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Page 2 - North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017
Wedding gift costs can add up
RESEARCH carried out by wedding website The Knot reveals that wedding guests spend an average of $888 if they’re traveling for nuptials, and wedding attendants—bridesmaids and groomsmen— spend an average of $1154 per wedding. These costs include everything from the wedding gift, attire and accessories, to travel and accommodation. As guests are spending a large amount to attend each wedding, they prefer to gift something the couple really wants. When it comes to purchasing the gift, the study shows the wedding registry continues to be the most popular place to select a gift, with 37 per cent of wedding guests and attendants purchasing a gift directly from a registry. Cash and cheque are also popular gift options, with nearly one-third (29 per cent) of guests gifting money in the form of cash or cheque. One in ten wedding guests and attendants give a gift card, and seven per cent contribute funds to the couple’s honeymoon. Guests consider many factors before gifting. Before choosing the perfect gift, many guests consider the location of the wedding, the financial status of the couple, and how many wedding events they’re attending.
Big Decision |
People buying wedding presents take many factors into account.
How much should you gift at a wedding? After considering all the wedding day factors, questions like how much should you actually spend on the gift are top of mind for guests. According to the study, wedding guests spend an average of $118 on the wedding gift, while bridesmaids and groomsmen gift
an average of $177 per gift. Millennial guests want a gift that gives back. Wedding guests ages 18-39 are more likely than guests ages 40-64 to donate to a charity the couple has included on their registry, rather than buying a traditional gift. The vast majority of millennial wedding
guests (93 per cent) are also more likely to purchase a gift from a couple’s registry if a charity contribution is included free of charge. Registries aren’t just for the big day. Couples and their families host a number of events leading up to their wedding. The majority of wedding guests (95 per cent) also attend at least one other event related to the wedding, be it a bridal shower, bachelor party or engagement party. Among wedding guests who attended a bridal shower (23 per cent), 8 in 10 purchased a gift for the shower, spending an average of $75. Nearly half (49 per cent) of bridesmaids and groomsmen celebrated with the couple at an engagement party, with 23 per cent purchasing a gift for the couple and spending an average of $160 on their gift. The majority of wedding guests and attendants (90 per cent) are invited to the wedding day with a plus one, and 78 per cent report bringing a plus one to the most recent wedding they attended. Of those invited with a plus one, 24 per cent report spending more on a wedding gift because they were invited with an additional guest. Of those not invited with a plus one, only 1 in 10 felt they should have been invited with a guest.
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 3
Theatre, family and tradition
THE marriage of Wangaratta’s Amy Hill to Andrew Wighton of Springhurst in late September was a joyous celebration of their love, family and their passion for theatre and education. The pair first met at a 21st in 2010, and reconnected three years later when rehearsing for the Wangaratta Players Inc production of the comedy Noises Off, when they began seeing each other, and have been together ever since. “Andrew and I both work in education, and share a passion for theatre which has seen us perform in three plays together over the last four years,” Amy said. “We knew very early in our relationship that this was forever, everything just seemed to fit. “Andrew proposed last year during the Wangaratta Jazz Festival weekend in company of family and friends.” Among the bridal party were Amy’s sisters Catherine Bell as maid of honour and Julie Hill as bridesmaid, while Andrew’s twin brother Greg was best man and groomsmen were friends James Davis and Daniel O’Callaghan. Accompanying were Amy’s niece and nephews Flynn, Edyn and Dexter as ring bearer, flower girl and page boy respectively. “I surprised Andrew with having my kindergarten students walk down the aisle holding colourful balloons to the tune ‘Your Love is Lifting Me Higher’ before I made my entrance,” Amy remarked. The wedding ceremony was held at St Patrick’s Church in Wangaratta, while the reception was held at the Butter Factory in Springhurst, as it was important to the couple to incorporate both their home towns into the day. The Butter Factory (recently renovated by the owners) was chosen for the reception as Andrew’s parents had their reception in the same venue in 1985. Between the wedding and the reception, the couple had a photo shoot with Mansfield photographer Gary Boseley of Boss Photography at the Wightons’ family farm in Springhurst, The Pines, with colourful canola fields as a backdrop. On the day, Amy, a lover of vintage
LOVE AND FRIENDS |
Amy and Andrew Wighton (centre) with wedding party members (from left) Julie Hill, Daniel O’Callaghan, Greg Wighton, Catherine Bell and James Davis. PHOTO: Gary Boseley, Boss Photography, Mansfield clothing, wore a classic vintage inspired silk beaded Amaline Vitale dress (from Armadale, Victoria) with key hole features, satin belt and long train, and later changed into her Nanna (Margaret Hill’s) silk wedding dress from 1941 to dance with her father, Bryan, and wore it for the remainder of the reception, “which was an extreme honour”, Amy said. The bridesmaids wore navy Sheike tiered dresses, Andrew wore a navy check vintage inspired three piece Peter Jackson suit and the groomsmen wore light grey blazers, tan
chino pants and their own unique shirts. The reception venue was decorated with peppercorn tree branches and was rich in vintage touches including antique tableware and decorations. “We were aiming for a relaxed, rustic ‘party vibe’, and that was supported by our choice of band, ‘The Velvet Archers’ a three piece ‘foot stomping’ folk band from Melbourne, creating the perfect atmosphere for the evening, along with a large fire pit outdoors surround by gold vintage couches for people to relax,” Amy said.
