6 Mantras to Repeat as You Plan Your Wedding day
Remember, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions on your wedding day. Allow yourself to experience them. But try to focus on the positive aspects and enjoy the celebration. These 6 Mantras to Repeat as You Plan Your Wedding May be of help.- The marriage matters more than the wedding. No matter what happens on my wedding day, I have a lifetime of wedded bliss to look forward to.
- I do not have to be perfect to be good and worthy of love. A perfect wedding will not solve all the problems in my life.
- I am good and strong, and the stress of today will quickly give way to the triumphs of tomorrow.
- I love myself, my family, and my partner. Love is the most important thing (Note that this sort of mantra, known as loving-kindness meditation, can also work wonders for reducing anger. And as all brides know, anger is sometimes part of the wedding planning package).
- There is no such thing as a perfect wedding. I can enjoy even an imperfect wedding day.
- There is no such thing as a perfect bride. I am perfect and good enough just as I am.
Questions to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator a helpful guide.
A wedding coordinator, sometimes known as a wedding planner, can take the hassle out of your big day, freeing you up to focus on being in love. But, not all wedding coordinators perform the same functions, and a wedding planner might be a great idea if you work full time, have kids, or are planning a destination wedding or an extravagant ceremony.Before you hire a planner for your special day, Here are some important Questions to Ask Your Wedding Coordinator :- How much do you charge, and what is the charge for additional functions?
- What specific services do you perform?
- Will you be there on the day of my wedding?
- Have you worked with my venue before?
- What do you do to make planning easier?
- What happens if you get sick, are in an accident, or otherwise cannot make it to my wedding?
- Do you offer a preset number of appointments, phone calls, or emails?
- What will you need from me to plan my wedding?
- Do you maintain a preferred list of vendors? Can I work with vendors outside of that list? Can you help me communicate with my family and friends? This can be especially helpful if you have controlling parents or inconsiderate friends.
- Have one contact person so messages and appointments are kept in the hands of the right person.
- Wedding Planners have a lot of contacts in the industry and will be able to negotiate discounts that will cover their costs.
- What happens if I want to cancel your services? How much money will I forfeit?
What are the things a coordinator organizes?
- Vendor Selection and Management: Coordinators can help you find and contract with various vendors like caterers, florists, photographers, etc. They can also oversee contracts and communicate with vendors leading up to the wedding day.
- Timeline and Schedule Creation: They’ll create a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including when vendors should arrive when specific events (ceremony, speeches, dances, etc.) will take place, and more.
- Venue Coordination: Coordinators will work closely with the venue staff to ensure everything is set up according to your preferences.
- Rehearsal Coordination: They’ll oversee the wedding rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
- Problem-Solving: If any issues arise on the wedding day (which is not uncommon), the coordinator will handle them, allowing you to enjoy your day without being burdened by problems.
- Guest Assistance: They can assist with guest seating, direct guests to various locations, and handle special accommodations.
How much does a wedding coordinator charge?
Well, this depends on the event size and the duties they will be expected to perform.- Day-of Coordination: This typically covers coordination on the actual wedding day. Prices can range from $800 to $2,500 or more.
- Partial Planning: This involves assistance with specific aspects of the wedding planning process. Prices can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
- Full-Service Planning: This includes comprehensive assistance with all aspects of wedding planning. Prices can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more.
Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator:
- Expertise and Experience: Function coordinators are professionals with experience planning and executing large events. They know the ins and outs of the industry, have connections with vendors, and can offer valuable advice.
- Time-Saving: If you are time-poor, organizing an event on this scale can be incredibly time-consuming and stressful. A coordinator can handle the logistics, giving you more time to enjoy the process and focus on other aspects of your life.
- Stress Reduction: The checking you haven’t forgotten anything can be overwhelming, especially as the date approaches. A coordinator can alleviate stress by managing the details and troubleshooting any issues that arise.
- Keeping you on budget: A skilled coordinator can help you stay on budget by recommending cost-effective options and negotiating with vendors.
