There is no doubt that Australia is the lucky country and this is no exception when it comes to weddings. No matter which season you are planning to get married in, there are beautiful and unique ways you can embrace the one you choose. But of all of the seasons in Australia, what is the best one for your wedding day?

The seasons in Australia are as follows:

Summer: 1st December to Feb 28th.

Autumn: 1st March to May 31st.

Winter: June 1st to August 31st.

Spring: 1st September to November 30th.

While some seasons in Australia are more costly than others, with the in-between seasons of Spring and Autumn being the peak times for venues and suppliers and therefore often more expensive, winter weddings can be a lot more economical and allow couples to get more bang from their budget.

On the other hand, there is something about the warmth of summer that brings extra joy to a wedding and puts everyone in the right mindset for a celebration.

Those living in the sub-tropics and tropics will know that any time of the year can be beautiful and balmy and temperatures will be fairly consistent, but those who live in heavily seasonal areas further south of the continent can have different challenges to overcome.

Let’s get straight to the point: rain on your wedding day does not make it a wash out. OK, it’s not ideal if you planned to marry outside, but you’ll have a backup plan that’s just as perfect already in place. And if by the end of the day you’ve married the love of your life, what’s not to smile about?

Rain has its own share of benefits, too. From its soft and calming patter to the dramatic photographs and saturated colours rain soaks the surroundings in, a damp forecast is far from the doom and gloom it’s often associated with. It won’t necessarily rain relentlessly all day, either – you might get the best of both with a mixture of sunny spells and showers. Photographers often say they’d rather have a dull day than bright, eye-squinting sunshine to deal with!

How to prepare for wedding day rain

That being said, you’ll get the most out of your wet weather wedding if you’re prepared. A pretty jacket, a pair of Wellington boots or heel protectors will all make your time outdoors fuss-free. Knowing how to hitch up your train to prevent it trailing in the wet, potentially muddy grass will also be invaluable, and is something your boutique will be more than happy to show you.

Of course, we couldn’t really talk about rain on your wedding day without giving umbrellas their share of attention. From beautifully bridal birdcage brollies to white ones, light up ones, even colourful ones… umbrellas should be as fabulous as they are functional. Coordinate them with your colour scheme, your wedding dress or a photograph you’ve seen that you’d love to recreate. Just remember to stock up on supplies for your guests too – they’ll be grateful to find an umbrella to hand just when they needed one.

Wedding photography ideas for wedding day rain

One of the biggest worries attached to wet weddings is the limit it can place on photographs. But we’re here to tell you that this needn’t be a worry at all. Visit the venue with your photographer in advance to seek out those romantic nooks and fairytale settings for indoor photographs, and you won’t even have to step outside if you don’t want to.

We recommend you do, though, because braving the weather can bring you photographs you’d never imagine to be possible – the kind you only see on Pinterest or in the pages of a glossy magazine. Raindrops offer romantic highlights for photos – whether in or out of focus – and then there are the fun umbrella group shots and twinkling, rain-filled images taken at night. Just look at this couple’s umbrella photos to see why we love them, and this vintage wedding that worked just as well in the rain.

If you’ve got a second dress for the evening, you might even be tempted to throw caution to the wind as you kiss and dip in the downpour for a photograph every bit as intense and romantic as your emotions will be.

How to look after your guests if it rains

Back inside, both you and your guests will welcome warming options – mulled wine, steaming mugs of cocoa or simply a cup of tea. Blankets and throws will also come in handy, as will an assortment of indoor entertainment options. Giant Jenga works just as well on an empty dance floor, and a Mr & Mrs quiz will be more memorable than a game of croquet.

What’s meant to be will be. We can guarantee you’ll have more fun if you live in the moment (and certainly not glued to the forecast, fretting over what might be). Take it as an opportunity to look for rainbows, and to capture photographs that will be unlike anyone else’s if it does rain on your wedding day.

For more advice on managing wet weather at your wedding, check out these tips. And remember, if these five wedding day disasters didn’t turn out to be so terrible, a spot of rain won’t dampen your day at all.

1. Choose one or two colours and stick to them. You can Get your guests involved and ask them to dress in the theme palette!

2. Have a go at making your own invitations – they don’t have to be perfect but creating something personal and in theme will really set the tone for your celebration. Adding matching menus or other stationery pieces is even better!

3. Look around the house for items you might be able to incorporate, whether it be furniture or décor.

4. Hit the sales for affordable crockery, cutlery, linen and décor items. Craft stores are great for little touches such as place cards and favor bags.

5. DIY where you can – it keeps costs down and also adds that personal touch. For our tablescape we painted some plain old bottles using black chalkboard paint and made some wreaths to hang over the table.

6. If you’re having a larger party consider hiring furniture and tableware – having matching pieces will instantly make your party look more professional and it isn’t always as expensive as you may think. Even if you don’t have the budget to hire everything, sourcing a few key pieces will make an impact.

7. Create several little feature areas around your home/garden. For example, we set up a welcome sign with lanterns leading up the front steps, a champagne tower and a dining area. If your party was larger you could also set up a couple of little lounge areas or maybe a dessert table.

8. Use lighting. Lots of candles or even some string lighting really adds to the ambiance of your party. At this time of year there’s no shortage of beautiful (and affordable) lighting options which are easy to hang and look great.

With the golden light that autumn brings, this season is fast becoming one of the most popular in which to wed.

With warm days and cool nights, you can easily change your wedding outfit from day to night – any excuse to buy even more dreamy details!

AUTUMN MONTHS - March, April, May

Boho weddings are quickly becoming a hot trend for 2017/18 and one to keep a close eye on when planning your wedding.

Our top tips to plan your very own boho wedding include:

Wearing a headpiece! It can be made of crystals or flowers, but it is a definite must have for that unique boho feel.Adding mixed wild flowers to your decorations and bouquets will bring your wedding to life. Choose Australian natives for some extra wow.And don’t forget fairy lights! Install these everywhere to create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.A floral, wooden or macramé backdrop for your vows are also a must!And no boho wedding would be complete without a tee-pee. These are great for your reception and create such a fun mood.