The bride and groom were among those who performed a song or two on the night. “We were determined to entertain our guests,” Amy said. Catering was provided by The Vine in Chiltern, with cakes made by Wangaratta woman Laura Wilhelms, from Fake It Till You Bake It. They thanked their families and friends for their support and being a part of their day. The pair honeymooned on the South Island of New Zealand.
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Page 4 - North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017
Make It But Don’t Break It! Setting A Budget Is One Thing – Sticking To It Is Another.
Determine and number your top three wedding priorities. Each couple is unique, one couple might want to put more money into the entertainment, another might want top shelf liquor and an open bar. Breakdown your budget on your priorities and assign a budget to each category, then calculate the dollar amount allotted to each category. Don’t be put off by the math, just use the calculator and this simple formula. Multiply the percentage represented as a decimal, times the total budget amount.
For example: 15% becomes .15 .15 x $15,000 =$2,250 % OF BUDGET
$ ALLOTED
Venue
$
Catering
$
Décor
$
Entertainment
$
Photography
$
Fashion/ Beauty
$
Printed Matter
$
Miscellaneous
$
Prioritise |
Pre wedding events such as hens nights are fun, but if you are financially strapped or attending multiple weddings in a short space of time, you need not say yes to every invitation you get.
If you’re set on buying something, pick an outfit that is versatile and can be accessorised to look different so you can wear it to multiple weddings. 5. Pay back any credit expenses ASAP: If you need a short-term credit solution to cover your amazing limo arrival, be sure to pay it back quickly. Source: ING Direct
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CATEGORY
YOU may have many friends getting married, but if you’re careful and plan, you can celebrate their love without sending yourself broke. Here are some strategies to help you: 1. Budget ahead of time: If you know you have a lot of weddings coming up, don’t just plan your outfit, plan your finances. Figure out what you can afford and how much you need to save before wedding season to avoid debt dramas. 2. Be selective: Think about how you manage multiple weddings - you don’t have to attend the engagement party, hens/bucks and kitchen tea for every wedding you’re invited to. Pick and choose wedding events based on your budget. And don’t be afraid to respectfully decline an invitation if you simply can’t afford it. 3. Embrace group discounts: Getting your hair done with friends, buying a wedding present with others or getting a jumbo taxi are all nifty ways to cut costs as a group. 4. Hack the outfit: Instead of buying a new dress, you can rent designer outfits from a number of online rental services for a fraction of the price.
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PRIORITY NUMBER
Top tips for being a budget conscious wedding guest
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 5
Fun party vibe in Boorhaman
j/31d21540-v18/34-17
“
We had the ceremony under the white wisteria... - ELLEN McNEIL
Happy |
Aaron and Ellen McNeil on their recent wedding day. PHOTO: Bindy Welsh Photography gold under tone to it which matched the bridesmaid dress and flowergirl sash. Aaron wore a light blue sports Jacket from Politix and some bone coloured chinos. Aaron’s brother and best man Kent wore
the same pants, a white shirt and a blue waist coat. The pair decorated the reception area themselves using festoon lighting and lanterns, lounge chairs and different furniture from around their house.
