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What’s Your Colour? Choosing The Right Wedding Theme.

by WedZtyle

We frequently get asked how to create a workable colour scheme that translates throughout the wedding theme. Getting the colours wrong will not only be an eyesore for your guests, but it will also ruin your wedding theme. Rest assured, we are here to guide you in getting it right.

Cast your minds back to primary school, where we were first introduced to primary, secondary and tertiary colours.  

  1. The primary colours form the basis of all colours. These are red, blue and yellow.
  2.  The secondary colours are a combination of the primary colours. Orange (red+yellow), purple (blue+red) and green (yellow+blue)
  3. The tertiary colours are a mixture of primary and secondary. These are  Red-Orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue–Violet, Red–Violet (Usability.gov, 2021)

We were also introduced to colour temperatures. 

  1. Warm colours include the primary colours red and yellow, with orange falling in the middle.
  2. Cool colours include the primary colour blue and variations of secondary colours green and purple. Greens take on some of the attributes of yellow, and purple takes on some of the characteristics of red. (Usability.gov, 2021)

Source: Usability

Warm color scale

Warm Colours

Cool color scale

Cool Colour

The Colour Wheel

A colour wheel helps compliment between the primary, secondary and tertiary colours. It is an effective tool in being able to develop a colour scheme that works. 

There are many variants of a colour wheel ranging in complexity. Below is a summary of a simple colour wheel. These include:

  1. The primary, secondary and tertiary colours are identified.
  2. The colour temperatures have been divided, showing warm on one side and cool on the other.
  3. The two complementary colours are opposite, for example, orange and blue or violet with yellow. The warm colours are orange and yellow, and the cool colours are blue and violet. 
  4. To add a third colour, look at the adjacent colour to each other on the wheel. An example would be orange + blue +red-orange or orange+blue+blue-green
  5. Incorporate neutral colours to create a subtle colour scheme. The frequent neutral colours for a wedding are silver, gold, ivory and white. 

Source: Pinterest.com

Colour Tones, Tints and Shades

Colour tones, tints and shades play a factor in deciding your colour scheme. A colour tone refers to when a hue (primary, secondary and tertiary) colours are mixed with grey. The colour tends to be duller; a tint is when white is added, brightening the colour hue, and a shade is when black is added, darkening the colour (Beach Painting Contractors, 2021).

Source: https://www.beachpainting.com/blog/color-hue-tint-tone-and-shade/

Tips in choosing the right colour scheme

Use a colour wheel for inspiration to select a wedding palette. Follow the guidelines mentioned above, use complementary colours, possibly analogous colours, if you want to be bold. Do not forget to add neutrals as they can soften a colour scheme. Be aware of the tones, tints and shades within the hues.

Art supply stores tend to sell colour charts.  Alternatively, some hardware stores offer complimentary paint selector guides, which can help fine-tune colour preferences. There will be a variation in hues when comparing different materials. Once you have narrowed down your selection, go to a fabric store and find the closest hue. Most fabric stores can cut a small swatch which you can begin constructing your fabric colour wheel.

Tones, tints and shades within hues differ amongst fabric types (i.e. silk, chiffon). Therefore, when selecting your colour scheme, include fabric material. 

Accessing websites is another effective tool in developing your colour scheme. Pantone® who are experts in colours have a colour finder. (https://www.pantone.com/color-finder).

The colour finder offers numerous tones, tints, and shades within a particular hue. It also allows you to select a colour library that you can liken to a season, such as pastels and metallics. We would recommend starting with a primary colour, add a neutral then build your colour scheme from there. 

Using the colour finder tool is a great way to play around with colour and get a feel for what works and what does not. And it is free unless you opt to purchase that particular colour library and hue. 

Source: Pantone

Vision Boards

As we have mentioned in one of the previous blogs, vision boards are a great way to visualize ideas. Add various colour scheme and fabrics to get a feel with what works and what appeals.

Seasonal Colour Schemes

Different seasons tend to gravitate towards varying colour schemes. I got married in summer, where my colour scheme was blush pink and gold. I opted for warmer temperature colours.

Following seasonal variations along with a colour wheel can assist in developing your colour schemes. During the warmer months, colours tend to be bright and more audacious; therefore, brides can experiment with colours and create contemporary colour schemes. In the cooler months, particularly in winter, colours tend to be bolder such as red, green, metallic.  Pairing bold colours with heavier fabrics will no doubt be an eye-popper.

