Sunrise Creations Blog

Choosing your bouquet is just as difficult as choosing your wedding dress.  It's hard enough to decide which flowers you want and it's quite likely they will be out of season.

Instead of thinking solely of floral bouquets, here are some alternative ideas for you to consider.

And then for the flower girls...   This cutie is from Q Flowers in Queensland.

Look beyond the floral and explore different textures and materials.  You might find something that you love and which fits with the theme of your wedding.

You know how some weddings just stand out in your memory?   I’ve decided that it’s often because of the little details which show thought and care which make one wedding different from another. 

I’ve been thinking about place cards lately.  They are a necessary part of any function but sometimes they can be a little routine, can’t they?  What if we put some extra effort into finding quirky place cards?  How much different might that make to the way we remember an event?

Here are some of the clever ideas I have come across. 

These little hand decorated biscuits serve as place cards and they are edible so they have a dual function.   By Also Heaven, these pretty cookies will attract attention.  .

Of course, not everyone likes sugar.  If your wedding is eco-friendly, uses a nature theme or has a green colour scheme, why not use something like these apple place cards fromSugar Bowl?

These little lollipop place cards are by DIY Weddings but they would be just as much fun at a children’s party. Don’t they look fabulous?

I love this look, too. By Southern Living, it uses little bird’s nests and eggs to hold the place card. You could create your nest out of straw and write the name on the egg. How good for Easter.

There are more ideas over at Oh So Beautiful Paper but I love these ones. Satin ribbon, an old fashioned key and a handwritten, vintage style name tag. So pretty.

It’s the tiny things like place cards which turn a wedding from pretty to magical.

What ideas can you come up with?

We may love our dogs but how far would you go for them?   Would you go as far as having a wedding for your pooch?  Well there are a lot of people who would and at a considerable cost.

I happened to see a photo online and it made me curious about pet lovers and their extreme actions.  There are a lot of doggie weddings out there that cost as much as your wedding and mine combined!  Just have a look at what I found.

This dog owner spent  £20,000 on her pets wedding that included the wedding march played by a harpist, £1,000 of flowers, £1,350 of jewellery as well as a cupcake tower that cost £200.  Here is the happy couple. 

As well as doggie wedding planners there are websites specifically devoted for that special doggie day.  This website has everything you need from cakes, dresses and even bow ties!  Here is one of their doggie wedding cakes. 

Is this all a bit much and over the top or just some people having a bit of fun?  If you are not sure and are considering a wedding for you pooch EHow has a 10 point checklist that should assist you to ensure that special day for your pooch is a perfect day.

If you are still not too sure then this may be the clincher for you to start planning your doggie wedding.  Click on the photo to see the rest of the wedding. 

Well, perhaps I need to incorporate a whole new selection of personalised invitations into the Sunrise Creations range - Doggie Wedding invitations!

What do you think?

Jewellery is such an important part of a bride's look that it just has to be right.  The wrong choice can ruin the effect of even the most expensive dress.  We interviewed Elise Petty from The Bangle Business about jewellery for the bride and the bridal party. 

1.       What is special about your jewellery?

When you buy a piece of The Bangle Business (TBB) jewellery, not only do you have a beautiful piece of handmade  jewellery but a personal connection as well. Our product is about People. Every product has a story and a connection to the artisan who created it. Hence our brand message, “From Person to Person”.

Our pieces are handcrafted with care and precision by artisans using the finest metals and stones.

2.  Why would the bridal party choose your jewellery?

The modern bride who chooses TBB jewellery to adorn herself with on her most important day will be wearing (and thus feel herself) a spectacular, decadent and elegant handmade creation. Beautifully unique with exquisite and detailed design. Our glamorous pieces are the perfect indulgence for the bride and her party.

We can also work with the bride to create Haute Couture bridal sets.  We recently created a stunning white gold, diamond and crystal quartz pendant and earrings set for a very happy bride. We can personalise your jewellery to suit your personality.

We take the time to make sure that each piece of jewellery flatters the bride and complements her gown.  It's such an important day that it has to be perfect.  We do our part to make sure you look as lovely as you hoped.

3.  How did you get into this business?

In August 2008, as part of the Australian Rural Leadership Course we travelled to India as our study country. I loved it!!  Most of all I loved the colours, the people and the jewellery!!!

I bought lots of bling bangles. When I got back and wore them I just had so many comments that I decided there had to be a business opportunity.

I resigned from Argyle Diamonds and started own business, primarily consulting to provide cash flow so I could follow my new dream.

I wanted to build a web based business that not only sold unique stunning jewellery but added value to underprivileged people in India.

There were 2 factors that kept creeping back into my mind that I found unusual by our standards.