“
A RELAXED wedding day was had by all when local bride Ellen Funston married Aaron McNeil recently. The pair got married at Ellen’s parents’ property in Boorhaman where she grew up. “We had the ceremony under the white wisteria surrounded by a stunning rose garden and then moved over to the front of my parents’ chocolate shop (Renaissance Chocolates) for an outside stand up reception,” Ellen said. “We were very lucky that the garden was in full bloom and thanks to a ‘working bee’ with both of our families about six weeks before the wedding we totally transformed a standard garden area into a ceremony space, complete with a garden path for the bridal party to enter from and handmade bench seats using tree stumps from the garden and recycled wood from a friend.” The couple first met on a dating site, and Aaron proposed to Ellen at home after cooking her dinner. “We had just been on a lovely holiday and there was no proposal so I was not expecting it over the dinner table back at home, but as he said, they are the best moments we spend together,” Ellen said. Ellen’s bridal dress was from Jack & Jill Bridal in Albury, and had a dusty pink/rose
“I did the flowers for the reception myself and we placed photos of our parents and grandparents on their wedding day on a large peppercorn tree to create a ‘family tree’,” Ellen added. “For the music we had Paris & Co. “He was simply the best and got everyone up dancing and people are still talking about how entertaining he was. “We had Pinchos catering work their magic to feed our guests. “We had an oyster bar, a charcuterie station, pulled pork sliders, a taco station and gelato - another aspect of the night our guests have not stopped talking about. “We also had the tear drop caravan from Bridge Road Brewers serving their famous Pale Ale to our guests with wines from Cofield and Campbell’s wines.” The couple had a relaxing Hawaii honeymoon, including visiting Pearl Harbour, going to Hanauma Bay for snorkelling, enjoying a traditional Luau and taking in a helicopter ride of the island.
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Page 6 - North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017
Helpful hints for wedding planning FIRST comes the proposal, then comes the wedding planning. There are dozens of decisions that need to be made before it’s time to walk down the aisle, which can be overwhelming for brides and grooms. Try these tips when you are planning your special day. Dressing the ladies When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, the mix-and-match approach is trending in popularity.
Start by deciding on a colour palette, such as lilac, champagne and petal pink. Then have each bridesmaid choose her favourite style within that range of hues. Bring it all together by choosing a uniform look for makeup, shoes and accessories. There is no better time to thank the ladies than the morning of the big day. A few thoughtful gifts can go a long way, such as matching robes, tumblers to stay hydrated throughout the day
A personalised ceremony to suit you
and cosmetic cases to stow makeup essentials. Dressing the gents Similar to bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen attire can be dependent on the venue and overall event aesthetic. While a suit can fit the bill for a country club wedding, a city affair may call for the sleek finishes of a tux. Tuxedo accessories, such as cuff links or bow ties, make great groomsmen gifts and are classic pieces
they can use time and time again. Creating the perfect registry When building a registry, it’s never too early to start. Begin by taking inventory of what you already have, what you need and what you want to upgrade. It’s also recommended to update the registry regularly so there are enough gifts to choose from, especially if there is an engagement party and bridal shower coming up.
Jane Derrick Civil Celebrant
Phone: 03 5765 2351 Mobile: 0439 202 037 Email: janederrick1@bigpond.com
Wangaratta, Mt Beauty & Alpine areas
Matching |
Have a little fun with your matching bridal party attire – even hidden elements such as socks or t-shirts under the suit can create camaraderie.
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Wouldn’t it be nice if you felt more confident to smile on the happiest day of your life? Did you know that more than 80% of women feel self-conscious about their smile when they see a photo of themselves?* Not exactly the emotion you want to feel when you look back at photos of your special day. If you think a picture-perfect smile is out of your reach...think again. Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces that can help you achieve a smile to be proud of. Virtually invisible, removeable and comfortable, Invisalign can transform your smile in just a few months. The best part is, a new smile doesn’t wash off at the end of the day - you can enjoy it for the rest of your life together. Book your FREE, no-obligation consultation at Evolve Orthodontics today to see if Invisalign is right for you.
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 7
Gapsted provides picturesque wedding location :+(1 6DP DQG %HQ 'XQFDQ ZHUH RXW searching for the perfect wedding venue, Gapsted Wines happened to be set up for one of its popular Long Lunches and Sam instantly knew this was where they’d get married. “It was exactly what I wanted our wedding to look like,â€? Sam said. “The marquee looked gorgeous and you just can’t beat the view. “The location, the vineyard, the valley ‌ it’s perfect for a wedding.â€? 6DP DQG %HQĚľV EULHI ZDV D UHOD[HG chilled, fun wedding and the staff at Gapsted Wines delivered this and more. “In the lead-up to the wedding the service was brilliant. “The staff were receptive to everything I wanted. “It was the best day and night. “The guests loved the food and there is such a good selection of wine that there was something for everyone. “The ambience in the marquee is really wonderful. “Many of my guests said it was one of the best weddings they’d been to – they’d never been to anything like it.â€? On a day of many perfect moments there is one memory Sam will certainly cherish. “Walking down that aisle with that view and all my friends and family ‌ it’s something I’ll never forget.