Source : Pinterest.com

Bridesmaid and Accessories

It can be challenging to translate the colour scheme to the bridesmaid dresses due to the bridesmaids’ individuality of hair and skin tone. Adjusting the tone, tint and shade of the hue will address the differences in hair and skin tone without affecting the colour scheme.

When carrying the colour scheme across to accessories such as flower arrangements, table centrepieces carry a small amount of the dominant hue across.

Source: Pinterest.com

Most colour trends are influenced by the Pantone®  color of the Year. I also tend to check out what is trending on pinterest along what fashion designers are using for their collections each season. These will definitely give you some ideas of what colours you can choose.

Selecting a colour scheme is a process that can be overwhelming. Take your time with it. The colours chosen should represent the style, mood and ambience of the wedding. Utilize the tools available to you.  Enjoy creating!

Main Image Source: Pinterest.com

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Perfection in Every Shoe… Choosing the right one for your Wedding Dress.

by WedZtyle

We frequently get asked what shoes should be worn. The simple answer is that there is no hard and fast rule on what shoes can be worn. Anything goes.

Shoes can make or break an outfit. Balancing comfort and style are no easy task. There is a plethora of options. Like any accessory, it is how you style the shoes with your chosen look.  When I got married, I based my style on my shoes. I purposefully purchased a statement shoe that I felt was elegant, yet sexy and of course, had the bling factor.

I settled on a pair by Italian designer Rene Caovilla. It was a ‘t-strap’ stiletto covered in gorgeous white satin and had jewels along the front of the shoe.  And because I purchased the shoes first, the dressmaker matched my dress to my shoes perfectly. I was nervous about them staining, but the shoe designer arranged for them to be professionally scotch guarded. The bonus in buying these shoes was that I could and did dye them in black.  The heel height was 100 mm. I usually wore higher shoes, but logic prevailed, and I chose comfort over height.

The choices were staggering. I knew I did not want a patent shoe (I got married in summer and patent in the heat is not forgiving), not too high as I had to be in them for at least 12 hours, minimal heel-to-toe-drop, be on the broader side, not chunky and finally, be comfortable.

Today, if getting married, I would choose a block heel to prevent me from sinking in the grass and ruining my shoe’s heel. Possibly with a built-in platform for added comfort. Would I do a wedge, that would depend on the chunkiness? Would I do a bling sneaker, probably not?  That does not mean a bride cannot.

To aide in the decision-making process, here are a few options:

Block Heels

One of my favourite heels. I find these to offer good support mainly from the front of the foot. Great for standing all day. These types of heels come in varying heights and styles. This type of heel will not dig into the grass, and you can walk on any uneven surface without damaging your heel. My tip for a block heel is to make sure the foot-to-toe ratio is spot-on; otherwise, you feel pain throughout the day.

An alternative to the block heel is a square or flared heel that could also work with varying dress styles. A flared heel has a bit more of a wow factor to it.

Image: Badgley Mischka https://www.instagram.com/p/CDvrnY5HuWw/

Cuban Heel

Surprisingly, a Cuban heel could work, depending on the outfit. The heel would provide good support due to the medium-low height options.

Image : Pinterest

Wedge Heel

Like a block heel, wedged heel shoes come in varying heights. I find wedges a flattering on feet and easy to stand in all day. As wedges can be quite chunky, you need to have your outfit when trying these shoes. In my experience, the wedge heel can look wrong when paired with a formal gown.

Image : Badgley Mischka https://www.instagram.com/p/CFKJwaIAn6m/

Stiletto Heel

Love this type of heel, striking.  Diverse in height, width and style. As you will be in the shoe all day, I recommend that the foot-to-toe ratio be spot on to prevent any pain running through your foot. Stiletto heels do dig into the grass and can be easily damaged. A heel protector can prevent damage. 

An alternative for those wanting a high thin heel stiletto shoe, consider one with an inbuilt platform. I find an in-built platform to look more stylish. If you cannot find a shoe like this, any platform will work. A platform still creates the wow factor and takes any pressure away from the foot.  Another option is a cone heel or a spool heel. Both types of heels are timeless in style.  Easier to walk on the grass and uneven surfaces. Feet friendlier when you have to be in them all day. Again, these come in varying heights.

