• Flowers (and more recently, a flower theme) have been a part of wedding ceremonies for as long as we can remember. It is believed that in certain European countries women would carry bouquets to mask the scent of not having bathed for a few months.

    Nowadays, florals are a huge part of the decor and, of course, the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets. Typically, florals fit into your specific wedding theme or colour palette, or your entire theme can revolve around your flowers and other natural elements.

    So how should you choose your floral arrangements? We have 7 easy steps to help you create the floral setting you’ve always dreamed of.

    FIRST THING’S FIRST

    Decide on your budget and whether you want to go big or small. If florals fall into your theme, you’ll want to set aside a larger portion of your budget to them.

    GET INSPIRED

    Try to research designs or arrangements you want to see at your wedding, while still keeping an open mind and have at least two extra options. Pinterest is a great app for finding all the inspiration you need!

    RESEARCH

    While looking for inspiration, you should also start to familiarise yourself with the kinds of flowers you want to have at your wedding, whether they’re in season, and their basic information. It will really benefit you when you meet with a florist and you understand the terminology.

    FIND A FLORIST

    Before picking a florist, make sure you research their work and pricing to ensure that you go with someone whose style will match your desired theme. Also keep your options open here, and make several consultations with different florists to get a feel for what would suit you best.

    BOUQUET

    If you or your fiancé plan to carry a bouquet, make sure that this is your starting point, as it features as a big element on the day. You ideally want the bouquet to match the wedding dress, and can design your flower arrangements from there.

    SCENTED

    When picking your flowers, you also need to consider whether you want scented florals or not. The idea of a lovely sweet scent in the venue seems tempting, but it may affect some of the guests. When you send out your invitations, ask guests to let you know if they have any allergies so that you can avoid any unpleasant experiences on the day.

    PLAY MATCHY

    While not everything has to be perfectly coordinated, it is elegant to match your flowers to your wedding style. Whether it be formal, playful or mystical, flowers can really emphasize the atmosphere you want to have on your big day.

    “A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” – Max Muller

    We’ve all heard of or experienced getting cold feet before big, life-changing events, and it’s a relatively common occurrence when it comes to a few days before your wedding. You may feel that in your heart you are destined to be with your significant other, but still have those fears of taking the step towards marriage.

    And it’s completely normal!

    Pre-wedding stress after months of planning and organising is no cause for concern. You’re worried about things going wrong on the day, how you’ll look and also taking the steps to legally wed your partner – it can all be a bit overwhelming.

    If you’re experiencing cold feet, here are a few tips to help you ease the stress.

    1. GIRL TIME

    Spend the night with your bridesmaids or some close girlfriends watching movies and pampering each other to take your mind off of any pre-wedding jitters.

    2. RELAX

    Enjoy a relaxing massage scheduled at your favourite spa for later in the evening the day before your wedding to help you unwind and sleep more easily.

    3. MEMORIES

    Look back at some old photographs of you and your partner to remember all the incredible times you have spent together, and all the amazing memories you have yet to make.

    4. COMMUNICATE

    You may not be spending the night with your future husband or wife, but if you really feel you need to, give them a call or message them to let them know how you’re feeling. They are probably feeling the same and you can talk it through with each other.

    5. MEDITATE

    If it works for you, put on some ocean songs or rainfall sounds and sit or lie down in a comfortable position while practising breathing exercises to clear your mind.

    Image: Unsplashed

    Nowadays, pets have become one of the most important parts of everyday life, so much so that they have even become a part of bigger life events, such as weddings. If you’re planning your big day and would love to have your furbabies join the party, here are a few adorable ways that you can include your pet.

    FLOWER GIRL

    Adorn your furchild with ribbon, dog jersey, tutu or even a flower crown and let them lead the way as you walk down the aisle.

    @fantasticfindsbridal

    RING BEARER

    Give your pet the honour of bringing you the rings, which can be placed securely in a basket or on a ribbon around your their neck. If your pet isn’t well-behaved enough to walk straight down the aisle themselves, ask a family member or friend to assist by walking your furchild to you and your soon-to-be spouse.

    @dobedakoda

    THEMED SAVE-THE-DATES

    Surprise your future guests with DIY save-the-dates including a photograph of your pet/s that will have them ‘aw-ing’ at the cuteness

    @be_younique_by_lucy

    VIDEOGRAPHER

    Want to get a unique view of your big day? Strap a GoPro camera to your pet’s back and allow them to wander around your wedding venue and amongst your guests. You can look back at it after your big day and share some laughs at what your pet got up to! Ask your official videographer to include the footage in your wedding video.

    Morning Wild Photography

    FAMILY PORTRAIT

    If you just want a simple reminder that your pets shared in your day, ask your photographer to take some shots of you and your pets during your shoot time. You can even dress them up in little suits, bow ties, tutus or flower arrangements to have them fit with the theme!

    @pet_weddings_assistants

    Having your pets join you in celebrating your big day is definitely an exciting time, but also remember to be aware of your pet’s personality and behaviour to ensure that they are not overwhelmed or mistreated at the event. If you can, assign a pet-nanny for the day to make sure they are comforted, fed, watered and not getting up to mischief.

    Header image: instagram.com