wedding planning discussion forums

Be Fresh Faced with Peachy Clean

zoe@hitched — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:09:00 GMT

Peachy Clean is a life saver for brides aren't sure how to deal with their skin!

Brides obviously want to look their best on their wedding day, but this can be expensive. You could spend a fortune on facials and treatments, not to mention on makeup and makeup artists…but you could be saved from all this with a consultation from the lovely Haley at Peachy Clean.

Brides can email their current beauty routine, skin concerns and skin type to Peachy Clean, and they will recommend a selection of ‘hero’ products to nourish and boost their skin. As Haley says: “Nourishing is like feeding your face with vitamins and minerals while moisturising is just the moisture content - skin needs nutrients as well as moisture to renew, protect and replenish and really get glowing!”

They take into account your skin type and any issue – I told Haley about my combination skin that is simultaneously too dry and too oily, as well as my recurring psoriasis problem which I have to take into consideration, and she was able to advise the right products for me.

I’ve pasted in some advice from her email – there was so much helpful stuff it was hard to pick just a few lines! “Ditch anything in your beauty regime that contains the ingredients Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and anything ending in the word paraben (methyl, butyl, ethyl etc etc) - apart from being toxic and proven skin irritants, they're really drying on your skin. Basically it's stripping the skin of its natural oils which just means your skin has to produce more sebum (oils) to try and protect itself-hence the oily patches! Vicious cycle.

“The two main products I'd recommend are the Balancing Concentrate and the Balancing Serum. The Concentrate is amazing-it's a liquid exfoliator that literally just dissolves dead skin cells and gives you skin like a baby's bum. Most scrubs are too harsh and can actually cause more oils and congestion (the skin produces more oil to protect itself after being 'roughed up'-like a defence mechanism and the dry patches are just being attacked so they get flaky) so stay away from scrubs for combination skin”.

I had no idea I was making my combination skin worse with a scrub, I thought it’d strip the oil and exfoliate the dead skin. I found out so much that I was doing wrong with my skincare, I’m actually excited to go home and shake things up, and see some killer results.

A range of products that form a practical skin care routine is then suggested to you, and they also take your budget into consideration – this is a massive plus, as how often have we seen an amazing wonder product…with an awe-inspiring price tag?

Peachy Clean also recommend the superfoods you should be eating for better skin clarity and tone. As well as this, they advise you on the right sort of fake tan. As my complexion is quite ‘Caspar the Friendly Ghost’, I was intrigued to find out if Haley could suggest a tan that would work on my pale skin, without looking too obvious.

Below are some examples of the Peachy Clean hero products!

Rainbow Superfood, for a healthy bridal glow...

Sodashi Skin Boost, a leave on gel mask designed to boost your complexion...

Eco Tan Winter Skin, to gradually tone and tan your skin, making you look healthier and more radiant!

Honestly, you need to contact Haley if you want the best skin on your wedding day. Visit their site here or email her straight away at info@peachyclean.com.au – tell her I sent you!

Zoe x

Larissa Bright Mineral Makeup

zoe@hitched — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:20:00 GMT

Choosing to do your own make up on your wedding day can save a lot of money, but you’ve got to be confident in your make up applying skills and in the make up you use, as your wedding photos will last a life time!

Mineral Colour Cosmetics from the Larissa Bright Australia Colour Cosmetics Collection are a great choice for those with sensitive skin, who want to look radiant on their wedding day. The secret to Larissa Bright Australia's high product quality is light reflecting minerals that blend magically with your skin's natural oils for perfect coverage and a flawless professional finish – ideal if your wedding make up will be DIY!

The minerals are 100% natural and sourced in Australia, infused with skin soothing botanicals such as Shea Butter and Australia Jojoba and designed by company founder Larissa Bright.

The Larissa Bright Mineral Colour Cosmetics Collection:

• Contains 100% Australian pure minerals with NO oils, perfumes, dyes or talcs, so it's gentle and non-irritating - even for sensitive skin

• 100% vegan (contains no animal by-products)

• Ensures that the powders blend in with your skin tone for a perfect and natural colour match

• Feels light, allows the skin to breathe and goes beyond just covering up - it actually deflects light away from flaws

• Contains certified organic ingredients and is low irritant and hypo allergenic

• Water resistant

• NO cornstarch, talcs, dyes, perfumes, parabens or petroleum or oils

Brides can book a free colour demonstration which can help them perfect their bridal beauty look by calling 1800 626 848 or by visiting their website www.larissabright.com.au.

Zoe x

Excerpt from Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony

Katie@WeddingDogs — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:10:00 GMT

Princess Celebrating with Danielle and Paul Mante

Princess, a bichon frise owned by the bride’s father and step-mother, seemed to be everywhere at the Mantes’ wedding and reception—perhaps because she was. The ceremony, held at the bride’s father’s South Florida home, featured Princess as the unofficial life of the party. “She greeted everyone as they entered the house, left everyone alone during dinner, then worked the crowd after the meal,” Danielle recalls.