Image: Rene Caovilla https://www.instagram.com/p/CFXUD5oh73O/

Kitten Heel

A kitten heel is a good option for those who prefer a stylish low heel. By far a sensible choice in comfort. Again, watch for the grass and uneven surfaces as the small heel will get damaged.  Not wanting to deal with the grass headache, consider a French Heel. A kitten heel only thicker.

Image : Pinterest

Sneakers

Sneakers are on trend now. Should they be worn with a wedding dress? Firstly, you need a sneaker with bling. If you are going to wear a pair, make them stand out. Secondly, it depends on the wedding dress and the theme of the wedding. There are no hard and fast rules. Wear what works and what’s great about sneakers is that you can customise them to suit your dress.

Image: Pinterest

Ballet Flats

The slipper-like in design with a very thin or completely flat heel with a closed toe. These type of shoes are not as supportive as other shoes due to the lack of arch system to help absorb the brunt of the pressure the feet endure every day. I would recommend you change into these more towards the end of the night if you are experiencing pain from your shoes.

Image: Nicholas Kirkwood Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B91rFtpJRAX/

Stretching your shoes

We get asked how to stretch your shoes. There are so many hacks on YouTube that can give tips on how to stretch your shoes. I wore my shoes with thick socks and walked around the house and the block street a month prior. Regardless, when you are in your shoes for 10 hours plus, they will hurt.

Have band-aids with you or a blister block type product that can prevent blisters from forming and rubbing on your shoes. If you have bunions or corns, there are protectors you can buy that will help stop rubbing.

Despite my efforts in stretching my shoes, I lasted in my shoes up until the last two hours of the reception. I had to peel my shoes off and slip into thongs. Now that hurt. Have a go-to-most-comfortable shoe with you, just in case.

Other considerations..

The material of the shoe is another factor to consider. Leather is the most comfortable and hard-wearing but can look a bit boring. If opting for a material, a good cobbler can protect the fabric.

Another consideration is to select a shoe based on the width, arch height and length of your foot.  Addressing these factors will aid in your comfort. If you are getting married in summer, feet swell so do not try shoes on when the weather is cool. When trying on shoes and it feels uncomfortable, put the shoe down. It is not for you.

If your shoes are a statement piece, add a coloured shoe such as gold, silver, or a bold colour like red, or maybe blue. A coloured shoe will give your outfit a pop and add that extra something.

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Main Image: Instagram Badgley Mischka https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqOO9RjcYNdVl6cICFDCDcA

Say Yes to the right Wedding Dress.

by WedZtyle

Ladies, the time has come to say yes to the right dress. A wedding dress is a piece of artwork designed for the bride to make her partner and all guests gasp when she walks in. Like any fashion statement piece, confidence is critical. How the dress fits in with all the other elements such as hair, make-up, etc. creates the wow, not the price tag. We at Wedztyle feel that looking for a wedding dress should be a joyful experience as this is a time for the bride to experiment with different styles, shades of white and materials.

Before we explore the different types of dress, I would like to touch on body shape balance. Despite if a bride is a bottom or top-heavy, has a narrow waist or wide hips, there needs to be a body shape balance between the upper torso, and legs. By creating vertical balance, the body looks in proportion, so the ‘good’ bits stand out, and the ‘not so good’ bits are hidden. However any dress can be the right dress, regardless of recommendations, your dress should make you feel special and beautiful.

Vertical Body Balance

Image: Pinterest

In essence, the primary axis (legs) and the secondary axis (upper torso) should be in balance when wearing any outfit. There are four main body types.

Images: Pinterest

Based on a vertical body balance, as a guide, a triangle body shape should balance out their shoulders to their hips. Dresses can include a boat or scoop neckline, even a strapless. A straight A-line, empire, or a gown style gown would create the right proportions.

An hourglass body shape would look fabulous in a dress that accentuates their tiny waste such as a ball gown or A-line. Any wedding dress that frames or flares from the waist will create that nice vertical body balance. A nicely fitted jumpsuit pinched at the waist will look stunning.