Beautiful Occasion |
Gapsted Wines was the location of the recent wedding of Sam and Ben Duncan. PHOTO: Jason Robbins, www. jasonrobinsphotography.com
“We’ve been to a lot of weddings at wineries but what Gapsted Wines is able to offer as a wedding venue is unique.� Gapsted Wines is conveniently located off the Great Alpine Road, only five minutes
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Page 8 - North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017
Getting support for your destination wedding A DESTINATION wedding is a popular choice for today’s engaged couples. Not only is it a unique way to celebrate your special day in an exotic location, but it can give family and friends the chance to spend quality time together in a beautiful destination. But sometimes loved ones can say “I object” before you say “I do”. To help start the conversation and allay concerns about a destination wedding, travel website Vacation lists some of the top objections your family and friends may have, plus strategies to overcome them. Destination wedding doubts usually centre around several scenarios including: - Can everyone make it to the wedding venue? - What will everyone think? - Is this affordable? - Is it really what you want? - Will this interfere with others’ important plans? - If it’s not in town, how do you know what kind of wedding you’ll really be getting? - How on earth will we be able to keep all the travel details straight? You can counter these concerns with the following destination wedding benefits: - A destination wedding’s guest list is typically smaller than a wedding at home. This really forces you to decide whose attendance is non-negotiable. If
Planning Phase |
Make sure to mull over the pros and cons when planning a destination wedding. there is someone who might have trouble travelling long distances, don’t forget that “destination” doesn’t necessarily mean halfway across the world. Travel industry professionals can be invaluable with helping you figure out how those with special needs can travel safely. - Weddings can bring up a lot of feelings—and not just for the couple. It
can be hard for families to let go of their own visions for your wedding. But it’s your wedding – and this is a great chance to explain why a destination wedding is so important to you. - A destination wedding sounds so expensive, right? Wrong. Any wedding will have costs associated with it. Some research shows that a destination
wedding can be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding. - Some people start thinking about their future wedding years before their partner is on the scene. And they talk about it, too, leading family members to believe that a destination wedding isn’t really your choice. But people change, and your childhood dream wedding might not fit your current vision. This is a great opportunity to explain to loved ones that a destination wedding is something that will give you wonderful memories for years to come. - For any type of wedding, experts recommend sitting down and mapping out no-go dates, such as cousin Jane’s wedding or your brother’s graduation. But there will never be a single perfect time where no one in your family has anything going on. Choose what works best for you and remember: this is an issue that can affect weddings at home, too. - It can be leap of faith to have a wedding in a venue you might not be able to visit beforehand. This is the time to lean on a professional who can recommend venues they have worked with who have ultraprofessional wedding coordinators. - Getting a group from many places to one spot can be tricky, so don’t do it on your own. An experienced travel agent will keep track of everyone’s preferences, be a point of contact, and even secure group rates for air, hotel and ground transportation.
