Top Ten reasons why Brits head down under to wed

1. Location, Location, Location - In Australia and New Zealand there are absolutely no restrictions on your wedding location.  In fact your choices of venues are endless.  Get married on a secluded beach, in your parent's garden, in a theme park, underwater, but in the UK it's illegal to conduct either a religious or civil ceremony outdoors.  This of course also means that marriages cannot take place in your home, parent’s home, or anyone else’s home for that matter.  The building you exchange your vows in must be licensed for weddings.  Fairly restrictive.

2. The weather - The unpredictability of English weather is a main factor all couples consider when planning their big day.  Regardless of whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding, no bride wants to have to dash from car to church door clutching a damp skirt hoping her make up wont run and her hair isn’t flat by the time she walks down the aisle.  The weather can also potentially ruin stunning photographic opportunities.  Who wants to have ALL their wedding photos taken inside, especially if your venue is a stately home or by a lake?!

3. Restrictions on officiants - Ever since Joey married Chandler and Monica on ‘Friends’ and Haley married Peyton and Lucas ‘On One Tree Hill’, the idea of having a loved one perform their wedding ceremony appealed to couples the world over. But sadly, this is yet another option Brits do not have.

4. Cost - It is considerably cheaper to marry abroad, especially when the cost of your wedding is in Australian or New Zealand dollars; effectively making it half the cash. Most of your wedding needs are less expensive down under too, for example, stationery and favours are less than half the cost than here in the UK.

5. Package deals - In the UK paying for your wedding is generally done separately.  By that, I mean the venue is a set fee, you pay the catering company a separate fee, the transportation company a set fee etc; whereas in Australia and New Zealand, it is far more common to incorporate most of your wedding costs, especially when it comes to your reception.  Usually you will pay for your venue hire, reception, meals, drinks, décor etc all in one package, which inevitably saves a lot of money.

6. The landscape - Where else in the world can you find hundreds of sparkling beaches, rolling vineyards, sunburnt desert, lush rainforests, snow-capped mountains and cosmopolitan cities all in one?  Australia and New Zealand offer such magnificent landscapes and stunning scenery to suit all tastes and you can be sure your wedding photos will be stunning!

7. Two-in-one wedding & honeymoon - Thousands of Brits ravel to Australia nd New Zealand every year, many of them, in search of sun sand and sea and many for a far and away relaxing honeymoon destination.  So it make sense to want to plan a two-in-one wedding and honeymoon package, saving you time and money, althought it is a long way to expect your guests to travel.

8. The cuisine - Australia and New Zealand have some fabulous chefs popping up at the moment, the Southern Hemisphere really is a culinary wonderland.   Known for laid back dining and world class seafood, it's a good enough reason for any couple to want to spoil their guests with some Aussie game meat and Kiwi tucker!

9. Wine - OK so you can buy it here in the UK but the brilliant wines that Australia and New Zealand produce are obviously far cheaper to consume in their native countries.  As well as that, there are over 50 wine-growing regions in Australia (over 500 wineries in Victoria alone) and 10 in New Zealand so you're spoilt for choice if marrying on a vineyard takes your fancy.

10. See above!! - All this is reason enough to want to start planning your Southern Hemisphere wedding, right?  I think so too!

G for Genius Desserts!!

Oooh we are super excited about G Desserts - cupcakes in a jar!!  They come perfectly packaged and make perfect wedding favours (the cupcakes, jar labels and ribbons can all be customised to match your wedding theme), they're also impressive at dinner parties and make great gifts for friends and family and the jars can be reused or recycled.

Now, here's the good news - you get a bit more cupcake in a jar than a regular cupcake.   The regular size cupcakes come in jars which are 62.5mm (2.5") in diameter, 72.7mm (2.9") in height and 167ml in volume AND they have two layers of cake and two layers of icing!!   The cupcakes are also available in taster size jars (mini cupcakes) and unlike regular cupcakes, the jars seal in moisture, so they're super moist and squidgey!!

Waitakere Wedding

Yet another fabulous NZ wedding venue; Waitakere Estate is an Auckland retreat and a stunning location for your special event. 

Specialising in intimate weddings (catering for a maximum of 70 guests), on offer you'll find a range of wedding packages, dining and luxury boutique hotel accommodation and all for exclusive use.