Boho weddings create such romantic atmospheres and there are so many elements you can include. Best of all there are a tonne of wedding suppliers who can help you work this on-trend theme into your wedding planning.

The most important thing to remember about your hair style on your wedding day is to do something that makes you feel comfortable. Ensure you find a good stylist that you trust.

If you don’t normally wear your hair up, then don’t be talked into putting it up on your wedding day. You just won’t feel like yourself.

Pick a style that suits your face shape and also the style of your dress.

Braids and natural curls are perfect for a boho look.

Or if you want something a bit more traditional, a elegant bun with baby’s breath are a perfect look.

Hollywood waves are timeless and never go out of fashion and are perfect with a strapless dress.

Don’t be scared to include adornments like flowers, crystals or a fascinator to really bring your look to life.

And remember, just be yourself.

Finding a bridesmaid dress to suit a number of body shapes and styles can be a difficult task and it’s often hard to please everyone. So the question on everyone’s lips is… do they all need to be identical? Well, this is totally up to you as a bride but keeping these simple facts in mind can make the decision a little easier.

While you probably want to have some say in choosing the perfect gown for your bridesmaids, getting them to help research some styles they prefer can help lighten the mood and bring everyone together – extra fun if the bridesmaids don’t know each other that well

Choosing a particular brand and colour you like is a great place to start and letting your bridesmaids pick their favourite style and design to best suit their body is quickly becoming the easiest way to get around the topic! There are a tonne of great wedding suppliers.

This way your bridesmaids will feel flattering and comfortable – all while sticking to one common dress theme (or not).

Top Tips for Planning your Wedding on a Budget

Your big day should be about creating memorable and meaningful memories, not about sending yourself bankrupt.

So how can you keep the cost of your wedding day down? Simple! Follow these top tips for planning a wedding on a budget.

1. Don’t leave anything until the last minute

It’s difficult to entirely predict the cost of your wedding until getting down to the nitty gritty of planning. That’s why it is crucially important to plan ahead and stick with your budget. Booking in advance will not only save you the stress of finding suppliers last minute, it will also save you paying inflated costs.

2. Do your research

Shop around with suppliers and hunt down the lowest cost. Compare the market and get creative. By researching and shortlisting your favourite suppliers you can keep in touch and keep an eye out for any early bird deals or special promotions.

3. Build a relationship with your suppliers

Regular communication leading up to your big day can help you build a relationship with your suppliers. An open communication channel can mean suppliers can better understand your vision and you can clarify any queries in order to keep your planning on track.

4. Pick a non-peak wedding season date

The time of year your big day is planned can greatly affect your budget. Booking your big day during the non peak wedding season can help to lower the price and can also mean more choice between suppliers.

5. Negotiate

It is important to negotiate with suppliers and understand you are receiving the best price. Ask about mid week wedding specials at venues you like and you’ll often find the price significantly drop.

6. Be selective with your dress

You’ll want to stand out on your big day and look back at your dress and see it’s timelessness. Asking dress suppliers about sample stock and last season sales can mean you’ll be wearing a one off for a fraction of the price. It’s a win-win.

With these simple steps to cutting the costs you can have your big day, on a little budget.

Thinking about all those last minute on the day duties you have to do and already thinking if they will all fit into your agenda?

Don’t want to be fashionably late to walk down the aisle?

Then planning a wedding day schedule is a great way to avoid any of those unwanted ‘bridezilla’ moments – after all you want your special day to be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible!

Setting out an on the day timeline or plan is a great way to make sure you’ve got plenty of time up your sleeve to take a breath and enjoy the moment.

When creating your wedding day timeline, planning backwards from the ceremony is a great place to start. mainly because the rest of the organizing

should be already be well planned out with your celebrant, photographers, MC, caterers and speech givers.

Our top tip is to regularly communicate with your wedding planners to ensure everything is organized prior to the day.

Let the morning flow naturally, enjoy a breakfast with your bridesmaids and then get into the serious stuff. Planning is a great way to make sure you’re feeling more relaxed leading up to the day and you’ll know things are well organized and on time.

Picking a wedding theme that best resembles you and your partner’s journey is important. Something that is unique to you and expresses both of your personal styles.

Here’s our top 5 ways to pick a style that best resembles you!

First of all, choose your location. Whether you’re choosing an outdoors style wedding or a more traditional church wedding, this will influence the tone for your day.Brainstorm your favourite colours. Choose a colour palette that complements your personal style, the season and your locationChoose a theme that resembles you. You want to look back in 50 years time and still feel that personal connection with every last detail of your day. Down to the table decorations.Do your research. Choosing a theme and sticking to it can be hard if you’re one who likes to research and gather a varied number of ideas. Create a theme that suits you, and make it your own. If something doesn’t necessarily ‘fit’ that’s okay, as long as it fits for your aesthetic and style.Whether you choose a traditional, vintage, luxe, modern, simplistic, rustic or bohemian theme. Be sure it resembles you and talk with your wedding suppliers to make sure they share your vision for the day.

Organising seating plans can be a very daunting process. Trying to think of whose personalities will blend is just an unnecessary stress when planning your big day.

And that’s why one of the fastest rising trends in wedding planning is to leave the seating plans at home and allow your guests to select where and who they want to sit with.

This will eliminate any unwanted stress for both you… and your guests!

Allowing for a more relaxed environment and opening the communication for your guests.

If you’re planning a tapas-style, picnic or informal wedding reception then seating plans should definitely get a miss. Same if you’re planning a smaller scale wedding as guests will more then likely know each other.

Provide guests with various tables and seating options and let them do the choosing!

Heels or flats on your big day. What’s the right answer? Wearing something that makes you comfortable of course!