 A cone body shape needs to find balance on the lower half of their body. A wedding dress that flares from the knee would look amazing on this type of body shape. Gowns like a mermaid, trumpet even strapless would work well.

As for a rectangular body, the ideal type of dresses would be A-line, empire, and drop-waist. A suit with a longer jacket that is fitted would look fabulous.

Styles of Wedding Dresses

The Ballgown

For brides wanting a princess look, the ballgown is for you. The style of the dress tends to be fitted at the waist with a full skirt. The bodice can be strapless, with straps, or halter style. Perfect for all body types.

Source: Elie Saab

The Trumpet

The style of the Trumpet gown is similar to a mermaid style as it hugs the body in the right places and gradually flares outwards. The trumpet flare begins in the mid-thigh area. The stylishness is ideal for hourglass and petite figures. For our pear and apple figured brides, the style does accentuate the stomach and hip area. Wearing great shapewear will slim down those areas.

Source: Elie Saab

Mermaid

Over the years the mermaid style dress of dress has increased in popularity. The design hugs close to the body, flares at or below the knee, creating a mermaid-like tail. These dresses tend to be harder to move around in than the trumpet, so maybe think about having a different dress for the reception so you can move around more easily. This type of style suits the hourglass-shaped ladies but once again, if you have your heart set on this one shapewear is the key.

Source: Berta

A-Line

The A-line gown is a popular style of dress which is a standard go-to for many brides.  Although it is similar to the ballgown with its fitted bodice, the A-line gown skirt has more flow less fullness. This gown suits all body types.  The stylishness of the dress is a good option for bridesmaids with different body shapes.

Source: Oscar De La Renta

Modified A-Line Gown

This gown is a modified version of the A-line dress. The style is fitted through the bodice and the hip, flaring to the hem forming an A-Shape. Flattering design for shapely women.  A belt will look amazing with this dress, again bringing in the waist to give it a different look.

Source: Anna Campbell Bridal

Sheath

This dress, referred to as the column style, is straight down from the hip to the hem with little or no flare.  Sometimes a slight flare can be added tapering at the heals—an ideal gown for petite and hourglass-shaped women, especially taller women.

Source: Toni Maticevski

Empire Dress

This gown is fabulous for flaunting your curves. The dress has a fitted bodice ending just below the bust, giving a high-waisted appearance. It has a long gathered skirt which is loosely fitted but skims the body—a perfect style for diamond and pear-shaped and pregnant women.

Source: Vera Wang

Tea Length

The tea-length style was trendy in the 1950s and is loved by vintage brides. The stylishness is an  A-line or ballgown shape with a shorter hemline ending right below the knee. Perfect for many body types.

Source: Naeem Khan Bride

Jumpsuit

The jumpsuit has gained popularity over the past years. Designers add their spin on the jumpsuit to make sure it has enough bling to make it the perfect choice. It is an ideal option to change into after the ceremony as you can move around in it better at the reception. Great for all body types.

Source: Jenny Packham

The Suit

The white suit has gained momentum within the last couple of years, especially for the couples that have chosen to elope during COVID19 pandemic.  As there are different styles of suits, choose one that will compliment your body shape. Do not be afraid to add some bling. Pair the suit with accessories such as jewellery, headpiece, and flowers.

Source: Pinterest

No matter what style of wedding dress you choose, wear it with confidence. Keep in mind what overall look you want to achieve and use this as a guide. Also, think about your vertical body shape to your body type as this will keep your proportions intact.

Happy hunting fellow Wedztyle brides.

Main Image: Dior

How to Choose your perfect Wedding Day Perfume Scent.

by WedZtyle

The essence of perfume, the feeling of completing your look with the fragrance that ties your look together; smelling the different tones throughout the day is a feeling not easily explained. The sensuality of a fragrance that compliments your mood and improves your confidence is worth the personal investment.  For wedding couples out there, choosing the right scent for you is just as important as the right undergarment or tie.

Being an avid fragrance purchaser, I want to give our Wedztyler’s a snippet of the history of perfume. The ancient Egyptian women associated fragrances with immortality. The Pharaohs were wrapped in bandages filled with aromatic oils. Egypt was one of the first countries to use fragrant oils as part of their daily beauty routines. The Greeks also adored perfume. Many of their legends and gods refer to Greek gods of scent. Their poets often talked about the use of perfumes; including for healing which we now refer to aromatherapy. The Romans, who were influenced by the Greeks, scented everything in essential oils. From there many other countries took to fragrances for varying purposes. (The Birth of Modern Perfumery, 2012).

