What's Trending Now: Burlap! (And has been for quite a while!)

Burlap is first off the rank for our ‘Themes’ series of blogs (might I add, glad to be back!). Over the coming weeks Way to Wed will show you different ways to incorporate elements into your day so not to overwhelm, or underwhelm you or your guests. The most important thing to remember with themes is that they should reflect you, not what’s on trend.

Burlap can fall under many theme categories and can be used in a variety of ways in all of them. Call it country chic, vintage charm, rustic romance, old world or even western themed weddings. Yes, you read right, western themed! Burlap is a versatile material that can be trimmed to the thinnest of ribbons, made into gift bags for bonbonniere, used as reception chair decoration or even an aisle runner for the diehard burlap fanatics.

In this particular blog we’ve showcased Way to Wed’s 5 favourite ways to use burlap.

There are warnings that come with using burlap too. Don’t think of it as an easy option, because with the wrong piece or embellishments it can come off cheap and nasty rather than a relaxed charming addition to your day.

At the conclusion of the inspiration thread we’ll go through ways to help you avoid the cheap imitation burlap and using the great quality in the wrong ways.

1. Flowers! Endless Opportunities.
One of my favourite aspects of burlap is you can use it with almost any flower and it just works.
Personally I would recommend avoiding frangipanis and roses, unless you are opting for softer full bloom roses such as the lilac ones in below right. Whatever flowers or burlap pieces you use in your bridal party, ensure you use similar colours in your decoration to tie your day together from the start to finish.

2. Table Centrepieces & Buffets.
The thing I love most about any theme with a burlap aspect is it usually means a dessert or sweet buffet of some sort. These are divine and completely cost effective! (Think: Skip the dessert meal!) Not to mention it adds another decoration piece to the venue besides your table centres and accents and can be used as an offset and continuation of your cake display.

Table centres are the same as flowers; there are endless opportunities which are only limited by your own imagination. My favourite display of creativity is the centre top row image using burlap string to turn an ordinary beer bottle into a centrepiece worth talking about. It’s minimalist, cost effective but fits with the rustic theme and complimented by the wood stump.

My second favourite is simple but well thought out – the centre bottom row image of the candle holder created into a table number. It caters for two things; lighting and practicality. The candle would have been there nine times out of ten, so why not cut costs further and make it your table number too.  For further budget cuts, use recycled mason jars instead of new candle holders. (It’ll fit with your theme, TRUST me.)

4. Table & Aisle Runners
Runners are an absolute favourite of mine because creativity is limitless and it can really add that extra something to your ceremony and reception. Though be careful with using burlap as a table runner because you need to ensure you have perfectly frayed and starched the edge of your pieces or sealed the edges to avoid damage. A popular way to do this is with lace, just as the aisle runner below shows.

For the bridal table dress it up some more by draping chiffon elegantly over the table as per the below picture sourced from pinterest. Don’t overdo the burlap; compliment it with other elements to create an overall feel. The best way to compliment it on the bridal table is with something of the same colour as your dress or suits (white/ivory/champagne, etc) to bring it all together.  

5. The bonbonniere and the signs.

I just LOVE it. All of it. The simplicity and the charm creates a lasting memory not only for the guests but for the couple and all the vendors involved too. The bride on the top right (a personal friend) was the DIY Queen of Brides-to-be and did all of her work herself, including bagging the coffee beans for their bonbonniere.  It all came out picture perfect (as you can see for yourself). 

While signs aren’t anything new in the wedding industry, hundreds of thousands are used purposely for the thank you cards, there is something absolutely divine about the simplicity of the burlap inspired sign. Whether it’s the laid back, country feel it gives you or the warm smile you get everytime you glance at the card from the couple in question you can’t help but remember the theme of the day. The sign really does tie it all together.   

What NOT to do with Burlap.

The below images are representations of what not to do with burlap. Some are simply overbearing and take away the purpose (ie: hiding a table – practical, hiding it under too many layers (the ruffles) – takes away from the cake.) others are representations of what can happen if you don’t prepare or cut your burlap properly. (Remember sealing the edges off?)  

Over bearing! This could be corrected with one overlay of burlap (or runner), with an undercloth in desired colour and if further embellishment is required go with chiffon or flowers in gathered burlap creases.

Thin and worn, not ideal for people to be seated in front of.

Without proper sealing the frays of these burlap flowers make it look messy and unfinished. 

Stay inspired!

WtW 

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.

Reader Question

Q. Hi, I have an issue that I need some advice on. My fiancee and I chose to have a children free reception for many different reasons, most relatives including his father who has a 3 year old were understanding and even appreciative of this. however, one family member is shocked and outraged and is stating that "if his children aren't good enough to be at the reception then they aren't going to be in our wedding party" any advice on how to deal with this?

A.: It is very common for family and friends to attempt to dictate the way you run your day but the thing is - it's your day. If your partner's father can accept not having children as part of your day then the other guests should easily be able to as well.

As calmly as possible explain to the particular guest that you appreciate their honesty and accept that they feel that way though you can not make an exception for their child because you would then have to permit everyone else to bring theirs. Explain that you and your partner really do want to share your day with them, as adults, but understand if they feel that they truly can not attend. If you want to add something more, ask them what they think their children will get out of attending a reception? Speeches, waiting between meals and surrounded by grown ups isn't typically fun for a child.

In putting the ultimatum back on the guest it shows you are appreciating them enough to let them make the decision, but you have still laid out your guidelines. Ultimately most guests will feel guilty for trying to push you into a decision that was against your judgement, though some will stick to their guns and not attend at all. If this happens ask yourself - if they couldn't respect the wishes for your day and your decisions as a couple do you think they truly deserve a place in your wedding party? Your party should have only your best wishes at heart and respect every decision you make about YOUR celebration. A wedding is designed to represent the love of the couple and NOT provide a free feed and entertainment for families.