If you’re wearing a long, sweeping dress you can more than likely get away with some comfortable flats. If your dress shows your shoes, then opt for some nice heels and then change into flats as the day goes on. After all, you’ll be wanting to dance the night away with all your wedding guests.Whatever you choose to wear on the day, be sure they match your personal style, your wedding theme and your dress.

Heel Saviours™ from Our Little Shoe Secret.

Mixing things up from the traditional white wedding shoes and adding a bit of color is also a fun way to stay on trend. Shop around, wear them in and don’t forget a spare pair.

"Something old"is the first line of a traditional rhyme which details what a bride should wear at her wedding for good luck:

Something old,

something new,

something borrowed,

something blue,

and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

The old item provided protection for the baby to come. The item borrowed from another happy bride provided good luck. The color blue was a sign of fidelity. The sixpence — a silver British coin — was a symbol of prosperity or acted as a ward against evil done by frustrated suitors. The superstition is known since 1883 when it was attributed to the county of Lancashire.

An 1898 compilation of English folklore recounted that:

In this country an old couplet directs that the bride shall wear:— "Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue." "The something blue" takes, I am given to understand, usually the form of a garter, an article of dress which plays an important part in some wedding rites, as, for instance, in the old custom of plucking off the garter of the bride. "The something old" and "something blue" are devices to baffle the Evil Eye. The usual effect on the bride of the Evil Eye is to render her barren, and this is obviated by wearing "something borrowed", which should properly be the undergarment of some woman who has been blessed with children: the clothes communicate fertility to the bride.

Another compilation of the era frames this poem as "a Lancashire version", as contrast against a Leicestershire recitation that "a bride on her wedding day should wear—'Something new, Something blue, Something borrowed'...", and so omits the "something old". The authors note that this counters other regional folklore warning against the wearing of blue on the wedding day, but relates the use of the color to phrases like "true blue" which make positive associations with the color.

The rhyme can earlier be found in an 1876 edition of Notes and Queries,[4] and is called an "ancient custom" in another 1876 book, Bye-gones, Relating to Wales and the Border Counties.[5] This version is referenced as well in an 1871 short story, "Marriage Superstitions, and the Miseries of a Bride Elect", in The St. James's Magazine

In classical mythology, Cupid (Latin Cupido, meaning "desire") is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. He is often portrayed as the son of the love goddess Venus and the war god Mars. He is also known in Latin as Amor ("Love"). His Greek counterpart is Eros.

Is Cupid blind?

In the only classical instance of Cupid as a victim of love, he marries Psyche and they have a child called Pleasure. Cupid is usually imagined as a boy (though his age varies from the infant through to the adolescent), who is blind (suggested by his blindfold) and winged.

Is a cupid an angel?

Cupid is no angel, and is certainly no cherub. The history of cupid is older than Christianity itself; Cupid was the god of love in the Ancient Roman mythology.

Who did Cupid fall in love with?

In another allegory, Cupid's mother, Venus (Aphrodite), became so jealous of the beautiful mortal Psyche that she told her son to induce Psyche to fall in love with a monster. Instead, Cupid became so enamored with Psyche that he married her—with the condition that she could never see his face.

Why does Cupid shoot arrows?

Often depicted with a bow and arrow, Cupid shoots arrows to stoke the flames of lust and romantic desire in his targets. Though Cupid has become a spirited, childlike figure associated with love and Valentine's Day, this character is actually a somewhat mischievous.

Why do people celebrate Valentine's Day?

The history of Valentine's Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. People Love; Love, So celebrate and feel the romance around you.

Love Quotes

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.- Aristotle

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.- Lao Tzu

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.-

William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Young love is a flame; very pretty, often very hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. The love of the older and disciplined heart is as coals, deep-burning, unquenchable.-

Henry Ward Beecher

Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.- Anais Nin

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward in the same direction.- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires; To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully.- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.-Helen Keller

Love does not dominate; it cultivates.- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.- Zora Neale Hurston

Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Everything is, everything exists, only because I love.- Leo Tolstoy

Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open and it stays. Clutch it, and it darts away.- Dorothy Parker

I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.-

Alice Walker

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.- Pablo Neruda, “Love Sonnet XVII”

Saying thank you

One school of thought is that if your maids paid for their own dresses, the bride should match the cost in the form of a gift. ‘That’s crazy,’ says Jo, 37. ‘Dresses can cost in the region of $500! If you have more than one bridesmaid you’d be broke!’ However the other extreme is the case of Kate, 40. ‘I had to pay $700 for a bridesmaid dress for my sister-in-law,’ she says. ‘I couldn’t even wear it again, because it was a full bodice and skirt - in navy! And she didn’t buy us gifts.’

Ultimately, your maids are doing the job because they love you, but a gift is a nice touch, and one which you should consider according to your budget and what you can afford. There are plenty of options for meaningful gifts that don’t cost the earth (see our ideas, right). A heartfelt present costing $30 is often better received than an expensive one lacking in sentimentality.

When you present the gift is a matter of personal choice. Many modern brides are deciding to do it when they ‘propose’ to their intended attendants. Necklaces, bags, cups and various trinkets that scream, ‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’ are becoming more and more popular in lieu of presents on the day. It’s a lovely touch. However if you would like to give a traditional gift on the day, a good time to do so is when you are all getting ready. It’s a great pre-wedding bonding experience for you and your girls, before the focus shifts to you and the groom. Besides, if you’re giving your girls matching silk dressing gowns to get ready in, or jewellery for them to wear with their dresses, you’ll want to present them in time for your pre-wedding photography.

A Gift for your Girls

Say thank you to your bridesmaids with a little something special.