During the poolside reception she mingled like a pro, jumping from couch to couch to spend time with pretty much everyone. Unfortunately the couple’s pet Yorkie, Baci, had to sit out the ceremony, for fear she’d bring a bit too much life to the party. “We had a friend take Baci home before the event started because she’s a little barker,” Danielle says. “Plus she loves to jump in the pool. We were afraid we would have a little wet Yorkie running around like a maniac.”

Excerpted from Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony by Katie Preston Toepfer and Sam Stall. Quirk Books, 2013

I am Katie Preston Toepfer – May’s guest blogger of the month for hitched.com.au

I am author of Wedding Dogs. You can find out more about me and my work here: http://wedding-dogs.com/.

Image credit: Adagion Studio from Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony Quirk Books, 2013

One for the Boys...

zoe@hitched — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:36:00 GMT

When you’re a bride getting ready for your wedding, it can be easy to overlook your groom, but I’ve learnt something from working with the boys on the team here at hitched.com.au, and from my own slightly vain partner – boys like to look good too!

Don’t forget about your groom when it comes to a wedding beauty regime, because the chances are that he loves a bit of pampering as well! Oscar Natural is a range of natural grooming products for men, which includes shaving oils and gels so he can look super smart on your wedding day.

Using natural ingredients to treat and prepare skin for a quality shave, Oscar de Vries has founded an all-Australian business that is poised to take on the big brands in the male grooming space. Set apart thanks to its great quality, sleek design and natural ethos, Oscar Natural should be on every man’s bathroom shelf.

Treat your groom to a pamper kit of his very own for the night before the wedding! Visit the Oscar Natural site for more.

Zoe x

Get Creative with Makeup from Jane Iredale

zoe@hitched — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:41:00 GMT

If you’re planning to do your own make up on your wedding day, then you need to take a look what jane iredale has to offer!

There’s a stunning range of eye shadows in bold and neutral colours, so you can create whatever look you wish on your wedding day, whether you want to go all out and make an impact, or if you prefer a more subtle, natural look.

Brand expert Leslie Graham offers these top tips for applying their irresistible PurePressed eye shadows:

- When applying bright colours, a little can go a long way. Apply your brightest shade into the contour of the eye. Then apply the lighter shade as a blending colour to join the two colours together.

- The goal is to have a graduation of colours; one blending into the other without any gaps or lines. Blues, greens and purples look great either in the contour or on the lid for a smoky effect. Layer “Caribbean” and “Magic” for a gorgeous shade of aqua. For a bluer eye, layer “Magic” over “Caribbean”; for a greener look, layer over “Caribbean” over “Magic”.

- Keep pinks and reds away from the lash line as they can make your eyes appear red.

- Add impact by applying wet to intensify the colour or create liquid liner.

- ‘Red Carpet’ looks like a bright pop of orange so keep it to the contour or just a hint added on your outer lash line and above the liner so that eyes don’t appear red. Blending it with a colour that has a peach tone like, “Peach Sherbert”, “Rose Gold” or “Champagne” will give a seamless, stunning result!

I’m loving the Rose Gold shade, mixed with Dreamy Pink. I’d line my lower lashes with Shady Lady, and use the Nude shadow to highlight the inner corner of my eye. Once you’ve perfected your eyes, warm up your complexion with the PurePressed Blush, which comes in Cheekie, Awake and In Love.

The Complete In Touch highlighter will add definition.

Finally, consider the quad bronzer in Moonglow which offers four beautiful shades to help you customise a colour to suit your complexion. Moonglow offers a selection of golden bronze and coppertoned shades. The quads can be used on your face, decolletage and body and contain real flakes of 24-karat gold to give you a natural glow wherever it’s applied.

To see more, visit the jane iredale site here.

Zoe x

Bridal Lingerie Advice from Simone Pérèle’s Senior Fitting Consultant

zoe@hitched — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:06:00 GMT

Bridal lingerie is a crucial part of your wedding day – consider your lingerie to be the scaffolding on which your wedding dress is built upon. You need to choose the right bridal lingerie to suit your dress and to support you so you’re comfortable on your big day.

I spoke with Marlene Hassett, Simone Pérèle’s Senior Fitting Consultant and Product Expert. Marlene has held this position with the stunning lingerie brand for 16 years. She shares her expert advice, tips and knowledge…

So, how important is bridal lingerie?

Choosing the correct bridal lingerie is the most important thing that a bride can do. Just like in building a house, one needs the appropriate foundation. The lingerie will refine, support and enhance the bride’s shape so her gown will sit effortlessly. If the lingerie is not the right fit and style, it does not matter what dress they choose, the overall look will suffer - as Christian Dior once said: “Without the right foundation, there can be no fashion”.

What should a bride consider when choosing her wedding day lingerie?

I can’t stress enough how much brides need to consider their own body shape first, and what style of lingerie is needed for their specific concerns before they even consider a dress. It is almost impossible to match the dress to the lingerie, so we recommend the other way around. For example, a larger busted bride who has her heart set on a strapless gown would need to find the perfect strapless bra first, then take that with them when dress shopping. Small busted brides looking for a natural, rounded shape with volume might like a bra with graduated padding.