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 9
Tradition still a big part of proposals
ACCORDING to The Knot 2017 Jewellery & Engagement Study, one in four grooms report “meticulously” planning their marriage proposal “down to the last detail”. According to the study, the average proposer spends 4.4 months planning their proposal, with seven per cent of proposers reporting spending 12 months or more planning how they’d pop the question. Top 2017 trends in marriage proposals: Online dating has become a more popular way to meet than ever 19 per cent of brides surveyed reported meeting their significant other through online dating or social media, with other popular ways being through friends, meeting at university, or meeting at work. This rise in digital dependence continues through each step of the wedding planning journey, with 9 in 10 couples using mobile devices for wedding planning activities in 2016. Discussing the future long before the proposal One in four couples report discussing marriage two years or more before getting engaged, and couples are also candid in discussing important topics with their partner before getting engaged, including having children, finances, pets, sex and religion. One in three couples shop for the engagement ring together While looking for engagement rings,
Surprise |
Many men meticulously plan their wedding proposals. 1 in 3 couples report shopping together, and 9 in 10 grooms are happy with their significant other’s level of involvement in the purchasing process. Only six per cent of brides wish they would have been more involved in the purchasing process. Buying the ring online increases in popularity Just as more and more couples meet online and use their mobile devices for wedding-related tasks, it’s no surprise there’s also a rise in the purchase of
engagement rings online (14 per cent). Grooms who bought rings online reported better pricing online, finding the perfect ring while browsing online, convenience, and wanting to build a custom ring as the main reasons for moving from brick-and-mortar retailers to online. Engagement rings increasingly personalised for each couple Whether grooms completely customised the ring or implemented touches of custom design with a jeweller, nearly half (45 per cent) of all grooms surveyed had their
engagement rings personalised in some capacity. Both brides and grooms agree the most important factors to consider in their ring purchase are the cut and shape of the stone, followed by the ring style and setting, and then the quality of the stone. Time honoured traditions back in style There has been a return to proposal tradition, with 9 in 10 grooms proposing with engagement ring in hand and actually using the words “will you marry me?”. The majority of grooms reported proposing on bended knee, and grooms are also more frequently asking their partner’s family for permission than in years past. Proposing takes time and effort Forty per cent of grooms reported their marriage proposal was “meticulously planned, down to the last detail”. The study shows a shift away from private proposals, with nearly half of proposals taking place in a public location, such as a scenic spot, garden, park or zoo. While grooms are meticulously planning their proposals over the course of an average 4.4 months, a declining number of brides report being surprised by the proposal. Couples want to preserve their proposal moment through photos, and almost half report coordinating a photographer or videographer to capture the moment.
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Page 10 - North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017
Getting organised for your special day AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
This checklist will enable you to plan your perfect wedding. It will assist you through the busy months ahead.
ONE-TWO WEEKS AHEAD
Select a wedding date and time.
Address and mail invitations.
Discuss a budget and how expenses will be shared. Open a separate bank account for the wedding fund.
Sign up for your bridal registry and select gift options.
Agree on the size and how formal the wedding will be.
Buy or hire the formal wear for the groom and his attendants.
&RQͤUP ͤQDO JXHVW FRXQW DQG LQIRUP caterer, reception venue.
Order rental equipment: eg. marquee, tables, chairs etc.
+DYH ͤQDO FRQVXOWDWLRQ ZLWK IORULVW photographer, musicians, etc.
&DOO FOHUJ\PDQ RIͤFLDWRU WR FRQͤUP GDWH and schedule appointment to discuss ceremony. Select location for the ceremony and reception. Remember to pay deposits in order to secure your booking. Select a wedding photographer. Schedule appointment for bridal portrait. Start drafting your guest list. Inform bride and groom’s family of the number they can invite and by which date you need their list. Organise your engagement announcement in the newspaper. Begin planning a honeymoon destination. Select color scheme and theme of your wedding. Order invitations, personal stationary and monogrammed favours for reception. Choose wedding attendants for both bride and groom. Find out their sizes.
Order your wedding cake.
,QIRUP DWWHQGDQWV RI ͤWWLQJ VFKHGXOHV DQG of any accessories they may need to buy. Begin making transportation and accommodation arrangements for out of town guests and the wedding party. Begin personal shopping for clothes needed for pre-wedding parties or honeymoon. Make any necessary personal appointments – bank, solicitor, health check-up, beauty, hairdresser, etc.
ONE MONTH AHEAD &RQͤUP GHWDLOV ZLWK DOO ZHGGLQJ VXSSOLHUV that all arrangements are proceeding smoothly, i.e. caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, car hire specialists, hotel/reception manager, etc. Buy wedding rings. (QVXUH DOO RIͤFLDO ZHGGLQJ GRFXPHQWDWLRQ is in order.
Organise the master of ceremonies for your reception.
Schedule wedding rehearsal and notify everyone involved.
Start looking for and order the bridal gown ̰ VFKHGXOH WKH ͤWWLQJV DQG GHOLYHU\ GDWH
Begin organising any necessary changes on all personal documentation the bride be taking the groom’s name.
Choose a caterer and plan the menu. Choose a florist that best suits your floral design requirements. Select music/musicians/DJ for the ceremony and/or reception.
&RQͤUP \RXU WRWDO ZHGGLQJ ORRN HQVXUH you have all necessary accessories for your wedding gown and for your attendants. Finish personal shopping.
Order attendant’s gowns and schedule the ͤWWLQJV DQG GHOLYHU\ GDWH
Finalise honeymoon plans.
Book wedding cars for bridal party.
Buy bridesmaids’ and other special gifts.
Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.
