Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Cherish

Wedding planning is no small feat, and it’s a process that lasts for months, or even years. If you’re at an age when you’re getting married, you’re probably also going to a lot of weddings. What are your favorite parts? What do you absolutely hate? Visiting a lot of weddings is a great way to figure out what you want for your own wedding, including the things you bring back with you: wedding favors. It’s the thing that everyone will keep and love – if it’s any good. Now, you don’t have to give them a key to a car to make them remember you, but a personalized key chain? Now we’re talking.

Personal stamp

The one thing you want to avoid is giving your guests a favor that they will love and keep, but will forget where they got it in a few months. Now, of course, this doesn’t mean you should put your faces all over the party favors, because that’s one way to make sure nobody is going to be using or displaying them, but think in the direction of making a recognizable mark. Perhaps a logo, a symbol or a drawing that represent the two of you: a combination of your names or initials, a caricature drawing or just a symbol you both connect with. Use this in all of your invitations, menus and in décor to make sure it gets noticed. This allows you to take a seemingly ordinary gift and make it special.

Make it functional

People like gifts that they can actually use. Giving them a framed picture or a cute letter is a good way to make sure the gift ends up at a bottom of a drawer, never to be seen. If you do want to opt for decorative, think decorative with use: tea towels, stickers, fridge magnets, phone cases, etc. Things can be both decorative and functional, and that’s really what you should be aiming for. When discussing quality, get the best that you can in your price range. Often if you talk to the manufacturer directly, they are willing to give you a discount on a bigger order. You really don’t want to give your guests a beautiful, personalized bottle opener – and then have it break the first time they try to use it. If getting better quality means putting less things in the goody basket, go for it, it’s worth it.

Too many people leave planning the party favors at the end of the task list, meaning that by the time they are taken into consideration, there is no time to custom make something, or even hand-write the notes. One way you can definitely stand out is getting unique gifts for all of your guests, really taking time to consider what each person would love. This, of course, isn’t realistic for big weddings, but if you’re having a smaller crown of meaningful people attend the party, then this is one good way to show them that they really are important to you and that you know what they like.

Something that brings them all together

A great idea is to give a gift that will bring all of your guests together once again, or perhaps again and again. The favor can be a voucher for a movie taking place a week after the wedding, or a local wine tasting festival. It is the perfect time for people to come together and share their thoughts about the wedding, meet once again with the people they didn’t have time to exchange phone numbers with and just hang out. Time it so that you aren’t on your honeymoon at the time, because a lot of those guests will want to see you again. Or, you can make an event just for your guests and Skype in for an hour from your honeymoon.

Something for the wedding

Ever thought about giving out wedding favors at the start of the wedding? Well, maybe you should. Create little packages of things that everyone can find useful and that will bring everyone together. Depending on your theme, these can be party hats, pins, makeup, wigs or anything else that people can put on as soon as they arrive to have a fun time, and then take home for future use. It doesn’t have to be goofy, either, you can gift shawls and ties for your guests to all match and look very elegant.

A good party favor is really one that shows that you care and that you put thought into. There’s nothing worse than a favor that is there just because everyone says that weddings need to have favors, not because you actually want to put time into it. Try to hand-write thank you notes for the favors, and sign them to let your guests know that you really do hope they had a nice time.

Photography: www.pexels.com ; Belamour Photography; Loui Hartland Photography & Film

This article is written by Brigitte Evans from highstylife.com

3 Engagement Ring Trends for Brides-to-Be

Engagement rings hold a special place in women's hearts. Carefully selecting an engagement ring is important. The ring symbolises the commitment between you and your soon-to-be partner in life and your special journey together.

If you need help choosing a ring for your future wife, below is a list of trendy engagement ring designs for your reference:

1. Three-Stone Engagement Rings

This ring design suddenly went into fashion after Meghan Markle's engagement with Prince Harry. Exuding elegance, grace and a touch of minimalism, this engagement ring has a classic appearance. Its defining feature is a large centrepiece gemstone, flanked by small equally-sized gemstones and securely supported by a claw-like prong on both sides. 

There is no set standard for this timeless jewellery. It can customised according to buyer preference. The design looks more sophisticated on diamond engagement rings, however. 

2. Accented Styles

The accented style has stood the test of time. Most accented engagement rings have a big diamond gemstone at the centre while tiny gemstones surround the entire ring band. At times, artisans place a metal around the centre stone to enhance its sparkle or make it look more impressive. 

If your bride is fond of elaborate styles or sparkly gemstones, then choosing an accented engagement ring should make her happy. Accents can also be done by adding extra layers of gemstones or metallic artwork.

3. Rose Gold Shades

Some years ago, rose gold captured the world's attention as a unique colour shade that perfectly combines soft femininity with glowing elegance. From gadgets to accessories, this one-of-a-kind shade has also found its way into the hearts of future brides. 