For those that desire tummy/hip/buttock support with shapewear garments, find your perfect fit and style to refine your silhouette before you settle on a dress. Simone Pérèle’s Top Model-Cellulite Control shapewear range will instantly reduce the waist size by 2cm, so already you have a different shape to work with when you try on gowns.

Consider also having one set of lingerie for the day – this will support the bust and refine the shape whilst being invisible under luxurious wedding fabrics, and then a gorgeous set for the wedding night to change in to!

Is there such a thing as sexy but not revealing lingerie?

The lingerie you wear underneath your gown needs to be beautiful but ultimately functional. It is there to refine your shape, and offer both support and comfort to ensure you feel confident on the day, which is the most important factor. Fortunately, Simone Pérèle can offer both function and fashion – garments that look sexy with stretch Chantilly and guipure laces, luxurious satins and delicate embroidery, but with a superior design that provides the support you require.

Shapewear should be considered for those conscious of their midsection, thighs and buttocks. Larger busted women can still enjoy deep-plunge and half cup bras that offer amazing support without weighing heavily on the shoulder straps, like the Revelation Range.

Should your body shape affect your choice in bridal lingerie?

Your body shape will affect your choice of gown. It is just not practical to think that the same style is going to look great on every body shape, and every bust requires its own unique support that can’t be invisible in every style. Larger busts require proper support, so backless or plunging-back gowns are not an option. The most important thing to consider is what will make you feel the most confident, the most comfortable during your special day. Target your specific concerns first with the lingerie, and work outwards from there.

What is the hottest look for brides right now?

Strapless gowns will always be a firm favourite, but they look best on brides with a small chest, who don’t require as much support. Kate Middleton looked exquisite in her beautiful lace sleeves so we’ve of course seen many brides still emulating her style.

Women are loving Pérèle’s new corset from the ‘Celeste’ range, as well as the matching suspender belt. Traditional corsetry has grown in popularity over the last few seasons.

Finally – the garter – a do or a don’t?

It is of course a matter of personal taste and whether you will be following that traditional activity on your wedding day…

Any final advice for a bride searching for the perfect bridal lingerie?

My last offering of advice is to keep in mind that the delicate, dainty lingerie set you have in mind might not be the best set to enhance and refine your figure on the day, I recommend seeing a Simone Pérèle fitting consultant before you make your decision because they can help you choose what is right for you, and ensure you look absolutely stunning on the day you will remember for the rest of your life.

Marlene became a qualified corsetry fitter in 1969 and began working in the lingerie industry immediately, where she quickly developed an unparalleled understanding of the female form and how to complement each shape perfectly.

Visit the Simone Pérèle website for more information and to browse the gorgeous lingerie sets.

Zoe x

How to Convince Your Partner to Let you have Your Dog in Your Wedding

Katie@WeddingDogs — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:05:00 GMT

A wedding is one of the most important days in a person’s life. Many brides even start planning their special day many years before they even meet their Prince Charming. But what do you do if your idea of the perfect wedding ceremony involves your dog and your other half doesn’t agree?

Here are a few tips and things to say to help you convince him that your furry family member must take part in your special day:

*Your dog won’t be worried about what you dress them in on the day. While you may catch them rolling on the grass in an attempt to wiggle out of that mini tux, you wouldn’t have to worry about your pooch fighting with the other bridal party members about the style of shoes they want to wear.

*Your dog won’t have the opportunity to give an embarrassing ‘best dog’ or ‘dog of honour’ speech in which it talks about the days before you were together with your partner, leaving you red-faced.

*Once your dog has enjoyed being a part of your special day and you’ve got some wonderful photos with them, you can have someone take them home. Unlike the other guests at your wedding, you can’t simply get them to leave without a fuss if they become unruly.

*There won’t be fights amongst friends and family members if your dog gets the top position as best dog or dog of honour, and all of your other favourite, non-furry people, can all play a special role in the wedding that is equally as important as the other.

Geez…when you look at it like that, it’s silly not to have your dog in your wedding, don’t you think?!

NOTE: There is one important thing I do want you to keep in mind. If you are looking at your pooch through well-behaved rose coloured glasses, then perhaps your partner has a point. It certainly must be noted that your fiancé may have every reason to be weary if your dog is rather boisterous. If this is the case, cut him some slack. Compromise. Perhaps a family member can bring Fido along when you are having your wedding portraits done after the ceremony and then take him home before you head to the reception?

I am Katie Preston Toepfer – May’s guest blogger of the month for hitched.com.au

I am author of Wedding Dogs. You can find out more about me and my work here: http://wedding-dogs.com/.

Image credit: Brooke Mayo Photographers, www.brookemayo.com from Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony, Quirk Books 2013

Share a Bespoke Moment...

zoe@hitched — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:43:00 GMT

If all this talk about mother’s day has turned your thoughts towards the wedding thank you present for your mum and mother-in-law and your worried about what to get them…well, you can relax now!