$UUDQJH IRU ͤQDO ͤWWLQJ DQG GHOLYHU\ RI DOO wedding attire. Arrange a trial hair and make-up day. Be sure to try your hair style with your veil.
Finalise transportation and accommodation arrangements for out of town guests and wedding party. Pack an “emergency kit� for the wedding day which may include: safety pins, tissues, cosmetics, hairspray, needle and cotton, extra pantyhose, extra lingerie, eye drops, headache pills and bandaids. Finalise seating arrangements for the reception. &RQͤUP KRQH\PRRQ ERRNLQJV DQG KDYH reading all necessary documentation: tickets, passports, traveller’s cheques, etc. Pack for honeymoon. If you choose to speak at your reception start deciding on what you wan to say.
ONE DAY AHEAD Place payments for DJ, florist, caterer, etc. into envelopes and give to groom’s best man to take care of. Lay out everything you will need on the wedding day, right down to the smallest detail. Place everything in a convenient place so that it is easily accessible on the big day. If a hairdresser and/or make-up artist LV WR DWWHQG WR \RX RQ WKH GD\ FRQͤUP appointment. 3UHSDUH JRLQJ DZD\ RXWͤW &RQͤUP WKDW DOO PHPEHUV RI WKH ZHGGLQJ party are organised and well prepared. Prepare what you will have as a good healthy breakfast on your wedding day. This is important and often overlooked. A good breakfast will provide you with the energy you will need to get through the day. Have a massage, manicure and pedicure and relax. Before going to bed take a warm (not hot) fragrant bath. Complete your evening skin routine so that your skin is moist for your wedding day make-up. Relax. Get to bed early.
Arrange with your reception to have a table available for last minute gifts. Ask family members to move gifts home after wedding. If you are having an envelope box request a table for it with the gift table. Ask a close family member to be responsible for it. Sit down and organise the actual wedding day into some sort of time schedule. Provide the wedding party with the schedule – include maps if necessary. Wear your wedding shoes around the house until they are comfortable. Keep writing thank you notes and relax whenever possible.
Please remember that not all aspects of this checklist may apply to the style of your wedding.
ON THE DAY Relax and pamper yourself. Be at the ceremony at least five minutes early. Smile and enjoy – this is your special day.
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 11
Planning seating essential for smooth reception WHILE family issues or friendship drama can make seating plans for your reception a big headache, there is much value in strategically planning the seating at your reception, for a variety of reasons. As much as you can, think carefully about the situations of each of your guests to ensure they have as much fun on your special day as you do. While these issues may seem small to you, a lack of consideration may cause unwelcome fights or rifts down the road. One of the most obvious issues is ensuring divorced or otherwise separated couples, or family members who do not see eye to eye, do not sit together or too near to each other. Another issue to consider is taking the needs of parents into consideration, particularly if their child is a newborn or very young. Parents may appreciate sitting close to an exit so they can calm their child or take time out to feed them in private. To this end, a separate play area and/ or baby feeding area is a good way to ensure families feel welcome at your reception. Older guests or those with mobility issues also need to be considered – leave plenty of space to get around and don’t seat them in the middle of a
batch of tables where they may have difficulty moving, and ensure they have easy access to the venue itself and their table. Proximity to the wedding table for friends and family should also be considered, as many take pride in being close to the happy couple and wedding party and may feel slighted if they are seated further away. You can avoid this by having a seating plan that means you are seated among your guests, such as a long banquet table or similar. However, sometimes it may be easier to let guests decide exact seating. This can be done by allocating them a table to sit at, but letting them decide who they want to sit next to or opposite, thereby making them more comfortable among the group. It can also be beneficial to budget and leave space for contingencies, such as last minute invitees or spontaneously appearing wedding guests. This will alleviate the stress of sticking to a more inflexible seating plan and help you go with the flow, as after all, people can be unpredictable. If you are creative, don’t forget to have a little fun with the look of the seating chart, particularly if you are dedicating space to it, and place cards, at the wedding reception.
Take a seat |
There are numerous things to consider when organising the seating plan for your reception.
Located in the centre of Wangaratta, close to parks, churches and accommodation, the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre provides a contemporary venue for your wedding celebrations.