- Creative Input: They can help bring your vision to life, suggesting ideas and themes that align with your preferences. Sometimes, things you wouldn’t have thought of in a million years. So one of the questions to ask your wedding coordinator would be what do you suggest?
Changing gowns for the reception.
Do I wear a second wedding dress? The tradition of brides changing into a going away outfit or second simpler style for the reception after the ceremony has been around for centuries. However, in recent times, there has been a shift in the practice. Today, many brides opt to remain in their gown for the entire wedding celebration, while others change into a different outfit for the reception.
The tradition of changing into a going-away oufit dates back to the Victorian era. During that time, it was customary for the bride to wear a frock that was very elaborate and expensive. Often made of delicate fabrics like silk and lace, With large ballgown skirts and a long train that was hard to maneuver.
It was impractical to wear after the ceremony. The bride would change into a simpler second gown that she could wear for traveling to her new home with her husband.
You may have noticed at many royal weddings; they change into a more practical bridal design for the reception. Or wear a gown with a separate detachable skirt or train. That is removed for the reception giving a different look that is easy to move in.
Over time, the tradition of changing into a second outfit for going away became less common. Brides started to wear simpler and more practical designs that they could wear for the entire celebration.
Going away brides dress.
Today, the tradition of changing into a going away dress has largely been replaced by the practice of changing into a second gown for the reception.
The second style is typically less formal and more comfortable than the bridal gown. It allows the bride to dance and socialize with her guests without worrying about damaging her ball gown.
The reception dress can be any style or color, depending on the bride’s preferences.
When choosing an exit dress, brides should consider a few key factors. First, the bride’s outfit should be comfortable and easy to move in. Remember you will be dancing and socializing, so choose a design that allows you to move freely.
Second, the design should complement the the first ceremony dress. The bride should choose a style that has aspects that reflect the first design so that the two dresses look good together in photos. Plus, the bride should still be easily distinguishable from the guests.
Third, choose a style that reflects your personal style. The second frock allows you to express your individuality and have fun with fashion.
In terms of style, there are many options for brides when it comes to exit dresses. Some brides opt for a short and flirty cocktail design, while others choose a long and flowy gown. The dress can be any color or pattern as long as it complements the first bridal dress. If the wedding dress is very formal, the exit dress can be a more relaxed style.
Your day your choice.
All in All, the answer to do I wear a second wedding dress is your choice. While the tradition of changing into a going away dress after the wedding ceremony has been around for centuries, today’s brides have more options when it comes to exit dresses. There is no rule to follow anymore. It is completely up to the bride. You can choose whether you remain in your dream dress for the entire celebration or change into a different gown for the reception. The most important thing is that the dress reflects the bride’s personal style and allows her to have fun and enjoy her special day.
Easy Options for Your ‘Something Blue’
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect piece to complete this old wedding adage, we can help.Continue Reading…5 Ways to find Calm before Your Wedding Day
As you prepare to walk down the aisle and into the rest of your life, you may find your mind occupied with thoughts of the dress, the hair, and the décor. But this is the most important day of your life so far, and it’s natural to feel a little edgy.Whether you’re struggling with pre-wedding jitters, or just want a chance to relax before your big day, these five steps can be crucial for your well-being.Continue Reading…5 things to ask yourself before you buy a wedding dress.
You’ve dreamed of that glistening white gown since before you had any romantic aspirations at all, so it’s no wonder that buying a wedding dress can prove challenging here are the 5 questions to ask yourself before you buy a wedding dress.Pressure from mom, squeals of delight from friends, and body image issues can all conspire to leave you unsure what looks good. Worse still, peer pressure can leave you questioning yourself. This wedding is about you and your partner, not what your loved ones want or looking like a fashion model.This means that ultimately, it’s your decision what to wear and what to buy. If stress, pressure from family and friends, or financial concerns have you overwhelmed by the buying process, it’s time to stop the drama by asking yourself these 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Wedding Dress.Continue Reading…7 Must have wedding dress accessories .
There are a variety of wedding dress accessories that can help complete a bride’s look on her big day. Here are 7 must have wedding dress accessories that every bride should consider:- The veil.
