Tips for choosing your bridal party

Selecting your bridal party is one of the most important decisions a couple will make before the wedding. It can often be a difficult decision, and one which isn’t to be taken lightly. Photos last forever, and it can be a ‘make or break’ for some friendships. We have provided some tips to help make your decision a little easier…

First things first, how big do you want your bridal party to be??

Proper wedding etiquette says you need one bridesmaid/groomsmen per 50 guests. However, couples often opt to include all their closest friends and family, or just their nearest and dearest. Think about your family and best friends. Who do you picture as your bridesmaid? Who does your fiancé picture as his groomsmen? You don’t have to have an equal number on each side, but try not to be too ‘lop-sided’. If you plan to have a large wedding, go with a larger bridal party. If you plan a small intimate gathering, go with a smaller bridal party. You then need to think about the costs and who will be contributing for what, you don’t want to be stuck paying for 10 bridesmaid’s dresses, 10 bouquets and 10 suits!!

More isn’t necessarily merrier

Remember with a greater number of bridesmaid’s comes the potential for even more complications. For example, the more people need to agree on the dress, shoes, hair, makeup….. Stick with a small selection of your nearest and dearest. This will also pay off if you’re footing the bill!

Do you need to return the favour?

No! You don’t need to ask someone to be your bridesmaid just because you were hers. Particularly if you haven’t spoken to them in a long time.

Responsibilities, responsibilities

Do you have a friend who you absolutely love, but you know they are HOPELESS at organisation and responsibilities? We all have one. You don’t need the extra stress on your wedding day, so make sure whoever you choose as your maid of honour/best man will have your back!! Their main responsibilities include arranging the hen’s night, bachelor party and helping you with the guest list, invitations, decorating and the list goes on. Also make sure you choose someone who knows what you like and don’t like and is going to be RELIABLE!!

Only ask those you’ll be thrilled to hear a yes from!!

Do you picture yourself asking someone, only to leave them asking “why me”? Don’t go through with it. You want that person to be screaming with excitement and possibly jumping up and down.

The words no bride wants to hear months before the wedding…

I’m pregnant! Do you have a friend who you know is trying to get pregnant/wants to be pregnant or IS pregnant? Dress fitting and alterations….need I say more?

Don’t forget your family!!

Those of us who are close with our family would never imagine a bridal party without our brothers and sisters or future in-laws. HOWEVER, if you’re not close with your family, and know deep down it will cause problems if you don’t have them by your side, do the right thing. It also avoids that awkward moment when people ask why your sister wasn’t a bridesmaid….blood is thinker than water.

All in all, make sure you choose people you can have fun with, laugh with, cry with and people who will be there for you through the stressful experience of planning a wedding.

Freshly Picked – Colours for Spring/Summer 2014

Planning a spring or summer wedding? If you’re having trouble selecting the colour palette for your special day, then look no further. We have showcased 10 of the most beautiful colours predicted by Pantone as being popular amongst brides in the warmer months. Make sure you choose a colour that you love and that reflects you. If you’re bubbly and flamboyant then choose something bright which reflects your personality. If you’re modest and favour the simple things in life, go with soft pastels and muted hues. And don’t be afraid to mix your colours together, we show you how below!

1. Something blue

Dazzle your guests with Dazzling Blue! This hue is just stunning, and can be used on its own or mixed with Paloma or Cayenne (as shown below)

 

2. Hooray for ombre

Violet Tulip is absolutely beautiful on its own, however is equally as stunning when used with different shades of purple. Did someone say ombre?? Karana Weddings Flowers & Events have a range of purple chair sashes, table runners and décor which can easily create this look. Why not dress your bridesmaids in different shades of purple, and arrange your flowers to create an ombre look? 

3. A squeeze of Celosia Orange

 

This juicy shade of orange screams summer, and almost makes you crave that vitamin C hit. You can include pops of colour in your bouquet, or deck your bridesmaids and table décor in pure orange bliss. This is also a colour which invites the use of different shades of orange. Come and speak to us at Karana Weddings Flowers & Events, we can demonstrate how to make this hue work for you.

4. Sun shining on Freesia

Freesia is another colour which screams spring and summer. It is fun, and captures all the goodness of a beautiful sunshine filled day. Mix these colours with Paloma, and you have a match made in heaven.

 

5. A little bit of a kick

Looking for a colour to add a spicy pop to your special day? Cayenne is vibrant and lively, and can be paired with basically any other colour such as dazzling blue as shown below. 

