Avoiding wedding stress during a global pandemic

Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, without the added uncertainty and confusion that Covid-19 has now brought into our lives. You may have had to postpose, reschedule or even cancel the date you planned to wed. With this imposed change it’s understandable if you’ve found yourself going through a mix of emotions like sadness, loss, anxiety and perhaps even a pinch of guilt, telling yourself, “others have it worse”. And while that might be true, what you’re going through is valid and it’s ok to be angry, cry or feel anything in between.

Here are a few tips to help you keep calm and avoid getting caught in extra stress while navigating the wedding realm through Covid-19.

Surrender and slow down

Often the stress associated with planning a wedding is brought on by the constraints of having to organise everything by the set date. Take this deadline away and you may find the pressure eases. Having an abundance of time – and for those facing lockdown, time at home – gives you the opportunity to slow down and spend however long you need on researching, considering and evaluating what exactly you and your partner want to create for your wedding day.

Keep connected as a couple

With the wedding date halted, this downtime is also a great opportunity to focus on your relationship, which can so often become an afterthought. Plan time together where your focus is outside of the wedding and instead focus on your dreams for married life together. If you need a helping hand, signing up for a Pre Marriage Counselling program can help you plan for your marriage and set you up with the necessary skills to talk honestly and openly together about any topic, in a way that brings you both closer.

Take time to relax

Whether it’s doing some yoga, getting a massage, meditating, taking a bath, reading a book, burning some essential oils or going for walk in nature, taking the time to intentionally calm your mind and nervous system is key to taking care of yourself and alleviating stress. By keeping well rested and relaxed, using whatever techniques work best for you, you’ll be better placed to manage the wedding planning process, combined with the chaos of Covid-19.

Have a backup plan

With various restrictions coming and going, and then coming back again, trying to keep certain plans in place will be challenging. If you can plan for the unknown by developing a Plan B or even C, you’re going to be better placed to manage the unpredictability that comes with having a wedding during Covid-19. Protect you and your partner’s feelings of being disappointed by considering an alternative to your original plans, keeping in mind the things that are most important to you both.

Share the Load

Stop telling yourself that you should be able to manage the stress of wedding planning and Covid-19 confusion on your own. When life gets tough, the best thing we can do is reach out and share the load with another. You and your partner are in this together – now and for the long haul. You need each other in those moments of stress, to help each other cope and co-regulate. When you can find a way to talk and share these with one another, you create a sacred space for you both to feel heard and supported. Connection, especially with a loved one, is the best antidote to anxiety.

10 SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

MAKE YOUR OWN COCKTAILS

You’ve already put so much thought into the details of your wedding — from your dress to your flowers to your vows— so don’t let the bar become an afterthought. Keep the beer and wine flowing, but when it comes to making a real “just married” statement, it’s all about the signature cocktail. With clever names and seasonal flavors, these cocktail recipes might just be the personal touch you and your groom have been looking for.

1.Watermelon Refresher: If you’re hosting summer nuptials, think about using seasonal fruit like watermelon in your cocktails. This recipe calls for a strawberry-watermelon combo, healthy splash of vodka and hints of basil, ginger and lime. 

2. Drink Tags: “If you liked it, then you shoulda put a tag on it,” said all smart DIY brides everywhere. Once you’ve made your signature drink, bottle it up and add festive “Just Married” tags that describe the drink of choice. 

3. Champagne & Fruit: Sometimes a signature drink is more about the garnishes than the booze, like in the case of this champagne cocktail with slices of soaked pears in glass and skewered blueberries on top. 

4. Magarita Madness: Throw the fiesta of all fiestas by making you and your grooms’ signature drink the ultimate in tequila-infused sippers — a margarita. We can’t think of one guest who could complain about that! 

5. Blueberry Mojito: If you’re not into blue shoes and jewelry for your “something blue” make it about your drink instead. This twist on a classic mojito is fruity from fresh blueberries and just as refreshing as the minty classic. 

6. His and Hers Drinks: Just because you got hitched doesn’t mean you suddenly adopted his passion for a good Scotch on the rocks. Make the bar just as much about you and your main man as the rest of the wedding with two go-to drinks, his and hers style! 

7. Personalised  Glasses: Whatever you decide your signature drink is, like this berry-infused lemonade, serve it in a glass guests can take home. To make yours, have your calligrapher write names on each glass. 

8. St. Germain: Give this St. Germain cocktail, made with lime, white cranberry juice and vodka, the name it deserves — The White Wedding. 

9. Lavender Infusion: Getting married in the spring? Infuse your champagne with floral lavender by adding a sprig of the purple stuff to each flute. If those lavender sprigs match your bridesmaids’ dresses, bonus points. 

10. Champagne Mojitos: This is one of those two-in-one cocktails you’ve been dreaming about. The maid of honor and best man can now make their toasts to raised glasses of sparkling mojitos instead of boring ol’ champagne. And those cute umbrella-topped straws are just the best. 

