Decor Idea

Vintage silver and pewter trophies as flower vases add an element of loveliness to any wedding theme, be it vintage, modern or chic and if you rummage hard enough I bet you'll find one or two lying around at home.

New Zealand Designer - Anna Schimmel

Take note all your NZ brides ... the very talented Anna Schimmel has just released a new range of exquisite wedding gowns - the French Collection. 

Based in Auckland, Anna creates stunning bespoke wedding gowns based on exclusive collections, or individually design luxurious haute couture.
Head over to the website to swoon over these stunning gowns and other beautiful collections.

Get married in New Zealand for less

•Cut down on the guest list - The primary expense for most weddings is the reception.  Think about inviting fewer guests to save exponentially on food, beverage and rental costs.  Many New Zealand venues specialize in small, intimate wedding parties for a significantly lower cost than larger affairs of the same caliber.

•Wedding Discount Card - Websites such as Great Weddings New Zealand offer discount loyalty cards to save users significant amounts of money.  Great Weddings includes affiliated businesses for almost everything you might need, including catering, reception venues, photography, entertainment and transportation.  Flights can even be booked using this card to save you and your guests money.

•Flowers - Flowers can be costly and it's often because the desired type of bloom is not in season or needs to be shipped wo opt for flowers that are in season and readily available.  Or, for those really budget-strapped, consider scrapping the flowers altogether and carrying parasols, fans. Remember there are many beautiful wedding venues that are so stunning they don't need floral decoration.  Candles make a much more budget-friendly table centerpieces than fresh blooms.

•All-In-One - Hire one venue to provide your entire event. R ather than hiring a separate caterer, cake designer, florist, DJ and reception venue.  Many venues will provide a package that encompasses all your wedding's needs - often at a reduced price.  This is especially convenient for brides abroad, eliminating the need to communicate with so many separate clients overseas.

•Book out of Season - The busiest season for weddings in New Zealand is spring and summer - October to March.  Booking your event outside those months will mean reduced rates on venue, catering, photography, and more.  Also, purchasing wedding supplies out-of-season allows you to take advantage of sale discounts on items like clothing, jewelry, decorations, invitations, even alcohol.

•Network - Ask friends and family to help.  This might mean your bridesmaids helping assemble wedding invitations, mom creating the favors, or a family friend providing photography at a reduced cost.  Just ask. Most friends and family are happy to be included in your special day.

New Australian Bridal Couture Designer

Award-winning designer Rosalynn Win is the new up and coming bridal couture designer to look out for within the Australian Fashion community.

Her exquisite gowns reflect the essence of haute couture with beautifully intricate details.  They're classic, stylish and unique and we are loving them.

Antipodeans warming to the idea of hiring Wedding Professionals

The antipodean culture of DIY steers many of us to believe that professional wedding planners are typically recognised as being available to cater only to the wealthy and elite.  However, this misconception is becoming unfashionable.  The reality is, wedding planners can save you a ton of money and time as well as ensure that your wedding day runs perfectly; and here's how.

1. Vendor Savings: Hiring a planner may can and should save you money, as most have strong relationships with suppliers and are skilled at negotiating lower prices. Planners are also aware of all the hidden costs associated with big events, such as security, bottle removal and cake-cutting fees, which can help you avoid a budget blow-out.

2. Budgeting: A resourceful planner will work with you to establish and stay within the parameters of a budget; often providing comprehensive check lists and expense reports to keep the budget on track.

3. One Stop Shop: Rather than having to shop around for suitable vendors and information regarding the services they provide, your planner will provide you with this information saving you valuable time.

4. Time Savers: Almost as precious as your finances is your time.  The time needed to prepare for your big day can be overwhelmingly consuming.  Researching vendors, co-ordinating your bridal party, as well as on-the-day schedules and post-wedding priorities can and do take their toll on many couples.  Imagine the amount of stress that alleviated when a professional takes over those daunting tasks leaving you and your partner to not only continue your usual routine without undue disruptions to your day-to-day living arrangements but also just to enjoy your engagement.  To have a planner should prove to be a ‘God-send’ rather than a financial liability.