The French have based an industry on French perfumes. No other country is known for perfumes like France, with Paris being the center hub for all the power brands. Interesting, the perfume manufacturing is from a little town called Grasse located in the Alpes Maritimes department, northwest of Nice. Grasse mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for horticulture of jasmine, rose, myrtle, lavender, and mimosa – all important for natural aromas. (Perfume of Frances, 2003-2020).

Classification of Perfumes and notes

Perfumes are describing as notes which describes the scent once the fragrance interacts with the body. Perfumes notes are divided into three – top, middle, and bottom. Most people purchase fragrances based on top notes when, in fact, middle and base notes determine the scent. Fragrances can have a different aroma differently as they settle into the skin. Below is an explanation of the different types of notes which will help couples decide their fragrance for their wedding day.

  • Top Notes – when you spray perfume, the top notes are what is smelt immediately. The small molecules found in the perfume, evaporate quite quickly. The top notes draw us to the initial smell of the fragrance. Top notes can include basil, bergamot, thyme
  • Middle Notes – once the top notes begin to dissipate, the middle notes begin to kick in. The middle notes tend to portray the scent of the fragrance. But they are not immediate. The middle notes of the perfume begin to interact with the skin over a few minutes. Once you spray a perfume on, it needs to settle, allowing the middle notes to come through, giving a true indication of the scent. These include lavender, rosemary, nutmeg
  • The Base – notes is the body of the scent. Once the middle notes begin to disappear, the base notes come in creating that lasting scent on the skin. These larger molecules of the base notes do not evaporate very quickly hence why the perfume can last on some skins for 24 hours.  Base notes include vanilla, rose, frankincense (History of Pefume, 2020)

Notes are made up of Oriental, Woody, Floral and Fresh. Under each of these four common notes are subcategories. In 1983, Michael Edward a British fragrance developed a fragrance wheel which ties the notes and subcategories together ( (History of Perfume, 2020).

https://fmukblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/the-fragrance-wheel.jpg

The concentration of the aromas in a perfume determines the longevity of the fragrance on the skin. For me, the more concentrated, the better. I found this image which gives an excellent comparison of the types of perfumes and their longevity. The higher the concentration, the higher the price. I would use this as a cost guide. Pricing can range from $300+ to as a low as $20 (AUD). If you are budget conscious and want a more concentrated fragrance, purchase a 30ml bottle.

Perfume Concentration

Now the fun bit, suggesting fragrances from classics to now. Perfume is personal. What works on your skin will be different to what works on my skin.

Chanel No 5 Parfum

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Neroli, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, Lemon, Aldehydes

Middle Notes: Iris, Jasmine, Orris Root, Rose, Lily-of the Valley

Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Amber, Vanilla, Civet

Yves Saint Laurent Opium Eau De Parfum

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Lily-of-the-Valley

Middle Notes: Carnation, Jasmine, Myrth

Base Notes: Vanilla, Patchouli, Opoppnax, Amber

DIOR Poison EDT

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Coriander Seeds, Plum, Forest Fruits, Anise, Brazilian Rosewood

Middle Notes: Carnation, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Tuberose, Opoponax, Cinnamon, Incence, Rose, Honey

Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk, Sandalwood, Virginia Cedar, Amber, Vanilla, Heliotrope

Mugler Angel Eau De Parfum

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Melon, Coconut, Mandarin Orange, Cassia, Jasmine, Bergamot, Cotton Candy

Middle Notes: Honey, Apricot, Blackberry, Plum, Orchid, Peach, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-valley, Red Berries, Rose

Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Amber, Patchouli, Musk, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Caramel

Byredo: Mojave Ghost

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Ambrette, Sapodila

Middle Notes: Magnolia, Violet, Sandalwood

Base Notes: Cedar, Ambergris

Bottega Veneta

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper

Middle Notes: Jasmine

Base Notes: Patchouli, Oakmoss, Leather

Elie Saab La Parfum

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Orange Blossom

Middle Notes: Jasmine

Base Notes: Patchouli, Cedar, Rose, Honey

Givenchy Hot Couture

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Orange, Raspberry, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Magnolia, Vetiver, Pepper

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber, Musk

Perfect fragrance for summer weddings. I wore Hot Couture on my wedding day.

