Wedding Themes

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Kate Telfer

by Leah Pobjoy

If you’re stuck for inspiration why not try a wedding theme? They’re fun, unique and best of all you can find one to suit your individuality. Wedding themes are great because they have the ability to reflect your personality more so than a traditional wedding, plus they can be a little more fun! I’ve listed below some wedding theme ideas and how to pull them off.

Winter Wonderland Wedding Theme

It’s coming up that time of year so why not take full advantage of the chill and make your wedding theme a Winter Wonderland! I’m picturing this:

Source: http://s2.hubimg.comu4458365_f520.jpg

There are many ways you could pull off a Winter Wonderland wedding theme but I’m going to tell you how I’d do it!

Décor

Piles of fake snow would line the walls, at both the ceremony and reception. There would be white trees at the reception, dripping in fairy lights and icicles. Everything would be white, the carpet, the flowers, the arch, the chairs and the tables. Tastefully carved ice sculptures and crystal chandeliers would make the reception a true wonderland. Fairy lights are a must, making the room twinkle and shine. And don’t forget glitter, it is after all a winter wonderland.

Guests

The guests would be asked to dress in black, white and grey to comply with the wedding theme.

Bride

The bride could have frosted glitter in her hair, embroidered snowflakes on her dress, white glittery eye makeup; you’re only limited by your imagination. It all depends on how into the wedding theme you get!

Autumnal Wedding Theme

We’re in it; it’s around us, so if you’re looking for some last minute wedding inspiration, why not try an Autumn Wedding Theme? It’d be a burst of colour and fun for you and all your guests.

Picture it: light greens, pale yellows, burnt oranges, deep reds and rich browns. Autumn is a beautiful time to have a wedding, so if you and your loved one are into it go for it!

Source: http://farm5.static.flickr.com41264994471937_43dff98df4.jpg

Décor

It would best be done as an outside wedding, preferably in a grassy park surrounded by leafy trees (that way you get natures decorations). Fingers crossed you pick a day where the rain leaves you alone (maybe hire a marquee as a ‘just in case’). Invest in furniture that is brown, burgundy and red to tie in with the autumn wedding theme. For an arch I would choose a piece that resembled (or actually was) entwining branches. You could then cover it in seasonal leaves. The pathway leading down to the arch should be carpeted in leaves, crunchy underfoot (we don’t want any of those sodden leaves staining your dress!).

Bridal Party

The bridesmaids should be dressed to the wedding theme. If you had three ladies one could wear red, another orange and the last one yellow (which are the colours your bouquet should be). The groomsmen could match their ties, cummerbunds etc to the colours of the bridesmaids!

Just writing about this makes me want to have an autumn wedding theme!

Royal Wedding Theme

Couldn’t afford to go to the Royal Wedding but was dying to? Always pictured yourself as the perfect princess? Well this would be the ideal wedding theme for you. So chuck on your tiara, grab your Prince Charming and make your way down the aisle in elegance and grace!

Bride

Source: www.updoprincess.comimagesbridal-hair-style-with-tiara-and-peach-bouquet.jpg

Obviously the key ingredient for a royal wedding theme is a tiara; silver, covered in diamantes and the perfect addition to your elegant up-do! Also a floor length veil wouldn’t hurt.

Decor

To compliment your royal wedding theme the colour themes have to be red and gold. White chairs and tables trimmed in gold, red napkins, chandeliers, banners of gold and luscious roses would be the beginning of your ornate decorations. Of course you’d need a red carpet to walk down the aisle on. Nothing less could be expected of a princess.

You’ll not only look like a princess on your special day but you’ll feel like one too.

These are just some wedding theme ideas for you brides to be! You could get more fun and creative if you wanted to!

Bride

Obviously the key ingredient for a royal wedding theme is a tiara; silver, covered in diamantes and the perfect addition to your elegant up-do! Also a floor length veil wouldn’t hurt.

Posted in Big Day, Bridal Beauty, Bridal Jewellery, Bridal Party, bride, Bridesmaid Dresses, Ceremony, Suits, Wedding, Wedding Entertainment, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception, Wedding Themes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bridal Trends: L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2012

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Kate Telfer

by Madeleine Rebbechi

If you’ve been lucky enough to be in Melbourne during the past week, you might have noticed a higher-than-usual number of leggy models strutting the streets, pulling the crowd along with them as night falls and the glamour set descend upon Docklands for a celebration of incredible Australian talent. With L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week wrapping up for another year, we take a look at the hottest home-grown bridal trends seen on this year’s catwalks.

