Recent Wedding Tips
These articles offer advice and provide facts that brides and grooms will find useful during the wedding planning process.
Venues:
Vegas in New Zealand?
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What if you want it quick and painless? We asked renowned celebrant Pinky Agnew whether there's such a thing as a Sunset Strip chapel in NZ...here's what she had to say.
Venues:
Table for 100, Please
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Just because you go there every Saturday night doesn't mean you can't go the night of your wedding!
Gifts & Registries:
A Gift from You to Her
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You may think that your "life long" commitment is enough of a gift to your bride...but can you unwrap commitment? I don't think so...
Pre- and Post-Wedding Functions:
Hen's Night Dos and Don'ts
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Have you just started thinking about your hen's night? Have all the women in your office been regaling tales of hen's night disasters? Don't worry - it won't happen to you. Give your chief bridesmaid this Dos and...
Pre- and Post-Wedding Functions:
If She Dares...
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This is a tip for the maid or matron of honour...a few fun "Dares" to challenge the bride and spice up the Hen's Night.
Caterers & Desserts:
Wine for Everyone
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Here's a great way to serve everyone wine at your wedding...whether young or old!
Etiquette & Family:
Your Wedding Speech - 3 ACTIONS to Avoid or Eliminate
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Bruce of WeddingSpeeches.co.nz is an expert speech writer and coach - here he provides you with some excellent tips you can use to impress your wedding audience.
Etiquette & Family:
How to Make the Speech Process Flow and Your Audience Applaud
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Bruce of WeddingSpeeches.co.nz has been coaching speechmakers for over 18 years - here he provides you with some guidance on how to make the process flow and the audience applaud.
Reception & Flowers:
Wedding Favour Trends 2009/10
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Online favour specialists Love Bond bring you in on a little secret - the top favour trends for 2009/10.
Reception & Flowers:
Choosing Your Wedding Favours
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Love Bond - specialists in online wedding supplies - give you some insight into how to start working on your wedding favours.
Style & Theme:
Steps for Styling
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Charlotte Wood is a talented wedding and event stylist, with years of experience and impeccable taste. Here she provides you with some fantastic advice on how to visualize and style your wedding reception.
Rings:
Wedding Rings - Practical Tips and Considerations
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Ian Douglas of The Village Goldsmith has designed and crafted beautiful, unique engagement and wedding rings for decades. He offers you some guidance to help decide on which wedding ring style to choose - advice you...
Rings:
Metal on the Mind
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If you're thinking about your wedding band but don't quite know where to start, here is an overview of common wedding ring metals.
Photography & Videography:
A Video Unlike Any Other
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Crystal Forbes, an experienced videographer and owner of Crystal Clear Productions, offers you some expert advice to help you choose a professional that will create an impressive and truly unique wedding video.
Ceremony & Vows:
Pinky's Tip...How to Ensure You Are Legally Wed
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Pinky Agnew provides you with some invaluable information to ensure you are married by a registered celebrant and leave your wedding ceremony legally wed.
Stationery & Wording:
Stationery - A Shopping List
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Your wedding stationery does not begin and end with the invitation. Oh no, my friends...get ready to fill your shopping cart!
Stationery & Wording:
Stationery - A Vocabulary Lesson
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So you don't feel like your overwhelmed, we've come up with a vocabulary lesson to keep you armed and ready to create beautiful and meaningful stationery!
Stationery & Wording:
Designer Stationery to Suit Your Wallet
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Kate Holland of ruby & willow is a leading New Zealand stationery designer who recognises that in these financial times, weddings can put a strain on your budget. She offers us some expert advice on how to have...
Stationery & Wording:
Homemade Stationery Disguised as Professional
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Craft House, who offer every material, product, service and assistance needed to create unique and beautiful DIY stationery, have 10 GREAT TIPS for you to design and create professional stationery yourself!
Planning & Budgeting:
Our Top 12 Cost Cuts
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You want the wedding of your dreams, but the economy and your bank account are less than dreamy. No worries...we've got some great tips to help you keep costs down!
Dresses & Suits:
The Designer's Secret...It's All About Proportion!
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Alison Blain is an award-winning couture wedding dress designer, who has been creating exquisite gowns in her Wellington studio for over 20 years. She has prepared a lesson for us about which styles suit which shapes,...