Celebrate your special day Cnr Ford & Ovens Streets Wangaratta 03 5722 8105 | www.wangarattapac.com.au
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Post wedding bliss with romantic honeymoons
WHETHER you’re dreaming of an intimate island escape or romantic adventures abroad to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, Flight Centre Wangaratta has hundreds of options to suit all of your honeymoon needs. While the needs and wants of each individual couple vary greatly, over the years Flight Centre have determined some of their clients’ favourite destinations to enjoy their post wedding bliss. Bali One reason Bali is so permanently popular with Aussies is that our dollar stretches much, much further in Indonesia. Add to that the beautiful Balinese customs and a varying landscape from surf-worn coast to jade terraced hillsides and you’ve got yourself a winning wedding and honeymoon destination. Flight Centre recommends that while you are there, you can
enjoy some of the things Bali does to a tee: indulgent couples massages, sumptuous fresh banquets and poolside cocktails at swim-up bars. Fiji This tropical paradise is ready to spoil you. From snorkelling with colourful marine life through vibrant coral reefs, to sailing over crystalclear waters as you hop between the Mamanuca islands, Fiji has infinite options on offer. If you have envisioned your honeymoon being spent on a tropical beach, surrounded by palm trees with a cocktail in hand, Fiji is the ideal destination for your post wedding getaway. Bora Bora The island so nice, it was named twice. A part of French Polynesia and often looped in with its equally attractive neighbour Tahiti, Bora Bora is popular for both weddings and honeymoons alike. Well known for their thatched overwater Bures,
spending your day swimming, kayaking or snorkelling among the colourful marine life is the perfect way to wind down after your big day. Hawaii This tropical US state has four main islands to choose from, each teeming with luxury resorts, and beaches ideal for winding down and exploring a new culture. From stunning mountain top views, through to jungles and azure blue beaches, Hawaii’s stunning landscape guarantees an album full of photos you will be thrilled to share. Europe Perhaps a romantic European escape is more to your taste? For those looking for an adventure, Europe has hundreds of cities to explore. Perhaps Paris, the city fluent in the language of love, strikes your fancy. For more information, phone Flight Centre Wangaratta on (03) 5727 6200.
European escape |
Europe is full of places to explore, including the romantic city of Paris.
$50 $*
*
towards your honeymoon Planning your wedding can be stressful and expensive, but luckily your honeymoon doesn’t have to be. A Flight Centre Bridal Registry is an easy way to get the honeymoon of your dreams. So speak to our Experts today and turn your honeymoon in to a trip of a lifetime.
Flight Centre Wangaratta 90 Murphy Street
flightcentre.com.au
1300 8076200 189 03 5757
*This voucher must be presented to Flight Centre at the time of booking to redeem credit. Limit of one $credit per booking. Valid only for new bookings with air & land over $& paid in full. Credit expires three months after wedding date or whichever comes first. This $credit can only be redeemed once, cannot be redeemed for cash nor used in conjunction with any other offer. Normal booking conditions apply. This credit is only valid for bookings at Flight Centre Wangaratta and excludes online purchases. The store reserves the right to deem the voucher void if it has been tampered with or copied. Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. ATAS Accreditation Number A10412. FC1412_050916
k/06d12795/4617
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 13
Giving your guests something to remember WITH the increasing pace of modern technology, the options for creating unforgettable favours for your wedding guests are wider than ever. Increasing in popularity over the past few years have been small serves of personalised food or lollies or chocolate, often with unique labels, and personalised stubby holders or glasses are a perennial favourite and are useful for years after the event. But there are many other options. Adult guests may appreciate a piccolo bottle of wine or champagne, with a personalised tag or label if you have the time, and “party kits” featuring rehydrating drinks, eye masks, and other post party essentials can be a fun touch. Candles or packaged wax melts, with personalised label or perhaps even with a personalised scent relating to you as a couple, can help people reminisce about your special day when they spend a
tranquil evening at home. Those having a wedding in the hotter part of the year could provide fans, and there are even some ways you can personalise the fans for your wedding day, or just buy a bulk set of fans in your wedding colours. Small items such as personalised matchbooks are also well received – and can easily be put together in a DIY fashion, or why not try personalised keyrings, bottle openers or similar trinkets? If you are keen gardeners or love flowers, tiny seed packets that your guests can plant at home can create lasting reminders of your relationship. Music lovers can create beautifully packaged mix CDs of your wedding/first dance songs for guests to take home. Of course, pick and mix lolly stations, macaroons, traditional sugared almonds, and other time honoured items are always options as well. For more ideas, check out your favourite wedding website or search Google or Pinterest.
Gifted |
A piccolo of wine is just one wedding favour idea.
