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 :
Continue Reading… Do I Have to Wear a Second Wedding Dress?
Let’s be real – planning a wedding comes with a million little decisions. One that’s been popping up more and more lately is this: Should I wear a second wedding dress? If you’re torn between sticking with your ceremony gown or slipping into something new for the reception, you’re not alone – and we’re here to help you decide what works best for you.
The History of Changing into a Second Dress
Wearing a second dress isn’t exactly new. Brides in the past would often change out of their formal wedding gowns into something a little more practical for leaving the reception – something you could dance in, run to your getaway car in, or just breathe in a little easier. It was also seen as a symbol of stepping into your new married life. Romantic, right?
Modern Trends: To Change or Not to Change?
These days, the trend has taken off again – but with a twist. Now it’s all about personal expression. Some brides choose a second dress to wow guests with a totally different look, while others just want something a little comfier (or cooler, hello summer weddings!) for dancing the night away. There’s no rule that says you have to, but if you’re even thinking about it, there’s likely a good reason.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Second Dress
Comfort and Mobility
After hours in a fitted bodice or full train, slipping into something softer or shorter can be a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s for dinner, dancing or just letting loose, comfort counts – especially for longer celebrations.
Complementing the Ceremony Gown
A second dress doesn’t mean abandoning your first look altogether. Some brides opt for detachable skirts or overskirts to transform their ceremony gown into a party-ready number – giving you six looks from one dress. Genius, right?
Reflecting Personal Style
This is your chance to show a different side of your bridal style. Maybe your ceremony dress was classic and elegant – why not have some fun with your second look? Think a sleek coloured wedding dress, a modern mini, or even a full sparkle moment under reception lights.
Popular Styles for Reception Dresses
Need some inspiration? Here are some second dress styles brides are loving:
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Mini dresses with lace-up backs and layered skirts (like our Sienna and Sunny styles).
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Crepe slip dresses that feel like a warm hug after a structured corset gown.
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Dresses with sleeves that can be removed for a reception reveal moment.
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Coloured gowns for a pop of personality – soft blush, baby blue, or champagne.
You can check out a few gorgeous options in our Wedding Dress Collection – all designed right here in Melbourne and available to try on at our Hallam studio.
Final Thoughts: Making the Choice That’s Right for You
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding – and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you want to wear the same dress all day or change into something new for the reception, the most important thing is feeling like yourself.
Pro Tip:
Many of our brides try on their dream ceremony gown and say, “I love it, but I want to dance later!” That’s when we bring out the second-dress magic.
Ready to find your perfect second look?
Visit our Melbourne boutique to explore options, or browse our collection of wedding dresses in Melbourne and second dress styles online. We’re here to make your dream dress (or two) a reality.
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.
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.
Continue Reading… 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 deb 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.
How to Travel With Your Wedding Dress is very often treated as an afterthought and sometimes only remembered a few days before jetting off. As if you needed something else to stress about, right? It’s your big day, and everything needs to be PERFECT. So how do you keep your dress perfectly pressed up to the moment you walk down the aisle? We understand the struggle is so real when maneuvering in a car or on a plane with your precious dress, so we’ve put together a few top tips on How to Travel With Your Wedding Dress.
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.