1. Axel & Ash ‘My Bucket List’ notebook, axelandash.com

2. Koolaman Designs Olive necklace, koolaman.com.au

3. Alice Palace personalised Bridesmaid Bag, notonthehighstreet.com

4. Bespoke Verse ‘Best Friend Advert’ poem print, bespokeverse.com

5. Bookishly Framed Little Women ‘Sisters’ literary print, hardtofind.com.au

6. Silkandmore Matching silk bathrobes, etsy.com

7. Gemma Wightman Ceramics ‘Be My Bridesmaid’ mug, notonthehighstreet.com

8. Samantha Wills ‘Will You Be My Bridesmaid’ necklace, samanthawills.com

9. Hampson’s Homewares ‘Bridesmaid’ dictionary cushion, hampsonshomewares.com.au

10. The Rifle Paper Co personalised floral flat notes, riflepaperco.com

11. Outdoor Leisure Survival Kit, Everything a girl could need on the day, ourlittleshoesecret.com.au

Ever wondered about wedding day traditions, such as why we ‘tie the knot’ or why bridal gowns are mostly white (and no, it’s not about being ‘pure’)? Here we demystify the most common wedding folklore.

For the most traditional bride, it’s likely a white dress, a bouquet of flowers, some pretty bridesmaids, and something old, new, borrowed and blue will be carefully inserted in to the wedding-planning spread-sheet. But have you ever wondered where these traditions come from? For example, how on earth did brides end up tossing a garter, of all things? And why do wedding cakes have tiers?

Come to think of it, why do we even have weddings at all? The actual word comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘wed’, literally meaning the purchase of a bride, invented back in the days when marriage was little more than a business arrangement. Today, of course, the focus is love, with a man and woman making a public statement of their unity and exclusivity – an opportunity we hope is soon fully (and legally) extended to same-sex couples. Whatever the make-up of the matrimonial coupling, it’s likely the big day will in some way feature traditions and folklore of old. ‘Old traditions just do not die,’ says photographer Graham Monro of Sydney studio GM Photographics. ‘They might vary slightly but only just!’

Here we explore the most common traditions that have been carried down through generations.

Tying the knot

Knots feature in wedding ceremonies spanning many cultures, but some historians believe that the origin of the expression ‘tying the knot’ could be the marriage bed. Long before the advent of metal bed frames, beds were held together with knots – the theory being that you needed to tie knots to make your marriage bed. However, even in Roman times, knots featured in weddings, with the bride sporting one on the sash of her dress. We’ll never know the exact meaning, but we do know the phrase is now a universal one for the act of marriage. In 1811, writer Francis Grose suggested that tying the knot had an altogether different meaning. ‘He has tied a knot with his tongue that he cannot untie with his teeth: that is, he is married.’ If he’s suggesting, albeit sarcastically, that women wear the pants after saying ‘I do’, then we’re all for it…

Putting a ring on it

According to Bride To Be’s Cost of Love survey, grooms spend an average of $6934 on an engagement ring, and this little – or not so little - symbol of love, along with wedding bands, can put a significant dent in the budget. Back in Roman times, iron rings were placed on women’s fingers to signify ownership, and the Romans believed the vein on the third finger of the left hand ran straight to the heart, hence the ‘ring finger’ we use today. It was Pope Innocent III, in 1215, who officially acknowledged a period of betrothal prior to matrimony; the diamond ring came later, when King Maximilian I of Burgundy popped the question to Mary in the 1400s with a diamond to seal the deal (he was definitely a keeper!) The circle is now, as it was then, a symbol of infinity, since it has no open ends and cannot be broken.

She’ll be white

It was Queen Victoria, British monarch and fashionista of her time, who opted for a white gown, complete with lace train, for her 1840 wedding – despite silver being the then-colour of royal weddings. And from then on, the tradition of white and weddings seemed to, well, marry. White became the traditional colour, and women no longer simply picked their best dress for the occasion. It was around the 1920s that white dresses became synonymous with virginity – a notion that is often alluded to, although largely disregarded, today. Bridal designer Angelina Baccini of Melbourne-based Baccini and Hill, says ivory is the primary choice of today’s bride. ‘A great percentage of our wedding gowns over the past five years have been ivory, with a small amount of oyster tones and antique pink tones. Brides have been requesting more and more white only recently.’ She adds, ‘White does not suit everyone, but on the right girl it can be totally beautiful, bright and crisp!’

DID YOU KNOW...

It was Queen Victoria, British monarch and fashionista of her time, who opted for a white gown, complete with lace train, for her 1840 wedding – despite silver being the then-colour of royal weddings.

Lifting the veil

Historically, we’ve come to believe the purpose of veil was as a symbol of the groom taking possession; the bride’s father would lift the veil to present her to her new husband for his approval – sort of like ‘Surprise!’ But there is also evidence that flame-coloured veils were used as far back as Roman times, as a measure to protect the bride from evil spirits, who would be confused if they couldn’t see the bride’s face. In medieval times, as well as safeguarding from evil, the veil was seen as a sign of modesty and chastity, an idea that carried through to Victorian times and beyond. These days the use of a veil is primarily at the bride’s discretion, and the decision is largely fashion-led, since veils come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. According to Angelina, this is one tradition today’s brides are definitely still perpetuating. ‘Ninety-eight per cent of our brides wear a veil. Very sheer, long veils are the look at the moment – a hint of tradition is precious.’

Walking down the aisle

As tradition goes, a bride is walked down the aisle by her father. However walking down the aisle on daddy’s arm wasn’t always as sentimental a notion as it is today. The idea of being ‘given away’ was simply that – brides were ‘given’ to their husbands, traditionally in exchange for a dowry. And today, anyone can do the ‘giving’. ‘Variations on a theme would be the groom walks the bride down the aisle; the grandfather walks the bride down the aisle; the mother and father walk the bride down the aisle; the birth father walks the bride half way down the aisle, then hands over to the stepfather for the other half,’ says Graham. ‘But 99 per cent of the time, the father walks her down the aisle.’

DID YOU KNOW...

The wedding bouquet is one of the most important considerations for a bride in terms of theme and overall bridal look. But the origin of the bouquet is far from romantic.

