Hi-Biscus!

I love the idea of a signature cocktail for our guest when they arrive at the reception, but didn't want the added expense - so once again I've got the perfect solution!

Wild Hibiscus

This is a gorgeous Australian flower which comes in a scarlet syrup, just perfect for arrival drinks don't you think? And the best bit is I can buy a jar of 100 for just $65 right here!

I feel a rush coming on

OK, we've got less than 7 months to go - let's just call it six as the lead up to Christmas will be a write off - things are starting to get interesting now! We actually HAVE to make some decisions and plan the finer details of our big day weekend and I'm getting excited!

I checked the 'tester' champagne stopper tonight and after 2 nights it has worked a treat, there was a strong hissss as I released the pressure and it tasted like I'd opened a new bottle. Just the way it should be. Of course, what sort of bride would I be if I didn't test this multiple times over the next few months? Don't worry, I'm sure I'll fit it in - in the name of research of course!

Speaking to our neighbours last night, we were offered another great piece of advice:

'Make sure someone has a list of guests you want photos with - you'll regret missing out on the opportunity and definitely won't be thinking about it. Get them to buddy up with the photographer and collect each guests to keep things moving.'

Another idea that they loved was making a hollow picture frame, about 1 metre square and having it make its way around during pre-dinners and the reception - everyone who got their photo taken had their name ticked off and also signed the frame as a keepsake. Love it! It's so much more flexible than the popular 'photo corner' concept that's getting popular. I think we'll be visiting the Cairns Bunnings store to pick up supplies for this one...

Pop the cork!

I received the champagne stoppers yesterday - so quick! They are each packaged in a little white box, althought I might use some pretty organza bags on the day. I had to crack open a bottle of bubbly just to test one out!

Life Online

I wouldn't have half my ideas if I didn't have the internet (and of course my gals in the Wedding Central Forum)! Of course we all know it's a great place to find inspiration, but what about sourcing items? And then there's also the deals...oh the deals!!

Tell you what, I know I wouldn't have the same wedding (within the same budget) if it wasn't for my great relationship with the WWW.

Here's a few treasures I've found so far...

This is the stunning hairpiece I bought ... looks expensive doesn't it!

eBay - myfreerange

I found my dream hairstyle right here...

Ruffled

And we're having our Invites, RSVPs and Thank You's printed through Vistaprint - yes their deals really are

that good! Our glossy RSVP postcards were just delivered and they look wonderful...

We'll have the same style invitations but probably printed on the linen stock...

These were the other two photos we chose from...

 

Lookout

 

Sugar Wharf

Oh and can't forget the wedding favours for the gals - eBay again! I'll be placing clear stickers printed with our monogram on each one

The morning after the night before

We'll be having an informal get together the morning after the wedding at the Villa's where we're staying. It will be a very laid back BBQ breakfast and I've just purchased the dress I can see myself wearing from Ampersander at the Made It online market...

Josephine Dress

...It's waiting at the post office for me to collect this Saturday!

around and around and around

So it goes - sometimes having too much time can be a challenge! If we'd only had the standard 12 months to plan our wedding, I probably wouldn't have changed my mind so much, I think this is why I've backed away from  the planning for a while.

When I first started daydreaming about colours, I tried out colourstrology - it's a fascinating way to find out your birth colour and match it to his - creating a truly unique theme. The colours we came up with were Gull Gray (me) and Molten Lava. If you find that your birth colours aren't exactly an idea colour combination, you could always consider your birth months - or even the date you first got together or got engaged etc. The best thing is that it also gives you the Pantone colour code, so you can make a perfect match. Here are some monogram combinations I tried out after reading Brianna Nicholes' wedding monogram tutorials...

But then, after deciding I really wanted cymbidium orchids, I found a more muted theme of cream and dusty pink and plum was to my liking. I sat with that for about the last 9 months until today I couldn't get my mind off this colour combination - and how much easier it would be to coordinate - and how much more fun and brighter it would be too. I also love the style of one particular wedding on The Knot website - it's Jen & Gabe's wedding and it shows how a preppy tone can be casual and classy all at once. Here's some of their inspiration...

All eyes on the groom

Travis and his mum went shopping on Saturday for his outfit! We'd both liked this look from the latest Bride To Be magazine - but unfortunately the supplier is a tailor based in Sydney - this is definitely out of our price range!

 

I wonder what he came up with?