One thing I find super helpful at a wedding is signage. When you arrive at a wedding as a guest, you feel a bit like you surrendered your life and personal preferences into the hands of the people who planned the affair. You’re prepared to follow any which instruction that is given, so if it’s on a sign, knowing where to go and when is made a whole lot easier.

Wedding signage can tell you where to sit, where to put things, what they are (food or drink), what’s happening next; or they can give you a feeling. Let’s take a look at some different kinds and styles of signs from Sunshine Coast wedding planners and decorators, Lovebird Weddings. 

Signs that remind you why you’re here…

Signs that tell you where to sit… 

Signs that give you warm and fuzzies… 

Signs that are unambiguous… 

Signs that give you some pretty decent suggestions… 

And most importantly, signs that tell you what you get to eat and drink at this shindig… 

Enjoy some more wedding styling genius from the folk at Lovebird weddings. 

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Where to Start

Now, not everyone will want or need a wedding planner, but if you are short on time, overwhelmed by the whole planning process, or just want to make sure every nitty gritty detail is accountable to someone else, you will.

Weddings have become increasingly more extravagant, and as the vast majority of us are juggling a gazillion balls in our lives already – work, fiancés, kids, gym, friends, wine time, waxes and watching Wonderland, so planning a wedding can become just another thing to do. We love it, but it takes up time in our day and space in our minds.

If this is you, what you need is the best, most efficient wedding planner on the planet. We have a bunch in our Supplier Directory, so what you need to do is get browsing, then get on the blower and grill them within an inch of their lives!

Questions to Ask

Firstly, be sure to be armed with all of your own must-haves and preferences. If you have a date, location, theme, food ideas, or anything else you and your fiancé have decided you can’t live without, be upfront about it with the wedding planners and ask them if it is doable. Or if you have zero ideas, that’s fine too, because they will hep you. First make contact, then, ask them these beauties:

Are you available on my wedding date?

How many weddings have you planned?

Can I contact any of your former brides for references? Or do you have written testimonials? 

Can I see pictures of weddings that you have planned recently?

Will you personally attend my wedding on the day?

What happens if you cannot attend the wedding on the day? Do you have a back up person?

Are you contactable on weekends and at night if necessary?

How will you handle it if one of the suppliers does not fulfill their contract on the wedding day?

What are your fees?

What percentage of your fees are payable up front and when is the final balance owing due?

Can you provide me with a detailed outline of what your fees cover?

What details of my wedding will you not plan?

These questions are conveniently laid out for you with space to record your answers and any additional comments in our Planning Tools section here.

Vision Realised

Ultimately, you need to make sure you get along with your wedding

planner and that she is someone you feel will listen to your ideas and

doesn’t intimidate you or try to steer you away from your original vision for your wedding day. The last thing you want to happen is for you to get to your wedding day and realise, this isn’t my dream day, it’s someone else’s.

Having said that, your wedding planner should be able to take your ideas and make them a reality, but also offer you advice and present you with possibilities you may not have considered. A wedding planner can be great for not only interpreting your vision, but helping you find one if that’s something you are lacking.

Most Importantly

Make sure you sign a contract which clearly states all the Wedding Planner’s responsibilities.

Photos courtesy of Wild Heart Weddings and Rustique Wedding Designs. 

The post Do I need a Wedding Planner? appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Cassie and Paul were living in Western Australia in the lead up to their Sunshine Coast wedding, so they enlisted the help of wedding planner, Emma McGee, from Wild Heart Weddings to plan their beautiful marquee wedding from top to bottom. 

The couple had the benefit of the bride’s parents’ Diamond Valley property to utilise for their wedding day, with plenty of space to erect a marquee. I’m going to confess something. Until this wedding came into my hot little hands, I had never heard of Diamond Valley. A little investigating unturned that it is located out the back of Eudlo. So basically it’s about as close to “the country” as you can get on the Sunshine Coast. Seeing these amazing photos of the lush greenery by Emma Nayler, I think I may need to take a little drive! 