1.       The jewellery industry in India is primarily a male dominated industry.

2.        Struck by the colour and vibrancy of women no matter how poor.

I decided to work on a model of working directly with the artisans with the end goal being to transfer these skills to rural women and provide them with an income.

Here we are today.

4.  Do you have a favourite memory about your jewellery being worn at a wedding?

Definitely.  A very dear friend of mine wed her husband on the banks of the Pentacost River at El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberley last Easter.  It was the most amazing setting, intimate and elegant. I was so thrilled that she had chosen TBB to work with her to perfect her bridal outfit. The amazing sunset set off the perfect amount of sparkle on her bangle and earrings. Such a beautiful bride.

5.  What piece would you recommend for a bride?

These are just lovely but you can also have a look at the bridal section of our Facebook page for more ideas.

Paris Romance Earrings: Glittering chandeliers of silver and sparkle will make you the belle of the ball. As a bride these handmade earrings will help make your special day all you dreamed it would be.

Juliet Earrings:  Spectacular, simple and stunning, handcrafted Silver and Crystal Quartz drop earrings

Ethereal Bangle: Shimmering feminine indulgence, this piece will be remembered, handmade hinged bangle

Eve Bangle:  Shine with this incredible crystal handmade hinged bracelet. This piece is pure elegance.

Sparkles Silver:  Elegant and simple.

6.  What sort of jewellery would you choose for the mother of the bride?

This really depends on the individual style, the mother of the bride also wants to be elegant and beautiful yet not outshine the bride.

This set would be beautiful, elegant and understated, perfect for the mother of the bride.

Rose Quartz & Pearl Necklace and Matching Rose Quartz & Pearl Earrings.  This Pearl and Silver bracelet is very elegant, too.

We can work with brides to create jewellery to suit their style, be it in crystals or diamonds, metal, silver or gold. They will look effortlessly elegant and know that their jewellery was created with love, from Person to Person. After all your wedding day is hugely personal.

We hope this interview has given you some ideas about the kind of jewellery you might like to choose for your wedding day.  You can see more of Elise's jewellery at her website, The Bangle Business.

An increasing number of brides are looking for alternatives to the hugely expensive and formal events that weddings have become.  They are choosing to make their own wedding dresses and cater for their reception.  I'm not sure that I could go that far, but I would consider making my own bridal bouquet now that I have seen this video.

In this clip you will learn how to put together a simple bouquet of roses for the bride.  The florist does make it look easy and I know it will be a little more difficult once I start, but the end result is lovely.  One thing I noticed is the way she filled the gaps around the edges of her bouquet with the smaller flowers so that it had a smooth and neat look.  I think that is part of the craft that we all need to pay attention to.

I hope you enjoy this clip.  It is short and simple and if you follow the steps you will end up with a glorious bridal bouquet.

The wedding vows are the most important part of a wedding and there is an increasing number of couples recognising that and writing their own vows.  It isn't as easy as it sounds.

We interviewed Mihad Ali, owner of Mihad Ali Creations and creator of customised wedding vows.  What a fascinating job she has.

How did your business begin?

My business idea began not too long ago. It began from 3 loves I have: helping other people, writing poetry and my love anything and everything weddings. From my love of these 3, I thought it would work as a business because there wasn't anything like it. There are similar businesses that services brides and grooms with personalised vows. What makes my business different is that it is true personalisation from the first to the last word. Nothing is ever repeated for a client.
 
How do you write personalised vows?  How do you get to know the bride and groom?

With every Bride or Groom, I talk to them (usually separately) and learn more about their relationship and we talk about how they met, when their partner first said the three magical words (I love you), where were they when that happened, any ideas they may have and want to include in their vows.The phrase pictures tell a thousand words is true so I get the bride or groom to show me some pictures they love and we talk about why they love them. Every little bit helps to create words to remember. Because I want them to feel relaxed I usually meet with them at their homes. It is their space and comfort zone and people feel more at ease in their own environment which makes it feel like a conversation with a friend and not an interview. So there is no need to be nervous!
 

Do people come to you with pre-written vows?

Clients have never come to me with their vows fully written, they usually come with ideas of what they want which is fantastic because it tells me that they care enough about their Bride or Groom to-be to have seriously thought this through.
 
Why should couples bother with customised wedding vows?

Weddings are such a personalised and special event. Every little detail is thought out from the linens to the shade of flowers in the centrepieces. Why shouldn't the vows be as well? The vows one makes to their future partner aren't just words spoken, at least they shouldn't be. They should be full of treasured and unique memories for the couple. In 20 years time they can look at those vows and remember their wedding day like it was yesterday simply because it was theirs and theirs only. That is something that no one can take away from them. Their wedding day from start to finish was theirs. Their wedding vows wasn't what some do especially at the last minute which is get them off the internet. Why would you want to use vows that millions of other people have used? There is a sense of pride and elegance in knowing they are yours forever. 
 