Now a trendy and celebrated colour for any engagement ring or wedding band design, many women continue to express their love for rose gold. Hailed as one of the world's most flattering shades, rose gold highlights feminine qualities and gives its wearers that extra radiance. 

As you strive to walk on a path of beauty and lasting happiness, find an engagement ring that best represents your feelings for the woman of your dreams. The ideal engagement ring should also be a reflection of your lady love's uniqueness. Choose a ring that brings out her distinct character to let her know just how much you cherish her. 

About Author

Henry Rowell is a blogger and web marketer for Anny's, custom jewellers specialising in engagement rings Melbourne and heirloom jewellery. When not writing, he travels and reads books.

Aussie Bride Beauty Checklist

Nothing like a wedding to make us want to indulge in a ton of pampering and make sure we look our best. It’s our big day after all, and a bride knows how important it is to feel good in your own skin if you want to shine on all the wedding photos and have a truly memorable ceremony. But how do we prep for the event and what will we need to look spectacular? For Aussie brides and those inspired by their beauty, here’s a list of exactly the things you’ll need to make sure you are gorgeous, relaxed, and totally ready. 

Image: Omar Lopez

Start a workout challenge

Now you have the perfect thing to motivate you! The sooner you start, the better results you’ll get, and if you want to get all firm and toned, pick a workout challenge that you can easily fit into your daily schedule. 

Try cooking more often

Same as with exercise, the sooner you start, the better you’ll feel when the big day finally comes. Also, if you’ve got pounds to shed, it’s much better to do it slowly and steadily than to starve yourself a month before the wedding. Cut down on sugar and processed junk, eat a ton more veggies and cook whenever you can to make sure you always have a healthy meal on your hands.

Consider laser hair removal

This is definitely optional, but it’s a very, very popular procedure in Australia and it’s worth it in the long run. We recommend that you start doing it at least six months before the wedding because it actually takes several treatments to get full results. That way you won’t have to fuss much with unwanted hair and you’ll feel more relaxed both on your wedding day and on your honeymoon. 

Visit your dermatologist as soon as possible

Image: Davids Kokainis

If you’ve got any skin issues, it’s important to address them early so you’d have enough time to deal with them. Acne and wrinkles can be made a lot better if you’re given the proper treatment to deal with them, so schedule an appointment with your doctor and see what they can recommend. In Australia, sun spots are a common problem, so getting professional pigmentation treatment in Sydney is something brides always do before the big day. If you’ve got scarring or spots that you want gone, this can help you out a lot. You can also consider chemical peels and microdermabrasion as a way to smooth out texture and have taut, glowing skin. 

Get regular with your skincare

Now that you’ve got your doctor prescribed treatments and recommendations, it’s time to put it all to good use. Nothing will work unless you are consistent, so forget about lazy days where you go to bed with makeup still on and skipping on moisturizing and cleansing. Seriously, a regular skincare routine is all you need to look radiant, and it will help if you incorporate a good vitamin C serum and remember to wear sunscreen every day. 

Waxing on time

If laser hair removal wasn’t within your budget or you just didn’t have time for it, remember to wax about a week before the wedding. You should also get your eyebrows done around this time as well.

Dry brushing and tanning

Once hair is out of the way, you can apply self-tanner in case you want a summery glow on your skin. Before you do that, we recommend exfoliating with a brush. Do this before you take a shower, just slough away dead cells while the skin is still dry. Once you’re done with the shower, make sure to take proper steps when applying self-tanner so you wouldn’t end up looking patchy. You can renew your tan two-three days before the wedding.

Manicure and pedicure

Do this a few days before the wedding so you won’t have to rush it. Pick some nice, natural shades and make sure that the manicure is long-lasting and that it won’t chip easily.

Image: Allef Vinicius

Hair and face

The evening before the wedding is the perfect time to grab a good hair pack and nourish your hair, and to sit down and relax with a good sheet mask on your face. Rub in a body lotion into your skin and simply take some time to really let go of the stress and feel happy about what’s coming tomorrow. 

A little note about makeup

If a professional is doing your makeup, then make sure you have try-out sessions so you could really pick the look that suits you the best. If you plan to do it on your own, then start practicing months before so you could get the look down perfectly. 

One last tip before we go would be to pay attention to stress management. A big, happy event is coming your way, and stress will only mar the joy of it. So, get regular massages, do yoga, meditate, and start looking forward to the wedding! 

