Your Wedding Wardrobe Blog

If you and your partner are having an eco friendly ‘green’ wedding you will certainly want to choose eco friendly wedding rings. 

One alternative to metal wedding rings are beautifully crafted wooden wedding rings.

Eco friendly and unique and warm to touch. Stunning carved wooden wedding rings can be made specifically for you in many eye-catching designs. Wood choices include maple, oak, ash, rosewood, birch and many others.

Simply Wood Rings  handcrafts each individual ring mostly from salvaged lumbar. Wood is sourced from other craft people or simply found. 

Each piece of wood is meticulously handcrafted to bring out the warmth and soul of the wood as it evolves into a new wedding, anniversary or commitment ring.

Celebrate your eco friendly or ‘green’ wedding with a wooden wedding ring commissioned and created just for you by Simply Wood Rings.

 Here are some of my personal favourites from their gallery.

Photos courtesy of Simply Wood Rings Gallery.

For more exquisite and stunning pieces please go to www.simplywoodrings.com

Touch Wood Rings  make custom designed wooden wedding rings designed by you. Touch Wood Rings will work with you to create your dream wedding ring.

Touch Wood Rings provide comprehensive information about the meaning of wood and how to choose a style, size and colour to suit your skin tone.

Here are some of my favourites from their gallery.

Photos courtesy of Touch Wood Rings

For more information and to view more stunning designs go to www.touchwoodrings.com

I think that wooden wedding rings a just magical and with the range of stunning and imaginative designs that can be created they are perfect for an eco friendly ‘green’ wedding.

 

 

 

The word boutonnière is French and means buttonhole.

Boutonnières, in days gone by were a symbol of a gentlemen’s love for their lady and today they have come a long way from simple carnations or roses.

Traditionally, wedding boutonnières have been white roses or white carnations, depending on the wedding budget. However, as colors have entered the bridal bouquet resulting in vibrant and eclectic creations, so too, have boutonnières evolved into something more extraordinary in appearance.

Even so, today’s boutonnières keep to the tradition of a single plume of color. This single vestige of color on the lapel of the groom, groomsmen, and fathers of the wedding couple are typically the prominent flower in the bride’s bouquet. 

The groom’s boutonnière is usually different in some way from those of the groomsmen. The groom’s boutonnière may be larger or it may be a different shade entirely to the boutonnières of the groomsmen.

Generally, the boutonnières for the fathers of the bride and groom are typically complimentary to the gowns worn by the mothers of the bride and groom.

The boutonnières should compliment and tie in with the theme of the wedding.

• A casual wedding dictates a casual style of bloom.
• A formal wedding suggests a formal type of bloom.

Boutonnières are worn on the left side of the tuxedos. They add a splash of color and sophistication to the already elegantly dressed groom, groomsmen, and fathers of the wedding couple.

Some modern day examples of Boutonnières can be viewed below.

Photograph courtesy of Flowers by Kate to view buttonhole gallery here. for more information go to website www.flowersbykate.com.au/

 

I myself am a jewelry freak I have loved unusual and unconventional jewelry for a number of years and those of you who know me are aware of my vast collection. I just love any type of jewelry that is unique in some way whether it be handmade, vintage or just simply interesting and different to the normal mass produced jewelry.

If you are having an unconventional wedding and will be wearing a less traditional wedding dress or if you just want a different look for your wedding. The standard choice of pearls and clear stones may not fit with your personal style or the theme of your wedding.

You need jewelry that’s different and stands out from the single strand of pearls seen on most brides. How can you find unusual wedding jewelry that’s right for you? Here are some ideas:

Wear vintage jewelry

Vintage jewelry has a character and flair all its own. It has a history which sets it apart from jewelry fresh off the mass production line. Search for that perfect piece in antique shops, estate sales, second hand and vintage clothing stores several months before your wedding and see what they have to offer.

Vintage jewelry is perfect if you’ll be wearing an antique wedding gown. Look at some of the beautiful Edwardian necklaces and bracelets at the vintage outlets in your area.

