How To Wear A Veil With Your Hair Down

Found your perfect veil but worried about it slipping out of your chosen hair style? Don't worry there are a few tricks to help keep your veil in place.

Firstly most combs are curved metal with loops to help you secure the veil to your head. The curve should follow the shape of your head when you insert the veil. 

Most veils will stay in up dos pretty well but if you plan on wearing your hair down there are four options that work particularly well:

• Back comb- lift the section of hair where you would like to wear the veil and back comb the section underneath. Drop the top layer back over the backcombed section and smooth the hair over the top. Fix the veil into the hair using two bobby pins through the loops for extra security.
• Pin curls- create two pin curls where you would like to secure the veil- to do this grab a finger section of hair and twist it into a curl, fasten it into place with a bobby pin. Once the pin curls are in place fix the veil into the pin curls.
• Bobby pins- lift the top layer of hair and just below where you want the hair comb to sit secure two bobby pins in an x shape. Drop the top layer of hair and fix the comb of the veil in the x shape. You may need more than two pins if your hair is very thick or super silky! 
• Pony tail- take two sections of hair on either side of where you would like to wear the veil and create a mini ponytail that you secure with a mini elastic band. Insert your veil into the ponytail.
• Mini pony tails (good for short hair)- lift the top layer of hair and in the section below secure tiny ponytails with mini elastic bands. Drop the top layer of hair back down and secure the comb into the hidden ponytails.

It is always a good idea to use bobby pins that match your hair colour and test out your planned method before the big day to make sure it works with your hair and feels comfortable!

Finally for added security and for a pretty finishing touch you can pin a vine over your veil comb as below.

Hope this helps. Let us know if you have any questions at all- we're always happy to hear form our brides!

11 Ways to Keep Kids Entertained

Entertaining children at weddings is up there with one of our most asked about bridal dilemmas. Many couples planning weddings with little guests on the list panic that the kiddies will be bored silly, drive their parents insane, or worse, run riot. The secret to having a stress-free reception for both the parents and the couple when having children at weddings is to be prepared and provide lots of kid-friendly fun. With that in mind, we've come up with a list of 11 Ways to Entertain Children at Weddings, because a happy crew of kids will make life so much easier on your one fab day...

1.  Fair Weather Fun - Outdoor Games

If you are having your reception in a venue which has a garden or decent outside area why not provide old school outdoor games in good weather? Fun lawn games such as hopscotch, lawn bowling, Twister, outdoor Jenga and Connect4 will keep them occupied for hours. Simple kites, skipping ropes and hula hoops are also great options.

2. Rainy Day Drinks Reception Entertainment

If the weather is not on your side, why not set up an area full of boardgames or jigsaws? Retro favourites such as Guess Who, Monopoly, Operation or Hungry Hippos will keep them busy and encourage kids to mingle. This is also a great option for the older kids on the guest list.

3. Arty Crafty Occupation

Kids love to make and do, so a mini area with pots of crayons and craft supplies like stickers, pipe cleaners, playdough to get creative with will go down a treat. Wedding themed crafts like decorating a cake, designing a wedding dress, making cards for the bride and groom or even making DIY masks for a photobooth would create hours of fun for little hands.

4. Kids Table

If there's a number of children of the same age attending (and they're old enough for it), then make it more fun for them by seating them all together and let to have their own fun over dinner.  Set a particular menu for them, and add a few games and entertainments (see below) and consider hiring a baby-sitter or minder to supervise.

5. Freebie Fun - Table Games

Create an I Spy or  Scavenger Hunt list to put on the table for the kids. A typical list could include items like a white dress, a person in a funny hat, a delicious dessert, something blue (you get the idea!) and provide a printable and disposable cameras so they can record and snap their finds! Some of our favourite free printable table games include

6. Hire professional entertainment

If the budget allows you could consider hiring some professional children's entertainers such as magicians, clowns or balloon modellers. 

7. A Movie Room

Keep kids happy by setting up a quiet area set up for a movie. Add comfy pillows and cushions, beanbags or kiddie chairs and pop on a movie. You could even provide mini bags of popcorn! This is also a great idea for wind down time later in the evening before putting the kiddies to bed.

8. Professional Minders 

Hire Babysitters to look after the children during the wedding. They both entertain & supervise the children in a designated area in or near the wedding reception before and after your wedding meal. It will help you and your guests relax and enjoy the wedding reception knowing the kids are staying out of trouble but most of all having fun!

9. Ole Ole! Get a Pinata!

Pinatas are a great idea to involve all ages, young and old. Both kids and adults can have fun hitting and collecting what comes out! 

10.Kids photobooth

Stock your photo booth with tons of dress-up items and photo props. You can even have a separate kids-only photo booth. Include items like funny hats, tutus, feather boas,  and the ever-popular mustache on a stick. 

11. Lots of Treats - Personalised Goody Bags

 Fill up little goody bags for each of your little guests with age-appropriate treats. Pop them at each child's place setting at the reception to keep little people happy. These don't have to cost a bomb, you can find lots of great bits and pieces in the Cheap as Chips shop or stores like Ikea. Heres a sample of what ca be included

• snacks and juice cartons
• mini puzzles and toys
• bubbles
• glow sticks
• crayons or colouring pencils (markers and paints are a big no no!)
• colouring and activity books

D I Y IDEAS FOR YOUR TABLES

We all know a simple DIY wedding would save your money by using some handmade details. What’s more, it’s also great for brides who want their big day extra special with their own thoughts. That’s the reason why so many brides pay attention to wedding decoration, especially wedding table setting décor. So today in this post we will introduce you to DIY wedding centerpieces ideas for your reception. 

