Reader Response!

A week or so ago, we asked our facebook 'likers' to share POSITIVE stories of how their bridesmaids (or groomsmen) have stepped up to the occasion. Our first story featured was our favourite and pick of the list - Louise* has received a 25% discount on any of Way to Wed's hire products for any function in the next 18 months. Our other responses have received 10% discounts for the same.

(The stories below have not been edited for spelling or punctuation. We have posted them exactly as they were sent in.)

Louise*, 32, VIC.
Everything up to the week of our wedding was so perfect! There hadnt been any problems with anything and everything fell into our laps so perfect. Except for my brother in law to be - who flew home, without his suit that had been measured, made and bought and sent to him to check the fitting! He lives in bondi so he had to fly to Melbourne from Sydney then drive up to us in Kyabram before we went to Echuca. All the DAY before the wedding.
My matron of honour was coming from Mount gravatt that night, so instead of flying direct from brisbane to Melbourne like planned - she cancelled her flight on the spot (losing her fare!!) and bought one to Sydney to pick up the BILs suit from his best mate at the airport then one to Melbourne from Sydney. She didn't get in until after 2am instead of 11pm!
I completely reimbursed her for all the trouble - and my BIL reimbursed us, but I thought it was the sweetest thing to do to give up all that money.


Emily, 26, VIC
I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding recently but it wasn't any of us who stepped up! It was one of the groomsmen. My sister's husband has some really questionable relatives who love any excuse for a bit of a flirt. Toms' cousin was hitting on my sister THE BRIDE at the reception and spilt his beer all down her dress. James kicked him out (not too politely though haha) and went and bought some bicarb soda from the store up the road and poured it onto my sister's dress and lifted most of the beer out! We were all dumbfounded but my sister was a bit happier after that

Natalie, VIC
Before my wedding I got a spray tan like most brides do, my beautician did it perfect in the trial like always so i wasnt stressed at all when I went in two days before the big day to get it done. we always use a gray base tan because my tan goes a little bit orange but she had her assistant load the tan into the machine for her while she finished off her other appointment. In hindsight i really should have double checked and so should my beauticain but i guess we assumed she would read the card. To get to it quickly - my beautician did it all as normal and I went home and lounged around til shower time. had a good long sleep because i didnt have to work - woke up ORANGE. My three bridesmaids got panicked phoen calls and they all called in sick and came around and worked on my tan with some removal products from my beautician. my beautician came around to my house at the end of the day so sorry and fixed me up, but it woudl have been irreparable if it wasnt for my girls sponging and scrubbing! My photos ended up beautiful and i looked lovely and bronze instead


* Name changed as requested.

We had a number of others mail in as well but didn't provide specific examples of what we were looking for. We hope to feature some of those stories when the right topic comes to light.

If you have a positive bridesmaid experience (maybe you're not even married yet and you have!) Post below, or email us. We'd love to hear it.

Stay inspired!
WtW

Inspiration Boards

This is just an example of the things you can find on pinterest - if you need creative inspiration, create an account! Pinterest is filled with brides to be, wedding planners and girls simply planning their dream day! Take advantage of the resources available. Above you will find classic black and white, black and gold (with a black wedding dress, divine!), a beach wedding for those who live seaside, accents of colours that shouldn't work - but do!, a rich, culture filled indian wedding and a lovely on trend mint retro celebration.

Some other favourites of mine to search on pinterest are tropical weddings, english weddings and hollywood weddings. You're sure to get some ideas - and some laughs - from the hollywood list.

Stay inspired!
WtW

Here come's the fun stuff!

When newly engaged ladies, and sometimes men, think décor and theming their minds often run away with outlandish, expensive ideas. This is part of the TBM (temporary bridezilla mode, for those who missed our first post.) Cinderella-esque balls pop into our minds, with ribbons trailing behind that horse drawn carriage with the elegant sign announcing your marriage but then swoops in the bird of reality – you don’t even LIKE carriages, or horses for that matter. WHAT are you going to do?! 

With décor, theming and colours the easiest way to approach the matter is really consider what suits you and your partner. What’s your wardrobe like or your home décor? Soft pastels or bold reds and yellows; warm earth undertones with hints of green? Or are you the sky blue type with soft, fluffy clouds sponged along your horizon? Use the pieces that surround you to inspire the direction you take. Use a ‘happy’ place as inspiration. Open meadows, beaches, the ocean. Include your lifestyle into your day.

In one of Rebecca’s assessments her ‘client’ was very eco-focused and against the industrial age. This opened up different avenues and opportunities to step right outside the square. Natural elements, to reflect the couple’s lifestyle choices, were pulled not only into their colour scheme (earthy warm tones, soft golden sunset lighting and features of emerald green) but into the theming and decoration of their event.

The chandelier centrepiece falling from the marquee’s ivory ceiling drapery was the main attraction at the reception. Hickory branches were used to create an elegant, timeless nature inspired chandelier which was draped with lush green ivy and fairy lights which were fuelled by the garden venue’s solar power. Candles made from organic recycled materials lit the scene on the tables in frosted recycled mason jars. White, green and lavender wildflowers and spring blossoms poured over the edge of rustic wooden pails placed on each table, accentuated by the grass floor of the marquee and the rustic wooden chairs at each table. 

The decoration inspiration was drawn from the most obvious choices of their lifestyle and spread into the decoration of the cake, the colours for the invites and finally the choices for the bridesmaid dress and inspiration for hair and makeup – minimalist and natural. 

So if you’re puzzled what direction to head, really sit down and examine your surroundings and look at the things you find. Do you love clean lines and deep, romantic colours? Are you a traditional roses type of person or are you dazzled by hot purple vanda orchids?  Focus on what makes both of you who you are, and bring that into your day so your guests truly remember who they are there celebrating.

We can’t tell you what to do when it comes to your décor, but we can certainly help and give a few suggestions. If you’re struggling for a direction to take, feel free to email or even call and we’ll help you narrow down some clearer options at no charge.  

Our first word of advice – make a pinterest account! Search through the wedding inspiration boards. You will find ideas you had never even dreamt of (unless you’ve hired a planner, of course ;])

On our next post later this evening we’ll feature some unusual ideas with theming and decorating to start your inspiration train taken right from pinterest, to show you the wealth of information waiting to be found.

Stay inspired!

Way to Wed.

P.S. Amazing decoration doesn't always need a theme. This is another place a planner is helpful.