5. Damage Control: Well meaning family members are inclined to want to have a say on how the wedding deliberations should take place although it may not be what the couple want.  A wedding planner can be a brilliant buffer for this kind of situation.  Wedding planners are also trained to handle delicate tasks, such as calming frayed nerves and smoothing out any hiccups that may occur.

6. Wedding Etiquette: These days, almost anything goes, however, there are still some basic rules that should at least be discussed such as speech sequences, seating arrangements, who pays for what?  Your wedding planner will advise you of all these To Do’s and more.

A wedding planner should be like the perfect best friend – having all the contacts, ideas and experience to help you plan your dream day without taking over.

Valentino 2011 Resort Collection

OK so they're not bridal gowns but these Valentino creations are simply inspiring.  Feminine embellishments, amazing textures, including garden prints, 60s mod looks, lace, bows, chiffon and ruffles.  Stunning!

Florrie Mitton couture garters for the stylish bride & boudoir

Not too long ago the Florrie Mitton label was born and is now, understandably the must-have label for bridal garters.

These aren't just any garters, Florrie Mitton exquisite little treasures are hand-made using silk, satin, lace, tulle and chiffon and most pieces are adorned with special details, whether it be a vintage rhinestone garland or a sweet sparkling charm.  Most of the garters are reminiscent of the grandeur of yesteryear from the Gilded Age to the early 20th-Century influences of Art Deco.  This makes sense considering the brand was named after and influenced by the designer's great grandmother.

Each Florrie Mitton garter is handmade in the UK and come presented in a keepsake gift box.  With a garter as beautiful as these, you may not want to toss it!

New Luxury Lodge Opens in NZ

Described as a lakeside retreat, Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown will soon be unveiled at the end of the month.  The lodge sits in a dramatic sub-alpine landscape, fringed by forest to one side and the waters of Lake Wakatipu on the other.  With sweeping views across the lake to the rugged peaks of the Remarkables range, it's wilderness location is only 10km from the South Island resort town of Queenstown.

The surrounding region is renowned for its premium wine and food and is also New Zealand’s premier winter sports destination, and popular summertime holiday spot for golfing, water sports and adrenalin adventures.

Matakauri Lodge, originally built in 2000, was New Zealand’s first organic spa, and was named in Tatler’s 2008 'Top 101 Hotels of the World'.  Constructed in a contemporary New Zealand design, the strong simple forms of the lodge have been designed to minimise the visual impact on the landscape and maximise views of the natural location.

The lodge has accommodation in 11 luxurious suites, plus a stylish and spacious main lodge. Three guest suites are located in the main lodge, and eight more in private cottages nestled in native forest and overlooking the lake.  Each suite has a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and bathroom.

The lodge offers a crisp full-service luxury spa, fitness centre, outdoor infinity swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and walking trails. While the Matakauri property does not have onsite golf facilities, Queenstown offers several high end golf courses.

White House Black Market

In 1985 a boutique called The White House, selling fashion only in white and ivory opened in Baltimore, Maryland.  A decade later they went one step further and opened Black Market, using the same monochromatic concept for merchandise but this time all the fashion was in, you guessed it, shades of black.  So successful were these stores that in 1997 the company decided to combine them for the ultimate statement in chic, modern and graphic fashion.  They became White House Black Market.

Most excitingly, in April 2010, WHBM launched their first bridal line; a collection of sexy, refined silhouettes.  The wedding gowns share the core collection's runway-ready appeal and capture the essence of the WBHM design philosophy which is to "make women feel beautiful."  The dresses are what the company calls affordable couture, and are all priced under $750.

The entire collection for the bride and bridal party can be purchased online at WHBM.com/wedding.

Bridesmaids also get treated to the WHBM look with a collection of LBD'S that really are perfect for the wedding day and beyond.  For a super sweet look there's the black empire-waisted dress with a full skirt made entirely of ruched satin roses, and topped off with a ruby satin floral corsage at the waist.  Or for a floaty, ethereal feel there's the black ballerina dress with a long tulle skirt and boned bustier bodice. 

