Decor - Work in Progress

From researching, cutting and pasting a concept board to sitting with decor suppliers, some crazy some not so crazy :) I loved taking the time to be apart of each and every element that went into making each setting perfect.

The first two images were the "in progress" shots I took in the build up to getting my perfect setting. Rearranging the flowers, swopping table clothes, adding candles, taking away candles - a lot of craziness.

In the build up I quickly learnt that the wedding industry is a dirty one - suppliers out there only see "$" signs when a bride walks through the door. If you don't take the time to assess exactly what you are paying for, you may find that you have probably just contributed the start up capital to your own decor company!

Its important to build relationships, check references, and get more than one quote. A great tip is to research the cost of owning the elements you are hiring. I did that and as a result bought many of the elements I would of hired and now have the opportunity to hire them out too!

The main thing is to enjoy the process and remember that it may be costly to have everything you want to make your wedding amazing but just be sure what you are getting is worth the money you will be spending!

Happy planning!

   

                         

                         

From India with Love

The result of having both an Indian and a Greek wedding is that both cultural and traditional elements HAVE TO BE fulfilled 100%.

Here in South Africa, most Indian families make the trip to India to spoil both the bride and the groom with gorgeous, and cheap, outfits from their beautiful land - but one things for sure, Indian or not, you need to prepare yourself for the whirl wind you are about to embark on!

From the moment we landed to the time we got back on the plane, India was full of surprises! I spent the first three days in India, with the in laws, on the verge of tears - too much, too quick! From one store to the next I didn't know if I was coming or going!

The reality is that there is so much to see and so much you want to do that it becomes overwhelming. In the end we spent most of our time in a four-story shop called Paneeri (thanks to some recommendations from friends) and ended up buying the entire wedding parties outfits from this store (I'm talking about bride, groom, grannies, sisters, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews - you name it, we bought it!).

The thing is, I guess you need to experience it but if you can't bear the thought of the chaos just before your wedding, there are option:

1. Just go to one great store like Paneeri in Mumbai where everything you will need is under one roof

2. Organise a planned shopping trip with specialist based in India who will drive you around and negotiate on your behalf. After this trip  I have begun making contact with local shopping assistants to put together some wedding shopping trips from South Africa to India just to make life that much more easier! Ill post more info on this as it develops!

The main thing is to enjoy the experience and even though you may deny it when you are in the middle of everything thats happening around you, when you get back home, believe me you will be planning you future daughters trip for her wedding day!

Happy planning!

G

 

 

  

  

The start... An African Queen!

WOW! I had such an amazing time at my Kitchen Tea. Not only was I dressed up like a beautiful African Queen but I was treated like one too!

My Maids of Honour and mother in law went all out decorating the Gold Reef City banquet room in gorgeous African colours - the flower arrangements were made up from Proteas to Birds of Paradise, quills, feathers and even cute little cow key rings (my labola) adorned the table just to add some fun to the decor!

There was eating, dancing and cute games to keep the guests entertained during lunch. Everything came together wonderfully!

Well... not to say, with too many cooks (family members) in the kitchen (in one room) that the day didn't have its fair share of bickering and head butting, but what can you do, it seem that a brides place needs to be the peacekeeper as opposed to a bridezilla, probably in preparation of things to come in the future, who knows!

Have a look at some pictures from the day :)

Kitch-Hen Tea

One of the events that happen in the lead up to your wedding is the Kitchen Tea or Bridal Shower. Having already moved in with my Fiancé a couple of years back, but not wanting to request money as a gift I decided to go and create a registry, for the sake of it, at @Home and Boardmans.

Well let me tell you, set up home or not, you will always find more things you need and want for your registry! I went gift crazy - from new linen and towels to zesters and teaspoons! I figured that I really wanted to add things to my kitchen and home that reminded me of my wedding such as new towels and linen :)

I'm so exited to see what my Maid's of Honour and Mom in law have planned for Saturday!

Happy Planning!

G

Cost Saving Tips - Invitations

The one thing that you have to learn... and learn quick, is how to cut costs without compromising on quality when it comes to having two weddings.

The invitations for me was the most difficult, because lets face it, they don't come cheap! I have two completely different designs, shapes and colors (the one even had a folder that needed to be die-cut just because that was what I wanted). I was gleaming over the fantastic designs - then a bombshell went off!

Eventually I was faced with the daunting task of trying to figure out what to do to cut costs so that the invites alone didn't blow the budget, here's what I learnt:

• Pick one paper sample. Take the time to determine which paper sample will speak to both designs, and both themes. Then carry this paper through to all other elements - menu's, seating charts and so on.
• Shop around, let the specialized printers undertake your invitations but envelope printing, menu's etc can be done by a local print shop (Minuteman Press in Hyde Park was great). Go to paper stores, I went to Paper Cafe in Rosebank, source out the same or similar paper that you and your designer selected for the invites and carry this them though out the stationary.
• Try, if possible, not to complicate your invitation. Simplicity is key.

With all said and done creativity is key in cutting costs without taking away from any of the weddings!

Happy Planning!

G