Monday, September 29, 2014

In full bloom – Blossoms!





We have been so inspired by the sudden appearance of blossoms that we decided it was appropriate to showcase these little pink beauties with our first floral inspired blog.

It’s hard not to be delighted by the sight of these pretty little floral creations. As the weather warms and the season transitions into spring, they can be spotted in gardens, laneways and main streets putting smiles on everyone’s faces. They brighten our day with an array of pink, red, white and apricot hues and make the most amateur photographer look like a pro #nofilterneeded.

We have shown you some ways you can incorporate blossoms into your big day, and can recreate any of these looks for you. Come and speak to us at Karana Weddings Flowers & Events today.

Your colour palette


 



Whether you fancy subtle and understated or bright and vivacious, blossoms allow versatility and mix well with a multitude of colours.

Your bridal bouquet




  
Blossoms are stunning on their own, but even more so when paired with peonies, roses and other beautiful florals.

Your table décor
     



Blossoms are breathtaking in Eiffel tower vases, adding height and maximum wow factor to your table décor. They are also cute and whimsical in mismatched glass jars.



Floating down the aisle
  




This is the moment all girls dream of, why not make it even dreamier? Blossoms are soft and romantic and provide the perfect backdrop for your grand entrance. Your future husband will be absolutely blown away!!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

How to plan the most beautiful spring wedding


As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, there is nothing more beautiful and romantic than a spring wedding. With so many great ideas out there, we decided to select our top 5 most important decisions to help you plan your big day.

Indoor or Outdoor?



The biggest decision when deciding on a spring wedding is the location. Should you have an indoor or outdoor wedding? Many couples opt to have their ceremony outside, and reception inside, giving them the best of both worlds, whilst ensuring their wedding isn’t doomed if it rains! This will also ensure your guests are comfortable, you won’t have a restriction on the food you can serve, and no flying insects!! Come and speak to us about setting up your dream wedding.


The Dress



Perhaps the most important decision you will make, apart from the groom himself!! Selecting a dress suitable for a spring wedding is essential, as you don’t need to be weighed down or sweating your face (and potentially spray tan) off!! Select a lightweight dress that allows you plenty of room to breathe and relax, and allows you to glide effortlessly down the aisle and around the dancefloor. Come in-store and check out our full range of wedding dresses, and dresses for your bridesmaids!

Your hair

 

 

How you wear your hair is especially important, particularly in those warmer months when it can be hot and sticky. Opt with a no-fuss hairdo that can be easily fixed if need be. We love the hairstyles above that can be complemented with one of our gorgeous handmade hairpieces. We can make these to match your dress, come in and speak to us!

Flowers

 

 


Spring florals are absolutely beautiful, and the brighter the better!! We love the idea of mixing different shapes, colours and types of flowers to make your bouquet really pop! Come in and speak to us at Karana Weddings Flowers and Events about flowers for your special day.


Decorations


             

Spring weddings are all about simple and effortless decorations that wow your guests. The ideas above are absolutely stunning, complementing the natural beauty of spring. Let us help you select your decorations and centrepieces. Karana Weddings Flowers & Events can help take the stress away from your wedding by providing all the decorations and setting up. We even pack up so you can simply enjoy your special day and the days that follow. xx

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Make your big day even better!!

With the increase prevalence of Pinterest and online wedding websites, more and more brides are looking online for wedding inspiration. In fact, 91% of brides said that they go online to search for wedding inspiration*. This study also showed that reception décor was the most-searched category, and one-third of those surveyed said they had started a collection of wedding ideas online before they got engaged!! Sound like you?

Researching online is an important aspect of wedding planning. It helps you to determine the colours, themes, flowers, cake, venue and even the style of dress you may like. However, nothing can compare to the in-store experience.

The champagne, the ‘oohs and aahs’ as you try on dresses, the tears that flow when you finally find the right one and the excitement and peace of mind you feel when you know that your big day is in capable hands. This is what Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events can provide you.

The team at Karana Weddings, Flowers & Events have been planning weddings and events for over 15 years and their experience and attention to detail is second to none. They provide a one-stop shop, giving brides not only access to the largest range of wedding supplies, but also peace of mind.

Karana Weddings Flowers & Events stock a large range of Alfred Angelo wedding gowns & bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses, suits for the guys (and page boys), jewellery, linen, table and chair hire, decorations, flowers, access to a professional cake maker, a seamstress for all your alteration needs. They will even decorate your venue for you so you can relax your way into your wedding day.

On a budget? Karana Weddings Flowers & Events has a range of wedding packages, so there is something for every bride and every budget.

Come in-store today to receive your Wish List & exclusive Bridal Consultation and let Karana Weddings Flowers & Events make your big day even better!!

*2014 study by The Knot and Pinterest

Monday, August 25, 2014

Must do’s before the I do’s


Planning your wedding? We have absolutely everything you need for your big day. Dresses, suits, jewellery, invitations, flowers, décor for hire and more!! We even have handy wedding planning books to help you stay on top of it all! Keep reading for some important steps in planning your wedding.

Set a date





Or at least select a date range. This will help when you begin looking for venues, booking the entertainment, caterer….etc etc

Set a budget!




A conversation that no one wants to have, but a very necessary one. Be sure to include your parents if they have chosen to contribute in some way. The best way to control your budget is to look at packages. 


Decide on a theme

Are you planning an outdoor or indoor wedding? Are you classic and traditional or funky and eccentric? No matter what your style, we have everything you need to pull off any theme! 


Choose your bridal party


The fun part!! You will need a Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen, a Flower Girl and a Ring Bearer. 





The guest list




The ‘not so fun part’. This should ideally be completed with your budget in mind, however those of us with a large family often have a hard time ‘culling’. If you are on a tight budget, invite your nearest and dearest. And you don’t need to invite people just because they invited you to their wedding… particularly if you haven’t spoken to them SINCE their wedding.

Save the Dates!!




You should send your Save the Dates out 8-10 months before the wedding. 
We can create beautiful Save the Date cards for your wedding,

Book a florist




Flowers are incredibly important for a wedding. You need to think about your bouquet, table décor and overall theme. We have an in-house florist who can create beautiful arrangements. 


Book the venue and celebrant




This should really reflect both your personalities and your budget. Whether you are going with an indoor or outdoor wedding, we can help find the right venue for you. We know all the best venues in Young and the surrounding area and are always on the lookout for more!

Find your dream dress


If you’re planning your wedding, you have probably started looking for a dress before setting a date!! The best advice we can provide is to make sure you select a dress that you feel comfortable in and makes you look and feel amazing!! We have a range of beautiful Alfred Angelo wedding gowns in stock, as well as a range of bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and suits for the guys. 


Reserve hire products


When planning a wedding, you need to think about all those little bits and pieces that complete your day. Things such as tables, chairs, linen and table décor. We have a huge range of hire products for both your ceremony and your reception. We can also help you set up!!


Select your cake




There are so many beautiful cake ideas, and what you select all depends on your overall wedding theme. Our cake maker is incredibly talented and can create some absolutely stunning cake designs. 

Decide on your hair




How you wear your hair will depend upon the style of dress you have chosen. We have some beautiful hair accessories and veils in store, and have also written a blog on how to select your hair accessories. 


Send your invitations!


It is best to send your invites 2-3 months before the wedding to give people plenty of time to RSVP. However, don’t send them right before major holidays such as Christmas, they are likely to get lost or forgotten. We can create some beautiful wedding invitations. 

ENJOY

As stressful as wedding planning can be, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. It is an exciting time, and should be savoured!

xx

Sunday, August 24, 2014

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.