Yes, you - I'm talking to you. Don’t do it!  

I mean, sure get married – I'm all for that that part –
just don't do it at 3pm on a Saturday! 

What do you have against Sunday or Friday night,  or  - heaven help us - Wednesday?
​
According to a recent survey by Easy Weddings, 62% of Australian weddings in 2016 were on Saturday, then Friday was the next popular with 15% and poor Monday only had 2%.* OK, we kind of understand the reluctance to celebrate on a Monday. 

I get that the traditional Saturday 3pm is probably convenient for some of the population. For those that have office jobs it means that there is no need to take time off work; you get the morning to get ready, and most importantly,
the Sunday to recover.
​
However statistics show that less than 30% of the population work in a Monday to Friday 9-5 job. Think shop assistants, firefighters, nurses and Mums!   E
ven so, this is your BIG DAY, surely if you gave your loved ones 6 months notice
​they would take a day off.

In my experience, most couples don't know what day of the week it is when they tie the knot, either because they have taken time off to prepare, or simply because
​they are in their own bubble of celebrations.

So it is possible to have a non-Saturday 3pm wedding – but why would you?

Well, to start most venues have more dates available mid-week as well as a mid-week discount. Some venues are booked during wedding season 2 years in advance – how ever going mid-week might mean you get your dream location sooner than you thought. You will also get your pick of other suppliers too; the hairdresser,  that photographer, the florist. 

During the week there will be less messing about with family and sport commitments. In fact, there will be less traffic around venues during the day. Have you ever tried to get a park at the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens when there is a blockbuster at the G?  

Flights for your guests and honeymoon will be cheaper mid-week too.
And also more accommodation options.

The bottom line is – if you friends and family are excited that you are getting married – they will want to be there and celebrate with you – no matter what day it is!
​
And besides, everyone loves a good excuse to take the day off work don't they? ​

WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO GET MARRIED ON A MONDAY??
​​Leave your comment below!

* Easy weddings 2016

This time last week l was at a Bridal Fair in the Melbourne CBD. If you didn’t get to go, or maybe expos aren’t your thing, here are 5 trends l noticed in the wedding industry this year as l checked out the 2014 Ideal Bride Winter Expo:

PHOTO BOOTHS
Certainly the most fun and popular stands at the expo (apart from mine obviously haha) were the photo booths. I had the privilege of being next door to Kieren from In The Booth, whose booths are very stylish and print fantastic photos. A fun and entertaining addition to a wedding reception and a cost effective way to capture the guests enjoying your night. It was important l see what all the fuss was about.

CLASSIC
If there was one word to describe the look most brides are going for it would be Classic. From the stunning accessories by Cailin Alainn and amazing picturesque locations like Overnewton Castle, couples are choosing Classic which in turn is giving photographers like Sara Taylor Photography and Kristof Photography opportunities for amazing shots. I especially loved the vintage inspired collectables and props by SodaLime. Such simple ideas which definitely require their expert eye to make a classic look seem effortless.

GOOD FOOD
Gone are the days when a few spring rolls and your Aunts fruit cake will do for feeding your guests. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still get hitched at home. I met the great team at The Essential Caterers who travel all over Melbourne with their gourmet delights and cake designer Vindya from VIndya - The Boutique Cake Studio who’s amazing work will making you question whether you even want to cut a cake that looks so damn good (though l tasted it and promise... you WANT to eat the cake!!) Clever Chocolate bombonieres are also on trend with Melbourne based Chocolate Works, who have over 17000 facebook likers, showcasing an amazing range of styles and options. While we are talking food, l also had the pleasure of giving away a dinner for two to Berth Restaurant Docklands which sparked a lot of interest. Checking out the menu options in their wedding package made me salivate not to mention the breathtaking views they have on the promenade! Don’t worry, l asked the winners to save me a doggy bag!