Images by Couturing.com and Fashionising.com

 Extreme neck- and hemlines

Rodeo Show

From high collars to navel-grazing v-necks, LMFF 2012 was home to necklines of extreme highs and lows, with collars adding a contemporary feel to classic dresses. The same went for the hemlines, thigh-high splits popping up everywhere from Ellery to Yeojin Bae.

Ellery

Soft, floaty layers

Soft fabrics were popular this year, with sheer layering a hot trend. Alex Perry had some stunning gowns on display (perfect for bridal wear) and Gwendolynne impressed audiences with a striking use of soft layering and slim silhouettes.

Glitter, beads and lace

Once again, Gwendolynne and Alex Perry provided plenty of bridal inspiration with their use of intricate beading and sequins. Rodeo Show’s gorgeous lace dresses harked back to the seventies with full sleeves and high necklines and Jayson Brunsdon’s beautiful sheer layering was also a knockout.

Von Follies by Dita Von Teese

Burlesque-inspired Lingerie

For bridal lingerie inspiration, look no further than Dita Von Teese’s new lingerie label, Von Follies. Ms Von Teese was the guest of honour at this year’s LMFF, and didn’t disappoint with her sexy catwalk show – it featured models of a range of sizes and ethnicities, proving that everyone looks good in a vintage-inspired bra and knickers.

Red Lipstick

The beauty trend of 2012 is clearly red lipstick, with shades bordering on orange most popular throughout the festival. Dramatic, bold and feminine, red lipstick is always a winner and goes with any outfit.

Jayson Brunsdon

Alex Perry

Gwendolynne

Rodeo Show

Gwendolynne

Jayson Brunsdon

Alex Perry

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Bridal Inspiration: NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Kate Telfer

By Madeleine Rebbechi

If you’re looking for style inspiration for your wedding gown, there’s no better place to start than New York Fashion Week. Last month’s Autumn/Winter 2012 showcase provided a tonne of bridal inspiration, particularly for those whose ceremonies fall in the upcoming colder months.

All images from Fashionising.com

Fishtail skirts

Tight around the hips and splayed out mermaid-style at calf height, the fishtail was everywhere during NYFW.  Perfect for a fashion-conscious bride, a fishtail skirt is classy, sleek and can be as simple or as intricate as you like.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen

Marchesa

Slit thigh

Perhaps the best thing that could have happened to the slit thigh skirt was Angelina Jolie at the recent Academy Awards. If you’ve got Jolie-esque pins, why not give the slit thigh a shot? Try a full split or a wrap-style skirt that shows off just a little bit of extra leg. Plus, it’ll give you more room to move.

Imitation Of Christ

Jad Ghandour

Gold and glitter

From Ralph Lauren to Marchesa, gold was a hot pick for the upcoming season. If you’re looking for a stylish alternative to white for your wedding gown, you can’t go past gold for the glitz, glamour and wow-factor.

Ralph Lauren

Barbara Tfank

Marchesa

White coats

Good news if you’re a winter bride – white coats were a popular catwalk trend this year. Rug up in a classy white coat or wool cape on your wedding day, and keep those teeth from chattering. Phillip Lim, Barbara Tfank and J. Mendel all favoured white during fashion week.

J. Mendel

J. Mendel

Barbara Tfank

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The Modern Wedding: Trends for the 21st Century

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Kate Telfer

By Madeleine Rebbechi

Out with the old and in with the new! These modern wedding trends will add excitement and personality to your special day.

Mismatched bridesmaids’ dresses

Gone are the days of bridesmaid anguish, when shopping for matching purple tulle numbers was the stuff of nightmares. Today, more brides are leaning towards a more relaxed dress code for their bridesmaids, ensuring a stress-free shopping situation that’s a winner for everyone. Think about setting a colour theme, and let your girlfriends loose. They’ll be able to choose something that suits their own personal style and body shape, and they’ll even be able to wear it again. We guarantee they’ll love you for it.

Engagement photoshoots

Engagement sessions are becoming increasingly popular these days, with themed shoots leading the way in terms of pre-wedding celebrations. Capturing the happy couple in a relaxed setting, often at home or outdoors, engagement sessions are a fun excuse to dress up and feel special. You’ll end up with some gorgeous intimate snaps that perfectly capture your newly-engaged bliss.

Bridal gowns of varying colours and lengths

Hikari Photography

We’ve all been taught to think of white as the only real option for a bridal gown. However, while a white gown is still the most popular choice for today’s brides, many women are mixing things up with pastels, brights, metallic hues and even the odd pattern. Tea length dresses are a great alternative for a summer wedding – they sit just below the knee and are perfect for brides with a slightly edgier style.

