Choosing a Transport Company - Tips for choosing your wedding transport.

1. Of course you want to arrive in style, but everyone’s idea of style is different. Some have dreams of the ever romantic horse and carriage, while others could think of nothing better than roaring to the ceremony on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

2. Whatever you decide do your homework to make sure you are 100% confident that you get what you ask for.

3. Ask the company about their minimum hire time – most are between 3 and 4 hours. Some offer cheaper packages at different times of year, or have deals if you book well in advance find out exactly what your price includes.

4. Don’t be hesitant to quiz the company about their vehicle insurance, maintenance programs and drivers qualifications you want to be certain they will get you to your ceremony on time.

5. Ensure that you get the car you order and not one similar – this is particularly important if you have chosen a vehicle for its colour.

6. Read the cancellation policy carefully. Its pretty standard to lose your deposit if you cancel at the last minute, while others allow a certain time frame in case you change your mind.

7. Make sure there’s a mention of refund in writing if the company does the unthinkable and fails to show up. While both unthinkable and unlikely, you need to make sure you cover yourself – ask about back up vehicles.

8. Give the company you book and easy to read list of the addresses they are picking up from with contact numbers for each location and exact times you want them to arrive and depart.

9. You should allow time for decorations and photographs particularly for the bride’s car before heading off to the ceremony.

Jan Littlejohn
Ceremonies with Style
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Where to Find the Right Words

The marriage ceremony is much more than just saying “ I Do”, The perfect ceremony is a carefully chosen balance between words and music that are meaningful to the bride and groom and memorable for all the guests

Organising a wedding is a whirlwind of arrangements decisions and spending money. The thin that often slips to the bottom of the list of priorities is the ceremony, which is actually the whole point of getting married in the first place, so is crucial to the success of the whole event.

You don’t have to say much at all to become legally married. Basically the bride and groom giving consent to marry in front of an officiant, but surely this isn’t what all the waiting and anticipation has been about.

Agreeing to become man and wife is a big commitment a public declaration of your love and fidelity in front of family and friends and what you say to one another really does matter. The words and music that you include in your order of service whether it is a religious or civil wedding need to be carefully considered and it all deserve more than a few minutes of your time.

The vows of marriage

The words you say to one another during the marriage ceremony should be heartfelt regardless of whether you are having a religious or a civil ceremony. This is the big moment of commitment when you legally become husband and wife. Getting married is much more that wearing a gorgeous dress and enjoying a great party, you are agreeing to be legally bound in marriage to another person and this shouldn’t be entered into lightly.

All wedding vows are promises and you must not underestimate the power of the moment that you commit your future to another person. Whether you are having a religious or a civil ceremony spend some time reading samples of traditional vows so that you are comfortable with what you will be saying when it comes to your big moment.

The religious ceremony

Each faith has a slightly different marriage ceremony and you should talk through the wording with your officiant beforehand. This is your chance to think about what you want to say and if you would prefer to word thins a little differently…a religious ceremony doesn’t offer as much scope as a civil ceremony for changing the wording but some ministers or priests are happy to consider minor revisions.

The civil ceremony

You can choose a register office or a civil celebrant ceremony either case the process is the same….Firstly you need to contact your officiant -legal required time for lodging you notice of intention to marry is min. one month and one day.

In a civil ceremony you have more scope to personalise proceeding even going as far as writing your own vows.

Just remember that this is still a legal ceremony and anything you want to include should reflect the solemnity of the occasion. Keep anything too personal for a private moment between the two of you.

Jan Littlejohn
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Bridal Trends

Wherever you proclaim your love be sure to shine on your important day here are some bridal trends in fashion for the upcoming year. Say yes to your Lancelot in an empire gown. This high waist style tops the list of most romantics and a fairytale wedding needs a princess to complete the story look radiant in a voluminous bejewelled ball gown think princess Diana or Carrie Vivienne Westwood dream dress in the movie sex and the city….