6. A splash of radiance

Radiant orchid evokes love and happiness and can be used as an accent colour or an overall theme. Pair this hue of purple with shades of pink, blue and violet for a real wow factor. You can also combine it with violet tulip and shades of pink and cream for a dreamy ombre effect.

7. Clean and serene

Placid blue is so dreamy and incredibly versatile. Pair it with cream, white, shades of purple or darker shades of blue. You can even introduce a splash of hemlock, as shown below.

   

8. Get lost in hemlock

 

A beautiful shade of mint, hemlock is perfect for brides who want a soft, subtle colour palette. This hue can be paired with blue, cream or even cayenne for brides wanting a little kick.

9. Sun, surf and sand

 

   

The perfect neutral, sand shines when it is paired with just about any colour listed above. 

10. The new black

Paloma is very popular amongst brides at the moment, and is being paired with basically ANY other colours such as Freesia, Cayenne, Radiant Orchid and the list is endless. It’s incredibly beautiful when paired with pink and peachy hues. 

Hair comes the bride!

Selecting your hair accessories for your big day is no easy task, so we have put together a list of hints and tips to help you along the way!

Make sure the hair piece matches your gown!!

Selecting your dress should be at the top of your list. The neckline determines how you will wear your hair, which in turn determines your hair accessories and jewellery. You don’t want your hair accessory to out-shine your dress, nor do you want it to clash with it! For example, if your gown has silver coloured stones and beadwork, a gold head piece will clash. Also, don’t forget that if you are choosing to wear a veil, you may find you don’t need anything else. If you want something in your hair, make sure it is quite understated.

Karana Weddings Flowers & Events can design custom hair accessories to suit your wedding gown, so consider this step sorted!


Decide how you want to wear your hair

Selecting a hair piece is so much easier when you know how you will be wearing your hair. Do you want to wear your locks up or down? If you want to wear your hair down, consider a bigger hair accessory that can hold the weight of your hair. If you want to wear your hair up, you can afford a smaller, daintier piece which simply slides into place. If you are having doubts, talk to your hairdresser about what works best with the hairstyle you desire.

There are so many choices available when it comes to hair accessories – handmade flowers, birdcage veils, headbands, brooches, clips, pins…To make this decision easier for you, we have also provided an outline of the different types available, and tips on how to wear them. You can thank us later ;).

Handmade flowers

Handmade flowers are very romantic, and perfect for brides seeking that simple, classic, feminine look. They can be worn with your hair up or hair down, just make sure you’re hair has a bit of volume so the flower doesn’t look out of place. We match the colour of the flower to your gown, and can include colours which complement your bouquet, jewellery and overall theme. Why not have some smaller ones designed for your bridesmaids!?

Birdcage veils

 

For brides seeking that vintage Hollywood look, birdcage veils are absolutely perfect. They really pop when combined with an embellished brooch or hair comb. We can also add crystals, feathers, sequins and more! What’s more, you can detach the veil after the ceremony and really let your hair down! This piece is best worn with your hair up with a sweeping fringe to the side.

Headbands

 

A popular statement piece based on their versatility and functionality. They can be worn with your hair up, hair down, or half up half down! They can be either decorative or keep the hair out of your face. We are able to wrap the band in a ribbon to match your hair and embellish your headband with pearls, crystals, sequins and more, all to suit your gown!

Hair Pins

 

Hair pins are perfect for brides who want understated embellishment in their hair style, and want to draw attention to their jewellery or the DRESS! Hair pins are best worn with an updo, as they can slide in easily.

Don’t forget that Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events can custom design pieces for your special day - bad hair day crisis averted.

All eyes will be on your back!

Your Wedding Day. You have waited for this moment your entire life, and now, all eyes are on you….and your back.
When you walk in, it’s all about the front of the dress, the hair, the makeup, the flowers......but it is important to think about what everyone will be looking at when you are standing at the altar.
We don’t mean that you need to hit the stair master, or start lifting weights, we mean the back of your dress. Let’s leave the heavy lifting for the groom.
There are so many options, lace-up, button-up, tie-up, strappy designs, backless, lace detailing, intricate beading and the list goes on.
Divine back detailing is so feminine and pure perfection on brides with short hair or for long-hair ladies who sweep their locks over their shoulder or into a bun. Also remember that if your wedding dress has beautiful back detailing, don’t hide it with a long veil. Instead, go for a shorter veil and show off that back!
There are so many options, and at Karana, we have you’re back covered, or not if a backless design is what you would prefer!