BrideSharing

Say goodbye to late night panic attacks and heart-stopping credit card statements – visit bridal blogs and forums. We have a comprehensive directory of suppliers as well as articles with advice and inspiring stories. BrideShare is a social networking site that aims to help brides-to-be save their money and their sanity while planning their wedding. You can browse the profiles of other members for inspiration, get in touch with brides in your area and split the cost of goods and services – and you might even make some new friends. Visit brideshare.net for more information.

No veil, just great hair accessories

The lifting of the wedding veil was once an act performed by the bride’s father as he presented his daughter to her new husband. These days, many brides choose to skip this custom and opt instead for simple and elegant hair accessories, a classy up-do or long, flowing locks.

Garden weddings

While garden-party weddings are not a new sensation, they have become increasingly more popular as more couples favour simplicity and intimacy for their special day. No matter how big or small the wedding, a garden party creates a welcoming atmosphere, and couples can really let loose with the decorations. Handmade place cards, baked goods and fairy lights make garden weddings an incredibly relaxed and fun way to celebrate.

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Has Natalie Portman wed in secret?

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Kate Telfer

By Simone Pucci

Having graced the red carpet at the Oscars earlier in the week sporting wedding bands, speculation of a secret wedding between Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied is all the talk in Hollywood.

Jeweller Jamie Wolf confirmed that the rings were in fact wedding bands, however it has yet to be ascertained that the pair are legally married. Portman’s new finger bling have been made with recycled platinum and conflict free diamonds.

While the media wait for Portman’s conformation of her marital status, fashionistas can only speculate as to what the wedding gown might have looked like.

Observing her recent style and current trends, it is likely Portman wore an elegant A-line dress either strapless or with chic cap sleeves.

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Oscars bridal looks

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Kate Telfer

By Claire Bolge

It’s award season in Hollywood once again and the brightest stars are shining at the Academy Awards today! But who cares who wins Best Picture, for brides-to-be it’s all about the red carpet and potential Oscars bridal looks! Check out the newest trends here first before flaunting your own Oscars bridal look on the big day when YOU get to be the star!  

Oscars bridal looks – sparkles, sparkles and more sparkles  

2012 is the year of glitz and glamour apparently and plenty of fashion-forward celebrities showed how it’s done at the Oscars! Emulate Octavia Spencer for your Oscars bridal look and go all out; Spencer’s cream gown with cinched waist sparkled from every angle! Giuliana Rancic showed of her sparkles as well is a more revelling but stunningly detailed number. But our favourite glitz girl – and Oscars wedding look? Milla Jovovich, who worked classic old Hollywood glamour with her stunning and shimmering creation.   

  

    

source: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/oscars/2012-academy-awards-20120227-1tx8e.html

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

  

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

 

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

Oscars bridal looks – asymmetrical  

Make a fabulous feature of the asymmetrical trend and your Oscars bridal look by taking your cues from above; Jovovich wins this category too. But she wasn’t the only one working the one-shoulder look; Gwyneth Paltrow’s conservative cream creation came complete with a curious cape – but the simplistic style of her gown makes it a classic Oscars bridal look all the same. Young Modern Family star Sarah Hyland also took a different approach to asymmetrical style, with the mismatched sleeves on her lavender gown looking cute and youthful, another potential Oscars bridal look.     

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

 

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

Oscars bridal looks – long sleeves   

Long sleeves have made a comeback of late and your Oscars bridal look needn’t miss out on this trend either, with plenty of stars opting for less is more when it came to showing skin. Berenice Bejo chose a sheer, sparkly sleeve while Melissa McCartney flouted some feminine flair with billowing nude silk sleeves. Shailene Woodley showed off a classic individual style but not much else in her long sleeved, floor length and high collared number, proof that even an Oscars bridal look doesn’t need to bare all!  

source: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/oscars/2012-academy-awards-20120227-1tx8e.html

 

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

source: http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/oscars/2012-academy-awards-20120227-1tx8e.html

 

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

 Oscars bridal looks – nude   

So white’s not your thing? No worries, complete your Oscars bridal look by copying the copious amounts of nude colouring we saw on the red carpet! Kristen Wiig looked lovely in her nude tulle gown, the Oscars bridal look perfected by the dresses’ girly and gorgeous skirt. Her Bridesmaids co-stars clearly approved of the style, with Melissa McCartney and Wendi McLendon-Covey both opting for nude-coloured gowns as well.   

