cake should be a reflection of your style and the atmosphere you want to create at your celebration. By gathering inspiration, understanding your options, and carefully selecting your cake designer, you can create a centrepiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

- The Crafty Baker

Have a chat to your stylist beforehand about what hairstyle you are envisioning. Chat about your hair length and texture. Chat about whether you need hair extensions. Chat about your wedding theme, your colour palette and everything in between. All of these details will get better results, so after your trial you should come out feeling confident knowing exactly how you’ll look on the day (or at least a really good idea). This helps to eliminate stress on the day, so you can relax and have fun, whilst trusting that we will do our job.

Read our hair prep instructions. We want to give you the best experience that we can. Depending on your hair type, we may say to wash your hair the night before or the day of your trial. Let’s just say that coming to us with week old hair makes our job a lot harder. Dry shampoo isn’t the answer; especially for one of the biggest events of your life!

Apply make-up similar to how you plan on wearing it on the big day. Or better yet, book in your make up trial on the same day. If we give you an elaborate hairstyle without the whole look, you most likely will be disappointed.

Wear white. You may not think this makes a difference, but for those girlies who need a full visual, you’ll thank me for it. Our job as stylists is to make your vision come alive and the more effort you put into your trial, the better the results.

Bring your hair accessories with you. Whether it’s a hair leaf, tiara, luxe hair pins, or beautiful hair comb, it is always good to have it with you at the trial. This way your stylist will know exactly where she needs to place it (which may help in the hair prep stage) as well as knowing how to secure it. The same rule applies for a veil!

Be honest. The last thing that we want to do is make you more stressed after a trial. Be honest about every aspect of your hair. Look at the fringe height, what your bangs look like, if it’s too textured, or not sleek enough. It is our job to understand the brief. It isn’t your job to be dissatisfied and not speak up. We are on your side – and at the end of the day; we want our best work on display with clients who are glowing; so don’t be shy!

It is 100% okay to change your mind. Let us know in advance, and we can either talk you through the changes, or book you in for another trial to make sure you’re happy! Hey, I’ve had brides change their style on the day due to weather and other circumstances. This is all about you baby, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise (that goes for external family members. Trust your gut instinct. You know your vision more than anyone. You got this!)

- Hair by Marjorie Mayfair

@hairbymarjoriemayfair

You want to use bubbles instead of confetti?

But some pesky family member thinks it’s more traditional to use confetti? Well thankfully, it’s your wedding, not theirs.

Our families often get over invested in our big days for many reasons.

Especially if they are contributing financially it can get hard to not let the pressures of their opinions get the better of us.

But at the end of the day, the only regrets you’ll truly have about your wedding is not doing it he way YOU wanted.

So go ahead, order those bubbles and enjoy every minute.

Start Early: Begin your wedding dress search around 12 months before your big day. This gives you plenty of time to explore different styles and find the perfect dress.

Order in Advance: Make sure to place your order at least 6 months prior to your wedding. This allows time for customisations, alterations, and any unexpected delays.

Dress for the Occasion: During your appointment, wear any wedding garments you already have, like shape-wear and shoes, to get an accurate feel of how the dress will look. Also, opt for nude-coloured underwear and a strapless or stick-on bra, as many dresses are backless or strapless.

Skip the Spray Tan: Avoid applying spray tan at least 3 days before your appointment, as it can transfer onto the dresses and potentially damage them.

Set a Budget: Have a clear budget in mind before you start shopping. This will help you focus on dresses within your price range and avoid falling in love with something that’s out of reach.

Limit Your Entourage: Bring a small group of trusted friends or family members to your appointment. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, so choose people whose opinions matter most to you.

Be Open-Minded: While it’s good to have an idea of what you want, be open to trying on different styles. You might be surprised by what looks and feels best on you.

Consider Comfort: Remember, you’ll be wearing your dress for several hours, so make sure it’s comfortable. Consider how it feels when you sit, dance, and move around.

Check Store Policies: Before making a final decision, ask about the store’s policies on returns, alterations, and payment plans. This ensures there are no surprises later on.

Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, choose the dress that makes you feel the most beautiful and confident. If you’ve found “the one,” you’ll know it!

- Element J Bridal

@elementjbridal

We’ll be right back with many, many more tips! For now, enjoy the rest of our website and we look forward to chatting florals with you soon.