What else can you offer to the bride and groom?

Many people get nervous at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd. Imagine having to do that on one of the most important days of your life? With the Divine Delivery service, I help the Bride or Groom do just that. For 8 weeks (2 hours a week) together we go through a personalised learning process. As we all have different ways of learning we work out what bests suits them and then start memorising their vows and by the end of the 7 weeks they know their vows like the back of their hand and because we've practiced for so long they usually aren't nervous or scared. In the week before the wedding we go over the vows one last time just to make sure there are no issues and before you know it is it wedding day!  It is a fun process for the both of us. Believe it or not to help couples memorise their vows we play games! What better way to learn than by having fun doing it!

Which part of your job do you love most and why?

The best part of my job is when I see the look on a client's face and they love their vows. Knowing that I had a hand in helping them create something so special and timeless that will be treasured forever makes me smile, There is nothing better!

I was lucky enough to interview Rebecca Taylor from Celebratzio Wedding and Event Planning in Queensland.  I've always been interested in the way wedding planners work so I asked her about her business.

1.  How did you come to start your business?

I was a bridesmaid for a good friend and she struggled to plan her wedding, I assisted and loved it. She suggested I complete a course to become an event manager and so I did and I've never looked back. I love what I do, and being creative everyday.

2.  What is your favourite sort of event or celebration?

Any event that celebrates something - life, love, being happy!

3.  What sort of events do you manage?

Weddings, birthdays, Corporate functions, Photoshoots, Engagement Parties, production shoots.  You name it and we can do it.

4.  What is the best part of your job?

Taking the stress away from people so they can celebrate. Seeing their face when it comes together just as they imagined it would in their dreams.

5.  Do you have a funny story about one of your events?

I was managing a Fairytale Engagement party, and while the soon to be Best Man attempted to make a toast, he tapped on the bottle to get attention, which didnt happen.  He tapped so hard it smashed the bottle and champagne sprayed all over his shirt. That got everyone's attention and an applaud. They thought it was staged like that!

I plan, manage and style any and all events, to all sizes and to all budgets. We listen to what you want and create the event of your dream. At Celebratzio its all about YOU!

There is nothing like receiving an extraordinary envelope in the letter box, knowing that it will be something exciting and fun and not a request for money.

In today’s modern and more relaxed times engaged couples are less hesitant to let their personalities and love of life shine through, and this starts with the invitation to your special day.  This is a teaser of the theme and should reflect the mood you hope to create.

Gone are the days when wedding invitations were white, ivory, ecru, cream, alabaster etc. You get the message! Weddings and therefore invitations tended to be formal and traditional. Not anymore!  You are restricted only by your imagination, and wedding invitations can be any colour of the rainbow to tie in with your personal theme, the colour of the attendants, or even the season or the location.  Gold and Silver are always in fashion, and can be combined with just about any colour you like.

For example, show your love of the orient by selecting an oriental inspired invitation and then follow the theme with your catering, decoration and even your choice of wedding gown.

Wording and font is another design feature that allows couples to individualise, moving away from traditional phrasing. Invitations often come from the couple themselves, instead of the parents as was the case in a generation or so ago.

The ultimate personalisation is the inclusion of photographs. Maybe you invested time and money in your engagement photos, or you want another excuse for a casual photo shoot to record the early days of your relationship.  Using these special images in your wedding invitation is a special touch.

The trend is to individualism with the creation of unique and very personalised wedding invitations and stationery.  It makes your special day even more perfect because your personality shines through every part of the day.

Nothing can beat the feeling of quality paper between your fingers, and the anticipation created by pinning a gorgeous invitation to your fridge for 6 weeks.  Everyone loves a wedding!

The music you choose to play during your should reflect the mood you have set for the day as well as your own personal tastes.  Don't let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn't be playing.

For example, if you are planning a retro wedding, choose music from that era.  A 1930's wedding would be filled with songs from the jazz and big band era.  Think about Irving Berlin's "Across The Breakfast Table" (Looking At You), Cole Porter's "Easy To Love" (You'd Be So Easy To Love)  and "My Baby Just Cares For Me" by Gus Kahn and Walter Donaldson.

If your tastes are more metal than jazz, think about choosing songs like "Eve" by Dream Theater, Nightwish's "Sleeping Sun" or Apocalyptica's version of "Nothing Else Matters".  

Of course, if you are really stuck and can't make up your mind what you like, you can always hope on over toiTunes and look around.  There are pages of different styles of music to look through.

Just remember that it's your day and the music should be special to you.  It's the soundtrack to the beginning of your new life.  Choose the music you love.