How about an art deco necklace with flaming Austrian crystals that boldly reflect the light? I have one of those an absolutely gorgeous 1940’s rhinestone bridal necklace and bracelet that I bought to sell on Your Wedding Wardrobe but I could not part with it. I have worn these pieces a few times and searched and bought the perfect matching earrings in a vintage outlet. I am not quite ready to sell it just yet. It is very unusual and stunning and adds mystique and Hollywood glamour to my classic black cocktail dress. I feel like a movie star every time I wear it.

Don’t be afraid to substitute rhinestones for diamonds and pearls. Don’t forget to look at the stunning Victorian hair combs and accessories to enhance your wedding hairstyle. While you’re at it, take a look at some of the gorgeous antique wedding rings.

Ruby Lane  showcases quality Antiques & Art, Vintage Colletable and Jewelry from all over the world.

Here is just a snippet of what is available from the bridal jewelry section of Ruby Lane.

For more information go to www.rubylane.com

Make it yourself

If you really want to be unique, make your own custom designed bridal necklace, earrings, and bracelet. It’s not difficult to do and you can get exactly what you want. If you have a bead shop in your local area, they should carry all the supplies you need to create memorable jewelry. Ask about taking a free class or have a beader at the shop show you the basics of creating necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Explore the many types of beads available to you with a fresh, open mind. Try mixing Austrian crystals, pearls, semiprecious beads, and metal beads together in colors that play up your wedding dress. Select a beautiful pendant to serve as the centerpiece for your creation. Not only will you have wedding jewelry that no one else has, you’ll also save money doing it yourself.

If you don’t want to make it yourself have the beader at the shop make you a custom design.

Etsy is the place if you want to buy or sell handmade items. The have a stunning range of handmade unique jewelry pieces. Check them out www.etsy.com

Engrave your jewelry with special phrases

Even if you’re wearing conventional jewelry, make is special by having your jewelry engraved with special phrases that sum up your feelings about your upcoming marriage or your future husband. Many couples choose to have their wedding bands engraved but you can also engrave the back of a pendant on your bridal necklace or inscribe a plain metal disc and add it to your wedding bracelet. These little touches will make your jewelry as special as is your wedding day.

Wear something borrowed

Wear jewelry passed down to you from a special relative or other jewelry that has special meaning to you. It will make someone happy knowing you wore their cherished piece of jewelry on your wedding day.

Make your wedding day special, add some unusual jewelry that will accent your dress and make the day more meaningful. Be sure to take lots of pictures!

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com

Just before Christmas I found a great website for formal wear.  Von’s Gorgeous Gowns are located in sunny Queensland they are a home based business offering a specialised personal service.

You can try on and choose any gown by private appointment in Von’s shop at Barellan Point or buy online. All of the gowns are to die for - stunning fabrics and a large range of styles to suit every figure shape. Most of the gowns are easily altered and this will ensure that your gown fits perfectly.

Von suggests that you book a private appointment or come with a group of friends there is no obligation to buy and no extra charges. Prices are very competitive and overheads are low.

Customer satisfaction is a high priority at Von’s Gorgeous Gowns where you can buy the gown that you love not just the gown that fits you well.

For more information view more gorgeous gowns at www.vonsgorgeousgowns.com.au and when you have worn your stunning creation from Von instead of storing it away in your wardrobe, you can sell your preloved formal, prom or evening wear on Your Wedding Wardrobe and earn some extra cash to purchase another new gown or treat yourself to some beautiful accessories.

Please have a safe and Happy New Year.

Trish Loader

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com

If all of your friends are getting married within a year of each other, then the guests, including yourself, will most likely be listening to the same prelude, processional, and recessional music during each of the events. You may ask yourself the following questions:

• What if you want something different?

• What if you want something that reflects who the bride and groom are?

• Is it possible to find a suitable substitution that is appropriate for a wedding and yet says something unique about the wedding couple?

• Of course it is possible and a lot of couples have done just that with the result that quite a few selections of non-traditional pieces have become extremely popular.

One thing that’s important to understand is that music selected for the processional and recessional are typically dominated by long melodies. If you keep this in mind along with the following two concepts, your choice of music selections is clearly widened.

