Weddings

There is nothing more stunning at a wedding than an abundance of fresh flowers, and if they have a beautiful scent, it adds to the ambience of the occasion too.

Having a kitchen tea? What a fun way to celebrate before you or your friend tie the knot! Whether you’re hosting your own party or it’s being put on by your beloved bridesmaids or favourite aunt, there’s one thing you can’t do without on this occasion – presents!

These days, clever brides are planning their weddings on the Net - it's the easiest starting point for researching venues, choosing a cake decorator, tracking down waltz classes, and more. You can do it all from your living room after work, saving hours of trekking around town to visit endless suppliers and shops.

We all love presents, and happily, your wedding is one occasion when you are going to receive more presents than you could ever imagine! There are engagement and wedding gifts, presents for the bridal party, and sometimes even an exchange of gifts between the bride and groom!

Kick your husband or boyfriend out of the house for the night, and send the kids to their grandparents. It’s time to host a girls’ pamper session at your place! Invite half a dozen of your closest girlfriends to share in the fun with one of our girls’ night in invites.

You only have one hen’s night (unless you get married a couple of times, that is!). So if you’ve been given the job of organising the ‘last hurrah’ before your friend gets hitched, you might be feeling the pressure to make it super-fun. Here are a few games and activities to help keep the good times rolling.

Hooray! He proposed, you said yes, and you’ve set the date for the big day. If the occasion is a year or less away, you should waste no time in booking the venue for your ceremony and reception. But where do you start? Our step-by-step guide will point you in the right direction. Here’s what to consider before you hand over your deposit cheque …

If you have an event to plan but you're not ready to reveal all of the details just yet, why not send a groovy Save The Date e-invite?

Here are some ways to ensure a bride-to-be with a wild and crazy streak has the time of her life on her hen’s celebration. These ideas are not for the faint-hearted or shy!

Here are some stripper-free ways to make sure that a bride-to-be with a low-key approach has a fantastic time celebrating her hen’s day or night.

Q. How much should I spend on a wedding present when the couple is ‘keeping it casual’? My friends are being married on the balcony of their favourite local restaurant, with dinner to follow afterwards.

Q. We are attending the post-wedding party of 40-something friends who are tying the knot for the second time. They have children from previous marriages and have already lived together for a few years. They eloped to an island for their official ceremony, but now that they are back, they are hosting a party to celebrate with family and friends. What gift is appropriate?

Hosting a hen's party that your bride-to-be friend will love is sometimes a tall order! So where do you begin? The best way to ensure she gets the day she’s always wanted is to have an initial chat to find out what she’s envisaging.

If you cover off this checklist, you’re in for a memorable time, ladies! Bridesmaids, read on …

No doubt there are a million jobs on your wedding to-do list, including sorting out the invitations. Here’s the modern bride’s guide to wedding invites – Part 1 this week covers types of invites; the guest list; and when to send out them out. (Check out Part 2 next week, covering invite wording; the ‘A list’ and ‘B list’ dilemma; and RSVP follow-up.)

Last week, we brought you the low-down on who to invite; types of invites; and when to send them out. This week, we look at wording; the ‘A list’ and ‘B list’ dilemma; and RSVP follow-up.

The dress: Be a storybook bride with a structured bodice that’s either strapless or features a sweetheart neckline, worn with a stunning full skirt in satin or tulle. A long veil is a must for the classic bride! Princess for a day? You bet.

The dress: Throw out the rule book – who says you have to get married in ivory? Wear a dress in whatever colour and style you think best reflects your personality – wow your guests in red, or choose a dress by a funky designer with an amazing print.

The dress: Be an A-list star for the day in a sexy, show-stopper gown in a slinky fabric – a low back, plunging neckline or bias-cut style will dazzle your groom and guests. Details such as an amazing jewelled brooch at the bust or on the waist will add to the glam factor.

The dress: Retro brides might consider a 1920s flapper-style dress in a fabric such as georgette, featuring stunning beading; a short 1950s frock with a high waist and circle skirt; or be inspired by Bianca Jagger who married Mick in a broad-brimmed hat and sexy white suit with plunging neckline in 1971.

The dress: Be a romantic bride with features such as lace, scalloped edges, or a long train, and details like ribbons or exquisite beading. A soft, flowing fabric and style will complete your look – soft and oh so pretty.

Weddings are a minefield when it comes to social etiquette. So if you’ve got a case of ‘bridal brain’ and need help with deciphering the dos and don’ts of your big day, read on … here are three common queries sorted. Stand by for more wediquette Q&As coming soon too.

Even though you may have hundreds of ideas in your head about what kind of wedding you’d like to have, it can be tricky to work out where to begin.