Carrying a bouquet

The wedding bouquet is one of the most important considerations for a bride in terms of theme and overall bridal look. But the origin of the bouquet is far from romantic. According to some historians, flowers were used historically to mask the smell of... wait for it... body odour, because in the 1400s, people only bathed once a year. Yep, you read that right – once a year. For this reason, the bulk of weddings tended to happen in June – because May was Annual Bath Month. Prior to the use of pretty-smelling blooms, brides carried the not-so-fragrant (unless you’re cooking a roast) garlic and dill, a practice that originated from the great plague, when people carried herbs close to their noses in a bid to avoid infection. Romantic? Not very!

Tossing the garter

Throwing the garter has become a fun and frivolous part of a wedding reception – although for some the idea of baring their legs in front of extended family is nothing short of horrific. It was worse for the medieval bride – guests would charge towards her to snag a piece of the dress – until one savvy bride decided to toss the garter (and the bouquet) and run away from the crazed mobs. While garters are traditionally blue to represent fidelity, purity and good fortune, any colour goes today. Meanwhile, the idea of tossing the bouquet has evolved today to symbolise the bride passing on her good fortune in finding a husband to all her single buddies. Cue Beyonce’s All The Single Ladies blaring out at many a reception.

DID YOU KNOW...

Something old represents continuity; something new, the future; something borrowed symbolises borrowed happiness and something blue represents luck. The sixpence... was thought to bring prosperity.

Something old…

This tradition is from a Victorian rhyme, dating back to 1883: ‘Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe’. Something old represents continuity; something new, the future; something borrowed symbolises borrowed happiness and something blue represents luck. The sixpence – not so practical in a modern day pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo's – was thought to bring prosperity.

These days, Angelina – whose dresses all feature a blue ribbon sewn on the inside for luck – says embracing the entire rhyme is less prevalent. ‘It is often brought up by the bride’s mother or grandmother.’Graham, however, says the ‘something old’ aspect, is still very much a theme, especially ‘If someone dear to the bride has passed away. We have seen lots of grandma’s brooches in the bouquets, or a photograph – especially if the bride’s mother or father has passed.’

Cutting the cake

In ancient Roman tradition, bread was broken on the head of the bride to symbolise fertility. The tiers originated in medieval England thanks to a game in which couples kissed over taller and taller piles of cake and a French baker later covered one of these mountainous cakes with icing, to form the shape we know today. The Romans shared the cake to symbolise togetherness, which in time changed to the traditional hand-overlapping gesture. In times gone by, the top tier of the cake was kept to eat at the christening of the couple’s first child, but now many keep the tier to enjoy on their first anniversary. Anything goes when it comes to the cake now. The most unusual? ‘Cheese!’ says Graham. ‘Huge plates of cheese, huge slabs of cheese. It’s untraditional, but very functional, and eaten by everyone!’

The bridesmaids

Today the bridesmaid’s role is essentially to support the bride in planning and attend to her on the day, whether it be providing tissues or touching up her lippy. However the roots of the role are slightly more sinister – in times gone by, the purpose of the bridal party was to fool evil spirits, and prevent them from attacking the bride. Bridesmaids would dress in exactly the same outfit as the bride in order to make those nasty spirits all the more confused. Plus, they’d accompany the couple on their honeymoon!

Honeymoon

Samuel Johnson describes the honeymoon as ‘the first month after marriage when there is nothing but tenderness and pleasure... but comparing the mutual affection of newly married persons to the changing moon which is no sooner full than it begins to wane’. Erm, not exactly upbeat. It’s thought the actual ‘moon’ from the word honeymoon is from Old English tradition (derived from the word ‘hony moone’) when couples were given a months’ supply of honey-based drink mead after their marriage – sufficient for one cycle of the moon. It was thought the mead, which was considered a powerful fertility booster, would help the bride conceive. No pressure, then…

The hen and the buck

Hen’s and buck’s dos go back further than you might think. The Spartans were the first to celebrate a groom’s last night of singledom with a raucous dinner, complete with toasts and a lot of wine. Hen dos came later. Originally, brides would spend a night alone prior to their wedding day, checking over their dowries. This slowly evolved in to the idea of a bridal shower where gifts would be presented to the bride to help boost the dowry. It’s widely believed that it was during the sexual revolution of the 1960s that the more raucous bachelorette party, as we know it today, came into being.

The groom must not see the bride

In the dowry days, when couples met on the day, grooms who spotted their brides beforehand often fled. The custom was brought in as insurance for the bride’s father, since the groom was less likely to escape if he didn’t catch a glimpse of his wife-to-be. These days, most brides and grooms remain separate the night before and meet for the first time at the bottom of the aisle in something of a ‘wow’ moment. However Graham says not all couples adhere to this tradition. ‘Something different that’s happening lately in winter weddings is that the bride and groom are getting together before the ceremony to do location photographs. This is because winter days end around 5pm so the couple want to get their photos done in daylight and warmth.’

AND THERE’S MORE…

Carrying over the threshold

Roman grooms carried their brides over the threshold to protect them from evil spirits lurking in the floor.

The bride stands to the groom’s left

The bride stands to the groom’s left because in bygone days, the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.

Throwing confetti

The act of showering newlyweds goes back to the Romans, who threw wheat at weddings for fertility – which evolved in to rice. These days, rose petals and paper are the norm.

Giving gifts (the registry)

Again, it was the Romans, who gave couples fruit to symbolise fertility.

Tying shoes to the wedding car

This started with the Tudors, who threw shoes at the wedding carriage – it was good luck to hit the vehicle. Aluminium cans were introduced later, in America.

Melbourne Cup - The Race that Stops the Nation

Are you Race Day Ready?

Here are our Top 5 Tips to see you thru.

1. Keep it classy. Race days are steeped in tradition and that tradition should be honoured. It doesn’t mean a dowdy approach to your race-day outfit but it does mean that your dress shouldn’t be mistaken for a top. And it does mean staying relatively sober should you be entering fashions on the field.