So many choices ... but it doesn't stop there.  The accessory collections are enough to make any girl swoon, engaged or not!  The costume jewelry consists of jet beaded necklaces, oversized statement collars punctuated with rhinestone bows and dangling charms, matching bracelets, brooches, cocktail rings and earrings.  The footwear is just as irresistible ... classic t-straps, slingbacks and peep-toes with just the right amount of height.

White House Black Market brings a chic, timeless appeal to their collections ensuring that women will look and feel their best. 

The Sydney Ultimate Wedding Planning Party

The Sydney Ultimate Wedding Planning Party is holding it’s third event at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 15th of September.

There are two sessions this year – one at lunchtime and the Gala evening event. Guests to the daytime event will enjoy champagne & canapés, early access to the party’s exhibitors, bridal fashion show and a goodie bag valued at over $500.

Guests attending the Gala evening event will enjoy access to the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party vendors, a free wedding planning show seminar featuring some of Sydney’s leading event experts, a bridal fashion show and a goodie bag valued at over $500.

In it’s third year, The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party is putting on a grand show with some of our favourite names. The evening fashion show will showcase the latest designs from Steven Khalil, Rhonda Hemmingway, Amsale for Angela Wilson and MJ Bale Men’s Formal Wear.

Guests will also enjoy

•Wedding photography by gm photographics

•Cinematography by Abraham Joffe

•Wedding gifts & registry ideas from Peter’s Of Kensington and Riedel Glassware

•Makeup workshops from Bobbi Brown makeup artists

•Reception styling ideas & inspiration from Staging Connections Anthony De Col

•Couture cakes from Planet Cake

•Luscious bridal blooms from Mandalay Flowers

•Boutique wedding stationery from Letter Bird Lane

Guests to the evening event will enjoy a trend report from the editor of Bride to Be Magazine and industry insights, tips & tricks from Sydney wedding professionals and all guests will also receive the chance to enter a luxurious honeymoon to Fiji (flying business class and staying five nights at the Likuliku resort).

Daytime session tickets are $50 each while Gala evening tickets are $80 each. To purchase, visit the wedding planning party website here

Marlborough, New Zealand Weddings

To have a Marlborough wedding, is to embrace the region's unsurpassed climate and beautiful scenery.  From the sparkling waters of the Marlborough Sounds where you can frolick with the dolphins, to the rugged splendour of Kaikoura for a spot of whale watching; not to mention soaking up the world-class wineries.  Quite simply the Marlborough region is an idyllic wedding destination.  So here's some of our fave venues worth a mention.

Old St Mary's Convent Blenheim - http://www.convent.co.nz/
Bay of Many Coves Resort Marlborough Sounds - http://www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz/
Marlborough Vintners Hotel Blenheim - http://www.mvh.co.nz/

Kabiri

Loving London based jewellery comapny kabiri for so many reasons.

Launched in June 2004 by Nathalie Kabiri, the company aims to bring previously unseen jewellery designers to London and share their fab collections.

With 3 store locations in London, Kabiri has also bounded onto the runway of digital chic with its newly redesigned online jewellery store, conveying its eclectic and unusual style while continuing to expose the exclusive collections of new designers to a wider audience.

Their designer roster changes from month to month, keeping a steady but sparkling constant and ensuring that designers are always kept fresh and if a collection becomes too widely available Kabiri stop selling it to maintain exclusivity.

Love it.

Cutting the paper out of wedding invitations

Must, must, must check out New Zealand based company Paperless Wedding.

Sending out invitations electronically is not only eco-friendly, a fab way to reduce your carbon footprint but also cost effective.

Claire Pettibone Intimates

Check out these delicate intimates from designer Claire Pettibone, part of the Butterflies collection which is all about colour and fun pieces that could work well as wedding lingerie … perfect for the non conventional bride.

Peppermint Pretty

I’ve fallen in love with the fresh vintage and retro inspired gowns at Peppermint Pretty.  Best described as custom made gowns for the modern bride with a strong sense of style, looking for something unique.  Not only are they stunning, but they’re totally affordable!