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The bride gave Little Owl Events a clear direction for her wedding style: modern elegance. This was achieved beautifully with clean clear glass vases, chrome details, and a polaroid photo booth with a fun backdrop of pastel ribbon streamers.

The marquee itself looked absolutely incredible with fresh flower chandeliers and paper lanterns and lots of ceiling drapery, giving a look of grandeur and simplicity at the same time. The bride also did her part to uphold the modern elegant feel with her bridal fashion and hair styling, 

“My brother Mitchell and Paul’s close friend, Daniel, were the witnesses on our marriage certificate. They were not on the bridal party so this was our way of making them feel involved.“

“The bride’s mum handed the bride’s wedding ring to the groom. And the groom’s mum handed the groom’s wedding ring to the Bride.They felt very special.”

“Handwritten letters together with a luxe lipstick were given to the bridesmaids. Engraved flasks were given to the groomsmen.”

Bridal party photos were taken on and around the bride’s parents’ beautiful Sunshine Coast country property

“My nanna contributed towards my wedding dress.”

“We had a musician play the acoustic guitar while we were having photos done and the guests were eating canapés and drinks then a DJ after dinner.”

Polaroid photobooth guestbook!

White framed chrome for signage is an on trend modern touch

“Invest in a wedding planner if you can. Wild Heart Weddings were amazing, there was no stress and they planned my wedding from start to finish.”

Floral chandeliers make an impressive statement under the marquee

Long tables with symetrical and simplistic styling of florals in clear glass and tea light candles speaks to the elegant modern theme

Funky tattoo sketched three-tiered cake

Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: Flowers, and so worth every cent!

Best money saver: DJ and musician were personal friends

Bridal gown: Hobnob Bridal (WA) $2,200 (including alterations)

Accessories: my own earrings

Shoes: PINK (brand) $100

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New $100

Groom and groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Cashmere suits made in Phuket $250 (three piece suit including tie and shirt)

Rings: RAND Diamonds (through Mazzuchellis) $12,000

DIY: Our wishing well (hat box) and table numbers. We were living interstate – Western Australia at the time so DIY was difficult.

Number of guests: 100

Wedding budget: $35,000

The Dream Team

Wedding Planner: Wild Heart Weddings

Photographer: Emma Nayler Photography

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Decorators: Splash Events

Cake: Ideas In Icing

Marquee hire: Perry’s Sunshine Coast Event Hire / Rentals: Perry’s Sunshine Coast Event Hire (tables and chairs)Caterer: Village Bakers  / Bombonnieres: Yallingyup Candle Co / Makeup Artist: Jacqueline Foster Makeup / Hair Stylist: Rocaverde / Stationery Supplier: LaLa Design (WA) / Celebrant:  Big Love Weddings / Wedding Night Accommodation: ASPECT Caloundra / Extra rentals: Illuminated Rentals

The post Real Wedding: Cassie & Paul in Diamond Valley appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If there’s one thing we’re passionate about here at The Bride’s Tree, it’s being eco-savvy and mindful of the environment and implementing sustainable practices. That’s why our magazine is completely online – no paper!  That way, only those who wish to have a paper copy need download and print it. Otherwise you just enjoy its pretty splendour online. 

Get ready to be inspired by these great eco-friendly wedding ideas for your Sunshine Coast wedding! Details below the images. 

1.  Custom made, fabric flower wedding bouquet with rhinestone and pearl brooches from Cultivar.

2. Eco Friendly Wedding Invitations made from recycled paper from Beacon Lane.

3. Argyle Cognac diamond from Ethical Jewellery Australia.  This company only uses diamonds and stones sourced from traders that are against child labour, where all workers experience fair working conditions, where they have the right to not be exposed to toxic chemicals and that guarentee communities directly benefit from the sale of their natural resources.

4. Picnic baskets from Love My Food. These picnic baskets are a unique alternative to traditional table decorations and your guests will LOVE them!  Each picnic basket is filled with gourmet delights such as lebna cheese marinated in olive oil, smokehouse paprika salamis and Moroccan cheese logs with peas and dukkah.  All their food is made from scratch and brimming with local seasonal ingredients and contain no preservatives, additives or genetically modified foods. Photography by Kate Green Photography.