2. Plan your outfit starting with the dress first, and not the the hat. It can be done but it’s a whole lot easier to find the dress and then buy the hat (or have it made) to suit.

3. Headwear is a must. A hat, fascinator or headpiece … it’s not a race day outfit without one. If at a function indoors, err on the smaller side so as not to knock out the person sitting next to you. Trackside? Go to town on the size factor and make a statement with it.

4. Choose your footwear wisely. It’s never a good look to leave a Melbourne Cup Day function – or the races – barefoot and carrying your shoes in your hand. Wear shoes you know you can go the distance in. This isn’t so much of a consideration if you’re just going out to lunch and then doing the school pick-up but it most definitely is if you are trackside.

You don't have to only wear Wedges Heels, There is this amazing invention calledOur Little Shoe Secret that will keep you and your stilettos our of trouble and above ground.

5. It’s spring so your outfit should reflect that. Traditionally Melbourne Cup Day fashion is associated with a whole lot of colour. If you’re doing the entire Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne then by the time Cup Day rolls around you will have already trotted out your black and white for Derby Day and have an ultra-feminine number ready for Oaks Day. Outside of Melbourne, you can definitely get away with a Cup Day outfit that is monochrome or girlie – just make it fun and fabulous with your own spin on it.

OK, so its an American thing that never held any solid relevance in Australia, and if you have heard the saying "You shouldn't wear white after Labour Day", then you would have heard it thru undoubtedly, your sweet ol grandma over a weak cuppa tea accompanied by an asparagus spear wrapped in a slice of white bread with the crusts cut off.

So Fashion is Fashion and we are of the times where we

Wear What We Want - When We Want.

Given our climate, white breezy clothing is generally the best choice on a scorching summers day.

Embrace your Whites - with a bucket of NappySan in the Laundry.

Simplistic pieces can make a big impact.

Some Mix & Match Must Haves that work together - no matter how you style them.

You want your wedding to be perfect—but you’re starting to cross over into bridezilla territory. Don’t worry. You can find your way back and these 7 wedding tips can help.

Set a reasonable budget that includes contingency cash. Setting a budget is easy. Sticking to it? Not so much. Many brides find themselves saying, “Well, what’s another $100 in the grand scheme of things?” Those little things add up, and as your wedding draws nearer, the stress can set in and your inner “zilla” could make an appearance or two. Try to stick as close to your budget as you can. Think about the weddings you have attended or been a part of. Was the parting gift something you truly treasured, were those darling pre-dinner appetizers really essential, do you really need a signature cocktail with that expensive champagne? Take a deep breath and realize what the truly memorable and important parts of your day are going to be. But, if you should run into unexpected expenses saving on little expenses along the way will help ease the stress.Don’t assume your groom isn’t into the planning. Don’t forget about your fiancé. He or she is excited about the wedding, too. Ask for opinions and help. It’s also important to just hand off those things that involve the groom and his groomsmen. If he wants your help or advice in this area, he’ll ask. Otherwise, it’s his deal and he should be given free rein to handle these details. This will make you feel closer to your future spouse, and take some of the burden off you.Delegate. Ask mom to help address invitations. Ask your sister to bring some fixings for morning mimosas on the big day. Ask a close friend to be your personal attendant. Plan and execute the parts of the wedding that mean the most to you and your groom – for everything else, get help. People love knowing that they contributed to the success of the event and the more people involved in the process, the less stress you’ll have.Create some backup plans. If you have some Plan Bs in mind, you’ll be able to handle the unexpected. For example, Minnesota weddings are always subject to unpredictable weather happenings. If your ceremony is planned for outside, make sure your venue has an indoor backup if it rains or snows. If you have a bridesmaid that is pregnant and due to deliver close to the wedding date, plan a back-up. If you have a shy flower girl or ring bearer, how can this be handled to make sure the wedding starts smoothly? Again, think about weddings you’ve been a part of and take the best ideas from all of them.Accept that some things are out of your control. Things just happen, and getting upset can’t undo them. Understand that some things will be out of your control. This is where your backup planning can come in handy. Once the big day is over and a couple of months have gone by, those issues that came up and caused a lot of stress at the time are the things everyone is laughing about later.Expect something to go wrong on the big day. Your photographer might be late. The officiant may say your name wrong. The wrong appetizer may be served. Something will go wrong on the big day, but it will likely be small. Once the big day is here, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy! Perhaps these things happen for a reason and it won’t do anyone any good to get upset or cause a scene. So, don’t let it ruin your day. Nobody will know.Keep everything in perspective. Your wedding is just one day, but you’ll create a memory that will last your entire lifetime. Try not to forget why you’re there and what it means for your future.

Of course you want to have a fabulous big day, so you must plan accordingly to avoid any potential pitfalls along the way. Take a look at these all-too-common “please don'ts.” (Psst! They're all avoidable.) Remember: Forewarned is forearmed!

1. Don't be superbride.

You're smart, you're focused, you're energetic. But you're still one woman. Superbrides—those engaged gals who devote every waking hour to wedding planning, brushing aside all offers of help—eventually run out of steam and end up near the big day with favors unassembled, invitations unstamped, shoes undyed, heads uncounted. How to avoid this fate? Call in your trusty sidekicks before you're really scrambling. Here's a little secret: People want to help. So do yourself a huge favor and accept their kind offers. Then, once you've got a cadre of pals stuffing your envelopes, sit back and have your toenails polished. You deserve it.

2. Don't have a cash bar.

Forcing guests to reach into their sequined clutches every time they want to enjoy a celebratory champagne or a refreshing gin and tonic is just plain rude. Think of it like this: You invite people to a party—your wedding, for heaven's sake!—and then you ask them to shell out for part of the fun. It's a recipe for bad feelings! Keep in mind that you don't have to have a top-shelf bar; in fact, there are plenty of other ways to serve and save. You could offer wine and beer only or create a signature cocktail. You might have an open bar during the cocktail hour only and serve wine at dinner. Ask your caterer to suggest lower-cost options.