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/27/1887073/academy-awards-red-carpet-022612.html

Which was your favourite Oscars bridal look? Tell us here!  

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Preparing for rain on your wedding day

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Jodie McLeod

By Sinead Barrett

According to an old wives’ tale rain on your wedding day is a good omen, bringing luck and good fortune to newlyweds. And while most brides would trade this omen for the sunny outdoor wedding-of-their-dreams, unpredictable and unseasonal weather throughout Sydney recently makes rain on your wedding day a high possibility. Last year’s annual climate statement from the Bureau of Meteorology saw 2011 listed as Sydney’s wettest year since 2007, with wetter conditions contributing to the first cooler-than-average year in a decade. But while there’s a higher chance of rain on your big day, there’s no need to let it put a dampener on things.

Be prepared

Prepare for the worst and there’ll be no unwelcome weather surprises on your wedding day. If having an outdoor ceremony or reception, the most important thing to do is have a backup plan for if the weather takes a turn. Find a venue with wet-weather ceremony/reception options on site so that the decision to move indoors can be made at the last minute, or alternatively book a separate venue as well as your outdoor locations. For ceremonies this could be a nearby church or town hall, and for receptions this could mean a marquee.

If you are determined to say your vows outside invest in a sturdy hire tent or canopy to keep you and your guests cosy and dry. If there is going to be a last minute venue change its essential to make the move as quick and easy as possible. So when you are selecting decorations and décor, think mobility.

Stay positive

Rainy weather doesn’t need to be the downfall of your day. Keep positive and you’ll see there are some definite advantages of rain on your wedding day. Overcast conditions create soft, natural light, which makes for flattering, shadow-free photos. Drizzle and mist can also add a dramatic and romantic feel to your portraits and to your day as a whole. When planning your day organise cute wet-weather gear that matches your theme and colour selections. Umbrellas and gumboots are generally quite cheap, come in a range of styles and colours and make for fun and creative photographs. The main thing is to not let it get to you. The effect rain can have on your wedding day is all about how you perceive it. While you might miss out on seeing the amazing view from the reception venue or getting that key photograph you longed for, if you focus on what’s most important about the day — celebrating your love for each other with family and friends — then you will have a ball no matter what.

Don’t obsess

The Bureau of Meteorology is the most trusted website for weather forecasts and updates. BOM can provide a general prediction for your area months before your wedding day, but these only begin to become accurate up to a week in advance. That being said, Mother Nature is a very unpredictable force, and even though the forecast might be clear, she can turn at any time. We here at Complete Wedding have heard stories of brides checking the weather report every hour in the weeks leading up to the wedding, or requesting personalised weather reports. But obsessing over it is not going to change anything and will only lead to disappointment and stress. It all comes back to being prepared — both mentally and logistically — for rain and poor weather.

At this stage, the Bureau’s forecast for spring is a drier one, but being well prepared for any condition will mean a perfect wedding day rain, hail or shine.

Other considerations

It’s also a good idea to consider the weather when making hair and makeup decisions. Using waterproof makeup is a must and often an up-do works better in wet conditions. Include hair and beauty in your contingency plan by creating an emergency kit filled with hairspray, tissues, perfume, bobby pins and more.

Ensure your day runs smoothly even in the wettest weather by keeping your guests informed. Keep their email addresses and mobile numbers on hand, and let them know in advance (as far ahead as possible) if they need to bring their own umbrellas, jackets or if there will be a venue change. That way your guests will remain happy and you and your partner can relax and enjoy your big day.

Ultimately, the weather is beyond your control. If you are prepared for Sydney’s unseasonal weather conditions and keep a positive attitude a wonderful wedding is guaranteed!

Image: www.jasonnoffsingerphotography.net

Are you worried about rain on your wedding day? Tell us how you are preparing for Sydney’s unusually wet weather for your wedding.

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Relaxed up-do wedding hairstyles

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Jodie McLeod

It looks like one of the most easy-going hairstyles around — the relaxed up-do — but it’s one of the most difficult to create. Celebrity masters of the relaxed-up-do — Jessica Alba, Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift — always look elegant, natural and authentic with their effortlessly swept-back or casually pinned-up hair. I’m hoping to recreate something similar for my wedding day, and thought I’d share my inspiration with you. What do you think?

Jessica Alba

Taylor Swift

Scarlett Johansson

Michelle Williams

Photo by fashion photographer Patric Shaw

Dianna Agron

Dianna Agron

This pic is from Lottiedadesigns on Etsy, which makes bridal hair accessories and vintage style jewellery.