Lace me up

Perhaps one of the most traditional of wedding gowns, the lace-up back was originally considered a sign of wealth, as wearing such garment implied that the bride could afford servants to help her dress. Yikes.
Lace-up wedding gowns are a great choice, as they are flexible. If needed, you just pull the ribbons tighter to pull in the waist, who doesn’t want to do that!!?
Karana Weddings Flowers & Events have a range of lace-up wedding gowns available, come in-store and 
check them out.

Button me up

This is such a classic, traditional option. Button up gowns can look absolutely stunning when they incorporate lace detailing, beading and ribbon.
On the logistical side of this dress, there are working buttons which require you to button each individually, or zippers, where the buttons are fixed and the dress zips up.
Karana Weddings Flowers & Events have a range of button-up wedding gowns available, come in-store and 
check them out.

Strappy go lucky

Pictured Right: Alfred Angelo 16703.
Thin delicate straps add a pretty, feminine touch to your wedding gown. Slinky and sexy, strappy gowns can also prevent the gown from slipping down at an inappropriate moment. Many brides say this helps them relax their upper body more, as they aren’t concerned about falling out!

Low-back detailing

Pictured Right: Alfred Angelo 2446
Low-back gowns are the ultimate fashion statement right now. Pictured above is an Alfred Angelo gown with pretty floral detailing. The ultimate jaw dropper, low back dress designs come with a range of options from completely backless, lace detailing, intricate beading and more. Come in-store and check out our range!

Surviving your Debutante Ball.

Many, many years ago, the purpose of a debutante ball was to present a young woman as ready for marriage to the families in their society. Yikes.
Nowadays, a debutante ball is the perfect excuse for young girls to get all dressed up and ‘debut’ themselves into society and for most, to wear a ball gown for the first time.
The months leading up to the ball are stressful. Choosing a partner, learning the waltz and let’s not forget the obvious task of choosing a dress.

Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events has put together a list to help you navigate yourself through the maze that is your Debutante Planning.

1. The partner
Perhaps the most important element (2nd to the dress of coarse)! Choosing the right partner for your Deb Ball is crucial, and can be a little daunting.
Most people choose to partner their boyfriends or male friends. Whoever you choose, make sure they understand what the process is all about, and ensure they are reliable!! There is nothing worse then having a partner who doesn’t show up to dance practice! All in all, make sure they are someone you can have fun with and make your night a memorable one.

2. The dress
Ahhhh the dress. Now this is something we here at Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events can help you with.
Make sure it fits – there is nothing worse then having to pull dress up all night, not to mention that chance that it might fall down! We have a skilled seamstress for all your alteration needs.
Make sure it flatters your body – It doesn’t matter whether you are super tall, fuller figured or petite, it is essential that the dress you choose flatters your figure. 
For all you petite girls, long ruffles and tight fitting dresses can create the illusion of height but try to avoid a-line gowns with too much tulle, this will overwhelm your frame. For the curvier girls, we recommend dresses with fitted tops and full or a-line skirts. If your unsure, try everything. Make sure you have your mum, or a close friend with you who will tell you the truth.
Try the dress on with your shoes! – When you find that perfect dress, make sure you go to your alterations appointment with your shoes!!
Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events have a wide range of Debutante dresses. Come in to view the full range.

3. The shoes
The colour of the shoes is as important, as your dress. Go with white, silver, gold or beige shoes. Keep it simple, and if you are having trouble, match your shoes to your jewellery, or your clutch. For all you tall girls, we would suggest opting for some classy flats, and for the petite girls, keep the heel height reasonable to ensure you can walk in them!
We suggest practicing walking around the house in them to ‘wear them in’ and if possible, practice dancing in them

4. The jewellery
Whether you choose to go with gold or silver, keep it simple. You can’t go wrong with a gorgeous pair of diamante earrings and a simple necklace. Remember, you will be wearing white gloves so don’t go overboard with the bracelets or rings. Karana have a range of jewellery fit for a princess, with many pieces starting from $12!  Definitely worth a look.

5. The makeup
Keep it simple. Don’t go overboard with eye shadow and lipstick, keep it natural. Less is more.

6. The hair
Have a flick through some magazines and cut out some of your preferred hair styles. Pinterest will also have some fabulous ideas! Whatever you choose, make sure it is simple and classic…and will look fantastic in photos!!

7. Have fun!!!
Don’t forget to have fun! A young girl’s Debutante Ball is a very exciting time, and a memorable moment for both you and your parents. Enjoy every minute and take heaps of photos with family and friends! And remember to share them with us here at Karana Weddings, Flowers and Events.