Waitakere Estate provides options for both indoor and outdoor weddings and civil unions.  Hold your ceremony in the landscaped gardens amongst the native greenery or in the quaint on-site chapel set beneath a large kauri tree.  Alternatively, there is a spacious reception room boasting a magnificent scoria fireplace and elegant furnishings.

Beautiful!

A new fave bridal designer

Auckland based designer Jane Yeh is a new fave.  Her signature designs are known for being stylish, romantic and elegant and we just love love love.

Jane also creates stunning pieces for bridesmaids and mother of the bride.  Visit the online boutique for the collection and pepare to get excited and perhaps a little carried away - gowns are priced at around $1000 NZD. 

Australia Day Wedding Inspiration

January 26th is Australia Day and naturally I'm celebrating with friends, and abundance of green and gold balloons, vegemite sandwiches, mini meat pies and foster's beer.  If you're particularly patriotic, why not incorporate a few Aussie-isms into your celebration.  Need some inspiration?

* Decorate cupcakes with mini Australian flags on toothpicks.
* Top your cake with a mini koala/kangaroo/boomerang etc.
* Offer native wattle seedlings as favours.
* Serve damper on slabs of wood and Aussie shiraz to wash it all down with.
* Decorate your venue with didgeridoos and aboriginal artwork.
* Send out invitations with images of the Sydney skyline.

  

DIY Brides

I've recently discovered Bedecked, an online treasure trove of lace and trimmings, ribbons and motifs.  They deliver direct to your home but also have a shop where they sell beautiful knitting yarns and fabrics, gift babywear and toys.

Spring Weddings Downunder

Spring has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere and it's no wonder it's a popular choice for weddings.  There's something magical about saying your wedding vows in a springtime garden setting and charging your sparkling champagne glass in the golden sunlight.  As the weather warms up, the florals go into bloom I cant help but think that Spring is the best time of year to exchange vows - a lovely representation of new life, renewal, beauty and love.

Colours:
The colours available are exhaustive, so you can create a rainbow effect or simply choose one design so you have a flood of consistent colour to match your wedding theme. Springtime parasols can now be found adorned with silk blossoms such as gardenias and daisies.

Styling:
Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and host your ceremony and reception outdoors in a beautiful, bloom-filled garden setting.  Pick fresh flowers for table decorations, have your bridesmaids wear blossoms from the garden in their hair and tie bows with fresh flowers into each table napkin.  Decorate your venue with bunches of mismatched blooms, paper lanterns in a rainbow of sherbert colours and paper flowers.

Favours:
Favor ideas for a springtime wedding are as plentiful as the season itself.  Miniature tin pails can be given with wheatgrass cheekily peeking from the top.  Give a packet of springtime bulbs ready to burst into life in a beautiful paper bag adorned with personalised ribbon or, simply place a card on each of the floral centrepieces letting your guests know that they are free to take home the flowers at the end of the reception as your gift to their home.  Give each of your guests a parasol to protect them from the spring sunshine. 

Flowers:
The delights of spring can be found in the range of flowers in season, including Alstromeria, Baby's Breath, Blue Bells, Carnations, Camellia, Cornflowers, Daffodils, Forget me not, Freesia, Gardenia, Roses, Iris, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Australian Natives, Tropical Orchids, Peony Rose, Poppy, Queen Annes Lace, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Lily of the Valley, Oriental Lily and Tiger Lily.  Choose your favourite flower as your main wedding theme, whether it is a peony or a daffodil, flowers can be some of the most beautiful inspirations for your big day.

Wedding attire:
Spring weddings are the perfect time to showcase your dream bridal gown, whatever it may be. Strapless, short skirts, structured princess gowns, floral embroidery, a splash of colour in a sash or corsage, and light fabrics such as chiffon and organza all work for Spring events.  Sherbet colours in all different designs can look incredibly modern and happy for your ceremony.

Food and beverages:
An Australian springtime wedding menu could include lgrilled polenta with goat's cheese, prawn cutlets with lime, seasonal vegetable stacks, rack of spring lamb, and fresh strawberries steeped in your favourite liquor with shortbread for dessert.  Chilled soups and salads make perfect appetisers, and fish, chicken and lamb are all suitable for the main course when paired with seasonal vegetables. 

