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?

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.

Recently I was lucky enough to interview Fiona Roberts, a Civil Marriage Celebrant based in Caloundra, Queensland.  She tells us about her work and why she loves it so much.

How long have you been a celebrant?

I was registered by the Attorney Generals’ Department in 2009, having completed my training whilst on leave with the birth of my son.

What made you become a celebrant?

It’s something that had been on my “to-do” list for a LONG time, so when I had a brief window of opportunity (Maternity leave), I decided to stop talking about it, and get trained and registered.  I can honestly say I’ve not looked back.  I am now a full time Celebrant, conducting in excess of 100 weddings a year – and very, very happy!

What is the hardest part of your role?

Breaking the news to a Bride and Groom that the weather is just not going to be kind to their outdoor wedding, and we need to go to their “back up” plan.  No-one likes to hear that their dream day has to be altered at the last minute.  Fortunately, most couples are fine, and end up still being thrilled with the outcome!

What do you love most about your role?

The joy of the occasion cannot be surpassed in terms of an occupation!  When you truly connect with your couples, you feel such a sense of happiness for them as they embark on the new adventure of married life.  It’s an absolute honour to be able to share such an intimate moment.

Is there one occasion (wedding, christening) you remember more than others?

As a “group” of ceremonies, I tend to remember the surprise weddings and the elopements.  As a Celebrant, you are so caught up in making sure that these moments are exactly as the couple imagined, so you can’t help but become emotionally involved.

My favourite ceremony to date, was for a couple who had invited their guests to their Daughters’ Naming Day, only for the Bride to arrive fully decked out in her white dress!  Even her Dad was in the dark, until the Groom said the Bride needed him out the front, and when he went out, she was arriving in the Limousine.  Dad was over the moon, and walked her down the “aisle” with happy tears streaming down his face.

My other favourite, was also a surprise wedding, where the guests had been invited to the couples’ engagement party in a Resort Penthouse.  When the time came, they were ushered onto the roof for a “group photo” to find it all set up for the wedding ceremony.  The Grooms’ band provided the music, and at the very last minute, the Groom (also the lead singer), turned the microphone around and sung his Bride down the aisle to “There she goes” by the LA’s – a truly touching moment!

What advice do you give to couples planning their wedding?

Whatever you decide you would like your ceremony to be – an intimate affair, a family gathering or a magnificent production, your Celebrant is there to help you. Your ceremony should reflect you as a couple, and even more importantly, your vows should be promises that you are happy to base your marriage on.

So consider what being married means to you, and then consider how your ceremony can reflect that. The beauty of choosing a Civil Marriage Celebrant, is that your ceremony truly is all about you!!

(Wedding photos by Mills Photography, Sunshine Coast, Qld.)