LIGHTS
It was hard to miss the next trend, Lights, as the entrance to the Expo was adorn with an amazing display by Letter Lights. At their stand they also had a huge heart and word LOVE which would create a talking point at any reception. The lights didn’t stop with the displays. One of the seven Fashion houses featured on the catwalk was Kara Jade Designs who’s amazing dress lit up the stage; a new take on 'A Glowing Bride'!

CHOICE
The biggest trend l noticed, which is great for couples looking to get married, is choice. I don’t remember there being so many options available when l got married. For example, there are many Celebrants to choose from, which means you can chose one that suits you, your budget and your personality. The same goes with music (though on the weekend you couldn't go past the team from The Wedding Lounge for entertainment value) photographers, dress makers and many other wedding industry suppliers.

I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend at the Ideal Bride Expo, meeting some fantastic exhibitors with amazing talent and staying in touch with what is trendy in the wedding world.

What do you think
is the biggest trend
for weddings in the
next 12 months?

Comment below

It was my birthday last week (happy birthday to me) which is my one and only special day for the whole year. Mother’s Day is about my mum, mother in law and my two grandmothers. Christmas is about family and mainly the kids. Our 3rd child was born on our 10th Wedding Anniversary so even our anniversary is all about someone else.

Many people chose to share their wedding anniversary and pick a date that is already significant. For others, there are other determining factors.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your wedding date.

SHARE
Making an already significant date even more special is popular. The groom’s birthday is a good date, unlikely he will forget. A couple last year got hitched on his parent’s 40th wedding anniversary so it was a double celebration. As l mentioned we have since had a child on our wedding anniversary though it was already the date of two cousins’ birthdays, one of which chose to celebrate her 18th birthday at our wedding. If you are looking to share a date make sure you check with the other people it affects. For instance, it might be special for you to get married on your deceased grandma’s birthday but it might be a really sad day for others.

SEASON
Everything from the theme, activities, bouquets and attire you have in mind for your wedding can be affected by the season. So whilst there is no way to guarantee it won’t rain in January, you can choose a date for a season you like. Wedding season, typically October to April in Australia, is also the busiest so choosing an alternative might mean it is cheaper and the service providers you are after might be available. Growing up on a farm l knew it couldn’t be harvest time, cropping time or shearing time so if your work is seasonally make sure you don’t pick a time when you will be super busy and unable to take time off.

SPOT
Most people have a place in mind they want to get married and the availability of the ceremony location or reception venue can be the deciding factor when choosing a date. Often Saturdays at popular locations are booking out 12 months in advance but consider asking for a Sunday, Friday evening or midweek date, usually it is much cheaper.

SPACE
Long weekends and public holidays are great for weddings especially if you have interstate travellers attending. It can reduce the amount of time off guests need to take in order to attend and give the whole occasion a more relaxed feel. It’s good to remember that people book long weekend activities in advance, so get your ‘save the date’ and invites out nice and early.

SYMBOLS
Some of the busiest wedding dates are when the numbers look good 12/12/12, 11/12/13 and 1/4/14. Valentine’s Day is always fashionable and often people chose New Year’s for the whole 01/01 effect. In many cultures particular numbers or dates are significant. The number seven symbolizes "togetherness" and is a lucky number for relationships according to Chinese tradition. May is considered an unlucky month to be married. On a recent trip to Bali l discovered that Hindu’s consult an astrologer who analyses the couple’s star signs in relation to the moon and sun before giving them lucky times and dates for their wedding. April this year was a particularly fortunate phase of the moon in Bali and l saw more than 100 wedding celebrations and even got to attend one.

Pick a date that special to you, suits your needs and works for most.  In the end, anything can happen. Just ask the New Zealand couple last week who booked a registry office wedding for 11 days before their first baby was due only to end up in labour for the ceremony and welcoming their daughter 8 hours later; whose birthday will now forever share their anniversary.

How did you choose your wedding date?
Share, Season, Spot, Space, Symbols or Something Else?