We cannot forget the groom:

Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes:Lemon, Mint

Middle Notes: Jasmine, Pink Pepper, Peony

Base Notes: Labdanum, Cedar, Sugar

My husband wore Acqua Di Gioia on our wedding day.

Christian Dior Sauvage

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pepper

Middle Notes: Geranium, Lavender, Pink Pepper, Sichuan Pepper, Patchouli, Vetiver, Elemi

Base Notes: Cedar, Ambroxan, Laddanum

Aramis Aramis Classic

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Aldehydes,  Artemisia, Gardenia, Bergamot, Clover, Thyme, Myrrh

Middle Notes: Patchouli, Sage, Orris Root, Cardomon

Base Notes: Leather, Sandalwood, Amber, Musk, Coconut, Vetiver, Oakmoss

Joop – Joppe Homme

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Orange Blossom, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot, Lemon

Middle Notes: Jasmine, Heliotrope, Lily-of-the-Valley, Cardamom, Cinnamon

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Vanilla

Carner – Drakon

Source: Pinterest

Top Notes: Cypress, Black Pepper, Betel Pepper,

Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Cypriol Oil, Akigalawood

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Leather, Balsam Fir

With so many fragrances available for women and men, there are too many to list. Now that you know the history of perfume and the ingredients that go into making scents, you can all appreciate that not all perfumes are the same.

I will leave our Wedztylers with a pondering thought. A scent evokes emotion, memory, lifts the mood and creates confidence. Regardless of the type of fragrance chosen, let it represent you and your feelings of the day.  The perfume you choose is as important as selecting your colour lipstick. Open yourself to the endless choices available and enjoy the process of choosing your wedding fragrance.

Main image source: Dior

How To Plan Your Wedding During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

by Fay Kanellos

When asking our Instagram followers what they wanted information on, it was no surprise that a good percentage wanted tips on how to plan their wedding with the uncertainty of the imposed restrictions due to COVID-19.

The tips provided are on the research done. Wedztyle cannot speak on behalf of governments nor can comment on the legalities surrounding consumer entitlements in getting back deposits paid. However, what we can do is offer tips that will help couples in making the decision postpone or re-schedule their special day.

Sit down with your Partner.

You and your partner must be on the same page when deciding if you will postpone, reschedule, or adapt your wedding to the current COVID restrictions. Communication is key as weddings without such circumstances are already very stressful.

Communication with Vendors

Communicating with chosen vendors is essential for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you need to inform them of your intent – are you postponing, rescheduling, or going ahead. Secondly, you need to have the confidence that they will be operational in the foreseeable future. Understandably, we do not have a crystal ball on this, but it needs to be a consideration.

Image by Samantha Gades – Unsplash

Negotiating with your vendors

Firstly, go over the terms and conditions of each vendor. Focus on the these and adjust conditions to suit both parties.  Businesses have been affected by COVID; therefore, most will work with wedding couples to keep the business.  For those vendors who are willing to consult and work with you, give them options of dates.  Confirm all discussions in writing to protect yourselves should you need to. Vendors who are unwilling to be flexible, shop around. These are not for you.

Back – Up Choice of Vendors

Suppose the preferred vendor is not available on your date, now what? To prevent this scenario, I suggest that you have three to five vendors as a back-up. Before committing, read their terms and conditions. All negotiations need to be in writing. Please do not give any deposits unless written confirmation of a refund is applicable.

Image by Andreas Ronning – Unsplash

Contact your guests.

Notify all guests of the change in your wedding date.  You can say words like “WE HAVE POSTPONED OUR WEDDING DATE, NEW DATE COMING SOON,’ or “WE ARE RESCHEDULING OUR WEDDING, NEW DATE COMING SOON”.  Communicate this very clearly. Whether you have created a Facebook Event, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or a Wedding Website, your guests need to know in advance of a pending new date.

Budget

With businesses not fully operational, consider changing your budget to reflect the financial strain that COVID-19 is bringing. For example, reducing your budget by 10% will force wedding couples to minimise unnecessary expenditure. You are using that 10% saving later for something else like an extended honeymoon.

