There are TWO of you… There will be some things in the wedding planning that your fiancé will be interested in. Resist the urge to manage it all yourself, and involve him.  You have years ahead of you to control your new husband once you are married!

Bridezilla? Don’t do it. This is something close to my heart – it always is a better option to just be nice. Be nice to those who are helping you, not antagonistic. It will be better for everyone – trust me!

Get your head out of the sand… Stop procrastinating! Make your decisions, cross them off the list, and get on with it! Plan ahead as much as possible… will help you enjoy the day even more!

It’s not a competition…  As much as they would like to think it, no-one is looking at the bridesmaids.  It’s all about you baby.  Choose your bridal party wisely, and then dress them so that they shine – it will be contagious!

This is the first day of the rest of your life… celebrate it knowing that there is a future for the two of you.

Learn from those who have gone before you …

Enjoy the moments! Try not to strive for perfection, rather get all the pieces ready, and then relax.  Let the day take its course, and then you will remember it with fondness not anxiety.

It’s a long day…. so dress accordingly. Don’t worry about what size is on the tag of your gown, it is irrelevant. Don’t pour yourself into something that means you might die from lack of oxygen, people will notice your discomfort.  You always look best when you are confident and comfortable!

Be realistic... about what you spend.  Think about how you will feel about the budget the next day, when there are still bills to pay.  There are a ton of great ideas for all weddings, no matter what the size of budget.

Cull the list…  Who are you inviting purely out of obligation? It’s your day, be surrounded by those you love, and who you want to be there, not who should. Who are you sending invitations to, when you know they won’t attend?  Reduce the cost of invitations and postage, by taking photos of everything for those who won’t be able to attend in person.

Step back… from time to time, when you realise that you are obsessing over whether to have three or four almonds in the bomboniere box (three, always, it is better balanced…) step back, take a deep breath, and apply yourself to more important things. Like planning the honeymoon.

More tips in the next blog….

 Still looking for ideas? Here are some more trends for the year ahead…

 According to a number of wedding experts, the most popular themes and ideas will include:

Choose your colours! Neutrals and soft shades of taupe, grey and blues will make a return, after seeing many themes of strong strident hues last year. Whatever your palette, carry it through.

Momentous Menus.  No more chicken curry and rice. These days couples are selecting food from their local area that means something to them, or traditional meals from their heritage. Food after all is passionate to many people, and is another way to express themselves!

Precious Metallics. Expect to see less gold and silver, and more of the lesser known copper and brass hues. These colours work well with the Art Deco themes, and other vintage ideas …

Bars – the latest buzz… Grooms are becoming more involved, and they love a themed bar! Maybe a scotch bar, or a bourbon bar?  If you want to raise the bar (pun intended!) what about a margharita station?  Whatever works!

Feathers!  As centrepieces, as part of a bird theme, as part of the bridal party attire, who can resist the lush colours of peacock and ostrich feathers? 

According to a number of wedding experts, the most popular themes and ideas will include:

Birds, birds birds! From bird themed invitations to almond ‘birds eggs’ boxed up for bomboniere through to accessories with beautiful feathers, we think that this trend will fly (hehehe…)

Chic, old fashioned glamour. Expect to see more formal events and invitations inspired by elegance of years gone by. Lots of classic black and white with splashes of restrained colour.

Art Deco Vintage. Its the return of the Roaring Twenties!  Subtle colours, a hint of decadence, and maybe a Charleston for the wedding dance!

Using a print to create a theme …everywhere!

No matter what the pattern, from pale florals through to striking graphic designs, brides will be using it throughout all the details, from table decorations to stationery – creating beautiful memories!

Minty Fresh! Pantone has declared emerald green the colour of the year for 2013, and for weddings this translates into stunning shades of cool mint green – match with gold, black or charcoal. Stunning! 

Of course you will need invitations, but what else will you need?  Do you need RSVP cards?  Thank you cards? Will you have a sit down meal or a cocktail function, and so will you require menus?  Here is an overview of some stationery pieces to help you decide what is best for you.... 

Invitations (of course!)

Make sure you order a few without names in case of emergencies, and also add a couple in for your wedding album, they are a special keepsake.

 RVSP Cards

We suggest that you include them with the invitation, along with a matching envelope, it makes it all the easier for your guests to respond in a timely fashion.  Plus it looks so beautiful, with all the printed pieces matching.

Thank you cards

LIfe after the wedding will be so much easier if you order your cards at the same time as the other stationery.  You've have the big celebration, you've been on the exotic honeymoon, and when you go to send your thank-you's out, you already have them ready to go with matching envelopes.

Gift Tags

Personalise your bomboniere with named gift tags for your guests.  It's all the little details that make a wedding super special.

Place Cards

Make life easy for your guests, and add that personal touch with place cards - and you can control who sits where, to avoid any nasty issues...

Order of Services, and Menus

Keep the theme going throughout the whole event. The simple act of matching all the stationery adds so much glamour and warmth - your guests can see the effort that you have gone to welcome them to your most special event.

If you need additional items like Reception Cards, Plan B Cards (in the event of rain for outdoor functions), Maps and Travel Cards, or even Weekend Wedding Itinerary Cards, you only need ask here at Invitations and Decorations, and we will happily oblige to help bring your big day together.