I've found the loveliest gift, ideal to give to any mother of the bride or groom as a sweet and special thank you.

Bespoke Moments create gorgeous prints to mark any occasion, and it just so happens they have some wonderful ones for mums.

Browse the images for ideas or visit the site for more as there’s such a huge range.

These prints would make a lovely gift for a mum any time of year:

This one is especially for your mother-in-law:

And this one is the ideal wedding gift for both sets of parents! Their dates of birth, your wedding date and yours and your husband’s birthdays – it doubles up as a great birthday reminder!

If you love these prints – and why wouldn’t you? – make sure you’re around in July…That’s all I’m saying!

See more gorgeous prints here.

Zoe x

A Mother's (of the Bride) Day Gift Guide!

samantha@hitched — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:26:00 GMT

With Mother's Day fast approaching, I've put together the ultimate gift guide to say thank you to the mother of the bride, or your new mother-in-law! These gifts are great for Mother's Day, but could also work as a special thank you gift on your wedding day!

Japanese Cherry Blossom and Madagascan Vanilla Book Boxes, $69.95 - The Body Shop - These fragrant book style boxes from The Body Shop make a great treat for a pampered mum! Each box contains a gorgeous scent and rich moisturizer.

Basket Bag, from $27 - $59 - The Market Basket Co - A basket style bag is an ideal gift for an elegant mother of the bride or mother-in-law.

BellaBox subscriptions - BellaBox - If your mother or mother-in-law to be is a glamorous kind of woman. she'll love these monthly goody boxes from BellaBox. You pick the subscription and decide how long to treat them for!

Family Tree Prints, $39.95 - Uniquely Grown - A family tree print combining your new families is a sentimental and touching gift for your mother, and your future husband's!

Heart Print Stationery, $40 - French Navy - For a mum with old fashioned tendencies, why not treat her to a box of classic stationery?

Peach Lace Clutch, $114.95 - Total Bag Envy - If your mum or mother-in-law to be has a peach outfit for the wedding, why not treat her to a stylish clutch bag to match?

Purple Silk Robe, $189 - Beautiful Robes - This luxurious silk robe is a great way to spoil your mother and ensure she'll look fabulous on the morning of your wedding.

Tableware, $147.50 - Tabletops in a Box - If she's particularly house proud, present her with a Tabletops in a Box kit, which contains everything she could ever need for a well dressed table!

Poppy Print Pillows, $29.95 - $39.95 - Tonic - These heat and eye pillows are filled with a soothing blend of lavender to help relax and revive, ideal if she's sharing a lot of the wedding planning!

Super Mom Mug, $6.95 - Office Works - Whether you're a bride on a budget or want something little to accompany a big gift, this cute mug says it all!

Schwarzkopf Gift Kit, $49.95 - Schwarzkopf - Ensure your mother or mother-in-law to be look luscious in the run up to your wedding with these fabulous hair pampering kits.

Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette, $39.95 - The Body Shop - A new perfume with an irresistible scent is a great way to show your appreciation.

Short Silk Robe, $70 - Homebodii - A luxe and elegant mother of the bride gift for an elegant mother!

What gift will you be treating your mother to this Sunday?

Zoe x

A Thank You for Mothers of the Bride and Mother in Laws!

zoe@hitched — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:32:00 GMT

It’s Mother’s Day next week – I hope you’ve remembered!

Your mum and mother-in-law to be become massive figures in your life in the run up to your wedding. If you’re lucky, they’re more of a help than a hindrance and you can enjoy the opportunity to bond more closely with them during your wedding planning.

To thank them for all their hard work in helping you plan your dream wedding, why not treat them to something extra special this mother’s day?

Sheraton on the Park, Sydney’s luxury 5-star hotel, is offering a special “Me Time” Mother’s Day package, designed for mums who will welcome some stylish and indulgent R&R time.

The package costs $99 per person, and includes a soothing massage in the hotel’s spa, as well as a delicious traditional high tea in the sophisticated The Gallery Tea Lounge.

Mums will be treated to an invigorating 30 minute massage tailored to their needs, featuring luxurious aromatherapy oils used to soothe and relax. The day spa’s facilities, including rooftop swimming pool, sauna and steam room will be at their fingertips for the rest of the day providing a calming sanctuary on level 22 to escape the hustle and bustle of the city below.

After she’s feeling pampered and relaxed, an irresistible spread of petite sandwiches, homemade pralines, macaroons and tarts as well as sumptuous scones with jam and cream, all freshly prepared in the hotel’s pastry kitchen, will tempt mother and daughter to enjoy some “Me Time” together. A choice of Vittoria espresso coffees, fragrant Twinings fine-leaf teas or hot chocolate complements the decadent range of delicious treats.

This gift is the ideal way to spend some time relaxing with your mum in the run up to your special day, or send your mum and mother-in-law together to bond as your two families prepare to join together!