The processional

The music playing during the entrance of the wedding party should be solemn and beautiful in tone to reflect the formality of the occasion.

The recessional

The music playing during the exit of the wedding party, family, and guests, should be joyful and uplifting.

If you are looking for something unique and you want to stray from the traditional selection of “Canon in D,” the “Wedding March,” or the “Bridal Chorus,” quite a few options are available. The atmosphere of your wedding ceremony will be fashioned entirely by your selection of music and featured instruments.

A solo instrument suggests a small and private affair. Intimacy is reflected with such instrument choices as an organ, harp, flute, or violin. A large variety of instruments suggests a large and grandiose event. A huge orchestra indicates a public affair that merits the attentions of everyone within earshot.

The processional should be a solemn and timeless piece. Possible choices for selection for the processional include the following list of less traditional but appropriate pieces:

• ‘Annie’s Song’ by John Denver
• ‘Fields of Gold’ by Sting
• ‘Only Time’ by Enya
• ‘Close to You’ by The Carpenters

The recessional should be a joyful piece with an uplifting melody. Possible choices for selection for the recessional include the following list of less traditional but appropriate pieces:

• ‘Beautiful Day’ by U2
• ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ by The Verve
• ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ by Queen
• ‘All You Need is Love ‘ by the Beatles

You may also like to choose some contemporary music for your entrance at the reception and for your departure.

The above are only suggestions to show you how easily non-traditional music can take the place of more traditional selections in a wedding ceremony.

Your wedding and your choice of wedding gown, bridal flowers, and wedding venue all say something unique and personal about you - just as your choice of ceremonial wedding music.

It is your wedding. Select music that inspires and engages the listener but most of all choose music that means something to you as a couple and reflects your love for one another.

I would love to know what choices you have made for your wedding.

Trish Loader

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com

Are you planning a honeymoon that will include sipping cocktails by the pristine pool at your resort or swimming in the crystal clear ocean at your honeymoon tropical hideaway. If the answer if yes - then you will want to look your best in a fabulous swimsuit designed especially for your body shape. 

If you don’t want to have a basic black bikini or one piece emblazoned with ‘just married’ or ‘bride’ on the bum read on. 

This week I have explored a range of Australian swimwear options that are will flatter your figure and disguise any problem areas. Especially after all that Christmas tucker and festive food we seem to consume over the holidays. 

Sue Rice Swimwear Australia has a fabulous website www.suerice.com.au with lots of information, advice and a range of swimsuits to suit you. Swimsuits can be bought online with complete confidence. Delivery is available anywhere in the world and Sue Rice Swimwear Australia offer a money back guarantee. 

I love the concept of the My Size Shop it is a fabulous new innovation that helps you match Sue Rice Swimwear with your body shape alleviating all the guess work out of buying online. 

The Sue Rice Swimwear website is easy to navigate with different shops catering for your body type or problem area ie Classic Shop, Bust Support Shop, Tummy Shop, Hip Shop, Tankini Shop, etc. 

Sue Rice also offer a range of separates and accessories. My favorites are the Magic Long Sarong and the Funky Leopard Thongs. 

For more information check out the goregeous swimwear at www.suerice.com.au

Zodee is an online store that offers lingerie and a great range of swimwear from all the top brands. On browsing this website I liked the the Garden State one piece swimsuit by Miraclesuit swimwear that can make you look up to 10 lbs slimmer. What a bonus you can look great in a swimsuit without resorting to stringent dieting. I also like the Escape one piece swimsuit by Gottex Silver and Ginja Platinum Separates in particular the Beyonce frilled halter. 

For more delictable swimwear go to www.zodee.com.au 

Just for fun. If you love all things vintage Glamoursurf  www.glamoursurf.com  have an interesting collection of vintage swimwear and resort wear and Popina www.popinaswimwear.com designs retro style swimwear available to purchase online. 

I hope this inspires you to buy a fabulous swimsuit and accessories for your honeymoon.