- Shoes
- Jewellery
- Wedding garter
- Hair accessories
- Clutch
- Wedding dress jacket or wrap.
5 Things Never to Do On Your Wedding Day
You’ve made it this far. You bought the wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses, got the ring, and wrote your vows. Now it’s time to enjoy the most romantic day of your life. If you want to have a truly relaxing day, though, steer clear of these 5 Things Never to Do On Your Wedding Day. They are definite day destroyers.Pick a Fight.
Continue Reading…
Budgets, and what to expect when shopping for your wedding dress.
If your like me, you want the dress you are dreaming of and of course, value for your mula. I expect you are savvy when shopping. You girls are smart and have done your planning and research but what’s wrong with being even more prepared with my wedding budget guide below.When you first started planning your wedding, did you do a budget plan? I really hope you have, I will assume so, these are the average break down in percentages of what to spend on what .Wedding budget example
Continue Reading…10 Things You Need To Ask Before going Wedding Dress Shopping
You have visualised it in your head, devoured the bridal magazines and collected screenshots of your dream dress from Pinterest. Now it is time to hit the stores! Finding the dress for your wedding day can be an overwhelming task. So to make sure you do not miss anything we are here to arm you with our list of questions and tips.
1. Do I need to make an appointment?
Every bridal shop works differently and that’s why a quick call to ask for an appointment can save you a lot of time later. At Leah S Designs, yes you will need to make an appointment especially on the weekends. Either book on our home page, by email or by giving us a call. You can set all your appointments on the same weekend, so it will be easier to have your pick with all the designs fresh in your mind.
2. Who do I bring with me?
Check with the bridal salon about how many people they allow and get there with your bride tribe. Make sure your friends understand you, what you are looking for, and are supportive of your choice. It’s easy for your day to go pear shape when you invite to many people with you all wanting you to try on what they like and needing more attention from you, when the day is about you!
3. Do you have something that will match my style?
When you visit us to try on wedding dresses in Melbourne we get you to fill out an information form so we can help you better. Choosing from the styles you like and your price point. Sometimes, a consultant can retrieve a gem of a piece that might be perfect for you. After all, they are the ones who know the best about the gowns in their shop. You can ask them for some recommendations as it will only make your job easier.
4. Does the store offer customizations? (And its ok to ask how much.)
You will always need some kind of alteration for your dress and not every bridal house has an option of on-site alterations. By the way, yes we offer alterations. If you want a touch of exclusivity and tweak some details of the wedding gown, it is important to ask your stylist this question. Take it a bit further and once you find your dream dress, ask how much it will cost be to shortened, and if any other alterations are needed.
5. Does the store charge extra for alterations?
Alteration charges are one of the costs of bridal stores you may not think about, so it is important to ask about it and get that out of the way in advance.
6. How long does it take to order a wedding dress?
Some bridal stores can take months to prepare your dress and this is why many women start the hunt 8 to 9 months ahead of the wedding. We offer a 12 week delivery and then allow 5 weeks before the wedding date for fittings and alterations.
7. How much is the deposit and what is the cancellation policy?
A wedding dress is a big purchase so the deposit is 30% with a 12 to 16 week laybuy. We also go over the terms to be agreed by both of us with a contract. So be mindful of contingencies like postponement or cancellations and ask about the policies and deposit.
8. Do not be afraid to say what your budget is, and ask to stay within it.
You must have set a number for the gown, so let the stylist know about it. This will also help in narrowing down your options later. Then its up to you if you want to explore more expensive options.
9. Remember to ask if you can take pictures
Not every store is ok with photos, we are actually one of those store and prefer it if you don’t take photos until you have purchased a dress. If you would like to know all the reasons why we do this read here.
Trying different dresses can create confusion and we understand that you may want to take photo’s
We hope these 10 Things You Need To Ask Before going Wedding Dress Shopping can make things a little easier for you. Now get, set, shopping!
Budget Wedding: Keep It Simple and Save Money!
