He adores you, he wants you to be happy. He looks ahead with trepidation at the upcoming wedding planning event of the year… It’s a room full of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-brides, and 110-odd wedding vendors. It’s not his typical way to spend a Sunday, he will admit. However, he’s such a doll he’s determined to show up for you with minimal complaint. What a guy! 

I have to say, you are one lucky lady. I think to show your anticipated appreciation, it’s only fair to fully prepare the lad for what’s in store, and give him some good tips to get through the day without any pain, and perhaps even some level of enjoyment. So I have prepared for you… 

The Groom-to-be Wedding Showcase Survival Guide

Let’s chat to the guys now. Just pass over the screen and leave him be.

Okay, so I have you now, fella? Excellent, let’s chat. 

I want to help you out, mate, so stay with me on this. I appreciate she’s roped you in during a moment of weakness in that post-proposal romantic glow… The reality is setting in, but I promise you, it’s not going to be torture. In fact, with my guidance, you may even have a rather pleasant time! Follow me through some tips to get you set on the right path to make the day a success for you both. 

Pre-event Prep

It would be a great idea to discover exactly what level of input you’re allowed to have likely to be asked for at the showcase. Approach your beautiful bride-to-be with an air of interest about you, and ask, “Darling, tell me, which aspects of the wedding would you like me to share in the planning of at this blessed event?” 

She will reply with one or more of the following… 

• Cake
• Catering
• Venue
• Transport
• Your own suit
• Stationery
• Nothing, I have this covered. Just show up and look pretty, sweet pea. 

Now you know where you stand and can offer opinions accordingly, and go to your happy place when looking at anything else on the day.

Personal Preparation

Do these things. 

• Push-ups in preparation, because you’ll be carrying the loot bags and anything she wins. Even better, test out your strength with this week’s grocery shop.
• Practice your patience. 

On-the-day Supplies

Bring these things with you. Don’t ask, just do it. 

• Comfy shoes.
• Pens (more than one – there will be many competition forms and waiting lists to fill in.) 
• Cash – there is a canteen. Coffee! Food!
• Ear plugs (in case you’re sitting next to the winner of the $1500 bridal gown when it’s announced.) 

What to do when you arrive

• Immediately locate the cake stands with samples.

And important things to remember… 

• There are prizes for the grooms, too! So listen up in case you score a Golf Day! 
• You might SAVE some MONEY on your wedding at this event. It’s totally worth it! 
• You will have a peaceful night as your bride will have lots of magazines and brochures to pour over afterwards. 

One last piece of sage advice 

You could really score some brownie points by proactively buying your early bird discounted tickets online. 

You’re welcome. 

The post Sunshine Coast Bridal Showcase: Groom’s Survival Guide appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Next, they pick the best venues! The Abbey was a super cool place to hold a fair, because the hall itself was spacious and atmospheric with funky built-in vintage details to enjoy beyond the pretty of the stalls themselves. Then there was the open air chapel – LOVE! 

All the visitors enjoyed a stunning fashion show featuring some of the most impressive hair I have ever clapped eyes on, and I was sent home with a sweet goodie bag with lollies and a free magazine. 

While I was there, I was Instagramming like crazy! If you're on Instagram, check out hash tag #adarlingaffair and follow @thebridestree, so next time we're at a special event, you can enjoy it along with us, and get the scoop on what's happening. 

Attending the Gold Coast wedding fair got me all geared up for the Sunshine Coast equivalent, which is taking place on August 10 at The Chapel in Woombye. As official sponsors, we will be bringing you all the details as the time nears. Stay tuned! 

Now, I was lucky enough to be accompanied by fellow blogger, Hayley, from Wholehearted Studio, who took many more (and much more beautiful) photos than I of the event, which she will be publishing on her blog this week. So keep your eyes peeled! 

Just in case you missed it…

We started the week with a bang, and a Flight of Fantasy. 

Then we introduced you to a woman, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to wedding hair

And we got some sound advice from a wedding makeup veteran. 

We had a guest blogger on Thursday, the lovely Carrie from A Darling Affair with all things floral. 

And we rounded out the week with an artistic wedding highlights film and equally creative photos from a homestead wedding. 

Of course yesterday we shared with you a delightful Photo of the Week, this one from a Noosa wedding. 

Winter Specials

Half price hire of vintage sofas and lounges from Moments in Vintage – Vintage Furniture & Decor Hire

Half price wedding film packages for July and August 2013 from Jasper & Ruby Visions

kit and Dave. The Nut Farm Wedding from kris baldwin on Vimeo.

Brilliant Bridal Beauty Tip

By Pru Edwards – Makeup Artist

Make sure you drink plenty of water in the week leading up to the wedding, this will aid in reducing dark eye circles and fine lines. It will also have your skin glowing and dewy for a flawless makeup finish.

Have you seen? 

