I have been a bad wedding blogger. I have not even mentioned Valentine’s Day! (Admittedly because Mr Polka Dot reads this blog and I don’t want to hint at what he’s getting!)

I love sentimental gifts- a long message in a card, a box of heart cupcakes or a lovely little handmade ornament. But time gets away and thus we turn to online shopping!

Valentine Gift Wrap from Bridal Survival, Heart Cup from Peters Of Kensington,, My Love Book from Kikki K, Be My Valentine Gift Box from Rainbow Designs, Cake Pan from Peters Of Kensington, Love Spell Bath Ballistic from Lush, Lotsa Lovin’ Biscuit Bunch from Wishlist, Bud Luvee Luxury Duck from Ekidna Kids, Love Orb Candle from Dusk, Heart Paperweight from Peters of Kensington, Cupcakes from Cupcake Corner, Cherry Cha Cha Box from Fruit Only

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Invitations often Include Initials and may Inhibit the Inventory of one’s guest list.

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The dilemma about whether to change one’s initials (name) after marriage cuts into the very soul of who we are.

• Adopt a new name together
• Hyphenate your names
• She takes his name
• He takes her name
• Use one name personally and one name professionally
• Nothing, nada, zilch

Changing her name to his is the most common choice but one that comes with many headaches.

For Australians, the wedding certificate you sign on your wedding day may not be sufficient in order to change your name. To obtain an official version you will have to apply to the Registry of Birth, Deaths & Marriages. This will vary from state to state.

Medicare

A form is required, which can be obtained from the Medicare website or at a medicare office. You will require appropriate ID including your marriage certificate.

Passport

Using the official BDM (Briths, Deaths. Marriages) certificate you are able to change your passport to your married name for free within one year of your marriage. You will need to fill out the form and have it witnessed and then send the appropriate ID plus the official BDM marriage certificate.

As to whether to book your honeymoon in your maiden name or married name – unless you have a good deal of time in between the wedding and honeymoon it’s a good idea to book everything in your maiden name to avoid confusion with hotels, customs and the like. Don’t worry you can still play the honeymoon card!

Will

Your Will, is invalid upon marriage, so be sure to have this updated with your lawyer to make sure everything is covered!

Electoral Office

To change your name on the electoral roll you can download a form off the website or visit your local representatives office.

Drivers License

Go to your nearest customer service centre with you BDM certificate and other ID.

Car Registration

Varying from state to state you will require your marriage certificate to change this at your state’s motor registration centre.

House Mortgage

Changing the name on your house mortgage can be a big hassle. It’s best to check directly with your provider to see if there are extra charges for changing your name.

Other places you will have to consider

• Mobile and landline phone accounts
• Loans
• Gas, water & electricity accounts
• Library card
• Frequent Flyer programs
• Superannuation
• Insurance policies
• Memberships
• Subscriptions
• Store Accounts
• Email addresses & email signature

Name Change Kit from The Smart Bride

While most forms are available online you may consider buying a hard copy or emailed name change kit which contains most of the necessary forms to change your name.

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Haigh’s Ballotin Box comes in  Dark Connoisseurs, Milk, Milk and Dark, Cream Centres, Truffles & Dark Ginger varieties.

Haighs are a truly delicious Australian made chocolate company. With a long family history they actually make the chocolate on their premises in Adelaide. After training with some of the top chocolatiers in Switzerland, Haighs has become an Aussie icon.

I love the the ethics and values behind this company (which become evident if you take a factory tour and enjoy their free samples!)

Haighs Duet Gift Box contains a champagne and sparkling shiraz truffle

Mr Polka Dot is particularly fond of their Maltichocs and me? I adore their dark chocolate peppermint frogs!

So I was very excited when I heard Haighs does yummy boxed chocolates for weddings!

Haighs Acetate Heart Gift Box

From chocolate hearts, to champagne truffles, you can spoil your guests with the yummy chocolates that will remain etched in their memory without having to worry about whether it will get thrown in a drawer or not!

Haighs have stores in Adelaide, Sydney & Melbourne though are available to order anywhere in Australia

Find your nearest store here

http://haighschocolates.com.au

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Happy Hour is often celebrated at a wedding with Hors d’oeuvres and Heaps of Hummus and Hot chilli in their Hands to Heave a Happy sigh of relief.

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Choosing a hairstyle can be an arduous task- up or down, straight or curly! Then there’s the various accessories you can find! Ugh! Today I’m looking at all things ‘hair’ you can wear on your wedding day.

Veil

Heidi wed Michael wearing a simple veil (from theknot.com)

The iconic bridal item, the veil truly tells the world you’re a bride! The veil takes many forms (which we will explore further soon!) and can suit the theme and style of your wedding. Able to be worn alone or with other adornments the veil is a classic part of a bride’s attire.

Flower

Leigh from theknot.com wore a white flowers in her hair when she wed Sean

Wearing a flower in your hair adds such a beautiful touch to your wedding hairstyle – old world and vintage, or pretty and spring like! A fresh bloom can last a long time if it’s a sturdy variety such as a rose, whereas a more fragile flower such an an orchid may be better replaced with it’s silk sister to ensure it lasts all day. A large silk bloom studded with crystals may bring a vintage glam touch to your wedding day style.

Tiara

Lauren from theknot.com wore a tiara as she married Scott

Although not as popular as it once was, the tiara still holds a place in bride’s hairdos. The varieties of tiaras are endless, from simple wire and beads to elaborate diamond glittering numbers. Choose one appropriate to the formality or your wedding.

Hairband

Hairband from theknot

A hairband is a soft look which can add a feminine looking touch to a ‘up’ or ‘down’ do. A hairband can be made from silk ribbon to something like a rhinestone studded band.

Comb

Kristin wore a pearl studded comb as she wed Andy (Image from theknot.com)

Combs with their intricacies can make any hairstyle look gorgeous. Often studded with gemstones, rhinestones and all kinds of beads they turn a hairstyle into any ‘look’ and are simple and easy to incorporate. With the comb’s edge it can be firmly placed into your hairstyle.

Pins

Kara from theknot.com wore rhinestone hairpins when she wed Brian

Hairpins are a gorgeous way to add a bit of sparkle and detail to a hairstyle. From rhinestones to pearls, hairpins can match many wedding day looks.  Pins are a great idea if you can’t find the look you want in a clip or comb. They’re able to be grouped together or scattered and can be as simple or elaborate as you choose.

Fascinator

Fascinator from Chameleon Designs

Fascinators are reminiscent of the races and have an elegant look about them, especially when paired with a beautiful gown. They can also be a great alternative for a bride who doesn’t want a veil but still wants to make a feature of her hair. Fascinators can even incorporate netting to create the sense of a veil.

Take a look at ready to spark‘s recent post on fascinators for history and more inspiration.

Clips

Megan from theknot.com wore a rhinestone studded hairclip as she wed Graham

Similar to the versatility of a comb, a clip can take many forms and add a beautiful feature to a simple hairstyle. Easy to replace, a clip can be switched between the ceremony and reception for different looks.

Brooch

theknot.com bride Jennie wore a brooch in her updo when she wed Dave

A beautiful way to incorporate an heirloom brooch is to have it adorn your hairstyle. A bold geometric style brooch could be worn for a mod style look, or an intricate flower design would be perfect for a garden wedding.

Something Different

Jewelled hair vines, Ngoc wearing a red hat for her wedding from theknot.com

The only limit to hair accessories is  your imagination. From crystal studded vines, to necklaces, scarves, hats and feathers. Anything can be incorporated into your hairstyle to make it just that little bit more special and unique.

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