5. Ditch the plastic packaged bombonieres and give your guests a potted herb plant.  Not only will it be a cute table decoration and make your reception venue smell a treat, but your guests will also love taking these home to plant in their own garden. This lavender plant bomboniere is from Flourish Bombonieres. 

6. Instead of asking your guests to choose a gift from a registry, ask them to make a donation on your behalf to a local charity like Australia Zoo Wilidfe Warriors.  Every year their Wildlife Hospital treats over 8,000 native animals and they rely soley on donations to keep this wonderful facility operating.

7. Head down to your local second hand shop and pick up an old window or doorframe which you can recycle into a unique table seating plan.  Alternatively CL Wedding & Events have sourced a fantastic range which are available for hire. Photography by Julian Beattie Photography.

8. Nominated four times as the “Best Destination Spa” in Australia, Ikatan Day Spa in Doonan is an environmentally friendly day spa that uses natural and organic products.  Kick back and relax on the ergonomic spa treatment beds amongst the lush Balinese inspired tropical gardens.  Ikatan Day Spa support and give back to local Sunshine Coast and Balinese community groups such as the Noosa Hospital Club Chemo, Sunshine Coast Oncology Clinic, Cambodian School Project and the Balinese Street kids Community and Orphanage.

9. Secrets On The Lake, Montville is perfect for your wedding ceremony, wedding night accommodation or for your entire honeymoon.  It is nestled beneath mountainous rainforests and next to a tranquil lake and the grounds feature beautiful carvings, rock pools, love seat swings, lush lawns and an antique style boat house.  They also have a bunch of creatively themed treehouse cabins which provide a range of accommodation styles, each exquisitely decorated and carefully constructed to preserve the pristine rainforest environment. 

10. Limited edition, handmade vintage garter by The Forever Dress. This clever Sunshine Coast Designer creates individually designed garters by incorporating pieces of beautiful vintage laces and fabrics. The garter pictured is an Ivory silk and tulle garter with an antique limoge porcelain centre.

The post Eco Friendly Wedding Inspiration appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Guest blogger Emma Oxenbridge writes for our new series for work-at-homers. 

Hello!  I am Emma Oxenbridge and I am fully submerged in the wedding industry (both on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.)  I run my own wedding planning/coordinating business called Wild Heart Weddings and I am also one third of a gorgeous curated wedding fair known as A Darling Affair.  Between these two businesses I’d say I work anywhere between 20 and 40 hours per week.  I also have a husband and a social life so striking a good life balance is really important for me. 

Five things I can’t live without:

1) My lists!

2) Cups of tea.

3) Fresh air.

4) MUSIC.

5) An organised desk.  

The post Emma Oxenbridge shares her essential five for working at home appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Before you look over these ahmayzing photos by Bonnie Jenkins from Joy and James’ wedding at Maleny Retreat, you simply must read the story of how James proposed in Joy’s own words… 

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“It was just like a fairytale and I will treasure the memory my whole life.

James and I were on our way back to the UK for a friends wedding in Sept 2011. We decided to spend a couple of weeks driving through Northern Italy and France. James had asked if he could plan the last part of our holiday as a birthday surprise for me.

To my delight James had booked us into a gorgeous suit along the Champ Eylsees, Paris.
After a full morning of visiting all the beautiful sights the city could offer James surprised me when he said he had booked me into a day spa for an afternoon of pampering. After the spa we went back to the hotel to get ready and go out for a romantic dinner.