Amoré Wedding Stylists & Decorators

Amoré Wedding Stylists & Decorators are dedicated to offering you excellent service and will cater for all styles and budgets.

Image by Emma Nayler Photographer

Ann Hills Celebrant

Cut a Rug

The post Weekly Round Up appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

And we have been meeting hundreds of brides at the It's My Wedding Expo, where we revealed our new contemporary eclectic styling for our expo stand. Don't worry, lovely Sunshine Coast brides, we made sure we shared all of our behind-the-scenes and…

Just in case you missed it… 

Our week began with a vintage bridal look that had me reminiscing about my own Grandmother's bridal look in the 1940's

Then we unveiled our new expo stand styling by one of the Sunshine Coast's most talented stylists.

On Wednesday we shared some creative ways you can find your "Something old" for luck on your wedding day

Towards the business end of the work week, we brightened your day with a relaxed and beautiful Chambers Island wedding

We made you all green with envy as we shared our competition winner's Big Day Out with her Besties in the Sunshine Coast hinterland!

And yesterday we revealed a secret about a positively magical Sunshine Coast wedding photographer with our photo of the week.

New to The Bride's Tree

Coast to Country Weddings and Events

Coast to Country Weddings and Events specialise in wedding styling and decorating concepts with a personalised service for your event, across the Sunshine Coast & Hinterlannd.

Image by Calli B Photography

Noosa Hinterland Tours

Affordable transport solutions for your wedding party. Our deluxe coaches move your family and friends in comfort to & from your venue, reception & guest's accommodation.

Brilliant Bridal Beauty Tip

By Karla Davis from Allure Hair & Beauty

We trial our hair and makeup so it's a fantastic idea to trial your tan pre-wedding to ensure the perfect colour and application is achieved. Look for products that guarantee 'no orange' tones and prep your skin beforehand with thorough exfoliation. Tanning two days prior to the wedding day is perfect to allow the colour to settle and look the most natural on your skin tone.

The post Weekly Round Up appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

It just goes to show how many beautiful weddings are successfully pulled off every single week on the Sunshine Coast. Our local wedding industry really is like a well-oiled machine! Take a look at some news coverage of the informal event. We didn't star in the coverage, but we did see some familiar faces, like Wedding Guru, Kim Eibrink Jansen, also wedding entertainer, Wayne Wiltshire, and wedding florist extraordinaire, Julia Hails of Ginger Lily & Rose Floral Studio. 

Kicking off the week with a whole lot of pretty, we shared a bohemian styled shoot at Twin Waters North Shore.

We shared a creative trend for alternative bridal bouquets if fresh flowers aren't your thing.

Our Spotlight shone on a vivacious Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant. 

The girls from A Darling Affair were our guest bloggers, and told us just how to get the party started with confetti. Plus we learnt all about their Celebration Fair coming up on March 16. 

We put together 12 amazing upstyles for brunette brides.

The post Just in case you missed it… appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Over at A Darling Affair we’re gearing up for our first event of the year – The Celebration Fair. All of our planning has us in a party mood and nothing says party and excitement like CONFETTI!

We reflected on the invention of confetti and found that it originates with the tradition of showering newly weds in things such as rice as they leave their wedding ceremony. Indeed an expression of LOVE as it represents showering the bride and groom in well wishes for their life together. Continuing our series of details that say, “I love you”…nothing says “Hooray! We are so happy for you!” like tossing confetti up in the air and over the happy couple. Give your guests the perfect way to show their love for you by providing confetti at your wedding.

So let’s kick off with paper confetti. There is something so festive about these little circles of colour – as they explode and flutter in all of their bright, spotty glory. This traditional form of confetti is by far our favourite, and you’ll find that it’s a trend for all kinds of design projects. Confetti is “so in right now”.

Photo by Anna Gilbert Photography, Styling by Style le Aisle

If you’re looking for even more “pizazz” why not throw some sparkle in there. Toni, of Float Balloon knows how to add an extra hit of shimmer to a confetti mix.

You may find that your venue will not allow the paper and glitter confetti varieties due to the clean up involved. However there are more “nature-friendly” options. You will find biodegradable paper options, but it can be far easier and more affordable than that.

One commonly used alternative is flower petals, colourful, floaty and a natural option.

Photo by Mode Photography

We are especially loving lavender and the vintage touch it adds as a form of flower confetti.

Photo by Boots Photography

Food, such as rice and small fruits were often used traditionally. However, for a more colourful option – why not use sprinkles! Much more fun and colourful!

Cake pops by Jhar Binx & Zave Cake Artistry

If you have a phobia of having things thrown at you – you can always opt for bubbles, or sparklers.

Sparklers from Anna’s Perfect Parties

You’re sure to find confetti-a-plenty at our Celebration Fair, along with plenty of colourful inspiration for your big day. Pop on down to Lake Kawana Community Centre on March 16th for a fun day out.

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