A Romantic Look
The empire dress of the Victorian era is updated this coming seas with oversizes chiffon floral appliqués for a picture perfect gown easy white silk and chiffon strapless with contrasting white silk bow is stunning Ivory taffeta gown with off the shoulder sleeves and bustled back…ivory duchess sating and taffeta tuxedo vest paired with a full silk organza asymmetrical skirt and completed with an ivory top hat is sure to make any bride the centre of attention

Floral Finishes
Tone-0n-tone floral appliqués and corsages are in full bloom this coming season Oversized silk taffeta cabbage rose corsage adorns a simple neckline while a pretty look gown with a chiffon floral lattice. or a sweet golden appliquéd bouquets add lush luxury

Fancy Frills
Why skirt the issue of looking all out glamorous Created layers of dazzling ruffles and frills at the hemlines of full length gowns creating a modern look to theses classics

Short Skirt
Higher hemlines are perfect for casual weddings…check out the sophisticated knee high creations

Silver Screen Elegance
Taking cues from 1960’s Hollywood heroines including Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Lauren create a contemporary yet romantic look. A leading lady in jewelled halter A-line gown in white silk and organza or deep V-neck with ruffle trim on ruched silk. Or a modified trumpet with a soft sweetheart neckline finished in ivory mesh organza with cotton appliqués and scalloped hemline

Grecian Goddess Fashion forward brides who continue to update neoclassic, looks with beautifully draped silk taupe jersey and an asymmetrical on shoulder design that is tied at the back. Deep V-neck halter dress in champagne silk satin is minimal yet chic. When worn with a voluminous sleeved shawl. the in this look becomes a fashionable Helen of Troy.

Jan Littlejohn
Ceremonies with Style
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Table Settings

Discover the endless possibilities whatever your style you will find the elements to fit your vision …mix and match to create glamour and ambience, you’re only limited by your imagination.

Eastern Theme
Lush rich colours and beautiful satin fabrics are hallmarks of an eastern wedding
This style can be combined with western elements to create a setting that is truly exotic and breathtaking
Love set votive holder and candles….wooden elephant favor/bomboniere…..
Pillar candles, various sizes…….Indian card and place holder

Beach Theme
Whether you’re actually at a beach destination or you just want the feeling of the sun and sand, a beach theme can be as sophisticated as the traditional indoor reception
Create intimacy by setting tables under gauze linens and lighting with bowls of candles. Bamboo runner’s shells……. and palm trees complete the look

Garden Party Theme
A Garden Party theme relies on the natural surroundings you choose to set the tone.. Enhance this with green alternative and natural looking items to create a perfect balance
Fondue pot….love bird salt and pepper shakers …dove food picks….heart plates. green woven favour/bomboniere….crystal stem flutes…stainless steel torch…natural stones place card holders…birdhouse

Black and White Theme
Undoubtedly black and white is a very sophisticated colour choice. Choose elements that are classic and mix with clean lines and less ornate pieces to create an upscale and very modern look
Round table no and holders…glass vase water pearls and pillar candles…diamond champagne flutes…classic heart holder and filigree cards…swish cup and saucer…diamond napkin rings…bride&groom favour/bombondiere bags…..and confetti cards…diamond tealight holder…hugs&kisses votive holders..heart to heart salt&pepper shakers…swish napkin rings

Centrepieces
A table needs a focal point and flowers have always been the conventional choice. Something just a bit different …arrangements of candles or extravagantly presented food can look striking too….the formality of the occasion and style of menu being service…choose a centre piece accordingly.

For a round table….a single centerpiece is best
Long narrow table….perhaps repeat a series of arrangements through out its length
Glass cakestands are in many designs frilly to the classical which can be used in the centre of the table to hold sweets, biscuits fruits and of course cakes.

Candles make a beautiful centerpiece…thick pillar candles running the entire length of the table or an arrangement of floating candles bring a fairytale charm to the setting..alternatively maybe the soothing flicker of decorated nightlights or a radiant display of tapers…..keep in mind that fancy design and strident colour are out of place in an elegantly set table ….maximum impact keep your choice to white or ivory candles and plan column shapes for the overall effect

Jan Littlejohn
Ceremonies with Style
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Invitation Etiquette - A Guide For Writing Your Own Invitations

You should send your invitations out no later than six to eight weeks prior to your wedding date. Post all local invites at the same time so no-one ends up receiving a late invite. Always make sure you place your return address on the back of the envelope just in case they get lost in the mail. For out of State or Overseas guests make sure you give them sufficient notice for them to attend if they wish. Some journeys may be lengthy and require a bit of saving.