Trish Loader

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com

I have just got into the Christmas spirit and have just decorated my Christmas tree today and have wrapped all of the Christmas presents for my family.

My thoughts always lean towards recycling or opting for eco friendly alternative so here are my tips on having a greener eco friendly Christmas.

Cards

I usually design my own and have done so this year using recycled white board produced from sustainable managed forests and I have printed them on my inkjet printer at home. The photo on the front of the cards is from a trip to the NT this year and I have added a personal greeting.

You could also choose to recycle any Christmas cards that you have received last year. Use off cuts and designs from old cards and make your own handmade creation.

If you would like to buy an eco friendly Christmas card Earth Greetings have been dedicated to designing sustainable produced greeting cards, gift cards, wrapping paper, bookmarks and Christmas cards since 2003 see their range of Christmas Greeting Cards at www.earthgreetings.com.au

After the festivities are over recycle your Christmas cards with Planet Ark and Australia Post for more information go to http://www.festiverecycling.planetark.org

Gift Wrapping

I am a hoarder and collect paper, ribbons, baskets, gift bags and boxes I have received throughout the year from birthdays and other special events and reuse them again.

All you need is your imagination to reuse some of these items. Today I wrapped a plain cardboard box with bright floral paper popped in the present and added a ribbon and voila I had a pretty gift box for my present.

Magazines and newspapers can also be used for creative gift wrapping.

Tree

We purchased a real tree for many years and were happy to buy a tree from the Kiwanis www.kiwanis.com.au an international charitable organization. The Tea Tree Gully, SA branch (my local area) have been providing trees for over 20 years. The trees provided by this branch are grown by a local farmer and cut and delivered in December each year.

If you intend to buy a real tree. Ask the seller where it has been grown. Check if any chemicals have been used. You will most likely find that most Christmas trees are grown in plantations.

Our tree needed daily watering and we used to add some sugar to the water to keep it fresh.

I now have a plastic fiber optic tree that is approximately five years old and which I am sure will be used for many years to come. I have resisted the urge to buy a new tree and I store and look after this one carefully so as not to contribute to landfill just yet.

In the future I will choose more wisely and go for a plant that is an Australian native which can be replanted in the garden or used in a pot for some years.

Decorations

My tree is decorated with a combination of bought Christmas balls and handmade items that were made by my children out of egg cartons, cards and recycled paper and red wool strands.

It is amazing but these decorations that were made by my children some 20 years ago are still used today (my boys are 32 and 25 years of age). These decorations are very precious I have a paper crane, a paper angel that sits atop my tree, egg carton hanging decorations, a paper caterpillar and Santa stocking that were all lovingly made by me and my two boys many years ago.

Why not spend an afternoon and make some decorations with your children?

If you are going to buy decorations buy those that will last and can be used for a long time.

II love the Angels with Attitude handcrafted from recycled drink cans available from Biome www.biome.com.au check them out at http://www.biome.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=1111

Lights

Led lights used up to 90% less energy than conventional lights.

A fiber optic tree like mine uses a single light bulb located in that base to light the entire decorations making it energy efficient.

Solar power lights are great and there are many different types available.

The Solar Party Shop www.solarpartyshop.com.au specializes in Solar Fairy Party Lights delivery Australia wide.

The Environment Shop are specialists in energy efficient lighting www.environmentshop.com.au

Solar power Icicle lights by Mirabella www.mirabella.com.au are available from stockists Australia wide.

If you have conventional lights limit the usage time to about 6 hours and use a timer if you are likely to forget to turn the lights off.

Gifts

Nothing is as nice a homemade truffles, rum balls, white Christmas, biscuits or cake.

For free Australian Christmas recipes and more go to http://www.thekoala.com/christmas.htm a website dedicated to the Australian Christmas.

Candles are a great gift they light up your home with a soft glow and often have a delicious fragrance as well.

Queen Bee candles are made from 100% Australian beeswax better for our environment and you. I love the stylish Manhattan Christmas candles http://www.queenb.com.au

Well all that is left it to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2009.