After dinner as James and I walked along the Seine River across from the Notre Dame Cathedral we came to bench with a lady sitting next to a huge bunch of beautiful flowers. As we got closer the lady noticed us, stood up and started playing Pachelbel’s Canon on her violin. At this stage I thought she was just another street busker. Little did I know that James had organised her to be at that very spot at 9pm. James sat me down on the bench and handed me the flowers and said ‘The flowers are for you. I also have a card for you’. I before I realised what was happening he gave me a beautiful post card of the Eiffel Tower on the front. I turned it over and read ‘Will you marry me? James xx. I gasped with surprise and delight and looked at James on bended knee with a gorgeous princess cut diamond ring. All he could manage was to mumble something close to the actual question but that didn’t matter because I was already happily nodding YES!

I remember thinking that it felt like we were the only two people in the world when I looked into James’ eyes at the moment. That was until we noticed everyone around us clapping and cheering. Nothing like an audience to snap you out of balling your eyes out!”

“No matter how organised you think you are, there will always be last minute things that need to be done. I recommend a wedding planner for all of those bits because as a bride there is only so much running around on the day that you can do before you have to sit back and have your hair and makeup done and walk down that aisle.”

“It started to shower when I was due to walk down the tree aisle but I was running a touch late (well maybe 20mins late) so it cleared by the time I was ready.”

“Having our two families and all our closest friends come together was the best thing about our wedding day. It is the best feeling when all the people you cherish are there to celebrate how much you love your partner.”

“We stayed at Maleny Retreat because there are so many beautiful views and areas to take photos and we wanted to stay close to our guests. It was so handy having the golf carts to zip around the large venue. “

Our Dream Team

Ceremony and reception location: Maleny Retreat

Photographer: Bonnie Jenkins

Wedding planner: CL Weddings and Events

Florist: Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio

Caterer: First Class Functions

Transport: Highland Connexion

Makeup Artist: Joy and Rachelle Barrett

Hair Stylist: Paige Schubring and Nicole Pihl

Decorations and Rentals: CL Weddings and Events

Entertainment: 16 Strings

Stationery: Kerrieanne

Dance instruction: Dance Romance

Celebrant: Lesley Forest

Wedding night accommodation: Honeymoon suite, Maleny Retreat

“We always wanted the ceremony to feel elegant and quite formal but then have a fun festival vibe to the reception so everyone could let their hair down. We wanted to avoid that ‘boring’ time between the ceremony and reception so we added fun elements like the jumping castle and giant garden games for everyone while the canapés and drinks were served.”

“We didn’t really have a theme in mind right from the start but we both really wanted our guests to enjoy themselves and have a fun and memorable time right from the minute they arrived.”

“We loved having our wedding over a whole weekend. At Maleny Retreat there was room for 54 of our guest and more with their own tents to stay a couple of nights. It meant that we got to spend more time with all our guests that had come from interstate and the UK.”

Our Wedding Secrets Revealed

Biggest splurge: Our Honeymoon. A three-month round-the-world trip to Asia, Europe and the USA

Best bargain: My dress! I saved $1000 by ordering it from a bridal boutique in the UK. I found my dream dress here in Brisbane and after doing some research I found I could get the same dress cheaper. I was lucky I had my sister-in- laws, who both live in the UK, to pick it up and send it over to me.

Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero

Accessories: Necklace from MYER

Shoes: ZU

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Lovisa and Forever New

Groom’s suit and shoes: Elio Moda Brisbane

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Tony Barlow, Brisbane

Rings: Xennox Diamond World and Anthony’s

Bombonieres: 

DIY: My sister and bridesmaids made metres and metres of gorgeous bunting to match my invite colours. That was my favourite small detail of the wedding. I also made the mock festival VIP lanyards for place names. James built a wooden gazebo for our guests to sit under and he also made me a giant LOVE sign. A friend made our seating plan for us to look like a music festival poster, instead of table numbers we had stage names!

“We hot and cold canapés for between the ceremony and reception and chose a banquet style for the dinner. We liked the idea of four main and sides being served on platters at different times so everyone could share and interact like a ‘family style’ meal.”

“We had so many wonderful friends and family with amazing talents help us with everything from our cake, photography, DJ, celebrant, jumping castle, setting up and decorating. We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.”