For further information and to book the Sheraton on the Park’s “Me Time” Mother’s Day package, please call reservations on 02 9286 6000. You can view Sheraton on the Park’s website here.

Will you be treating your mum to this invigorating escape?

Zoe x

Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses from D’Zage

zoe@hitched — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:49:00 GMT

In case you hadn’t noticed, our current issue is all about bridal beauty, and I’m quite excited about it!

But seeing as we’re covering all aspects of being beautiful for the bride, including ten wedding dresses to suit every shape, a bridal beauty A-Z, health and fitness tips and ten bridal hair styles, I felt it was only fair if we paid some attention to the bridesmaids too!

So, I’m sharing the amazing new D’Zage Bridesmaids Collection with you! When you’re looking your absolute best, you want your best girls to look great too.

The new collection features a range of dress styles in great colours, such as…

The DAB113300, shown here in Pink and Sangria, is a classic formal style bridesmaid dress, perfect for a traditional style wedding.

The DAB11302, in a gorgeous Wedgewood blue, has a more laidback style and glittering diamante detailing.

These beautiful, asymmetrical bridesmaids’ dresses are shown in warm shades of Persimmon and Watermelon. The DAB11301 is a great choice for a summer wedding.

I love the ribbon sashes on these DAB11305 dresses, shown here in Cornflower and Pistachio, lovely soft shades.

If you prefer a shorter dress for your bridesmaids, why not check out the DAB11303 or the DAB11304, gorgeous gowns in a shorter length.

To see more of the D’Zage collection, click here.

Zoe x

Deciding on Whether to Have Your Dog at Your Wedding

Katie@WeddingDogs — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

So Fluffy didn’t exactly pass with honors from puppy preschool and you still have to hide your shoes to prevent them from going missing or reappearing in the backyard chewed to bits...

Having said that, no one gives cuddles like your four-legged friend or greets you with such excitement when you come home exhausted from a long day at work…so the big question is: should you include them in your special day?

Of course there are a few things you need to consider if you want to have your dog in your wedding:

*Is your wedding venue dog friendly?

*Is there someone to take them home after the ceremony and photos? Or do you want them to kick on with you at the reception too?

*How well-behaved are they around lots of people?

And so on and so on...

If you are a perfectionist, it’s probably best not to have your dog in your wedding (unless they are the most obedient dog in the world). You need to be willing to laugh off a wee halfway down the aisle, a few barks of excitement and perhaps even a paw print or two on a bridesmaid's dress.

Many brides I have spoken to have said that these little mishaps actually help ease the nerves on such an important day and often create a relaxed mood for the ceremony as guests giggle at the four-legged bridal party members entering the venue.

Is your dog just too boisterous to include in your wedding?

Why not include them in your pre-wedding shoot with your wedding photographer or have them take part in your engagement shoot?

Will you be including your four-legged friend in your wedding in anyway?

I am Katie Preston Toepfer – May’s guest blogger of the month for hitched.com.au

I am author of Wedding Dogs. You can find out more about me and my work here: http://wedding-dogs.com/

Image credit: DAVINA + DANIEL, davinaplusdaniel.com from Wedding Dogs: A Celebration of Holy Muttrimony, Quirk Books 2013

Hitched.com.au is a Haven of Bridal Beauty from May through to July

zoe@hitched — Wed, 01 May 2013 09:29:00 GMT

Hitched.com.au is a Haven of Bridal Beauty from May through to July

Our third issue is now live on hitched.com.au and it’s an extensive guide to bridal beauty.

Brides can make sure they have every aspect of their wedding day beauty regime covered with our A-Z of Bridal Beauty, the ultimate checklist for any bride who wants to look her best on her wedding day.

We also feature ten handpicked wedding dresses, all chosen for their figure flattering abilities. Brides want to feel amazing on their day, so we’ve been sure to pick a dress that suits every shape, from plus-size to petite.

Four leading fitness experts across Australian, including Blake Worrall-Thompson, who got Natalie Bassingthwaite wedding-ready, give their advice and tips in our Wedding Dress Work Out. From your physical health to your mental well-being, our experts want to make sure brides are the best they can be on their special day.

Finally, we finish off this amazing issue with ten different bridal hairstyles, complete with advice from a wedding stylist. Each style was assessed by our expert, who explained what dress style and face shape they’d work with best.

Visit the hitched.com.au homepage from May onwards to indulge in our bridal beauty special!

-ENDS-

For more information, contact Site Editor Zoё Burke at zoe.burke@hitched.com.au, or give us a call on 1300 699 460.

About hitched.com.au

hitched.com.au provides free help, advice and ideas on all aspects of getting married. hitched.com.au was established in April 2010 and officially launched in October 2010. The site currently has approximately 68,000 wedding visitors and from this receives over 370,500 page views per month and is growing rapidly.

Welcome to Our Bridal Beauty Special!

zoe@hitched — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:35:00 GMT

Welcome to May! Winter may be slowly on its way, but let’s not let that get us down. The next three months on hitched.com.au are going to be dominated by beauty, so when we miss the sunshine and soaring temps, we’ve still got something to sigh over.