MURDOCH HOUSE Billabong Restaurant | Function Centre | Catering
THE PERFECT VENUE FOR ANY TYPE OF CELEBRATION
Custom made Engagement rings | Wedding bands Remodelling | Repairs
84 Murdoch Road, Wangaratta | Call (03) 5722 1924 |
/Murdoch84
angusbjewellery.com |
/angusbendemanjewellery/
k/19d12271-v2/4617
Myrtleford Vic (By appointment only) | P: 03 5751 1599 | M: 0488 099 363 | info@angusbjewellery.com j/31d53563-v2/46-17
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North East Weddings Sam
& Ben Duncan
Photographer Jason Robbins Photography www.jasonrobinsphotography.com
Date: 7th October 2017 Venue: Gapsted Wines
Photographer Indigo Images www.indigoimages.com.au
Ellen
& Aaron McNeil
Date: 22nd October 2017 Venue: Renaissance Chocolates
Amy
& Andrew Wighton
Photographer Boss Photography www.bossphotography.com.au
Date: 29th September 2017 Venue: St Patricks Church
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North East Wedding Guide Summer 2017 - Page 15
Help make your wedding unforgettable LINDENWARRAH at Milawa can offer you a large range of options if you are planning your wedding. During the warmer months, their Elm Tree Garden has become a particularly popular spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions, with its beauty, shade and greenery. Those planning their wedding can engage the expertise of Lindenwarrah’s conference, wedding and event coordinator, Maria Saunders, and her team, ensuring all facets of your wedding day are taken care of. Wedding packages can be arranged, or you can work with the hotel team for a more bespoke approach to your special day. The hotel also boasts many other picturesque areas suitable for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions – or even postwedding photo shoots
- many of which overlook acres of vineyards. Their restaurant opens out onto the garden, making for a seamless reception feel, and an outdoor dancefloor can even be provided. Bridal party members and wedding guests staying at the hotel – many of who make a weekend or short holiday out of their stay – also have access to the venue’s inviting pool. Fun lawn games, such as croquet or bocce, can also be organised for guests to while away the hours and have fun together. If you want to get out and about, Lindenwarrah at Milawa is just minutes away from many of Milawa’s popular tourist attractions, and just a short drive away from many of the North East’s other regional tourist hotspots. For more details, phone (03) 5720 5777 or see www.lancemore.com.au/ lindenwarrah.
Delightful |
The Elm Tree Garden at Lindenwarrah offers beautiful green surroundings and plenty of shade for your summer wedding. PHOTO: Mark Davis
The perfect blend of rustic beauty and elegance Set on 8 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and vineyards, with picturesque views out to Mount Buffalo, Lindenwarrah is the premier wedding venue of North East Victoria. Offering an array of picture perfect ceremony options and one of the region’s most renowned restaurants; whether it be an intimate or grand affair, Lindenwarrah is the ideal canvas for creating your dream wedding.
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Get in step for your big day YOU and your beloved are looking forward to celebrating at your reception for your first time as a married couple, but there’s only one concern – your respective dance skills. Thankfully, this is a small concern that can easily be addressed with a call to Anthony Pepers from Intencity Dance Academy. Mr Pepers, who has many years of experience in dance and dance instruction, has worked with dancers of all abilities and prides himself on being able to help couples make a lasting impression while feeling comfortable and having fun on the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Anthony can provide private lessons for prospective brides and grooms, or help whole wedding parties get into step with group private tuition or scheduled classes. Mr Pepers said he is happy to work
with couples on every aspect, from simply improving their ballroom dancing abilities, to choreographing and teaching the more elaborate first dance routines that have come into vogue in the past few years. Anthony added that he also takes into account the size limitations and layout of the dance floor/venue to ensure that couples are able to showcase their routine to the best of their ability on their wedding day, and is happy to suggest wedding songs himself or work with something that the bride and groom have provided. “I want to create the perfect dance on the perfect day,” he said. For more information, contact Intencity Dance Academy on 0418 989 474 or see Intencity Dance Academy on Facebook. STEP IN TIME: Local couple Kristy and Colin Steiner are among those who have benefited from lessons with Intencity Dance Academy.
Make your wedding dance one to remember! Y Y Y Y
Dance lessons for bride & groom only Wedding party group classes Packages or single lessons available We will choreograph to your music and ability
Don’t leave this
life long memory to the last minute, book early to ensure confidence for your special day!
Anthony Pepers 0418 989 474 Community Centre, HP Barr Reserve intencitydanceacademy j/31d23887-v8/46-17
anthony@intencitydanceacademy.com.au