“We had already planned to go back to England to visit James’ parents who were unfortunately unable to make it over to Australia for the wedding. So James’s mother and sisters planned a gorgeous small church blessing and high tea reception to celebrate our marriage for all the friends and relatives that missed out on our Wedding in Australia. So we decided to get round-the-world flights and visit Singapore, Thailand, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, UK and USA over three months.”

Maleny Retreat is having an Open Day this weekend! This is a must-see venue. Details here. 

The post Real Wedding: Joy and James in a Marquee in Maleny appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Guest blog post by brilliant Sunshine Coast wedding planner from Wild Heart Weddings. Image by Aimee Catt Photography.

1. Industry Knowledge

Think about this for a moment.  How many celebrants do you know? How many photographers do you know? How many wedding venues are you aware of? Are any of these venues BYO?  Is there a makeup artist on the coast who specialises in lash extensions or airbrushing?  I bet you can’t think of many answers to those questions… A Wedding Planner, however, knows hundreds It is their job to go to networking events, showcases, organise venue viewings, keep up-to-date with all the new suppliers hitting the scene and sift through the gigantic amount of wedding professionals on the Sunshine Coast so that you don’t have to.

2. Timeline

While every wedding is unique and has a character all of its own, most weddings seem to follow a fairly standard timeline. A Wedding Planner will be able to tell you (among many other things):

• When to book a venue so you don’t miss out
• When to book all your suppliers
• When you should send out your “Save The Dates” and your invitations
• When to organise transport and rehearsals
• When you should be ordering your dress

They’ll also plan your big day down to the minute. They coordinate with all suppliers so that everyone is aware of what should be happening at any precise moment. You won’t need to worry about a thing.

3. Budget

This is a big ticket item. Lots of couples simply aren’t aware of what weddings cost and when those quotes start rolling in it’s safe to say most people are a little shocked. A Wedding Planner will put your mind at ease; they will explain why things cost as much as they do, what’s a suitable price and how to save money in some areas. All those beautiful little details add up and it’s imperative that you have someone paying close attention to where the money is going so that you don’t wind up blowing the budget. A good Wedding Planner will track all of your spending and remind you when payments are due. They’ll also end up saving you money in lots of areas you probably didn’t think possible!

4. Time

Planning a wedding takes time. Lots and lots of time. It’s been estimated that planning a wedding takes more than 200 hours (and from personal experience, sometimes even more!). Most couples these days both work full time and finding the time necessary to pull off such a big event is nearly impossible. People get stressed and all of a sudden planning a wedding doesn’t seem so fun anymore.

5. Handling a crisis

Even the very best laid plans can sometimes be thrown into chaos. Natural disasters, personal disasters, family problems, logistical problems, a dodgy supplier… all of these things can and will be rectified by a professional Planner. They have handled all sorts of crazy situations before and they have an infinite amount of tricks up their sleeves to deal with anything you can throw at them. And they’ll do it all with a smile and without breaking a sweat!

6. Support

A Wedding Planner becomes your best friend, your second mum, your confidant, your advisor and your wingman (or wingwoman!). They’ll be able to tell you what colours work well together and how to deal with those family members who can’t take a hint. They can accompany you to tastings, dress fittings, supplier meetings. They’ll hold your hand when you need support, stand up for you so that your voice is heard and will always put your best interests first.  

7. Attention to detail

A Planner can spot a logistical problem from a mile away. They’ll also draw your attention to things you may not have thought about, such as how to transport guests with disabilities, catering for those guests with special dietary requirements, what to do if it rains on the day and how to handle any last minute annoyances which might arise. They’ll ensure everything is exactly where it should be.  

8. Planning a wedding somewhere other than where you live (Destination Wedding)  

How do you plan a wedding on the Sunshine Coast if you live in another state? Simple. Hire a Wedding Planner. They’ll be able to send you links, photos, location and supplier suggestions and they’ll handle all the hard work for you while still keeping you fully informed and involved with the process. All you’ll need to do is show up on the day!

9. Turning your vision into reality

Sometimes it’s hard to put your wedding vision into words. A planner can help you get those visions down on paper. They use tools such as vision boards, Pinterest and floor layouts to help you fine tune your concept and pull it off with finesse.