Firstly, there’s our A-Z of Bridal Beauty. This extensive guide covers absolutely everything you need to consider to be a beautiful bride in the run up to your wedding. From antioxidants to X-foliating, we’ve gone alpha-be-a-u-tiful!

If you haven’t found your dream wedding dress yet, don’t panic. We’ve handpicked ten of the most figure flattering wedding dresses around, suitable for a range of shapes from the best dress designers Australia has to offer, so you’re guaranteed to feel inspired.

We also interviewed four leading fitness experts in Australia to help you get fit and healthy for your big day. Natalie Bassingthwaite’s personal trainer, Blake Worrall-Thompson shared the tips that got her looking beautiful for her wedding day, alongside three other experts giving advice on healthy eating, fitness and mental wellbeing – it’s the ideal guide to being a balanced bride!

Finally, no wedding look is complete without the perfect hairstyle. We interview an expert wedding hair stylist who helped us to put together ten top wedding hairstyles to suit a range of dresses and face shapes, so you can be sure to pick the right one for you. She even explains how easy or hard they are to achieve, so you know whether you can DIY it or not!

I can’t believe how much we’ve crammed into our fabulous beauty special, and that’s not all! For the next two months, we’re giving you the chance to win a Galvanic Spa facial kit so you can get radiant skin for your wedding day.

What more could you want?!

Happy reading!

Zoe x

Romantic Gowns from Veromia

zoe@hitched — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:55:00 GMT

Veromia’s new collection has arrived on hitched.com.au’s wedding dress section.

The designs are a stunning mix of the romantic and rustic, all shot in fairy tale, forest inspired settings. The designs feature soft and floating fabrics enhance with lace detailing and beautiful embellishments.

I’ve picked out my top three picks from the collection, but you can see the rest of it here.

VR61304

I love the delicate spaghetti straps on this wedding dress, and how much they contrast with the swirling floral skirt. I also adore the matching baby bridesmaid outfit!

VR61320

This dress has an empire line waist and capped sleeves making it super flattering. The lace and pearl detailing make it dreamy and romantic too!

VR61311

This asymmetrical, one shouldered wedding dress is a great choice for a bride who wants to make a statement. Draped tulle ensures whilst it’s a bold look, it’s still feminine, and the elaborate waist is flattering.

Which one is your favourite?

Zoe x

So Pretty Shower Caps

zoe@hitched — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:35:00 GMT

It’s Friday and I’m feeling pretty girly and glamorous today!

It could be because I’ve discovered these fabulously fun shower caps and head bands from So Pretty Shower Caps.

These glittering and glamorous shower caps are the perfect addition to any bridal shower spa day, pamper filled hens party or even for the morning of the wedding itself! You and your bridesmaids could have a great photo all lined up in these retro style shower caps.

There are also some pretty fabulous makeup wraps that will keep your intricate hairstyle away from your face as you apply you makeup, without ruining the style!

If there’s a particular design you want – one to match your theme or colour scheme maybe, for those all-important getting ready photos? – contact Carolyn, the shower cap queen behind So Pretty, and she will discuss your options with you!

What do you think of these fabulously quirky and cute shower caps?

Zoe x

Try Out Our Table Planner!

zoe@hitched — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:42:00 GMT

Seating your guests can be such a hassle when you're planning your wedding. You know you can't sit Auntie Joan by Auntie Sarah or it'll kick off, and you've got to sit your cousin John as far away from the bar as possible. You also want to make sure your friends and your husband to be's friends are mixed in together well, so those that will get on can get to know each other, but you have to avoid any potential awkwardness.

We can help you overcome the stress of creating your seating plan with our handy table planner tool. Firstly, you need to make your wedding guest list on our guest manager, and then you can start seating them!

You can adjust the room sizes so it reflects the size of the room your reception will be in, and add as many tables as you need in a variety of shapes. The tables are colour coded to show male guests, female guests and children so you can easily see that you have a clear balance of guests across the tables. You can also factor in your gift table, dancefloor, DJ, guest book table, and bar, as well as other things.

Once you've completed your table plan, you can print it off, import it to Excel in a handy spread sheet or save it as a PDF!

What are you waiting for? Conquer your seating plan today!

Zoe x

Dream Dresses at Helen Rodrigues

zoe@hitched — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:43:00 GMT

If you’re a bride who has always dreamed of looking elegant and sophisticated on her wedding day, then you need to pay a visit to Helen Rodrigues.

Helen Rodrigues’s Sydney boutique, located in the Lower North Shore suburb of Neutral Bay, is a haven for brides wanting to try on and lust over the latest international designs and up to date bridalwear.

Helen Rodrigues stocks Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Carolina Herrera, Anna Maier, Amanda Wakeley, Mira Zwillinger, Temperley Bridal and Marchesa, all under one roof. I am trembling at the thought of it!