Dresses & Suits:
Wedding Dress Language 101
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The wedding dress is an interesting creature...no other piece of clothing requires you to understand so many of its parts! It's a lot to learn for a purchase you'll only make once, so here is a vocabulary lesson so...
Planning & Budgeting:
The Next Step - Starting a Family
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Are you hoping to start the next chapter of your life on your wedding night? Here is some guidance from Fertility Associates to make sure you have a good level of fertility fitness.
Style & Theme:
Style Tips for Creating a Concept for your Wedding
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Top stylist Paula Bevege of belle vie event design & planning offers some expert advice on creating a wedding concept.
Style & Theme:
What Can I Colour?
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Here's some help to start thinking about your wedding colours and style - with some guidance on what and where it will make a statement.
Caterers & Desserts:
What's on the Menu?
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So you are armed with what your catering options will be, here is a menu of menus...a list of commonly chosen catering styles to suit every occasion.
Caterers & Desserts:
Buffet: Less is Best
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Need some help with your buffet? Here is a suggestion: keep it simple, keep it elegant and keep it delicious.
Ceremony & Vows:
Choosing a Celebrant
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips on the all important decision of who will officiate your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union.
Health & Fitness:
Getting in Shape...Where to Start?
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Lee Spence, an experienced personal trainer at Wellington's Platinum Habit Health & Fitness Club, offers you some invaluable tips on kicking your new fitness regime off with the right foot.
Health & Fitness:
Efficient Exercises - Time & Shape
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Lee Spence, an experienced personal trainer at Wellington's Platinum Habit Health & Fitness Club, gives you the keys to getting in shape without spending hours in the gym.
Guests:
The Guest List - A Numbers Game
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Here is some guidance to help you decide just how many people you can invite to your wedding.
Guests:
Gearing Up the Guest List
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When it comes to the guest list, our first piece of valuable advice: you are never, and I mean never, going to make everyone happy. So please don't set out thinking you are going to defy the odds.
Venues:
Venue Hunt - The Interview
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To make sure you don't overlook anything, we've come up with a list for you to take along when you set out on the venue hunt.
Venues:
Venue Hunt - What to Consider
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There are some absolutely beautiful venues around New Zealand - but every one of them will not work for you or suit your requirements. It's good to know what you want from your venue and what you have in mind before...
Photography & Videography:
There's No "I" in Photographer
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Let's leave the drama on your wedding day to the family, shall we? Before the big day, make sure the photographer and videographer are fast friends.
Photography & Videography:
Choosing a Videographer: Some Expert Advice
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Susan Ludbrook of WHITE Wedding Video offers some expert advice on choosing the company who will make your wedding last a lifetime.
Guests:
A Wedding - Guest Starring You
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Nardine Hunt owns Hawkes Bay's stylish designer boutique Hunt & Seek. She offers us some expert advice on today's trends and what the wedding guest should wear to suit every wedding venue.
Beauty:
Longer Lashes...
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Fake eyelashes can sometimes look a bit clunky, but we have found an alternative that are natural, long lasting and elegant.
Dresses & Suits:
Got Everything, Groom?
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We're not saying you won't be, but we just thought we'd double check that you will be completely prepared...and properly dressed...for your wedding.
Dresses & Suits:
A Suit to Suit
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What to wear, what to wear. It's unfortunately not as simple as grabbing a suit and tie and heading up the aisle.
Dresses & Suits:
A Groom's Dress Guide to Size
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You want to look good, right?! Then we suggest you make sure you dress to your body shape.
Pre- and Post-Wedding Functions:
10 Ideas to Give Away a Stag
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Here are 10 ideas for a great Stag Do. Pick your favourites and pass them on to your best man...hopefully he listens!
Pre- and Post-Wedding Functions:
Recipe for a Great Hen's Night
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The girls from Sexgear.co.nz know Hen's night better than the rest of us...here are their ingredients for the perfect night with the ladies!
Health & Fitness:
Lynda's Yoga Home Practice
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Lynda Miers-Henneveld, co-owner of Yoga Unlimited at Tory Urban Retreat and talented yoga instructor, offers some insight into yoga practice at home, which will keep you in check in the midst of wedding planning.
Health & Fitness:
Kelly's Yoga Home Practice
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Kelly Fisher, co-owner of Yoga Unlimited at Tory Urban Retreat, gives you fantastic instruction for practicing yoga at home - a fantastic way to both strengthen and relax your body as you tackle the stresses of...