The biggest wedding trends to hit twenty eighteen

Calling all #bridestobe! If you’re in the early stages of planning your wedding or in the midst of it all, we are super excited to share with you some info! Forget about recreating a Romantic Vineyard 2.0 look – we’ve got the word on the latest wedding trends to hit twenty eighteen. And trust us, you’re going to love them all! Here’s our forecast for the top wedding trends of Australia in 2018. 

SUSPENDED FLORALS

 Stylish floral hanging displays were introduced towards the end of 2015 in one of our bridal photo shoots  and the trend has only just picked up (yep, we’re always three steps ahead!)

Expect to see more hanging flowers and greenery in 2018. Not only does it create a dynamic to the space by experimenting with shifting heights and viewpoints, but it also provides more opportunity on your tables to introduce additional elements like candles, or big sharing platters

TRANSPARENT ELEMENTS

We love love LOVE see-through elements and décor – it’s so on-point for the modern and minimalist couple who love to play with clean lines and futuristic flairs.

Think Perspex hanging seating plans, tablescapes, chairs, and even invites + menus. We think these clear ghost chairs from Melbourne’s Wedding Planner will set the scene perfectly, and look INCREDIBLE in an intimate venue as it gives the illusion there’s extra room – less really is more!

INTERACTIVE GRAZE CRAZE

In 2018, we’ll be seeing more and more weddings abandon the large guestlist + formal sit-down dinner. Instead, grazing tables are predicted to take over as the go-to meal option for couples looking for elaborate spreads and indulgent feasts. Not only are they an incredibly easy way to cater to a variety of tastes for your special event, but they’re also super social.

CASCADING BALLOON INSTALLATIONS

One of the biggest wedding trends we’re anticipating for 2018 is saturating your event with an enormous can’t-miss-it balloon display. Why let kids have all the fun? We want in on this playful decoration that can be perfectly customised to your event space: we promise that it will add an instant wow factor. Who knew a ball of hot air could become so on-trend!? 

About Cutting the Cake at Your Reception

Including this sweet tradition at your wedding? Here's all the cake-cutting know-how you need.

The wedding cake has long been a symbolic detail—the tradition of breaking the cake over the bride's head dates back to the Ancient Romans. Customs evolve with the times, of course, and today the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake has remained a popular and meaningful wedding reception activity (A Real Weddings Study reveals 889 percent of couples include the cake cutting during their reception). It provides both a fabulous photo opportunity and symbolizes the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. Find out all you need to know about this wedding tradition below.

Cake Décor and Extras

Since the wedding cake is the main focus, many couples decorate their dessert with a festive and personal cake topper. Use a traditional miniature or look for something modern and unique to suit your style. Some couples throw it way back and include vintage Victorian cake charms or a Southern ribbon pulling ceremony for good luck. 

Making the Cut

Even if you think you're a pro at cutting sweets—at birthday parties or entertaining—check with your cake baker or caterer for special instructions to make the first cut. You wouldn't want to place the knife in the wrong spot and cause the delicate tower to topple over. Your baker will often recommend you cut from the bottom tier. This might sound obvious, but remember to use the knife, not the server, for the quickest and cleanest cut. (The slice can be modest since you really only need two bites' worth.) Slide the slice onto the server, then place it on a plate. Use the knife to cut the slice into two small pieces. You can each take your pieces from the same plate for the ceremonial feeding.

Smashing Is Optional

Once the initial piece is cut, the newlyweds usually feed each other the first slice, symbolizing their commitment to provide for one another. In some cases, this moment is replaced by a different tradition: smashing cake into each other's faces. How you feed each other the cake is up to you, but remember—you don't need to smear frosting on your new spouse simply because you think your guests expect it. You just had your hair and makeup done and you're probably both in pricey outfits—don't risk any staining if you don't want to. Either way, ask your baker or caterer to have napkins (or even a warm, damp cloth) nearby to wipe up any rogue crumbs and frosting quickly.

Get the Best Shots

The cake cutting is often one of wedding photographers' favorite images to capture. Before the celebration, be clear and specific with them about your shot list. Do you want the traditional posed shot of the two of you cutting the cake together, or do you prefer a more candid, documentary-style one? Is a close-up of your hands on the knife important, or are you only interested in the big picture? Nailing down these must-have photos will steer your pro in the right direction so you can be totally in the moment instead of worrying about whether or not they're capturing the right shots.

Feeding the Crowd

Once you've cut the cake, the catering staff will take over and often bring it back into the kitchen to slice for the rest of your guests. Couples used to freeze the top tier of their wedding cake for the baby christening that was expected to follow soon after. Today, many still opt to save a tier or even a few slices to enjoy on their first anniversary, Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve together. In the past, couples actually sent their guests home with cake, or sent pieces to those unable to attend. While this tradition isn't as common anymore—replaced by separate favors—it's still a nice gesture (and a great way to avoid wasting cake) to offer boxed slices for guests at the end of the evening as a sweet takeaway.

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.