10. Your sanity. 

This one’s a no-brainer. People can go a little crazy planning a wedding. Everyone has heard of the term “Bridezilla” but it’s not just the bride who can go a little cuckoo. The groom, associated families, and the bridal party – they all feel the pressure. How lovely would it be to let someone else take on all that stress and pressure so that you don’t have to!

The post 10 Reasons You Can’t Afford Not to Have a Wedding Planner appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Today we have a guest blog from Sunshine Coast wedding planner, Emma McGee, director of Wild Heart Weddings

Update: Wild Heart Weddings have now merged with Something For Catering.

Winter is an AMAZING time on the Sunshine Coast!  There aren’t many places in the world where winter means a mild 20 degree day with clear sunny skies and a gentle breeze.  If you ask me, these are prefect conditions for a wedding.  Below are my top 5 reasons you should consider holding your wedding during the gorgeous winter months here on the Coast.

5. Weather

As mentioned above, the weather in winter is gorgeous.  Dry, mild days and crisp clear nights. The boys can wear their suits in comfort, rather than breaking into a sweat every time they move a muscle. The girls can rest assured knowing their beautiful hair and makeup will not melt away in the harsh sun. Your guests can sit through your ceremony in comfort and the chance of someone fainting because of heatstroke is minimal (yes, it’s happened before!)

4. Light

 As you’re all aware, the sun goes down earlier in winter.  This means you are almost guaranteed those beautiful twilight (or sunset) photos with your partner before your reception kicks off.  In summer, you could be waiting until 6.30 or 7pm for that amazing light, whereas in winter, you’re more likely to see it around 5 or 5.30pm. Beautiful light means beautiful photos.

3. Accommodation

If you are like many residents of the Sunshine Coast, who have family and friends travelling from interstate (or overseas) for your wedding, you should certainly consider a winter wedding. Winter is the “off-season” on the Coast and this generally means cheaper accommodation rates.  A big winner!

2. Supplier Availability

Winter is generally a quiet period for weddings. The good news here is that it means your favourite photographer, celebrant or DJ is more likely to be available when you need them!  If you’re getting married in Spring or Autumn you will need to get in very early and be prepared for a little disappointment as the popular suppliers book out very fast during Wedding Season!

1. Pick Your Own Date

Do you have a date that is special to you?  Chances are you’ll be able to have your wedding on that day if it’s during the winter period. As it’s not the most popular time of year for weddings, the chances of you getting your dream venue on a date of your choosing is highly likely. No need to wait up to two years for your favourite venue to be available on your favourite date. 

Thanks to our guest blogger today, Emma from Wild Heart Weddings, Sunshine Coast wedding planner extraordinaire!

A fur stole and a warm glowing light creates a perfect winter wedding look.Loving these gorgeous images? Us too! They are by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, White Images Photography.

The post Top 5 Reasons to Marry in Winter appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Red Letter Studio just might be your answer to help you get your very own red letter day. After several years in the wedding industry as wedding planners, creating some of the most beautiful Sunshine Coast weddings, Directors Kay Ridge and Lissie Cunningham have sourced the most professional and talented suppliers and venues and they would like to share their knowledge with you. In fact they can save you about 250 hours in research!.

Red Letter Studio are like an Introduction agency, first discovering what is important to you and making suggestions that will best suit your needs, desires and budget. 

The post Your Red Letter Day appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Many brides and grooms are choosing to do it their own way, but make still it special and beautiful by getting a professional planner and stylist on board, such as Hayley from Wholehearted Studio. 

Recently Hayley had the privilege of styling a picnic surprise wedding for Samantha and Michael. She created for them such a beautiful day! Held at a private residence on the Sunshine Coast, they wanted a laid back wedding that was entirely stamped with accents of them and their style. So with  Love My Food on board for picnic hampers, and Big Love Weddings there to officiate the ‘I do’s’, a very unique and special day was had by all. 

Photos by Aaron Shum Photography

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