When one plans a wedding, a fair amount of consideration is often poured into the events leading up to and after the wedding.  With many pre and post wedding activity options surrounding a wedding (which lets face it, usually require minimal effort  and planning on the brides part), how does one organise, plan and execute the many events that lead the way to the altar?

So let’s breakdown each event, who hosts the event and who should be invited.

The Bridal Shower

Image by Rebecca Humphries (rebecca.m.humphries@gmail.com / 0411 757 212) via A Mad Hen’s Party

Traditionally the Bridal Shower is held two to three months prior to the wedding in hour of the bride to be. There should be little to no planning involved for the bride to be and the shower is usually hosted by one or more of the bride’s closest friends or bridesmaids. It is said the custom of a bridal shower originated in the 1890′s and is not necessarily designed to just provide the bride with gifts for the matrimonial home, but to provide goods and financial assistance to ensure the wedding will actually take place. With all that in mind, who gets invited? The bride should always provide the host with a guest list, but as a general rule:

• You should only invite people who will attend or are invited to the wedding.
• Mothers, sisters, grandmothers and close aunties of the bride and groom.
• The bride’s close friends and bridesmaids (if they aren’t hosting).

Showers are usually a women-only affair, with the groom putting  in an appearance towards the end, usually at the opening of the gifts (typical!).

The Bachelorette/Hen’s Party

Image by Sarah Black of Red Telegram Photography via Melbourne Bridesmaid’s Shoot

Traditionally the Bachelorette or Hen’s party is held in honor of the bride, just before she gets married. The concept is modeled on the Bachelor Party, where the groom celebrates his “last night of freedom” before entering into marriage. The Bachelorette Party is usually hosted by the Maid of Honor, with assistance from the bridesmaids. Just like the Bridal Shower, the bride should provide the organiser with a guest list, taking into consideration the following:

• You should only invite people who will attend or are invited to the wedding.
• You want it to feel intimate, so keep the guest list short.
• Depending on the type of event, you may want to invite mothers.

Remember, the Bride or Groom should not be funding the Bachelorette Party. It is acceptable for the Maid of Honor/Bridesmaids to all put in for the event, as well as each guest making a small contribution in lieu of a gift.

The Rehearsal Dinner

Image by Jonas Peterson via Penny and Gerald’s Heartfelt Noosa Beach Wedding

The Rehearsal Dinner has become more popular over the years. Traditionally it is hosted and paid for by the groom’s parents, but there really is no right or wrong procedure for the rehearsal dinner. The couple, bride’s parents or even another relative could host the dinner. The name suggests that something should be rehearsed at this event, but nothing actually is. The name stems from the fact that the dinner followed the wedding rehearsal, held on the evening before the wedding. There are no rules on who you can and can’t invite, but do consider inviting:

• The wedding party and immediate family.
• Out-of-town guests who have come down the day before the wedding.
• People who will attend or are invited to the wedding.

The Rehearsal dinner is no longer a formal affair. Take a more casual approach, and use it to kick off the wedding festivities!

Post-Wedding Brunch 

Image by Karen Buckle Photography via Afternoon in the Garden Wedding Inspiration

The Post-Wedding Brunch is really one last hurrah! The brunch should be kept informal, as no doubt guests will be leaving early, heading for the nearest airport, or are simply partied out! Just like the rehearsal dinner, there are no strict rules on who can host. As for the guests, they should receive some sort of formal or informal invitation and consider inviting:

• The wedding party and immediate family.
• Out-of-town guests.
• Close family members and friends.

It is important to keep the formalities of any kind to a minimum, relax and enjoy your company for breakfast. Use it as a brief opportunity to catch up with family and friends you haven’t seen in a while, and not to mention the post wedding gossip!

As the guest of honor, the bride should always graciously attend each event and remember to thank not only the hosts who have put in a whole lot of work, but each and every guest!

Ms Gingham says: Who hosts? Who do you invite? What’s the etiquette? I love posts like these as they really help to clear up those grey areas in wedding etiquette. Thank God for the internet!

 Sarah says: “Newly Wed who loves to blog about weddings and food! Loved everything about planning my wedding and honeymoon, and absolutely devastated that it is all over now. Have the most amazing husband who I love with all my heart, and am so looking forward to the journey life will take us on together now that we are married!”