Helen regularly visits the leading fashion empires in London and New York to ensure they’re offering Aussie brides the very latest and greatest in bridal couture; in fact when I emailed her to find out more about this gorgeous store, she was on a buying trip to the Big Apple!

There’s an in-house team of design and tailoring specialists, to ensure your wedding dress looks as though it was created just for you. The reason this wonderful bridalwear store has caught my eye is because of the latest designs from Mira Zwillinger, which you can see below!

To find out more about how you can become a Helen Rodrigues bride, visit their website here or call +61 2 9904 5700.

Let me know if you visit this wedding wonderland!

Zoe x

Make Up in a Flash!

Sharleena@MarkedBeautyBlog — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:34:00 GMT

What you see in person isn’t always what you will see in a photograph. Makeup can transform dramatically under flash photography, sometimes in a way that is undesired. Even if you are getting your makeup done by a professional, here are some things to request!

No SPF – Try to avoid moisturizers, primers, foundations and powders containing SPF. Products containing SPF reflect light away from the face during flash photography. This can leave you looking washed out or create a ‘white mask’ effect. Avoid sunscreen on your big day.
Brows – Get them tinted if necessary and make sure that they are filled in with a powder or pencil. Eyebrows can sometimes almost disappear, especially if they are lighter.
Eyes – Keep eyeliner dark, but simple. You don’t want to end up with raccoon eyes. Excessive eyeliner can also make you look older and make your eyes appear smaller.
Lashes – Simple false lashes can transform your look, so give them a try. Black mascara is also a must! Trust me, it won’t turn out too dark in pictures.

Matte – Use matte eye shadow and lipstick shades. These will look more natural and usually photograph better as they do not reflect as much light.
Darker – Makeup usually looks around 2-3 shades lighter in photographs than it does in person. Keep this in mind when picking shades!
Powder, powder! – This one is important. A light dusting of powder will help keep shine in powder away. Shine on the skin can cause your complexion to look oily.

Remember, the best thing to do is to test how your makeup photographs after each trial. That way you can spot problems and stomp them out!

I am Sharleena from Marked Beauty - April's guest blogger of the month for hitched.com.au

Read my beauty blog at markedbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk

All Aboard Starship Sydney

zoe@hitched — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:40:00 GMT

If you’re looking for a quirky wedding venue with a difference, or an amazing wedding venue in Sydney, you need to check out Starship Sydney. Starship Sydney is a floating wedding venue – you could be getting married on the world’s largest glass boat, cruising past Sydney Harbour!

The wedding venue holds up to 500 seated guests or up to 1,000 cocktail guests. You can get married on board with a panoramic view, and the wedding package includes five hours of continuous sailing around Sydney Harbour.

There’s a range of delicious menus to choose from, and lots of important extras included in the wedding packages.

Wedding manager Rebecca Barry has this to say about why brides should consider Starship Sydney: “Brides should consider Starship Sydney for their wedding because it is the BEST venue in Sydney. It is the largest glass boat in the world, is glamorous, OTT and the brides will be the envy of all of their friends! We pride ourselves on our 5 star services from the moment the brides and grooms send through their enquiry to the moment the step off the boat. All of our staff are trained in fine dining so the guests will feel like VIPs from the second they step on board. Our menus are all 5 star and we always have great feedback regarding our meals which are cooked on board in our industrial kitchen.”

To find out more about the amazing Starship Sydney, click here.

Zoe x

WIN $400 of Wedding Decor

zoe@hitched — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:14:00 GMT

I know I’ve said it about 100 times, but it’s true: we love giving you the chance to win fabulous things for your wedding!

So, we’ve teamed up with Sparkle Lites, an Australian based design and décor company that specialises in innovative and exciting LED-lighted products for your wedding!

We’re giving you the chance to win an amazing $400 worth of décor for your wedding, in the form of these gorgeous, LED lighted ribbons and diamond clear ‘Just Married’ balloons.

Highlight the beautiful balloons with the sparkling ribbons, or wrap them around your floral displays or chairs…you could have an arch of balloons behind your top table, or release them from above for your first dance!

Add to the atmosphere and ambience of your wedding with these amazing, sparkling balloons! To enter, all you have to do is answer one super simple question:

Click here to visit our competitions page.

To find out more about Sparkle Lites and their wonderful balloons, floral displays, sparkling dancefloors and more, click here.

Zoe x

Five Fabulous Dresses from Jasmine Couture's 2013 Collection

zoe@hitched — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:29:00 GMT

Our bridalwear executive Hannah selects her top five wedding dresses from Jasmine Couture’s latest collection. Which of these irresistible gowns is your favourite?

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“If you’re looking for a traditional gown with intricate lace detail then look no further. This style from Jasmine Couture is perfect. The ball gown style skirt is combined with a fitted bodice which suits a wide range of figures – especially those with curves. If you want to make the most of this fabulous skirt and keep it full on the big day, wear with a petticoat or hoop.”