Reception & Flowers:
The Flower Dictionary: General
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We thought you could use a brush up on your flower vocabulary...so you sound smart when meeting with florists!
Reception & Flowers:
The Flower Dictionary: Bouquets
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When meeting with your florist or even when interviewing potential florists, you'll avoid any confusion if you're armed with your "Flower Dictionary".
Caterers & Desserts:
25 Questions to Ask Your Caterer
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Your food will soak up a large percentage of your wedding budget, so you should make sure you are working with caterers that are professional, talented and trusted.
Caterers & Desserts:
To Buffet or Not To Buffet
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Mandy Hay, the owner of one of Wellington's premier catering companies, has created beautiful food for every kind of wedding and every style of event.
Ceremony & Vows:
Pinky's Tip...The Gentle Art of Writing Your Vows
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Pinky Agnew, respected celebrant and talented speaker, gives you some direction when it comes to the difficult task of writing your vows.
Rings:
Ring Rules to Think About...
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We've given you a handful of things to think about when setting out to find your wedding bands.
Rings:
Why the Fourth Finger on the Left Hand?
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Here's a simple tradition with a not-so-simple explanation.
Jewellery & Accessories:
The Right Jewellery for the Right Gown
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Once you've decided on your wedding dress, you then have the fun task of deciding on your jewels.
Rings:
Palladium: The New Platinum?
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Ian Douglas, leading New Zealand jewellery designer and owner of The Village Goldsmith, gives you some secret insight into an untapped resource.
Wedding Party Etiquette & Attire:
The Role of Maid (or Matron) of Honour
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She's your favourite lady or your favourite man...so your maid/matron/man of honour should know what you'll need and when.
Wedding Party Etiquette & Attire:
The Role of Best Man
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Your best man (or woman) should be prepared to help you with whatever you need...before, during and after your wedding day.
Ceremony & Vows:
Ceremony Wannas PART 1
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for a your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union. Here is the FIRST installment of "Ceremony Wannas".
Ceremony & Vows:
Ceremony Wannas PART 2
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for a your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union. Here is the SECOND installment of "Ceremony Wannas".
Ceremony & Vows:
Ceremony Wannas PART 3
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for a your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union. Here is the THIRD installment of "Ceremony Wannas".
Ceremony & Vows:
Ceremony Haftas
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for a your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union. Here are the "Ceremony Haftas".
Photography & Videography:
Video Confessions
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Here's a great suggestion you can make to your videographer to ensure your wedding video captures the past and present for the future.
Photography & Videography:
Stop the Presses!
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If money is tight, or you want to shake things up, think outside the square when choosing your wedding photographer.
Photography & Videography:
Don't Forget the Fam
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Let's just say, your mother and father would want you to read this article!
Photography & Videography:
The Photographer Contract
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You've chosen the talented photographer who will capture the beautiful images of your wedding. They've sat with you and written your names on their calendar. Fantastic. What to do next? Make sure it's in pen and not...
Photography & Videography:
A Click Away
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This is most likely the first time you've employed a photographer for an event...and it's a pretty important event at that! Here's a few tips to remember when deciding who will make your wedding last a lifetime.
Photography & Videography:
Interview with the Videographer
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It's certainly a skill to video a wedding and then create a show that will eloquently capture such an important day. So when looking for a videographer, make sure they know what they're doing...
Photography & Videography:
The Hidden Cost of Photography Packages!
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An article from theBIGstep Site Photographers (this is a photo of them on their wedding day, by the way!)...What will that photography "package" really cost you?
Health & Fitness:
Make It Happen
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Kelly Fisher, Co-Owner of Yoga Unlimited at Tory Urban Retreat, shares some insight into how to stay focused on your goals, whether they be a successful wedding, a new experience or a healthier lifestyle.
Health & Fitness:
You Need to Eat to Lose Weight
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It may sound strange, but it's true. You need to eat enough of the right foods before you can walk into a health club, roll out the mat or strap on the goggles.
Health & Fitness:
Stand Up Straight
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All eyes are going to be on you, and it will be one of the proudest moments in your life...so you want to make sure you stand up straight on your wedding day!