Click here to read Sarah’s advice on many wedding related topics including an article on prenuptial agreements.

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Michael and Sally

Michael and I met almost 5 years ago after an ‘Eagles Vs Dockers’ Derby (AFL match) in which the West Coast Eagles were victorious! We were both out celebrating (in Fremantle) when my friend (and future bridesmaid Kate) pointed out a guy wearing his WCE guernsey on the dance floor! Still on the high of celebrating the win, and thinking ‘this guy must be a bit of a legend’ I approached him and we got to talking and the rest as they say is history! We have literally been inseparable since.

My little sister, Kristen Lily was my flowergirl and my father Craig walked me down the aisle. Our beautiful flowers were by Rebecca at ‘Pick Me Function Flowers’.

With some help from our families we were able to plan the wedding within 18months, and as soon as we visited Caversham House I was in love with the gardens and Marquee and couldn’t imagine a more perfect location for our wedding day! We were a little bit worried as it was quite wet and rainy in Perth the few weeks leading up to the wedding, but on the day the weather was perfection.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and there were plenty of happy tears shed! I am proud to say that I held myself together quite well, and only required one emergency tissue (thanks Jenni!).

The beautiful gardens at Caversham House made a perfect backdrop for our photos. We had so much fun exploring the grounds and celebrated with our bridal party with a bottle of champagne by the river.

My little sister Kristen (4yrs) was such a fabulous flower girl on the day! She did a perfect job of walking down the aisle, posing for photos and at the reception she was the last one on the dance floor! The next day she asked us ‘Is that it? Is the wedding over?‘. While we were exhausted I think she was ready to do it all over again!

The reception was so much fun! The decorations came together so well to create an elegant, soft and romantic feel, the food was delicious and the speeches were very touching and sincere.

The table numbers handmade by myself while the flowers and decorations were supplied by ‘Touched by Angels’.

Cake by Paula at ‘Sweet and Simple Cakes’.

Once the Bridal Waltz was over it was time to party with everyone (especially the groom’s Dad ‘Mike’) tearing up the dance floor to a mixture of old school hits and new music. I especially loved the bridesmaids moves to ‘I’m sexy and I know it’! (as per picture). We also had a photobooth for the night which was a huge hit with all the guests! Even Michael’s grandma threw on a few dress ups and got involved! Everyone said they had a great time and we couldn’t have been happier with the day as a whole.

A big thank you to all of our friends and family that shared in our special day! It was filled with lots of love and laughter, and was the perfect way to celebrate our marriage.

Photography by Carri at All About Image Photography Perth

Ms Gingham says: Oh that sweet little flowergirl… I love the picture where she’s craning her neck to see Sally and Michael kiss. What a beautiful day. Thanks go to Sally and Michael for sharing it with us.

Sally says: “I am a 25yr old Speech Pathologist from Perth WA. I recently married the love of my life (my Plumber hubby Michael) on a lovely spring day in October. ”

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Ms Gingham says: I know that when rain happens you feel like everything is ruined but I think the photos here are so special because of the rain! I just love this wedding and the photobooth is gorgeous… not at all cheesy! (I couldn’t resist the pun… sorry!)

Rosie says: “My husband and I got married in Byron Bay on 29th April 2011. I am obsessed with all things wedding and now that my own wedding is over I am helping my best friend plan her wedding. I am currently completing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and my husband is a Paramedic.”

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Beautiful example of a modern day Ketubah by Jerise via Etsy

Prenuptial Agreements or Financial Agreements, as they are more commonly termed in Australia, are often a taboo subject rarely discussed in relationships. Prenups are often associated in a negative light with celebrities and the ‘well-off’, with the stigma of protecting rich old men from young gold digging women. However some of the first Prenuptial Agreements date back to the ancient Egyptians. ‘The Ketubah’ is a Hebrew Marriage contract that dates back approximately 2000 years, and is one of the first legal documents that gives financial and legal rights to women.

It is easy to say that the majority of people do not get married with the expectation that the marriage will end in divorce. So what is a Prenuptial Agreement and why should ‘ordinary’ couples consider this option? Essentially a Prenuptial or Financial Agreement covers how property and assets will be divided in case of divorce or if one spouse should die. A Prenup is usually drawn up by an attorney that specialises in family law. It lists both parties assets and sources of income. It outlines what specific items will become married property and what will remain separate. Should one spouse die, a Prenup often protects inheritances better than a will.