Let’s face it, planning a wedding and saving money usually don’t go hand in hand. From booking the venue to sourcing party favors for your guests, money plays a vital role in the success of your big day. Beware that seemingly small budget wedding can spiral out of control. If you need some tips on how to plan a budget wedding, read on.According to Easy Weddings Australian Wedding Survey 2016, Aussies spent on average $30,985 on their wedding days. If you don’t have a cool $30k lying around, don’t worry just yet! There are plenty of ways to reduce that final figure. Here is some helpful tips I’ve learnt from some of our own brides to apply to save money on your big day.How to organize a budget wedding.
- Reduce the size of your bridal party So it’s your dream to have your three besties, sister, cousin and nail technician standing with you at the altar. If you’ve done your research you’ll know having a large bridal party means more money spent on hair, makeup, bridesmaids dresses, shoes, gifts and accessories. For those who can’t possibly see themselves with a smaller bridal party. Maybe suggest the idea of splitting the costs with your bridesmaids. I’m sure most of them will be willing to pitch in, even if it’s just for the dress and shoes.
How to save money on catering
- Swap single serve dishes for share plates The traditional entree, main, dessert menu can certainly set you back a pretty penny, especially for those planning on having a rather sizeable guest list. Consider serving tapas style dishes that each table can share. This usually makes things easier for the catering company and might also encourage your guests to interact with one another.
How to maintain your zen on your wedding day.
Planning your wedding day can be one of the most stressful events of your life, so is only natural that on the big day you might be feeling a little (or a lot) of pressure. You are often so focused on making the day perfect, that you forget what your wedding is really all about. There seems to be a lot of strategies out there for dealing with pre wedding stress, but what should you be doing on the actual day?Leah’s top wedding day tips to keep you Zen will make sure you enjoy your day, and don’t overload with stress! Continue Reading…Four Reasons Not to Get Married Outside
We love outdoor weddings, but they’re not for everyone. An outdoor wedding can evoke otherworldly feelings, creating a romantic, picturesque scene. But it can also be a bug and rain-fueled disaster that leaves you overwhelmed and disappointed. Here are four signs you shouldn’t have an outdoor wedding.
You’re Getting Married in Melbourne
No matter how hard you try, you can’t control the spring storms and the autumn’s rapid temperature shifts. Suppose you’re getting married any time in the four seasons in a day in Melbourne when the weather is ever-shifting and unpredictable. In that case, an outdoor wedding could make you vulnerable to the whims of an emotional Mother Nature.
You’re Sensitive to Temperature
If you’re extra sensitive to temperature—always complaining of being too hot or too cold, prone to sweating, or annoyed by sudden temperature shifts—an outdoor wedding could be a recipe for misery on the big day. Do yourself the favor of a comfortable, climate-controlled room instead.
You Want a Glamorous Wedding
You can’t control the great outdoors, and even in the best of circumstances, an outdoor romp in a fancy dress can wreck the dress. Outdoor weddings can be rustically beautiful, romantic, and evocative of fairy tales. But if you want a glamorous shindig complete with a fancy ball gown, jewels everywhere, and glammed-out decorations, an outdoor wedding might be for you.
You Can’t Afford a Backup Plan
No matter how much you look forward to your outdoor wedding or how picturesque the setting will be, you need a backup plan. Sudden monsoons, swarms of bugs, and other ugly natural events can destroy your big day. Without a backup plan, you’ll be left saying your vows in the mud and rain. If you cannot afford to set up an indoor alternative or don’t have the energy or inclination to plan for the worst, move your ceremony indoors, where you can better control the setting.
Five Tips for Choosing Bridal Lingerie
When you envision your walk down the aisle, you’re probably more focused on the dress than what’s underneath it. A wedding is a romantic undertaking, and your new spouse is going to be just as eager to see what’s under your dress. The Lingerie you wear on your wedding day should be something special. Here are five tips for choosing wedding day Lingerie and foundation garments to bear in mind when making your selections.
Prioritize comfort, No 1 tip for bridal lingerie
You’re going to be wearing your wedding day outfit for a long and exhausting day, so don’t buy a bra that pinches. Bras should be comfortable and suitable for your wedding gown. For example, if you have chosen a backless dress, you may not be able to wear a bra.