Are you inviting any children to your wedding? If not then you would simply not put their names on the invitations. Invitations are about requesting someone’s attendance so don’t be tempted to put “No children please”. Should your answer be yes invite children by including their name on a line below their parents. Teenage children can be sent their own invitations.

Traditionally your Thank You notes should be sent no later than one month after receiving your gift. When sending a thank you, its much nicer and I’m sure much more appreciated if you hand write your note rather than having them printed. It’s a nice idea to have both you and your husband sign them. Try to keep a record of what each guest gave you as a gift so you can thank them for what they gave you. Remember there are no written rules. Don’t be afraid to develop your own style to create invites that are as individual as you.

Brides Parents Mr and Mrs James Selwel Request the honour of your presence At the marriage of their daughter Miss Melissa Jane To Mr Bradley Scott Jones Saturday 20th June 2009 189 Greenway Street South Sydney, NSW

Issued by the Couple Miss Melissa Jane Selwel And Mr Bradley Scott Jones Request the honour of your presence At their marriage Saturday 20th June 2009 189 Greenway Street South Sydney, NSW

Jan Littlejohn is a one of Australia’s most respected Civil Celebrants for all occasions. Jan Littlejohn will share with you her expertise, knowledge, tips and resources that have been published around the world - visit www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Your Cake Planner - 7 Step Guide to Help You Choose Your Wedding Cake

RESEARCH
Look at as many bridal magazines, Internet sites and Cake magazines as you can, to get ideas on designs and colours

TASTE
Try lots of different flavours to find on that you and your future husband prefer

COLOUR
Consider your wedding style and or theme, and what colours you are having and how you want to incorporate that into your wedding cake design.

SHAPE
Think about the shape you want your cake to be. Have you considered how many tiers you will have. You will need to combine a mix of the style of your wedding and the number of mouths you need to feed.

ROLE
Will your cake be the only dessert you serve your guests, or will it be surrounded by other sweets on a dessert table?

BUDGET
How much money do you want to spend on your wedding cake? If you are like most brides, your wedding cake will ring up at approximately $3 to $6 per slice. Before you schedule an appointment with your cake designer, sit down and work out what realistic figure you and your budge can afford.

TASTING
The best part about shopping for a cake decorator has got to be the cake tasting

BUDGET TIPS
Have only a small wedding cake for cutting and another out the back to serve to your guestsIf you have your heart set on a four tier cake you could hire a tiered plate stand and use iced cup cakes co-ordinated to match your wedding colours.Instead of having your cake decorated, ask you cake decorator to ice it only and use your bouquet as the top decoration. Be careful that your flowers have not been sprayed with any chemicals

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Jan Littlejohn is a one of Australia’s most respected Civil Celebrants for all occasions. Jan Littlejohn will share with you her expertise, knowledge, tips and resources that have been published around the world - visit www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au

Setting the Mood

Varieties of Entertainment

• Its hard to pick music that will please everyone. If you include a little from each music era, you will keep the atmosphere light and the dance floor full. Your day will call for different music. Your day will call for different music selections at various times. Hiring a professional means less headaches, both on the day and in the planning
  
  
• If you want live music make sure your venue is equipped with adequate space, power supply and no noise restrictions. If you request songs that aren’t in your bands usual repertoire, be sure to book well in advance so the band will have a chance to learn the new music.
  
  
• DJ’s can provide you with any sort of music you wish to hear. Some will even act as MC and have the experience to help create a terrific atmosphere. A DJ can supply you with your music for both your ceremony and reception. They can play your special selection as you walk down the aisle. Soft easy listening songs while you ear and then get the party rocking when all tasks have been completed.
  
  
• Classical & Jazz are brimming with flavour, ranging from soloists, jazz trio, flautist, string quartets, and pianists. They’re great for setting the mood at your ceremony and reception.
  
  
• Wedding/Cabaret Singers are flexible when performing your music requests. Many will give you the option of choosing your own songs or offer you choices from their own repertoire. Again, book well in advance so your entertainer can learn any new songs you may as for.

Your Expectations

Be clear with your entertainer and/or DJ about what you want and what you are expecting. This way you should avoid any disappointments on your special day.


By Jan Littlejohn
Ceremonies with Style
www.ceremonieswithstyle.com.au