Continue your spring theme with your cake both inside and out. White chocolate, raspberry, lemon, orange and carrot are all great wedding cake flavours for Spring weddings.  Decorate your cake with blossoms, colourful polka dots, or pastel ribbons.

Drinks for spring weddings should be fresh and fruity, with citrus elements playing a key role. A lemonade bar with different flavours and colours of lemonade served from large glass jars can make an attractive feature as well as providing refreshment. For your signature cocktail choose something refreshing like white wine sangria, or Long Island Ice Tea. White, rose and sparkling wine is more popular than red during the spring season.

Invitations for spring weddings:
Your invitation sets the tone of your wedding, and what better way to announce spring weddings than with a fun, fresh design.  Look for floral designs and motifs, natural colours such as green, yellow and pink and relaxed informal fonts.

Colour schemes and patterns for spring weddings:
The traditional pastels such as lavender, pink, blue and lemon are still popular, but these can be combined with stronger colours to achieve a contemporary look.  Pale pinks and blues look wonderful with chocolate brown and lemons and deep purple compliment each other really well.  Patterns that work well at spring weddings include stripes, polka dots, gingham and plaid.  If you opt to mix patterns keep your colours simple.  Use your chosen patterns on your invitations, your cake and favours.

Decorations for spring weddings:
There are so many beautiful flowers in season in spring including gerberas, roses, lilies and tulips.  Suspended bird cages decorated with flowers, as well as brightly coloured Chinese lanterns can make a real impact.  Tall indoor trees are a very fashionable option and can be accessorised with ornamental birds and brightly coloured butterflies.

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.

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.

Professional Wedding Planner - Do you need one?

When it comes to planning a wedding, the devil is in the detail.  Wedding gowns, eues, cakes, invitations, the list for a bride-to-be can be endless, but what about all the little things that make the day truly special?
If planning your day seems like an overwhelming task, then it might be time to call in the experts. Wedding planners offer different levels of service, from planning the entire event to organising just a few aspects.

But what do wedding planners actually do, and how will you benefit from having a professional help you plan the most important day of your life?

A stress-free wedding
A wedding planner should take on the role of your best friend – someone who has all the contacts, ideas and experience to help you plan your dream day and someone who most importantly, is there every step of the way to ensure you’re focussed on the bigger picture. That being said, you may want to hire a planner to organise just a few of the big ticket items, such as sourcing a space or providing creative inspiration, rather than having someone do everything from hiring suppliers to handling all the finishing touches.  Either way, a resourceful planner will point you in the right direction and help you find exactly what you want with the minimum of fuss and provide sound advice.

Expense
The cost of a wedding planner varies depending on how much involvement your planner has but in every circumstance, hiring a planner should save you money, not just stress! Good planners have strong relationships with suppliers and are skilled at negotiating lower prices, they are 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.

Choosing your planner
When it comes to deciding on a planner, it goes without saying that it is crucial to do your research. Websites will give you a good first impression, but you should make appointments and meet potential planners in person to make sure you are comfortable with their approach and style of work. My advice is, go on your gut instinct. If it’s like catching up with an old friend, she’s the one.

Timing
For brides who want to work with a planner, timing is reasonably important. Any good planner will prefer to meet potential clients as early as possible and spend time getting to know the couple. Consider employing a planner eight to twelve months before your wedding date. The more time you have, the more choices you have when it comes to suppliers, especially if you’re planning to wed in peak seasons, such as spring and summer.

Double Celebrations!

It’s been a hectic few months in my world.  Business planning and travel, entertaining and working ... it’s easy to get caught up in the trivial things and that’s when life throws you a reminder to slow down and take it all in.  This time for me it came in the form of a baby.  My new adventure for 2010 is motherhood and I just can’t wait to welcome a child into the word come summer.

With babies on my mind, I can’t help but think of all the ways to incorporate pregnancy into a celebration, because of course, that’s what ididjeridoo is all about - inspiring celebrations!  So read on for some advice on being the belle of the ball as a pregnant bride and some yummy mocktails for your event.

Pregnant Brides

• Being a pregnant bride is a double celebration so enjoy your special day so don’t feel the need to hide your gloriously protruding belly.