Consider where straps need to be. Will you need invisible straps that you cant see under sheer lace wedding dress straps. Check that the bra you buy has straps that can be made detachable.
Also, leave the tags on until you have checked that any foundation garments cant be seen under your gown.
Underwear too small and leaves you unable to breathe is a recipe for disaster. Also the main cause of unwanted back fat.
If you are wearing stockings, make sure they are the right size and are not constantly falling down. If you want to keep it simple or have a summer wedding, consider not wearing stockings on a hot day under a bridal gown. A leg wax and spray tan and presto, you have just the same effect but much cooler. Remember: comfortable Lingerie doesn’t have to be ugly; it just has to fit!
Pick the Right Hue foundation garment colour is essential.
Many brides make the mistake of pairing a white bra with a white gown. If your gown is thick, this works well. But if you’re worried about your bra showing through, you need to go with a nude or skin tone, not white. The same applies to any shapewear.
Try your Bridal Lingerie with your gown.
It might seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, it’s easy to forget why you’re purchasing all this Lingerie! Give your entire outfit a prenuptial test run by trying your Lingerie with your wedding gown at your dress fitting. Don’t forget to walk around, bend, jump, and dance since some lingerie issues only reveal themselves when you’re active.
Check your bra straps line up with your wedding dress straps. Plus, the back of your gown covers your bra strap at the back. If you are concerned that it may ride up at the back or your bra straps may move, your dressmaker has the solution.
Ask if they can put clips that hold your straps together on the shoulders and hooks at the back to stop riding up.
Brides tip: Wash and wear your bridal Lingerie before the big day to ensure no chaffing or pinching.
Don’t Forget Your bridal garter.
The days of garters used to hold up stockings are a thing of the past, but the wedding day garter is still a must-have tradition. Pick a garter you love, and make sure it will be easy for your honey to take it off during the reception. It’s also a super-easy way to ensure you’re wearing your “something blue.” if you have chosen a keepsake garter, then have your groom keep a throw garter in his pocket. The throw garter is usually a cheaper and simpler version. That way, you can keep the special one as a keepsake.
Consider a shapewear wardrobe change.
Stuck wearing a plain flesh colour strapless bra or shapewear? No law says what you’re wearing under your gown is what your spouse has to see the night of the wedding! If your Lingerie is practical but ugly, consider making a last-minute wardrobe change just before leaving your reception. Your love will never know you were wearing something less-than-gorgeous all day.
I hope these 5 tips for bridal Lingerie have been helpful.
Why do I need emergency Wedding Day items
Be prepared with your emergency bridal kit. Most brides have at least one terrifying dream before they get married. Whether it’s showing up to the chapel in the wrong wedding dress, fainting at the altar, suffering the worst hair day on record, or getting in a fight with mum, we all have our own unique fears and insecurities. No wedding is perfect, and something is bound to go wrong. Reasonable expectations can help you manage this with style and grace. Rather than being reduced to a sobbing puddle of tulle.
How to have money left over from your wedding budget
When the love of your life finally gets down on his knee, all you can think of is the picturesque venue, the moment you walk down the aisle, and your gorgeous dress. But then, reality sort of brings you back to earth. Will it cost you an arm and a leg to get that beautiful gown of your dreams? Not if the frugal bride thinks outside the box. These are our top tips on scoring the wedding dress of your dreams.
As one of the premier bridal shops in Melbourne, Leah S Designs takes style to the next level without breaking your budget with our classy collection of dream wedding gowns. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you’re a cheapskate. You can still look stunning without spending too much. Here are a few helpful tips to help you pick out the right dress at the right price.
Write down How Much You’re Willing to Spend on the wedding dress of your dreams.
Getting married is exciting. Budgeting is not. However, it’s a necessity and the sooner you’re done with it, the closer you get to the fun part.
When it comes to figuring out how much you’re going to pay for your dress, coming up with an amount is never easy. You would have to take into consideration the cost of the venue, caterers and accessories like your bouquet and jewellery. Everything should be listed to avoid overspending.