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“This modern, chic, lace wedding dress offers a contemporary look with a vintage twist. The deep V shape neckline will suit brides with a fuller bust, and is finished nicely with a scalloped lace edge. The bodice features a glitzy embellished waistband – this gown is faultless if you want to emphasise your middle!”

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“If you’re a bride looking for a glamorous gown then this is certainly one to consider. This stunning creation features an illusion bateau neckline which is edged with a dazzling crystal collar. The stylish fit-and-flare shape of this wedding dress will be sure to accentuate your figure no matter what shape or size you are.”

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“If you’re having a destination wedding, or getting married on a warm summer’s day then look no further. Imagine walking through the white sands in this soft chiffon number. Fitted to the hips with a slim A-line cut, this dress is a great choice for a slimmer figure. The skirt falls into softly gathered pleats, and forms an elegant chapel size train.”

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“If you’re planning a vintage wedding, then why not consider this elegant, soft fishtail wedding dress? This figure-hugging shape would work well on the taller bride, and the dainty lace sleeves offer some coverage on the shoulders which teams together with the scalloped lace skirt to finish the vintage inspired look. A real head turner!”

To see more from Jasmine Couture click here.

To browse more wedding dresses, click here.

Zoe x

Make Up Must Haves!

Sharleena@MarkedBeautyBlog — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:46:00 GMT

Although make up artists will use products and techniques created to make your make up last, it is not always fail proof. Your make up will be under a lot of pressure during your big day – with sweating from nerves, dancing and heat; as well as from eating, drinking and inevitable tears! Here are some things you should have in your make up bag for the day. If you can’t keep it on you, ensure that it is with someone close by – a bridesmaid, your maid of honor or trusty old mum!

Lip Balm

- Long lasting lipstick, nerves, air-conditioning and alcohol can all make your lips dry. This will lead to colour settling into cracks and fine lines, something that you want to avoid! Keep your favourite lip balm near by.

Lipstick

- Even long-lasting lipstick may not last the night. Keep the correct shade of lipstick handy for touch ups; you want to look uniform in all your pictures.

Cotton Buds

- To clean up smudging caused by eyeliner/mascara. Also great for ensuring your lipstick line is perfect.

Concealer

- Make up can melt off throughout the night. Concealer will ensure that any imperfections remain hidden from the sight of guests and photographers!

Powder

- To help combat oiliness and to set any concealer used for touch ups. A fine milled translucent powder works best and will not add additional colour to your face. Make sure you also carry a brush.

Mini Bottle of Matching Polish Shade

- Nail polish has the habit of chipping at the worst time possible! Be prepared.

Perfume

- To keep you smelling divine all day. Again, a mini version will take up a lot less space.

Anti-Bacterial Gel

- Keep the germs at bay! You don’t want to be feeling under the weather on your honeymoon!

Baby Wipes

- For sweat. It’s not all glamorous!!

I am Sharleena from Marked Beauty - April's guest blogger of the month for hitched.com.au

Read my beauty blog at markedbeautyblog.blogspot.co.uk

Win Tickets to See Cheerful Weather for the Wedding!

zoe@hitched — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:29:00 GMT

Here at hitched.com.au you know we love giving you the chance to win! We always have our competition page stocked up with at least one juicy prize to get your hands on, as well as giveaways on our Facebook page.

Right now we’ve teamed up with the people behind new wedding themed film ‘Cheerful Weather for the Wedding’. You can win one of ten double passes to see this film, a fun, drawing room British comedy/drama with up and coming young star Felicity Jones (Chalet Girl, The Amazing Spider Man 2) and star of Downton Abbey, Elizabeth McGovern.

If you want to get yourself in the wedding mood with this fabulous and fun film, full of vintage glamour, head over to our Facebook page and get involved now – all we need are 20 words about what will make you feel cheerful on your wedding day!

What are you waiting for?!

To see the film’s trailer, click here.

For more information about this film, click here.

Zoe x

DIY Wedding Hair Made Easy

zoe@hitched — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:52:00 GMT

If you want perfect DIY bridal hair, for yourself or your bridesmaids, turn to Scunci for help.

A sleek French twist is easy to create with Scunci, meaning you have effortless, chic bridal style at your fingertips for $9.95 (RRP). The curved, built in barrette makes it easy to secure your hair in the perfect roll, and it comes with bobby pins to secure them. This style works with a classic veil, or can be freshened up with flowers and loose, curled sections.

The bun maker from Scunci (RRP $9.95) is a cheap and easy way to create an elegant hairstyle for your wedding. Simply gather your hair into a ponytail and secure with a band, then pull your hair through the bun maker. Cover the doughnut shaped bun maker with your hair and secure it with bobby pins. This makes a sleek bun, perfect if you want to recreate ballerina style with a tulle-skirted wedding dress on your wedding day. It’s also a classic hairstyle for bridesmaids and one that is so easy to do!

If you want something a little more quirky, check out Scunci’s guide for a ‘bow bun’, a stylishly messy look ideal for a more laidback wedding party!

For more wedding hair inspiration and ideas, visit our gallery here.

Zoe x