Australian Wedding Dress Designer

As an Antipodean inspired wedding consultancy, ididjeridoo actively seeks out exceptional Australian and New Zealand wedding vendors and today we want to share with you the bridal collection of Australian wedding dress designer Ms Anna Campbell.

These wedding gowns are twisted, draped, plaited and tied around the female figure perfectly with wonderful embellishments, bows, ribbons, hand-made silk flowers and beaded fringing. Visit Anna Campbell to view stockists and check out the divine gallery of dresses.

Something Blue

Something blue in ancient times is the symbol of faithfulness, purity and loyalty.  Often a blue item is the garter and in olden times the couple wore blue bands on the border of their wedding attire to denote, love, modesty and fidelity.  Nowadays brides incorporate blue into any item on their big day, from flowers, to headpieces, shoes to accessories.  Here's some inspiration.

Take A Break

The past few months have been a sea of chaos and with less than a few weeks till the arrival of our first child, the Kiwi and I decided to leave behind the million and one things that still need doing for a weekend of pampering in the greatest city in the world.

We headed to Imagine Spa in South Kensington for an hour and a half of massages/facials/manicure/pedicure followed by brunch at gastro pub The Duke of Clarence (Old Brompton Road) on our way to boutique hotel The Cranley where we were greeted with a bottle of champagne and yummy chocolates in our stunning suite.

After a leisurely stroll down the gorgeous Kings Road, with a slight bit of celeb spotting (Kimberley Walsh swished past us on a pedestrian crossing) we returned to the hotel for a decadent and very civilized afternoon tea in the lobby complete with scones slathered with strawberry jam and clotted cream. I napped off the calories and awoke in time for a refreshing soak in the bath and enjoyed making myself up for dinner at The Kensington Hotel's Aubrey restaurant.  It was a balmy night and I savoured each moment knowing that it’d be a while before we’d do anything like it again.

The following morning we enjoyed an indulgent breakfast with all the trimmings and even a little left over champers in the oversized patio attached to our room before heading home and back to reality.

There’s nothing like getting away for night or two.  For us it was about a last hoorah before we become parents but for you brides to be out there, do it as a means to forget about your wedding planning and just enjoy your fiancée.

Get Married in Australia or New Zealand

It doesn’t matter if you're at the top of the world or in the very heart of the land down under, weddings bring out the best in everyone and call for joyous celebration the world over.  In Oceania the traditions are a beautiful mix of new and ancient, creating a wedding experience that is unique to this very special corner of the world.

Australia and New Zealand, two of the most remote countries in the world, yet two of the most exciting and vibrant, are members of the British Commonwealth and so they have borrowed many of their wedding traditions from Britain – although they have been flavoured by the traditions of the native populations of both nations. Most Australian wedding traditions have been borrowed from England and the US, but it is also common for Scottish and Irish wedding ceremonies to be performed in Australia, and many ceremonies are also flavoured with Aboriginal customs.

An aspect of a New Zealand wedding is the incorporation of traditional Maori wedding customs.  As natives of New Zealand, the customs and traditions are held in high esteem by the nation.  These traditions include the ceremonial Powhiri welcome to the bride and the groom and are often conducted by a Maori tribal elder and no Maori-flavored wedding would be complete without the “infinity loops” placed around the necks of the bride and the groom, symbolizing never-ending love.

Australia and New Zealand, whether home to you or far off lands that you oly dreamed of exploring, are both wonderful choices for a destination wedding.  Encompassing miles of pristine beaches, coral reefs, untamed desert, modern cities and mysterious rain forests, the Southern Hemispheres two most famous countries are an enticing playground.

Need a hand with the logisitics?  That's what we're here for!

Pear Wedding Theme Inspiration

We have a big, old pear tree in our garden and it’s begun sprouting fruit everywhere, bending each branch with heavy, plump green juicy pears!

How wonderful to take inspiration from your very own home. Here are some ideas for a ‘perfect pair’ theme.

Table Decorations - Your wedding reception tables offer lots of opportunities to decorate. Fill a large vase with for your centerpiece then spray plastic pears with layers of matt white paint. Have your guest’s names written on strips of white paper with pin ink and pin them to the pears using pearl-headed pins.