You can also make a compromise if you think wearing a more expensive dress will seal the deal (e.g., opting for DIY invitations or planning everything by yourself instead of hiring a wedding planner). Yes, you can save money without sacrificing style. You just have to know how much you’re willing to spend and also, where to look.
Check Online Stores
Fact is, shopping for your bridal gown will take up a lot of your time. Hopping from one bridal shop to another is not only time consuming, it’s also an expensive venture. Think of gas prices and eating out. One or two meals might be minimal. Money spent on a litre of gas may not be much, but gown shopping does not happen in one or two days. For brides who want to look their best, one week is not enough!
Fortunately for you, we’re now living in a technologically-driven world and you get to browse for different frocks even in your pyjamas. At our online shop, we make sure to keep you updated with the latest designs, from timeless garments to more daring, trendy dresses.
Be Wary of Websites Offering Unrealistic Promises
We all know how tricky it is to shop online. It’s a MUST to do your research first before whipping out your credit card and typing your well-guarded information. A number of not-so-safe websites are preying on unsuspecting brides who are looking for a great deal. Remember the golden rule in online shopping, “If it’s too good to be true, DON’T BUY!”
Because building our reputation is important, we make sure that:
- We don’t overpromise on delivery schedules.
- We have a physical shop. Come visit us and check our fabulous showroom!
- Every bride we assist appreciates our unrivaled customer support. Talk to us about your wedding dress dreams, alterations that will make it more flawless or ask our talented designers to pick a design that will flatter your figure.
Don’t Fret Over Little Things
It’s a given that every bride’s instinct to be more detail-oriented turns up several notches as the special day draws near. The tendency to make sure everything’s fine and dandy is understandable. But it can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re overthinking. For example, you might have chosen a dream design that’s a tad too long for your frame and you’re agonising over a simple problem. Our shop offers alteration services. We literally take care of the little things you don’t need to worry about!
In conclusion, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to save a few dollars on your gown. Here at Leah S Designs, we give you a variety of options in style and prices. We also offer an impressive selection of debutante dresses for Melbourne women who are looking for fabulous ball gowns, minus the hefty price.
For other budget setting ideas check out our other blog posts on how to keep it simple and save money and how to set a budget for your wedding
Easy Ways to Incorporate Friends Into Your Wedding.
You’ve had the wedding of your dreams in your head since you were a little girl. There’s just one small problem: all those demands from various family members to be included! We have put together some tips and easy ways to incorporate friends into your wedding.
If your parents insist that all of your cousins and step-siblings be included unless you want a huge bridal party here are great idea’s to keep your nearest and dearest feeling special, it’s easy for you to feel like there’s no room for the people you actually want in your bridal party. What’s a bride to do?
Time to get crafty. Here are easy ways to include family members in your wedding without making them part of the bridal party.
Most important things to note
The fabric of the dress is important to note. Ideally, you should hold up to the latest possible moment before you slip on your dress to avoid wrinkling, especially for materials like pure silk. Poly mixes, chiffon, jersey, tulle and lace hold up the best.Clearly label your carry on with your name, email, phone number and address for both your home and destination.Packing into a garment bag
- Keep your gown on the hanger and pull the hook through the garment bag’s top opening.
- Keep the train and skirt outside of the bag.
- Hang the gown facing you with the top half inside the bag.
- Take the dress’ bottom left and right sides and fold them into the center in a trifold. Note: sheath dresses may not need this step.
- Keep the two sides of the skirt folded and roll the train from the bottom until it is short enough to place in the bottom of the bag. Lace and other textured fabrics are less likely to show wrinkles. If you’re careful about how you fold and roll the train, there will be a lot less wrinkling and touch-up pressing needed upon arrival.
- Zip close the garment bag. Guide the zipper up to the top as you zip, with your middle finger behind the zipper. This protects any delicate beading, tulle or lace on your wedding gown from catching and ripping in the zipper.
- Lay the garment bag on a flat surface, and carefully roll it into a loose trifold.