Luxurious & Signature Wedding Planning Blog in Toronto, Niagara & Worldwide.

Aussie Rules... Weddings!

Crystal Adair-Benning — 2009-11-06T06:02:44-05:00

Australians have a tendency to "go big or go home" and their weddings are certainly no exception. As my time here in Western Australia winds down I wanted to take some time to discuss exactly what makes an Aussie wedding unique, special and something worth considering for yourself...

RED CARPET TREATMENT

My very favourite tradition here is the use of red carpets instead of white. It's a sense of royal occasion and beautiful no matter what the colour scheme. There is something unbelieveably striking about seeing a long red carpet laid before a gorgeous bride to add pomp and circumstance to this important moment in her life.

SAY CHEESE
Another amazing touch is the use of wine & cheese as appetizers during cocktail hour or, in my favourite twist, as wedding cake piled in round rolls of the couples favourite flavours. Swan River and Margaret River, the two largest luxury wedding locales in Western Australia both boast their very own cheese factories and multiple boutiques for the freshest (and tastiest!) choices!

COLOURFUL DREAMS
White is sooooo last season here in the Australian heat. Bold brides opt for fanciful dresses of gold, crimson, mauve, royal blue or fanciful yellow. Bridesmaids wouldn't dream of a-typical gowns but rather focus on local designers opting for bold patterns and sparkle!

Quick Tip: Makeup Trials

Crystal Adair-Benning — 2009-11-04T01:58:00-05:00

When going to your makeup trial appointment be sure to wear a white t-shirt (or whatever colour matches your gown) to ensure that the makeup colours will flatter your skin tone in your dress.

Also, use this time wisely - schedule your trial just before a bridal shower, engagement party or other major event so your flawless face will be occasion ready.

And finally, take time to capture the moment - pull out the camera and see what your beautiful face looks like in natural light, indoors, with and without flash.

Behind The Scene... What Does A Wedding Planner Do Exactly?

Crystal Adair-Benning — 2009-11-02T18:26:00-05:00

People ALWAYS ask - what is it a Wedding Planner actually does on the day of the wedding? I'd love to say it involved me luxuriating in the bridal suite with a glass of bubbly and the happy couple but it couldn't be further from the truth!

My day involves long hours, moving boxes, helping setup decor, alphabetizing placecards, napkin folding, glassware spot checking, attending to the couple, making sure vendors know whats going on, keeping the itinerary flowing, acting as hostess in the couples absence, and generally working behind the scenes to make you and your day look flawless and effortless!

Here are some great shots from past weddings of me "doing what I do"... Enjoy!

Happy Melbourne Cup Day!

Crystal Adair-Benning — 2009-11-02T18:03:14-05:00

Every country has their National Holidays or favourite sports! In Australia, this sport is horse racing and today the whole country will stop for 2 whole minutes to watch one race.... THE RACE... The Melbourne Cup! It's celebrated in pubs, lounges, restaurants, bars, city squares and offices. Everything just stops for a whole 2 minutes!!

I'll be celebrating in style.... new pink & grey cocktail dress from an Australian designer, feather fascinator on my head (as is tradition here) and a pair of sparkly silver heels... my very own high fashion for racing! The party is at The Red Herring in Fremantle, Western Australia and there's everything from a fashion show to the race taking place!

So today, my friends, join me in 2 minutes of rapture as we celebrate the Melbourne Cup!

For more information: http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/melbournecup/

A Favor of a Different Flavour... Aussie Style

Crystal Adair-Benning — 2009-11-01T00:15:43-04:00

When I first started planning weddings in Australia I didn't really know what to expect.... kangaroos, koalas, and shrimp on the barbie came to mind but I really had no big ideas. One of the very first things I looked at here were favors and what is local and customary. Turns out, in a lot of ways - it's not so different than Canada. Food and wine are still popular choices. So too are custom items with the couples names and wedding dates. But, one that completely caught me by surprise was the stubby holder! How very... well 1980's canadiana of them. I haven't seen stubby holders at home (a foam ring to keep your BEvERages cool in the summer) since my childhood and quite frankly probably hoped I never would again. But, here it's different.... 43 degrees for Christmas makes keeping a cool BEvERage a science and a true artform. Stubby holders are traditionally given away at events, at festivals and yes, at weddings as favours. My first experience left me aghast... WHY OH WHY would someone want to destroy their wonderfully elegant day with something so cheese.... so tack? But here it's not... it's practical, thoughtful and best of all to any guest.... USEFUL! Now, I may prefer a box of TimTam biscuit treats as my ideal favor but the stubby holder in all it's glory will live strong here. And I, your lovely Wedding Planner, will bite my tongue and put my perceptions and stereotypes aside... I have been proven wrong my friends... LONG LIVE THE AUSSIE STUBBY HOLDER! Happy Planning!