#1 Candle Vases Centerpieces

Simple vases with lighting candles, you will love this for the table setting. By the way, add water for a floating look if you are interested.

#2 Painted Bottles

Painted bottles centerpieces will be perfect for your rustic wedding. Gather different shapes of bottles and just paint! Wrap them with twine and decorated with wheat, which makes a great rustic inspired wedding.

#3 Wine Glasses Table Decor

Common wine glasses container wedding centerpieces will make your wedding quite special and earthy with some little things, like stones, sands, succulent or any cut flowers.

#4 Mason Jars Wedding Centerpieces

If you read my other post about mason jars, you would know mason jars are terrific for every wedding décor, let alone centerpieces.

#5 Lanterns Centerpieces

Different shaped lanterns in nude colors make great table centerpieces, especially when the sun sets. Decorated with mason jars and seashells, an outdoor beach wedding table setting will show its real charm.

#6 Sand and Flowers

Finally, my favorite wedding centerpieces idea – sand & flowers. Glass vases, colored sands and single bloomed peony, which décor will be more creative than this? Just buy some sands from local store and add the flower. You will find the beauty!

Ask the Experts

Take the guesswork out of finding the right dress for your big day with these tips.

How does one begin the process? 

Do your research:

 “Immerse yourself in lots of references so you’re prepared for your appointments with a clear vision of what you want. Remember to be open-minded and place trust in your consultant to make some suggestions for your body shape and style.” – Mariana Hardwick. 

 “Bridal magazines, wedding websites and blogs can be a great source for all the elements of your wedding from the stationery to bouquets and obviously your gown.  Look at all of the images you have collected – you should start to see elements of styles that are repeated.” – Karen Willis Holmes.

 Know your limits:

 “Sit down and draw up a budget for the wedding. Only visit designers who are within your budget - don't torture yourself!” – Coral Johnston of Corston Couture.

 Image: Behind the scenes with Bambi Northwood-Blyth for Vogue Brides. 

Which cities are best for bridal shopping? 

“Sydney bridal has a range of high quality independent design brands to choose from.  Melbourne is also a great place for brides but I think the stores tend to suit a more traditional bride.” – Karen Willis Holmes.

 “New York. Every time I’m there I take a whole day downtown and walk the entire length of Broadway all the way from Union Square to Wall Street, there are so many amazing independent designers and interesting boutiques.” – Mariana Hardwick.

Image: Courtesy of Mariana Hardwick. 

Tips for making the shopping experience easy and successful?   

Make a shortlist of stores and designers to visit:

 “Meet with no more than three designers that you gravitate towards and then pick the one you feel most comfortable with, otherwise the whole process can become incredibly overwhelming.” – Pallas Couture.

 Have an open mind:

 “Be open to trying on a gown or style you would not have thought you would wear.” – Johanna Johnson. 

 Take one to three people with you:

 "These people need to know you and your style well and be able to offer helpful advice."– Carol of Corston Couture.  

 Give yourself time:

 "Don’t leave looking for your gown until the last minute; give yourself a good 6-9 months." – Johanna Johnson. 

 Speak up:

 “Always ask relevant questions and anything you think of, no matter how trivial.” – Pallas Couture.

 Image: Courtesy of Pallas Couture. 

Key trends at the moment? 

Lace:

 “Designs incorporating all over lace have an air of modernity to them. There is such a range of laces at the moment from delicate French Chantilly lace through to corded and heavier Guipure lace.” – Karen Willis Holmes. 

 The new neutral:

 “Nude based bodices are becoming hugely popular.” – Coral Johnston of Corston Couture.

 Structured vs soft: 

 “We love structured styles with exposed corsetry and boning, and the contrast between a really structured bodice and softer floaty skirts.” – Mariana Hardwick. 

Image: Behind the scenes with Bambi Northwood-Blyth for  Vogue Brides. 

Any advice for what not to do when shopping?  

Don’t act on impulse: 

“Don't buy a dress on the spot. The first day out is a massive learning day. There is so much to learn about wedding dresses and how your body looks in different styles.”– Carol of Corston Couture. 

 “This is the most emotional purchase you will make, next to buying a house so buy wisely and for life – a wedding gown is an heirloom piece that tells a story.” – Johanna Johnson. 

 Take the right people with you:

 “Choose the people whose opinions you trust above all - you will get honest answers and you won’t be inundated with several conflicting opinions.” – Karen Willis Holmes. 

 Stress less:

 "Avoid worrying about whether you have made the right decision. Keep a strong vision of how all aspects of your wedding will fit together and be confident in your choices. Second-guessing causes lots of unnecessary stress!"– Mariana Hardwick.  

  Image: Courtesy of Karen Willis Holmes. 

Finally, what should the bride look for in a dress?

 “The perfect dress is all about impeccable craftsmanship and exquisite materials; it requires an actual couture process where everything is created bespoke. This ensures the perfect fit, moulding the dress to the body like a glove.” – Pallas Couture. 

“Opt for an elegant approach that is an extension of your personality and day-to-day style. Less is always more. Also, look for a gown that will stand the test of time, is of exceptional quality and finishing, and works with the kind of location you have in mind.” – Johanna Johnson.