This article is written by Brigitte Evans from highstylife.com

Feel The Best Before the Dress

Image: Steve Doyle Photography

Let’s face it, as magical as the wedding day you’re planning for will be, there is nothing magical about the stress that comes along with it. From the headache of sorting out the guest list, to the stress eating of every cake sample possible, planning for a wedding can be a lot of hard work and eventually begin to take a toll on you! One of the most important things to remember during the chaos of bringing together all the details, is to take a moment for yourself! Here are a few tips we have for making sure you make the most of that moment.

Try That Fitness Class You’ve Been Dying to Sign Up For!

Book yourself a yoga, spin or any kind of fitness class! Call up your friends and get together for a fitness date. Have you ever tried hot yoga? Reduced stress, increased happiness and a natural glow are a few reasons why hot yoga is a great option before your wedding day! This is a fun way of trying something new or getting back to something that you love! Not to mention, this will help keep you looking and feeling great for that special day! Afterwards, head out with your friends to grab smoothies or another healthy option to spend time together catching up or planning your next class!

Spend A Date Night Out ---- Or In!

I know you’ve agreed to spend the rest of your life together, but think about agreeing to spending a night out just the two of you before the big day. As obvious as it sounds, a little date night goes a long way! Head to the drive-in or your favorite restaurant and spend the evening talking and catching up about anything besides wedding details. Or if it is a better option, stay in for the evening! Make your favorite snacks, open a bottle of wine, put on a feel-good movie, and wear your most comfortable pair of sweatpants. It will surprise you the things that you have forgotten about or forgotten you enjoyed talking about when you step away from always thinking about wedding planning.

Enjoy a Spa Day!

Perhaps the easiest way to relax is to book yourself an appointment at the spa. When it comes to the spa, there are many recommended treatments you should get before your wedding.  Spend an hour or two getting a massage to release all of that built-up tension. Another great idea to help you relax and also look the best for your big day, is to get a facial. Facials are a great way to refresh your skin and leave your face with a glow that is natural and radiant. Sit back, relax and let yourself unwind as your needs are taken care of!

Image: Bel'Amour Wedding Photography 

When All Else Fails - Go Over the Details!

If taking a break from your wedding plans is just not possible, that’s okay! Approach your plans in a different way. Maybe stay home, put on your favorite pair of sweatpants and open a bottle of wine. Put on your favorite show to watch in the background and continue working on the details of your big day.

Let yourself relax as you pick out bridesmaid dresses or search quality wedding tuxedos and suits for your groomsmen, which is often one of those details left to the very last minute! According to Emily from Southern Weddings, one of your best options — last minute or not — are the wedding suits and tuxedos from The Black Tux. As she explains in her article, “Too often, renting a tux means worn out, cheap polyester suits that don’t really fit, and several trips to a brick and mortar store. The Black Tux has single-handedly changed that rental reputation, resetting expectations with a simple rental process, a better fit, and the finest wool available (no polyester involved whatsoever).” Sold!  

Image: Will Idea Photography

Whatever you have left to check off your list, spend this time just catching up on some of the smaller details you would feel better about finishing up.

As the details of your wedding come together, don’t forget to take the time to take care of yourself. Spend a day or two to get away and get back to the things you may have not been able to do or the things you have been meaning to try! Spend a day at the spa or spend time with friends or your future someone! How would you take a moment to relax before your wedding day?

Image: Kayla Temple Photography

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The Impact of a Flower wall

Photo by Tidal Creations Photography

Getting a flower wall for your wedding day is something that you didn't know you had to have. It is a beautiful accessory which can add class, elegance, and fun to your big day. Doesn't really matter if it is your wedding because you can get this wall for any formal event such as proms, graduation parties, birthdays, baby showers etc. Many celebrities made this trend famous by posting a lot of interesting selfies in their flower wall. For instance, Kim Kardashian became a trendsetter in 2015 during her wedding ceremony by using a luxurious tropical flower wall at the reception. Ever since then this trend blew up and developed into a masterpiece which is consistent out of unique color combos, and breathtaking flower patterns.

How Does it Look?

All walls are unique and a great replica of a real-life thing. The walls are not made out of real flowers, but high-quality silk flowers which are the best replacement for the real option. All of the walls are handmade and made with caution by an interior designer. 

Why You Should Get a Flower Wall For Your Wedding?

There are several different reasons, such as:

1. Beautiful Backdrop

You will probably be taking a lot of pictures and you want to look your best in each and every one. What a flower wall can do for your pictures is that it can bring life and color. You can place it anywhere where you feel like, such as at the newlywed couples table, behind the cake, at the food or drinks table etc. Not only that you will have beautiful pictures, but your guests, as well, can enjoy the photo session during the whole night.