This image is from a real wedding I spotted on a US blog by Carter & Cook Event Company.

How are you wearing your hair for your wedding? Leave a comment…

Posted in An Editor's Wedding, Bridal Beauty, Bridal Hair, Wedding | Leave a comment

CW’s Top Five Most Romantic Proposals

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Kate Telfer

Written by Jessica Lyons

Here at CW, we love seeing and hearing about romantic proposals, and more often than not, we are left a little teary-eyed, blushing in the face, and trying to stop ourselves from ooh-ing and aww-ing. It’s an amazing feeling to witness these romantic proposals and see the love and commitment between two people as they take the next step into their lives.

There have been countless ‘pop the question’ moments that have made us gush and swoon, so we thought we would share with you our top five most romantic proposals.

5.  The Ellen Degeneres Show has seen its fair share of romantic proposals, but this is our favourite. When a fan of the program finally secured tickets to be a studio audience member, her boyfriend took the opportunity to enlist the help of Ellen herself, and popped the question on air.

4. One of the more creative romantic proposals, this special moment was portrayed through a variety of well-known internet memes printed on placards. Adorably laugh-out-loud funny, CW loves the modern take on the famous poster scene from Love Actually.

3. What setting could be more magical for a romantic proposal than Disneyland? Corny in the most heart-warming way, CW has a soft spot for romantic proposals like this one.

2. The most romantic proposals take place when the proposer has put plenty of time and effort into making the moment they pop the question truly special. In this particular instance, so much thought and planning went into making this a lifelong memory that it just goes to show that true romance doesn’t only exist in the movies!

1. Here at CW, we hear about many romantic proposals. However, when we caught word of this one after the video went viral on YouTube with over 5 million views, we knew we were in for something really special. Planned and filmed by American television show MOBBED, this is one of the biggest and most impressive romantic proposals CW has ever seen; earning it the top spot at number one.

Have you witnessed any romantic proposals recently? Perhaps you would like to share your special ‘pop the question’ moment with CW? Let us know in the comments below, we never get tired of hearing about romantic proposals!

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Choosing the Right Gown for Your Body Type

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Kate Telfer

Written by Jessica Lyons

For most women, the wedding dress is the first thing they envision when they become engaged. Many will argue that the dress is the most important wedding purchase and with the range of styles, colours, and embellishments on the market, searching for the perfect gown can be an overwhelming task.

 The trick is to understand the style that best suits your body type. This is the style that will hug your curves and flaunt all the right places to give you that extra ‘oomph’ when you walk down the aisle.

 Below is a guide to deciphering your body type, as well as some tips and tricks to find the most flattering fit for your shape.

 If you are an Apple:
Your body is in proportion with great legs and full breasts, but you tend to have an undefined waist.
Think:
Catherine Zeta-Jones

marieclaire.com

Look for:
 Empire line or bias cuts to minimise your mid-section and a low neckline to show off your bust.
Try:
The classic ball gown.

lowdress.net

If you are a Pear:
Your hips and thigh area tends to be curvier than the top half of your body, and you may have a fairly flat stomach.
Think:
Jennifer Lopez

keithianmusic.com

Look for:
Embellished or detailed necklines to balance your curves, and fitted bodices with full skirts.
Try:
An empire-waisted gown that emphasises the bust line.

bride.ca

If you are a Strawberry:
You have larger breasts or broader shoulders in relation to your hips and waist.
Think:
Charlize Theron

moviespad.com

Look for:
Simple fitted bodices and full skirts to balance your figure, as well as v-necks that will emphasise your bust.
Try:
A mermaid silhouette that complements your curves.

asosdress.com

If you are an Hourglass:
You have a fuller bust and bottom, with a small waist.
Think:
Scarlett Johansson

stylemecurvy.bogspot.com

Look for:
Dresses that come in at the waist, scooped, sweetheart or V-necklines, and strapless dresses.
Try:
A fit-and-flare trumpet gown that accentuates your womanly figure.

wedwebtalks.com

If you are a Rectangle:
Your body is nearly the same ratio from top to bottom, with smaller curves.
Think:
Cat Deeley

au.thehype.yahoo.com

Look for:
Cinched in waists and bias cut dresses. All skirt styles will suit your shape.
Try:
A versatile and flattering a-line gown.

weddingdressprice.org

Posted in bride, Wedding, Wedding Fashion, Wedding Gowns | Tagged | Leave a comment