A great idea is to have a wedding journal to note down all your ideas and quotes. This can then become a wonderful keepsake and resource for friends and relatives who get married after you.
BEFORE THREE MONTHS
Make sure that you have finalized your bridal party
Choose and design your wedding invitations
Listen to different musicians or have chosen a DJ
Book your hair and makeup requirements and possibly have had a trail. Gives times to your photographer and videographer.
Finalize cars, cakes, flowers and bridesmaids dresses and suits.
BEFORE TWO MONTHS
Finalize your guest list and send out the invitations 6-8 weeks before the day
Arrange accommodation for interstate or overseas guests
Finish off honeymoon details
Finalize with your celebrant service details
ONE MONTH
Pick up your rings and have them engraved if you are doing that
Decide on the order of speeches and timing of the reception – write it down so that the MC, photographer, videographer, wedding co-ordinator can have a copy
Attend planning meetings with the priest/celebrant, photographer, videographer, MC and reception co-ordinator.
TWO WEEKS
Reconfirm all details and timings.
Start organizing thank you notes for gifts that you are receiving prior to the wedding day
TWO DAYS BEFORE
Lay out or hang out your dress.
Reconfirm honeymoon bookings
Pamper yourself and have some early nights (both of you!)
Pack your emergency kit (hairpins, safety pins, deodorant, extra stockings, panadol, barocca, and lipstick, compact, tissues, wipes, breathe mints……)
PHOTOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS
Perth offers some fabulous locations that provide wonderful backdrops for your wedding photos. Where you choose to have these photos taken will depend on a few factors such as the location of your ceremony and reception and the time available. You may have a favorite place or be working on a theme for the day.
Think of places that have memories for you or reflect the style of the wedding. Some locations have various different looks making them a one stop shop for your photos (water, gardens, architecture) Do consider parking requirements and walking distances (some of the wedding party may be in high heels!)
Consider that although we do live in one of the most sunshine filled cities in the world, weather can change and so being flexible is important if there is a need to change from a lovely sunny outlook to a more sheltered area that still gives that outside effect.
Consider places such as cafes, old buildings and different landscapes such as pathways and fences etc.
If the weather is turning coolish, ensure that everyone has some warm coats to wear at the photography locations between shots. Bridesmaids particularly have less clothing on and can look very cold in photos! A good way to keep warm is to have some warm tights on under long dresses. Cut off the feet to the length where they wont be noticed and you will be feeling toasty warm so that you can smile brightly for the photos.
Remember to bring refreshments including lots of water and nibbles. At least one liter of water per person. You don’t want to start the party too early before the reception. If the weather is cold include some thermos of tea and coffee. People will tend to smile nicer if they have a bit of food and champagne in their tummy!!
If it does look like rain don’t forget to collect umbrellas from friends and relatives prior to the day. Classic black or a cascade of cheerful colours depending on what you would like in photos. Umbrellas in photos do not look odd and can be a great accessory.
HAIR & MAKE-UP
A professional make-up artist is a must, as well as a qualified hairdresser to ensure that you have a look that last throughout the day and night without too much ‘repair work’. Ensure that you organize a trail with your chosen professionals well prior to the day to make sure that you are happy with the colours, skin condition and feel of the make up and hair style. Take note of how long the make up and hair is going to take on the day so that this fits in with the timing of the wedding day. Nothing worse than missing out on those family shots and bridal portrait at home before you leave because the rollers are still coming out! Make sure that the make-up artist doesn’t forget about your neck and décolletage areas so that you don’t have a ‘make-up line’ showing up in the photos.
Try to get someone to take some photos of the make-up and hair trails both inside in lighting and outside in the sunshine to see how they come up on the screen.
Having some extra lipstick and hair pins is a good thing to put into the wedding bag.
If it is summer don’t forget to incorporate a sunscreen in your make-up.
WEDDING DRESS
Every bride deserves to look stunning on their day. A perfect fitting, comfortable dress is the perfect accessory to make you look and feel that you are beautiful. It is important to take time to find the perfect dress that fits within your budget. Make sure that the dress suits your size and shape and get a qualified tailor to do any adjustments well before the day. Taking in at the last minute is a lot easier than taking out!
Your accessories should be fuss free and all working properly before the day. Make sure that earrings have backs and necklace clasps work. Shoes should be worn in to reduce blisters on the day (do be careful of scuffing them though, wear them around the house). This includes the grooms shoes (don’t forget to pack some boat polish off with him on the day).
Bridesmaids should be organized well too ensuring that all their bits and bobs match, work and are ready for the day.
Make sure that the groom and groomsmen’s suits are well fitting and they feel comfortable in them. Men will work well with the camera if they are feeling comfortable and handsome themselves (I am sure that they wont admit it though). Annoying items of clothing and ill fitting suits come across in photos. If hiring suits confirm your booking well before the day and make sure they are picked up and returned on time.
Speaking of the boys, do advise them to use an electric shaver on the day if they normally use a blade (or treat themselves to a proper barber shop shave) to ensure that there are no ‘Norman Gunstan’ moments in the photos. There is also nothing wrong with applying some conditioner to the hair to give it a bit of shine for the photos.
CHILDREN IN THE BRIDAL PARTY
Having young children in the bridal party adds the adorable element to the photos however they do take some extra consideration especially if you are not already parents.
Try to have someone along extra to take care of the children, ensuring that they have something to eat and are entertained when they are not needed for photos. Consider toilet facilities when looking at photo locations to avoid any ‘accidents’. Children can be especially affected by extremes in weather so make sure that you have warm coats or clothing that can be taken off (jackets, stockings etc) to keep them happy.
The day is very exciting for children and they reveille in the responsibility of such an important job on your special day, however it can be long and tiring and very grown up at times for them so ensure that you don’t plan too much around them and they are allowed to be extra spoilt on the day with treats of lollies etc.
Having children at the reception is becoming more the norm these days and ensuring that they have something to do at the reception stops them getting bored and into trouble. Photo copy or download colouring pictures and put these with coloured pencils where the children are sitting (either together or scattered around the reception room). Or create a show bag for them with bubbles, nibbles, fruit juice and activities. Kids know that it is a special, important day; however it is good to avoid meltdowns on your perfect day.
