+ How do you choose a celebrant?

Choosing a celebrant can seem like a daunting task and one of the many things on your long list of To-Dos. To make it easier, here are some questions to ask yourself when it's time to choose who will be leading your ceremony.

• Do you have a rapport with them?
• Do you want a male or female, older or younger?
• What style of celebrant are you looking for?
• Will your ceremony be casual or formal?
• Do you want advice from a celebrant with experience on how to choreograph your ceremony?
• Do you feel you can work with them?
• Do they listen and acknowledge your wishes?
• How much interaction would you like to have with them?
  

+ Should we invite kids to the wedding?

This is a very common conundrum that couples face when planning their wedding. On the one hand you want to make it easy for parents and on the other you also want to make sure they enjoy themselves. Here are a couple of points to think about:

Is it a daytime or evening wedding?

If in the morning or afternoon, children can add joy and energy to a celebration and often steal the show

If at night, for a more formal ceremony, having the kids there might mean that the parents find it harder to relax as children can get bored or over stimulated

If you do have them throughout the evening it might be fun to arrange for some fun music to begin earlier so that the kids can hit the dance floor. A good time is during the main course so that the parents can enjoy their dinner

You can make arrangements for child care on site or at the accommodations

Or suggest to have children at the service and not at the reception so that the parents can let loose and relax

Whatever you decide, it is your choice! If any parents make noises about no kids being invited, it is very likely that they will be grateful afterwards when they have had a fun night

+ Are you thinking of a destination wedding?

A destination wedding is a wonderful way to celebrate. You get to spend a few days or more with your loved ones which can mean that you have more time to spend with each guest and more time to make memories in a fantastic location. Here are a few factors to think about while considering taking your celebration to a distant shore:

Can your friends and family (the important ones) afford to join you?

Is it possible to find an agent or coordinator who can help you package up travel and accommodations to make the trip more affordable for guests?

Think about what questions guests may have in advance and have answers ready for them to smooth out the process - how to get there, where to stay, what to bring and so on

It is very common to say that "your presence is our present" and opt out of gifts since guests are already investing in the occasion

Don't be disappointed if people decline, they have to make a financial and timing decision - but they may have FOMO later on!

+ Let others sweat the small stuff

The day you get married can be hectic and overwhelming. One essential way to stay sane is to start delegating to someone else – family members, bridal party members, close friends or your wedding planner.

Friends and family are always willing to contribute to ensure your day is perfect and people have probably already asked you how they can help. Start delegating roles and responsibilities sooner rather than later to reduce the amount of questions you’ll need to field on the day.

Sometimes, even when you have let your guests know who to speak to for general questions, they still come to you. You receive lots of texts and calls on the day. It’s sometimes a good idea to give your phone to someone in your bridal party to handle.

Here are some jobs to be considered:

• Who is the go-to for guests to ask general info about the timings and parts of the day
• Who is the point of contact for all of your vendors
• What if there’s a minor emergency or a family member imbibes too much
• Who is in charge of keeping Aunt X away from Aunt Y who don’t get along so well
  

+ Make a contacts list for the day

Make a list of your vendor's contact information and make copies or share it electronically such as via the Notes app or Google Drive.

A few select family and wedding party members and your wedding planner should have access to this list.

Think of all the people that will be working together and coordinating on the day. It's also a good idea for all of the bridal party to have each other's contact details. You may even want to set up a group chat for various groups of people such as on WhatsApp.

These might include:

• Your Celebrant
• Florist
• Caterer
• Wait Staff Supervisor
• Reception Site Management
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Lighting
• Sound Equipment Company
• DJ, Band and other entertainment
• Drivers and any transportation

Pro Tip: For destination weddings you may even set up a group chat for all of your guests and include the point person for guest questions.

+ Create an emergency kit

Even with the most organised plans, emergencies can happen and it's always good to be prepared.

Create an emergency kit (or ask one of your team to help you out) that includes essentials such as:

• Stain Remover Sticks
• Sewing Kit
• Double sided tape
• Lint brush
• Band-Aids
• Pain Relievers
• Hair Spray
• Tissues
• Eye Drops
• Deodorant
• Dental Floss (multi purpose!)

Check out my pinterest for more tips!

+ Wedding Make Up

For a long day of high emotions, cameras, people and hopefully lots of sunshine, your make-up will need to perform.

I always suggest to brides that they should look like themselves on their wedding day and try not to be tempted by out-there looks that aren't a reflection of you.

For piece of mind, you should absoltely insist on a make-up (and hair) trial well before the big day. You do not want to be making decisions about your make-up on the day.

Consider having the trial at a time of day that is similar to your ceremony so that you can see the effect on the correct lighting.

Do your research. Apart from finding great looks on Pinterestand elsewhere on the web, have pictures of yourself when you really loved your eyes, lips or skin to show your make-up artist.

The most important element is your skin. Not only does your make-up have to stay all day long but you also want your skin to glow. Consider a stepped up beauty regime in the lead up to your day and schedule yourself in for regular facials.

What about fake tan? Make sure you are using someone you trust to do a great job and definitely do not get it on the day! The last thing you want is tan on your dress.

False Eyelashes? That's a yes from me. You won't regret it if they are applied artfully. Ask your make-up artist for individual lashes for a more natural look.

And finally, make sure your bridesmaids have your lipstick, blush, concealor and some powder to keep your beautiful face from looking shiny in photographs.

+ Why not add a gender reveal

At a recent wedding the happy couple found out the sex of their expectant baby when they cut their wedding cake! The obstetrician and cake designer had collaborated to ensure it was kept a surprise for the loving couple, with guests taking bets, it brought much gaiety and laughter from all.

+ Fun Decor Ideas

For an elegant simplicity Chuppah concept for your ceremony, have a look at the Bianca and Brendan wedding article. The inspiration for this chuppah was simplicity and elegance mixing white draped fabric and rich vibrant coloured blooms which were carried throughout the décor of the private home for the reception.

Fabulous balloons filled the ceilings in for Darren and Matthew in this open room space for a wedding in a private home in Surry Hills. Each guest later walked down the street carrying a balloon to the restaurant reception.

In the Meyer Clipperton wedding, masses of glamorous pink Balloons were mixed with divine pink blooms for their reception at The Ivy ballroom, Sydney - a visual treat!