Stay inspired!
WtW

Reader question.

Conveniently Ana's question ties into our next blog post (still in the draft stage.)

Q: My husband to be and me want to use our favourite colours in our wedding but his is ORANGE and mine is pink. How do I work with this?

A: There are a number of things you can do with colours in your decor and theming. For example why not have pink flowers with a soft orange ribbon around the base of a bouquet if you're wanting it in your bridal party or you can use a soft pink table runner (or napkins) with a mix of coral and orange flowers to create a centrepiece that 'pops' and still represents your colour choice. Alternatively you can negate the clashing by introducing a third middle-ground colour like a soft lemon, or a golden champagne. An accent of a navy or deep purple would also work well if you're looking to negate a decor explosion of bright colour. Though for some people a bright overload works with their personalities.

The most important thing to remember with decor and colour choices is to have it representing you as a couple. Don't go with sleek lines of black and white if your wardrobe represents the rainbow and your other half loves Hawaiian shirts - it will have your guests wondering who's wedding they really came to... so if orange and pink is your jive, you will find a way to make it work for you.

Stay inspired!

WtW

Important Decision #2. The Professionals. Part 2.

continued...

4. Venues

Venues can be difficult, that is to say the least. Before approaching venues write a list of questions you need to know from each relating to your costs. Do they provide tables, chairs, lighting? Do they give you a cake stand? Do they have their own bar to serve your alcohol? What about coolers and a kitchen for caterers? Look carefully at the atmosphere you want to create before considering your venues.

If you need to hire your equipment for your venue (such as tables, chairs, etc) add an extra $500.00 per 50 guests.  If you need a marquee with lining for a garden venue, add a minimum of $1,500. Lighting and a dance floor, add another $200.00, how about the electricity connection for the band and the lights? Do you have a cable or generator? Is there a power source to connect to?

Garden weddings while seeming the cheaper option can work out much more expensive than utilising an already existing venue and their kitchens, onsite bathrooms, lighting and power facilities.

Venues vary too much in price to really examine how they fit into your budget, all we can insist is examine closely what you need and quote, quote, quote before committing to anything. Most venues will allow a tentative hold until another inquiry comes along, at that stage they may request a deposit.

Partial wedding planning services are available for anyone needing help with the nitty gritty details of Professionals.

5. Caterers

Caterers are the easiest Professional to fall into a money spending trap with. There are so many costs that add up to your day that aren’t entirely essential – ever considered serving the cake instead of dessert, garnished with cream and berries? How about canapés on arrival in place of your entrée? Do you really need that champagne for toasts, when the men and women are already holding onto beer and wine that they’d rather raise in your honour?

Have an in depth look at your menu and don’t accept things as they’re written. If the venue wants your service they will cater to you and your budget. If they don’t budge in their costs I recommend you consider elsewhere because you want someone who is willing to help you make your day what you want it to be, without breaking your budget.

You can look even further into the dishes too, changing ingredients to change costs. Chicken breast stuffed with camembert is always going to be more expensive than chicken breast stuffed with Philadelphia cheese and chives – but both are still delicious. Talk to the chef, not just the events coordinator and don’t be afraid to step into the nitty gritty details.

Watch for hidden costs such as corkage fee in places where you are allowed to bring your own alcohol. Sometimes caterers can work this to replace the costs they’d be missing from providing the alcohol and you’d be more beneficial by simply letting them.

When receiving quotes ask them to include all equipment they provide, if you’re having a garden wedding this is essential as they will charge extra to bring their own mobile kitchen.

Cutting labour/staff costs for the caterer can lower the price of your reception too. Ask for a buffet style – where plates are served onto tables for guests to serve themselves. This style often suits the more ethnic of weddings where food is a large  part of any celebratory custom.

For caterers expect anywhere between $80.00 -  $120.00 per person for three courses. For canapés, mains and cake as dessert you can cut costs to $50.00-$60.00 per person if you negotiate well enough.

6. Entertainment

What is the feel you want for your wedding? Are you inspired by the classical or do you radiate amongst jazz? Before factoring the costs of your entertainment you need to consider what fits with you and your celebration. Of course a classical set is going to cost you more than a four piece brass band – this is where a planner could come in helpful, sourcing the lowest costs for you.

A band can cost anywhere between $250.00 for a new on the scene duo for four hours, up to $800.00 for a relatively well known duo or four piece for five hours. Some bands depending on members and the equipment they bring can charge in excess of $1,500.00. Before you go gig-hunting, check the bands prices fit into your budget before you fall in love with someone you can’t afford. It’s happened to plenty of brides. First, price and gig guide. Second, attend gigs. Third, book and pay deposit. Stick to this, you’ll find someone you can afford and will keep you and your guests happy.

If you’re going for the classical style consult music teachers at your local schools and they will be able to point you in the direction of local instrumentalists who most times are more than affordable. If you end up sourcing your instrumentalists from companies be prepared for a much higher fee.

Budget aside; the musicians are part of what creates your atmosphere. Don’t forget if you have slow, soft music your guests are less inclined to let loose or be loud. If you’re the loud party type – this isn’t the direction to go. Really consider who you are as people and if you would enjoy the atmosphere you’re having your entertainment create. Also consider, are you the band type? Maybe you’re the eclectic type who loves fire twirlers and native drummers? Your imagination is your limit here and Way to Wed aren’t going to tell you where to stop.

Now that the basic Professionals are out of the way, we’ll be looking at décor and themes next. There’ll be a number of inspiration boards coming your way readers.

Stay inspired!

Way to Wed