Cake - Your cake serves as a major decorating component so consider a cake topper with two pears. Alternatively, ask your baker to make pears covered with fondant or to incorporate real pears in your cake design.

Favours - Edible favours are doubly special and there are options galore for a pear theme such as chocolate dipped pears; a paper thin pear slice dipped in dark chocolate, wrapped in a cellophane bag and tied with a silk ribbon that can be personalized with a custom imprinted message. Of course, there are endless options for non edible favours too like pear soap or pear shaped candles.

Signature Drink - Serve delicious ear martini cocktails with vodka and pear liqueur.

Food - Serve poached pears drenched in chocolate sauce as part of your dessert to wow your guests.

Décor - Pear green is a hue of green that works really well with a variety of complimentary colours especially creams and whites.

Have fun scouring the internet and wedding magazines for inspiration.

August is here ... perfect time for a Southern Hemisphere Wedding!

Embrace the outdoors, enjoy the milder weather in Australia or New Zealand during this special season and plan a beach/garden/backyard/lakeside wedding.  Options are endless and the best part is there is so much in the native landscape to be inspired by that there's no need to spend a fortune making your special day stand out from the rest.

Vintage Wedding Theme

A vintage style wedding has to be one my favourite themes.  A setting full of beautiful stately bits that have been collected over generations and washed by time and used to a lovely softness.  There is a randomness that can’t be endlessly repeated on each table.

Unlike the sharp crisp lines in contemporary looks, the vintage style has a soft, cozy wiltedness to it. Lovely pastel blendings of random teapots, sugar bowls, water pewters and flea market vases to hold garden variety flowers for your centerpieces. For flowers think peonies, garden roses and Queen Anne’s lace with wisps of trailing ivy.

Vintage begins with an overall color scheme of soft palette such as, but not limited to ivory, white, and pinks. It then continues with the use of graceful details, such as fringed napkins, ruffled ribbons, lace-covered luminaries, and loose petals.

Ensure your table display captures that shabby chic appeal by bringing the same muted colour palette through soft fabrics, ruffles and florals accented by vintage glass, silver, and jeweled elements.  Use mismatched crockery, vintage cake stands, tea cups and saucers for serving.

The best thing about decorating vintage style is that things don’t have to match; neither do they have to be brand new.  Mix and match old and used items, whether store bought or borrowed from family and friends.
Old-fashioned handkerchiefs in pretty floral prints and dainty embroidery or lace edging can act as improvised place mats or table doilies.

A variety of antique jars and cans can make wonderful vases.  Fill them with blooms such as carnations or daisies. Use second-hand wooden chopping boards a distressed finish and used as serving trays.
Give scented candles or soaps, dried flower arrangements or lovely antique-looking frames with the couple's photo in them as favours.

As for your photography, definitely opt for post-processed in black-and-white or sepia tones for an authentic feel.

Flowers in mismatched cups and galvanized watering cans serving as vases dotted around your venue make a lovely statement.  Bird motifs, such as rustic wooden birdcages romanced with fillers like ivy or roses, surrounded by individual favor nests are also fabulous.  Hanging clusters of festive paper lanterns from the ceiling and votives hung from tree branches, plus plenty of ribbons to flutter in the breeze.  Instead of an ordinary signature frame, have your guests sign die-cut flower cards and glue the individual blooms to the matte for a more whimsical look.

Use vintage images to create DIY invitations and decorations. Old-fashioned photos or artwork can be cut out and glued into centerpieces, as well as be printed on table place cards and napkin holders.

When considering your look, opt for an ivory gown touched with delicate floral embroidery or one graced with lace.  Perhaps incorporate a petticoat with a touch of pink.  Chandelier earrings are perfect as are cameos for bridesmaids.  Pearls are always so comme il faut and a sparkling brooch at the neckline or sash make a fabulous vintage statement.  Pastels are perfect for vintage bridesmaid dresses.

Be sure to pique the palette with treats such as petit fours, tea sandwiches, fruit kebabs and tiered cupcakes topped with fondant butterflies.  Then, quench their thirst with Martha-esque rows of iced teas and fruity lemonades.