Image by Wedztyle

Contingency Plan

These times are unpredictable. The number of allowable guests’ changes depending on the current infection rate. Wedding couples need to be adaptable; therefore, having a contingency plan is advisable. It could be that the wedding only has immediate family attending but captured on a digital platform for your pending guests to view. Or your wedding can be live-streamed, so your guests do not miss those moments. Various scenarios can come to play.

Whatever the scenario is for wedding couples, you can still have your wedding. It might not be in a traditional format (i.e. guests attending), but it will always be your day. Plan your wedding as you would with a contingency plan in mind. The Wedztyle e-planner will be a valuable resource in these COVID-19 times.

Main Image Mari Lezhava Unsplash

Wedding Insurance is it worth it?

by Fay Kanellos

Researching for this blog, I wanted to gain an understanding of wedding insurance. What are companies offering and if it is, in fact, worth it for couples? The recent COVID19 outbreak has meant postponing or cancelling upcoming weddings, resulting in couples losing deposits and payments across various vendors because the COVID19 virus is uninsurable.

This leaves us to wonder, how can we be covered if the unexpected were to happen?

The average cost of a wedding in the UK 31,974 pounds, $33,391 in the USA and $36,000 in Australia; therefore, more couples are considering wedding insurance to protect them against any unforeseeable mishaps financially.

Image by Samanth Gades unsplash

The type of cover offered.

Like all insurance policies, various level of cover is offered depending on the cost of the wedding. In Australia, prices can range from $200 standard cover to $1300 for premium. Most insurance covers the total budget of your wedding e.g. if your wedding budget is $8000.00, purchase the one that will cover that amount.

  • Standard cover – approx. $200-250 for total budget cover between $5,000-$8,000
  • Intermediate – approx. $400-$900 for total budget cover between $16,000 – $35,000
  • Premium – approx. $1100-$1300 for total budget cover between $75,000+

Premiums are higher for destination weddings. I recommend that you purchase insurance with companies that specialise in destination weddings rather than local weddings to get the most coverage.

The type of cover chosen should be in line with the size of the wedding and the costs associated. Compare policies to make sure you are covered accordingly.  

The policy should begin 30 days after purchase, with a 14-day cooling-off period.

Image by Nathan Dumlao unsplash

What your insurance needs to cover:

When deciding on the type of cover, my recommendation is to ensure the following is included:

  • Wedding deposits and pre-payments – when you need to cancel, reschedule or postpone your wedding due to specific events
  • Protection against vendors and supplier breakdown
  • Marquee and equipment damage
  • Wedding rings – although these can be insured under your home and contents
  • Wedding gifts – what is the minimum and maximum value that can be insured
  • Wedding attire
  • Wedding transportation
  • Illness, death
  • Extreme weather – storms, tornados
  • Personal Liability – if your guests cause personal injury to a third party or damage to their property.
  • Destination weddings – what is covered and what countries are covered.
  • When the claim begins – this is usually 30 days after you purchase the cover and what the recommended period of cover is
  • What the coverage extends to – family members as they can also contribute to the wedding
  • Any value-added services that you will need for your wedding
  • Number of guests that are covered in the policy should an accident occurs
  • Type of venue, as some venues require you to have insurance before you book with them.
  • Overseas cover including medical emergency and hospital

What you are not covered for:

  • Cancellation due to weather that is not extreme
  • Change of heart
  • Switching vendors after a deposit were paid
  • Claims outside your country – I recommend looking at insurance companies that specialize in Destination Weddings
  • Any issues relating to travel bans, flight cancellations, government acts, regulations and bans on public gatherings
  • Pandemics such as COVID19
Image by Fabio Alves unsplash

Before you purchase:

  • Speak to your vendors and see what they offer via their insurance company, especially for the venue, caters, and wedding planners. Always read the fine print on their contracts. Do not sign if you are uncomfortable with their terms. It has to work for you.
  • Look at your home insurance, as you can be covered on certain aspects of your wedding e.g. wedding rings, travel insurance, etc… This way you can determine what type of cover you can purchase.
  • Consider which plan best suits your wedding needs. Do not purchase a policy based on price. Focus on what is and is not covered.
  • Read the terms and conditions of each insurance company and most importantly do your research.

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