• Besides looking and feeling like a princess, comfort for the pregnant bride is one of the top priorities. The challenge is finding, ordering and fitting a dress that's going to suit you several months from now when you have no idea the dimensions your body will take. Eliminate the guesswork (and the stress) by selecting a gown with an empire waist and choose a dress that eliminates lacy itchy sections and fabric that breathes.

• If you’ve already purchased your wedding dress before you fell pregnant, or your baby decides to have a sudden growth spurt, there is the possibility you could have extra panels sewn into the dress or even a stretchy panel that sits snug at the waist.

• Try to get all alterations for your gown done in the last month or so and if possible even during the week leading up to your wedding. A good expert will work alongside you and know all the tricks in helping your dress fit you comfortably.

• One of the most important things to remember is to wear comfortable shoes. Standing on your feet most of the day is hard enough for any bride, never mind a mummy-to-be! You certainly don’t want to be sat down for your entire event because your feet are throbbing from ill fitted shoes you’ve worn all day. It’s best to choose a low heel for safety reasons, but if you don’t or can’t wear low heels, opt for a chunky, thicker heel which will give you more balance and stop you sinking into the ground if your venue is being held outside. Remember swollen feet can occur during pregnancy so it may be a good idea to hold off on buying your shoes till as near to the wedding as you can.

What's in your champagne flute?

Of course, we all know that alcohol is bad for the baby, but when I think of a celebration, I think of bubbly champagne and tangy brightly coloured cocktails and just because I’m “with child” shouldn’t mean I have to miss out on that right? Which is why I’m happy to recommend some lovely non-alcoholic sample recipes that not only look stunning, but taste lip-smackingly gorgeous too.

1. Sparkling Citrus

Stirrings Tangerini Rimmer
2 oz fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice
1 oz tangerine juice
2 oz blood orange soda
Dash grapefruit bitters (optional)

Rim a champagne flute with rimming sugar. Pour in juices and dash of bitters, then top with blood orange soda.

2. Pomegranate Cooler

5-7 fresh or frozen blueberries
2 oz pomegranate juice
2 oz white grape juice
3 oz sparkling pomegranate soda
1 lemon slice

Muddle the blueberries in the bottom of a tall glass. Then add ice and pour in the juices. Fill the glass to the top with sparkling pomegranate soda, and place a lemon slice on top of the drink. Sip through a colorful straw.

3. Minty Mango Cooler

2 cups white grape juice
3 cups mango nectar
1 bottle bitter lemon soda
3 trays mango-mint ice cubes*
2 bunches fresh mint

Pour white grape juice, mango nectar, and bitter lemon soda into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add 1 tray of mango-mint ice cubes. To serve, place 2-3 fresh mango-mint ice cubes into a tall glass. Fill the glass with punch. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.

*Mango Mint Ice Cubes:
1-1/2 cups mango juice
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup simple syrup
Juice from 1 lime
1 bunch mint leaves

4. Sparkling Pomegranate Champagne

1 oz chilled pomegranate juice
4 oz chilled champagne

Pour the pomegranate juice into a champagne flute and top with champagne. Enjoy!

5. Sparkling Pom-Apple Mocktail

1 oz chilled pomegranate juice
4 oz Sparkling Apple-Pomegranate Cider* (chilled)
Mint leaf for garnish (optional)

Pour the pomegranate juice into a champagne flute and top with flavored cider. Garnish with a mint leaf.

*If you can’t find Apple-Pom cider, substitute with Apple-Cranberry or Apple-Raspberry instead.

Wedding Resolutions

It’s a new year, so why not get your wedding planning off to a good start?

Come January we often make New Year’s resolutions and plans for how we’re going to improve ourselves over the next 12 months. So why not apply this same theory to your wedding planning? It’s the perfect time to freshen up your planning schedule.

If you’re newly engaged and just starting out, a checklist of all the things you need to think about is a great place to start. If you’re mid-way through your planning, it’s a good time to revise your checklist and reward yourself for the tasks you’ve accomplished.

It’s wise to divide your checklist into sections, such as things that need to be done 6-12 months before the wedding, 3-6 months before the wedding and a month before the wedding.

Focus on the big items such as the date, venue, ceremony location, photographer and dress first, then move on to everything else. It’s also a good idea to delegate tasks to your fiancé, family members and bridesmaids to help reduce your workload.

And most importantly, ensure that the day before the big day you relax!