3. Don't include registry info on invites.

Registering is a good thing for everyone. When gift buyers are steered to the things you actually want and need, it saves them time—and saves you from having to contend with a pile of cut-crystal candy bowls. Registry info, however, does not belong on your wedding invitation. Why? Giving wedding gifts is never mandatory, though the vast majority of attendees will naturally want to do just that. Best way to get the message across is by word of mouth on the part of your mother or your bridesmaids or on bridal-shower invites.

4. Don't be bossy with your bridesmaids.

In the most traditional sense, your bridesmaids, in particular your maid of honor, are there to stand up for you as you take your vows, to act as witnesses to this solemn event. Somewhere along the line, bridesmaids have become, well, more like maids, and to an extent there's nothing wrong with that. These are your sisters, cousins, best friends, future in-laws, and there's something sort of sweet about the way they gather around you, wearing finery you picked out, helping you pin up your bustle, holding your flowers. But some brides ask (or worse, demand) far more: They expect their bridesmaids to shell out for needlessly expensive outfits, to run endless errands, to wear their hair just so, to attend (and buy gifts for) countless all-for-you parties. Don't let this happen. Be sensitive to how you'd feel if the tables were turned. Gifts to the maids are always welcome, of course, but a little kindness and care go a lot further than any pashmina shawl or monogrammed trinket.

5. Don't make guests cool their heels for hours between ceremony and reception.

I once attended a lovely wedding in a quaint wooden church in a rural area. Beautiful. Then I checked my invite. What?! The reception was scheduled for much later in the day, at a location that was a good 45-minute drive away. Sometimes it can be hard to plan a perfectly seamless schedule, especially if your heart is set on sites that are wildly inconvenient to one another or if your ceremony and reception times don't line up. But do your best. If you really must wed at, say, your childhood church, confine your search for reception locales to local spots. If that's truly impossible or if you can't avoid a time gap, provide transportation and/or a comfortable spot for guests to hang out while they wait.

6. Don't plan a difficult destination wedding.

Ah, the lure of the exotic faraway wedding—you can just picture it, can't you? Exchanging vows on top of a volcano in Hawaii… or how about in a ski gondola or on a majestic slope in the Austrian Alps? Hmmm, nice idea, but will Grandma Gert be up to the trip? Will your college pals drain their bank accounts to get there? No, and no. Destination weddings can be terrific, but as with any wedding, it's not only about you, it's also about your guests. While some friends and families welcome—and can afford—an Alpine adventure, others will end up resenting the cost and hassle or simply decline the invitation. Make it easy for everyone by (a) choosing a well-traveled locale, (b) planning well in advance and (c) providing information and help (securing group rates, for example). Bon voyage!

7. Don't go DIY crazy.

You know that clever bride who sewed her own dress and designed and made her own invitations? Or the one who baked her own three-tiered cake? Everyone's in awe of the girls who can do these things, and I say good for them—if they did it because they really, really wanted to, and if they managed not to get stressed out. The point of these projects is to use your craft/sewing/baking/designing skills to save money and to put a one-of-a-kind stamp on some aspect of the wedding. But if you are really not the hands-on type, don't drive yourself crazy hot-gluing tulle and folding fiddly favors until 3 a.m. Do only what you can, and beg, borrow or buy the rest.

8. Don’t let parents steamroll your invite list.

Back in the days when parents footed the bill and brides were barely out of high school, the guest list was more Mom and Dad’s idea of a good party than the couple’s. Times have changed, but that doesn’t stop some pushy parents from insisting on having the whole book club, golf club or garden club at the wedding. Brush up on your negotiating skills and start early. Once you have a budget in mind, you can rough out the number of guests it’s feasible to invite. Then ask both sets of parents for invite lists, in order of preference, so you can cut from the bottom if necessary. Stay in charge!

9. Don’t forget about your fiancé.

It may not seem like something you’d do, but plenty of women surprise themselves. We've got our heads stuck in a glossary of floral terms (stephanotis? anemone?) when all our men know is that there will be flowers at the wedding. We’re neglecting our regular TV and pizza night in favor of dress fittings. Hey, listen up: You’re not just having a wedding, you’re getting married—to that guy over there, sitting on the couch, munching a cold slice of pizza. Put aside the bridal to-do lists and go give him a hug, would you? This is not just party-planning time, it’s major life transition time. So talk to each other. Talk about your life together. Talk about what color you want to paint the bedroom, what you want to name the puppy you’ll adopt—whatever. Anything but flowers and crab-cake appetizers, please.

10. Don't bow to bridal peer pressure.

It’s insidious. You just got back from a friend’s wedding and you’re battling the green monster: She had an eight-piece band while you booked a DJ. She had Dom Perignon, you’re having sparkling wine. Well, stop right there. If you scramble your plans to best hers: 1) You’ll go over budget, and 2) You’ll hate yourself for it. Worse, you’ll veer off the course you set for your own dream wedding. She made her wedding hers. And you’re making your wedding yours. And that’s an “I do!”

Planning an outdoor wedding? Here are 5 must-haves to keep your guests comfortable.

Drink Station

Not only do these Drink Stations look stunning and add a bit of luxury they are a must for an Outdoor Wedding in Australia. While your guests are waiting for the Ceremony to start they can keep hydrated with icy cold lemon or orange infused water or iced tea.

Order of Service or Programs that Double as Fans

Have your Order of Service printed in a single fan shape and attach to sticks or as a cute fold out fan.

Comfort Station

Include Insect Repellent, Sunscreen and Tissues for your guest’s comfort. The Station can include bubbles, programs, fans and your Wishing Well. Don't forget to add Heel Saviours ™ from Our Little Shoe Secret for the ladies, to keep their Heels clean and above ground.