Health & Fitness:
ARMS OF STEEL
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We're not saying you need to go out and bench press 100 kilos...it's just a reminder that your arms are the two body parts (other than you're head) that are on display on your wedding day!
Rings:
A Diamond's Shape
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Are you or your future bride's tastes very classic or funky? Your diamond is all yours...no matter what the shape.
Ceremony & Vows:
Pinky's Tip...The Outdoor Ceremony
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Pinky Agnew, a celebrant since 1996, shares some tips for your Big Step ceremony - be it a wedding or a civil union.
Jewellery & Accessories:
The Wedding Veil
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The white dress will do it, but the veil often makes a woman feel like she's officially a bride.
Dresses & Suits:
A Whiter Shade of Wedding Dress
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It may sound strange, but the colour white does not have just one shade...it has many, and not every shade will be suited to you.
Dresses & Suits:
Setting out on the Dress Hunt
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It can be daunting, but choosing a wedding dress should be an enjoyable and exciting experience. We've outlined everything you'll need to know to set out on the hunt armed and ready.
Photography & Videography:
A List of Photographs
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Respected professional photographers Melanie Dixson and Chris McCarthy offer some important advice on making sure you trust the person holding the all important camera.
Entertainment:
Feedback Shouldn't Come through the Music
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Make sure you are well aware of the venue layout to ensure your guests' ears aren't ringing for weeks after the wedding.
Stationery & Wording:
DIY Invites - Not Always the Cheapest Option
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If you are thinking about creating your own wedding invitations yourself, remember - it's not necessarily going to save you any money.
Guests:
Old Flames: Let Them Burn Out Before the Day
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It's something that may not have crossed your mind, but we suggest you strongly consider whether it's a good idea to invite the ex...even if you now consider each other friends.
Reception & Flowers:
Guestbooks with a Twist
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It's a lovely memento of your wedding day...but you wouldn't believe how many people forget to bring it out! The guestbook is a beautiful way to remember your big day.
Gifts & Registries:
Top 20 Unique Gift Ideas
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You don't have to register for crystal and matching towel sets anymore. Wedding gifts and gift registries can be as unique and personal as you'd like!
Entertainment:
Pay a Deposit for Piece of Mind
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To be safe, make sure you arrange a contract and organise a deposit for your entertainment...otherwise your booking isn't 100% confirmed.
Pre- and Post-Wedding Functions:
Sleep off the Stags
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The Stag Do is a great way to celebrate your last few days as a single man, but make sure it doesn't make your first day as a married man a day from hell.
Beauty:
Wax and Wait
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Waxing may be painful, but it gets rid of unwanted hairs, leaving your skin silky smooth. There is a catch though - make sure you know your skin before you schedule your wedding appointment.
Caterers & Desserts:
Canapes & Minimalism: Don't Go Together
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A wedding meal of canapés can be absolutely beautiful and delicious, but remember - it's not the same as a 3 Course Meal or a Full Buffet, so keep them coming!
Transport:
Guest Transport...Make it Simple, Make it Clear
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If you're arranging transportation for your guests, it's important that your friends and family know both the pick up and drop off details.
Etiquette & Family:
Who Pays for What?
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The most touchy and contentious subject for any wedding is, of course, money. However, it's also the most necessary...
Caterers & Desserts:
Midnight Snack
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This is something that's been discussed by many fellow wedding-goers of late. Here's the thing - you get married in the late afternoon - say 3 or 4pm. Then you go off and take photographs while your guests have a few...
Ceremony & Vows:
Be on Time... Not too Early!
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This one's for the boys. I was recently talking to my husband about his pre-wedding day experience.
Reception & Flowers:
Flowers are fickle!
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Here's the thing... you may have always wanted peonies as the central flower in your wedding bouquet, but if you're getting married in January, you're going to be disappointed! Brides- and grooms-to-be often don't...
Ceremony & Vows:
Don't forget to get a marriage licence!
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It could be easily overlooked, as wedding couples have so much on their mind in the last few months before the wedding day.
Planning & Budgeting:
The Emergency Wedding Kit
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Every bride needs one! The emergency wedding kit is an essential part of your wedding day, as it will most likely get you out of at least one sticky situation.
Dresses & Suits:
Fast fashion fixes
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No matter how hard you try to have a flawless wedding, little "incidences" always colour the day. To make sure your dress does not become a casualty, here are a few quick tips to help fix any minor spills, tears or...