Photo: www.pexels.com

2. Adds Elegance

This wall will add a lot of elegance to the whole venue, and the best part about is that it can be customized. Try to create a wall which truly represents you and adds elegance in your own way. You can have any color, flower, or even pattern for your event. You can even ask for several different walls and create a long backdrop and cover most of your room in it, or you can simply place one wall at your desired corner. These walls are usually 2 meters in height as well as in width, but this can be customized per your wish. All in all, you will definitely have a one of a kind wall which will represent you. 

3. Looks Bright and Colorful

This wall is a unique centerpiece which you can customize as you wish. However, if you are someone who is indecisive and you are not ready to make a commitment to a certain flower color or pattern, or you are just not that good at mixing and matching then here are some wall options that you can go for:

- White Flower Wall

This kind is mostly used at weddings since it truly represents and matches the all-white bride theme. Flowers used in the making process are mostly white roses as well as Lily's and Tulips. You can use this wall for bridal showers and minimalist birthday parties. Your pictures will look very professional but at the same time simple. If you are someone who doesn't like tacky and colorful prints, this wall will suit and represent you the best. 

Photo: www.ruffledblog.com

- Red Flower Wall

A bright and colorful red wall is made out of pink and red roses and looks very elegant and romantic. Women love this backdrop option since it gives out fairytale vibes. This type is also very loved for birthday parties since it looks girly and cute. You can also use it for ''it's a girl'' baby showers. 

Photo: www.pexels.com

- Green Flower Wall

This floral wall is entirely made out of Ivy or Oak and looks rustic. It has a bunch of green leaves all over and some branches. Some people love adding a pop of white Orchids or Hibiscus at the center since they believe it adds up to the ''forest'' vibe. This wall is the best option for some special gatherings, dinners, or corporate events. It can be used at weddings as well, especially if it is a themed outdoor wedding.

Photo: www.confettidaydreams.com

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First Dance Songs By The Decade

2010's

Our Pick: Yours – Ella Henderson 

Still popular, but not overdone, Ella Henderson’s ‘Yours’ becomes our number one pick for modern First Dance Songs. The lyrics speak for themselves, and Henderson’s voice remains soft yet passionate. We recommend the acoustic version for a more old-school romance feel. 

Other great hits:

• Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
• All of Me – John Legend
• A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
• Perfect – Ed Sheeran
• Say You Wont Let Go – James Arthur
• Ho Hey – Lumineers
• Adore – Dean Lewis
• Claire De Lune – Flight Facilities
• Real Love Baby – Father John Misty

2000's

Our Pick: Una Mattina - Ludovico Einaudi

Unexpectedly, our pick for the 2000s is classical number Una Mattina. Going against the pop era that was the naughties, Una Mattina is a old-school, romantic, feel good piece created by Italian Ludovico Einaudi. Made famous by French movie Les Intouchables, the song is beautiful and eloquent piece of art. We recommend a live pianist, or a mix with your choice of vocals for a unique twist. 

Other great hits:

• You And Me - Lifehouse
• Better Together – Jack Johnson
• Marry Me - Train
• For You – Roses & Frey
• Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez

1990's

Our Pick - Aerosmith – I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

Need we say anything? This song is a throwback, a showstopper, and a crowd-pleaser all in one. With lyrics about treasuring life together, there’s no doubt why we have picked this as our #1 choice of the 90’s. 

Other great hits:

• Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
• Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk
• Kiss From A Rose – Seal
• Googoo Dolls – Iris

1980's

Our Pick: Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston

We could tell you why but her voice says it all! A friend of the late songwriter, Creed, described her success with this song stating ‘there are a thousand ways to say ‘I love you’, and the difficulty is trying to find a nuance, a new way to say something that's been said a thousand times, and Linda Creed is someone who was able to do that.’

Other great hits:

• Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
• Lay Your Love On Me – ABBA

1970's

Our Pick - How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees

An absolute classic, and a crowd favourite, How Deep Is Your Love topped nearly every chart in the 70’s and won a 1977 Grammy Award. The song is well loved for many reasons and is the perfect choice for you First Dance if you are looking for the feel-good, throwback track to get everyone involved. 

Other great hits:

• Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
• Stand By Me – John Lennon
• Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

1960's

Our Pick: Here Comes The Sun – Beatles

What better way to welcome a life of happiness, than with the words ‘Here Comes The Sun’. The lyrics emanate warmth and work perfectly with the jubilant melody, creating the perfect tune to welcome your life together to. Things are just about to get a whole lot better!

Other great hits:

• Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
• Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
• All You Need Is Love – Beatles

1950's

Our Pick: That's Amore – Dean Martin

Escape to your Italian honeymoon a night early with Dean Martin’s That’s Amore. Winning audience’s hearts, and our own, the exotic number from the South of Italy portrays a foreign love enveloped with passion. Nominated for an academy award for Best Song Of The Year, this track is sure to get your feet moving.

Other great hits:

• La Bamba – Ritchie Valens

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Suzanne Wootton