Shade

Large Market Umbrellas can look lovely and be practical to keep your guests protected from the sun.

A Primping Station

For an extra luxurious touch, add a Primping Station where your guests can tidy up between the Outdoor Ceremony and the Reception ahead. It doesn’t need much, a mirror, hairspray, hand cream and some wipes.

A maid-of-honor has a lot of duties — selecting wedding party attire, coordinating a bridal shower, planning an epic bachelorette party, sitting by your side as you lick 252 sticky stamps. But the one thing we all want from our right-hand woman? "A good MOH will keep her mouth shut about most things and just do her duty," describes Courtney Wolf, wedding planner for Invision Events. "I can remember the times I have been a bridesmaid and had to suffer through ugly dresses, cheesy picture poses, and awful updos. It comes and goes — and you just get over it."

Unfortunately, not all maids-of-honor keep mum while you're wedding planning. So if you've got a Chatty Cathy who can't keep her lips sealed, we've got you covered. Here are five things your MOH might say, decoded.

1. "I mean, it's OK."

If your maid-of-honor drops this noncommittal-but-full-of-attitude bomb while you're selecting her dress, jewelry, or updo, read the subtext of her talk: It's screaming, "I really don't like this — but I'm not going to come right out and say that to your face. You'll hear it through the grapevine next week."

2. "If you really need me to pick up your aunt and uncle from the airport, then I will."

Said with verve, this sentence means just what it says; expressed with a deadpan or sigh, your maid-of-honor is up-to-her eyeballs in other maid-related duties and can't stand the thought of tacking another item onto her wedding to-do list.

3. "I'm ready to par-tay at your wedding."

This maid-of-honor may be going man-hunting at your reception. Be a good friend and help her let loose in the right ways — the ones that won't make you regret you invited her to join your wedding party! You can even play matchmaker for her and the right groomsman.

4. "I wouldn't choose it for my wedding, but you've got to go with what you like!"

While you're considering color schemes or selecting flowers, your maid-of-honor may say this as a way of supporting your choice. But what she really means is, "That is ugly!" Even though she's underhandedly told you that your selection is unattractive, her sentiment is still right — you do have to choose what you love.

5. "You told me that already."

While you're on nonstop gush mode, your girlfriend is telling you politely to please stop. It's easy — and often unintentional — to annoy our friends by overloading them with wedding information, and this maid-of-honor has had enough.

APPLY DEODORANT Roll transparent deodorant beneath any area of the shoe (straps, in particular) to prevent chafing. "This will help it to gently glide instead of rub

CHOOSE STRAPS & BUCKLES Adjustable straps and buckles will make sure your heels fit snuggly to your feet, which helps avoid the unnecessary rubbing and irritation that cause blisters and discomfort.

CARE FOR YOU PAIR A good local butcher is hard to find, but a cobbler? If you're lucky enough to live close to one, make him your BFF now! "The rubber lifts and soles of high-heeled shoe styles get worn down with extended wear, making them uneven and uncomfortable," Barry said. "Take your shoes to your local cobbler when this starts to happen to prevent damage — to you and your shoe!"

STRETCH EM OUT & BREAK EM IN Once you've taken the plunge and purchased your new shoes, and depending on the material, it can be helpful to stretch them out a bit to give them some flexibility, Barry said. "You can buy your own shoe stretcher to use at home or take them to your local cobbler — either way you'll be glad you did."

If you know you have an upcoming event that requires a pair of new heels, give yourself time to purchase and wear them a few times before the big day. "Nothing works to make a shoe more comfortable than simply breaking it in," Barry said. "Wear your new shoes around your house a few times before venturing outside, just in case."

SHOP FOR SHOES AT NIGHT Live your life for a full day and then go shoe shopping. Why? Try to shop at the end of the day when your feet are swollen, "If shoes crush, pinch or smash your toes at the store, you can bet they'll do it at home."LEARN TO WALK PROPERLY There's a way to walk in flats and there's a way to strut in heels and never should the two be confused. "Heels are not sneakers — you have to carry yourself differently". "Use your core muscles and stand up straight. Pretend you're strutting your stuff on the catwalk and use your hips and legs to propel yourself forward. It should feel more like a bounce than a normal stride. Practice it at home until you’ve got it down pat — this can be one of the easiest ways to avoid pain in heels."

TAPE YOUR TOES Here's an interesting tip — one certainly worth trying if it means a painless shoe experience. "Taping your third and fourth toes together (counting from the big toe) will help with the pain," "Yes, it’s a little weird, but there's actually a nerve there that contributes to foot pain. Stress on the nerve is alleviated when supported by the other toe. Keep in mind this might not work for high-heeled sandals or deep peep-toes."

TRY THIS FROZEN WATER HACK "If your shoes are a little too tight, then I have a hack for that," said stylist and wardrobe consultant

Allie Brandwein. "Fill a zip lock bag halfway with water and place the bag inside the shoe. Put the shoe in the freezer overnight and voilà! Your shoe stretches. The water freezes and expands the shoe. Genius!"

BUY SHOES WITH LEATHER SOLES Before you throw down your plastic, turn that cute shoe over and check what material has been used on the bottom. "You are always better off with leather soles," said Robyn Vie Carpenter, author and founder of The Lesbian Socialite. "Even if your uppers are man-made, you need the pliability of leather to allow your feet to move."

USE GEL INSERTS So, you bought shoes that you thought were comfy and you were wrong. What now? If you have uncomfortable shoes, the best thing you can do is start gellin, "Use the silicone gel inserts designed specifically for heels. They go right under the balls of your feet to protect them from all of that standing."

HEEL SAVIOURS™ STABILITY & DAMAGE PROTECTORS Grab a pair of Heel Saviours™ to fit your pretties, "No more sinking into the soft ground or getting stuck in that wooden decking gap". Your stability is improved, your Stems and Tips will be safe from dirt and damage, and no one will even notice them. Clear, discreet, supple, heel protectors.