Trish Loader

Jessie Broome from J [studios], a Melbourne based wedding and portrait studio contacted me today to let me know of the fantastic wedding photography competition they are currently offering for the month of December 2008. 

J [studios] is offering one lucky couple the chance to win their wedding photography free of charge. Jessie, owner & principal photographer of J [studios], knows just how important photography is. Through her work with the Australian Community of Child Photographers she has seen countless families of sick children helped by having beautiful images of their families. It is the main reason she became a photographer. Inspired by a photographer in the US it was decided to run a competition to offer one couple the chance to win their wedding photography. This is undoubtedly one of the most important days of their life.

This competition originally announced on the 8th of October 2008 on the J[studios] blog has been extended to December 20th 2008 when 3 finalists will be chosen. The winner will be announced on the 1st of January 2009. 

Please note - your wedding must take place in 2009 within 100km of Melbourne CBD and is only available on dates that are not booked already.

J [studios] is looking for couples who have overcome a lot and may not have the funds to afford a wedding photographer. They are looking for a genuine couple to share their special day with.

The couple chosen will win:

•  A full day of coverage (8 hours) with two photographers
• A 10 in Wedding Album
• A 16×20 in Canvas Print
• A DVD slideshow and full digital negatives.

Living Lens (www.livinglens.com.au) has also come on board with a generous offer of 8 hours of video coverage!

Full details of the competition can be found at the j [studios] blog www.j-studios.com.au/blog/

Photo collage courtesy of J (studios)

After a bout of the flu this week I found this exciting new Australian website Rockstars and Royalty.

Rockstars and Royalty is located in Canberra and is the brainchild of designer Vicky Kidd-Gallichan.

Vicky has been designing stunning gowns and corsets in the UK for over 10 years and has now brought her distinctive and spectacular style to Australia.

Specialising in Victorian corsetry and corseted gowns. Vicky designs, cuts, sews, fits and hand finishes all her designs in her studio located in Richardson, Canberra.

Wedding gowns designed by Vicky are perfect for a themed wedding from fairytale princes, gothic chic to rock star glamour. Vicky’s gowns are created to make a grand entrance.

Each gown is exquisitely hand finished with great attention to detail and each gown is truly a work of art and one-of-a-kind.

If you are a bold and adventurous bride, free spirited,or daring and impulsive, Rockstars and Royalty is definitely for you.

Each gown is created just for you. You meet with Vicky to discuss the initial concept and ideas, try on some of her sample gowns and look at fabric samples. At the end of this appointment, Vicky will draw a design for you and give you a quote.This initial design consultation is free with no obligation to buy. Sometimes a second consultation may be required to get the design just right.

Prices of gowns start from $3,000 to $3,500 plus fabric. However, prices can vary considerably dependent upon the complexity of the design. Costs of fabric, beading and the size of the skirt and train are all taken into account.

It is a good idea to set a realistic budget before your first consultation. Please bear in mind that you will not get a one-off couture gown for the same price as an off-the-rack gown from a bridal boutique. For those birdes on a limited budget Vicky can also ‘rock up’ existing off the peg gowns giving you a one-off gown for less expense.

This is done by adding beads, straps, flowers or any other decoration. Vicky is now taking bookings for 2009. 

For more information go to the Rockstars and Royalty website www.rockstarsandroyalty.com.au  

Don’t forget to check out the great tiaras and jewelry. 

A parasol would also be the perfect accessory for your stunning wedding gown checkout the range at Your Wedding Wardrobe.

I love the Harlotte garter with concealed pocket perfect for your Harlotte lip gloss pot.

Just right for the saucy and sexy bride and her attendants too.

For the perfect pout on your wedding day.

Why not match these sexy garters with Your Wedding Wardrobe’s Vixen Parasols. Ooh la la!

Harlotte Garters are available in three colour ways, pink/black, blue/white, pink/white.

Purchase online from Adore Beauty for $24.95 each.

For more information on Harlotte Cosmetics view website at www.harlotte.com.au

For more information on Adore Beauty view website at www.adorebeauty.com.au

Trish Loader

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au

www.yourweddingwardrobe.com