There are a number of  reasons why ‘ordinary’ couples choose to consider a Prenup:

• A spouse may own all or part of a family business
• A spouse may wish to keep real estate, substantial investment or a trust fund separate from marital property
• A spouse may want to protect assets for children from a previous marriage
• A spouse may be responsible for the care of elderly parents/relatives
• A spouse may wish to keep antiques or jewelry in the family
• A spouse may have a high debt load

The thought of discussing this subject with your significant other can often stir up issues around trust, control and sharing. If you are considering a Prenuptial Agreement, how do you bring it up? Firstly, it is really important to be very clear about your motivations. Make sure your partner is fully aware of why you feel it would be an important step for your future to consider a Prenup. It can also be a great opportunity to ensure that the lines of communication in your relationship are open.

Secondly, it is important to choose the right time and environment to discuss a prenuptial agreement. Ideally it should be presented slowly, over the course of the relationship, as opposed to three days before the wedding. It is important that you both have plenty of time for discussion. A prenup should never be a surprise! If your partner is the one to bring the topic of a prenup up, try not to dismiss the idea immediately, give your partner a chance to express their thoughts and feelings.

Once your decision on a prenup is made, it is important that each spouse have their own legal representative review the contract. It is important that both parties fully understand all of the wording in the contract. The prenup will also need to be updated if any of your circumstances change, for example, if you have children, your assets change, or you move. Finally, if you are unable to execute a prenup in time, you can always consider a postnuptial agreement. Essentially it is the same thing, but it is signed after the wedding.

A prenup is obviously not for everyone, but more and more couples in today’s society, for whatever reason are choosing to go down this path. Not only can a prenup be a safegaurd for both parties in a marriage, it can also be an effective tool in defining your relationship.

Ms Gingham says: It’s sometimes hard to imagine the need for any type of prenuptial agreement when you’re caught up in the romance of a wedding. It’s definitely not for everyone but there’s some really valid points brought up here. Great post.

Sarah says: “Newly Wed who loves to blog about weddings and food! Loved everything about planning my wedding and honeymoon, and absolutely devastated that it is all over now Have the most amazing husband who I love with all my heart, and am so looking forward to the journey life will take us on together now that we are married!”

Read more by Sarah here.

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Image via Jemma Kidd

When I opened Jemma Kidd’s Backstage Kit I felt a bit like Mary Poppins reaching into her (makeup) bag. Containing an eye and lip primer, four colour correctors, a crème highlighter, two shades of blush, a bronzer, finishing powder, four lip glosses, eleven (count them… eleven) eye shadows, a wet/dry shadow and liner, and applicator brushes, this little kit is packed with unexpected goodies.

The eye shadows are my absolute favourite part of this kit. A wide range of matte and pearl neutrals, they took me easily from day to night. The colours apply well over the eye primer and better still, they last. Just as exciting are the blushes and the bronzer. The blushes, a pink matte and apricot shimmer, blend nicely and give a lovely glow, especially when combined with the crème highlighter on the cheekbones. The bronzer is a gorgeous natural shade and gave my (shamefully pale) skin a healthy glow.

I must admit I’ve always been a little bit baffled by colour correctors, but thankfully the kit came to my rescue with its handy guide to prepping and priming the skin. Although I found the correctors slightly oily, they were still effective, particularly on my stubborn under eye circles. The lip colours aren’t overly sticky (hoorah!) and are delightfully pretty, especially ‘sassy’ pink colour.

With the exception of mascara, this kit has everything – it’s perfect to throw in your handbag and go!

Ms Gingham says: Thanks to Karen for reviewing this kit for us in preparation for our Polka Dot Circle competition. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win one of these nifty little kits that retail at over $50! Details here.

Karen says: “I’m 25 years old and I’m an aspiring writer trapped in the body of a lawyer! I also have an Arts degree with a Major in English, which saved my sanity during university and allowed me to do what I love – write! Last but not least, I’m a bride-to-be and I’m writing a book about planning my wedding and all the craziness that comes along with it (see, for example, being told that my wedding photos will be ”deformed” because my bridal party is uneven). I’m also working on a children’s manuscript.

I’m looking to inject some colour (and some polkadots if possible!) into my career. It’s my dream to write full time – so here’s hoping!”

Read more by Karen here.

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