Sometimes something new for the big day isn’t always what women want, with brand new expensive wedding dresses being ditched for a more convenient or sentimental look.

There is a trend towards the unconventional wedding dress, with recent bride, actress Keira Knightley, getting married in rural France in a five-year-old dress. She originally wore the strapless, knee-length tulle Rodarte dress to a pre-BAFTA party in 2008, and reused the gown this year with cream ballet slippers, a Chanel bolero jacket and a garland of flowers, to give the look a simple angelic style.

Photo courtesy of Daily Mail Online

She could afford any gown she wanted, but rather than deciding on a designer dress to wear, the actress chose to wear something she already had at home. This is something anybody can choose to do if they have a special dress already that they don’t wear, and is great for convenience. Wedding dresses, like award ceremony gowns, are something you are likely to wear only once and not again, so why pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for a dress you are going to wear once?

Recycling is not just reusing a dress you already own or a dress other brides have worn, either hired or from second-hand stores, but can be a traditional sentiment. Both old and borrowed, in a sense, is your mother’s wedding dress. There is something wonderful and unique about the idea of wearing the dress your mother wore on her special day as she was filled with happiness. It would be a lovely idea to have a tradition of passing on the wedding dress through generations and sharing it with the women of the family. Alternations can still be made, to suit your style and body shape, but old is not to be discarded, old is vintage, old is emotional, and old is the keepsake that women keep in a wardrobe or cupboard until it is time to open the door and bring new life into a dress of memories.

We love the RACV Healesville Country Club for its autumn country backdrop. In the heart of the Yarra Valley wine region, this is a beautiful place to wed. Here, they share their top 10 tips for planning a wedding.

TOP 10 CHECK LIST

1)    Venue

This should be the first item to tick off the checklist. Get the date locked in and everything else will fall into place.

Cheat tip – Holding the ceremony and reception in one place will make the day run like a dream.

2)    Celebrant

Do your research and choose one that feels right for you both. The ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day.

Cheat tip – Word of mouth is invaluable – ask your network for recommendations.

3)    Catering

You want to impress your guests. Invest in a wedding menu and matching wines, for a once in a lifetime culinary experience.

Cheat tip – Your chosen venue will have onsite, experienced caterers.

4)    Wedding cake

Simple or tiered. So much to decide upon. Visit local bakeries/patisseries and sample tastings before you commit.

Cheat tip – If you shop local, there’s less opportunity for a damaged cake in transit to the venue.

5)    Hair and makeup

Attend trial sessions with a number of local salons, before you commit. Be sure to take a photo, so you can show your partner.

Cheat tip – Use one stylist for both hair and makeup.

6)    Photographer

They will capture those memories for years to come. Review their portfolio and ensure you are comfortable with their style and approach.

Cheat tip – Your venue will have a recommended photographer, who will know how to best capture the venue in its best light.

7)    Florist

Flowers really make the venue – both at the ceremony and the reception. Choose something simple and elegant to complement your wedding theme.

Cheat tip – Make sure the bouquet is sturdy.

8)    Music

This can set the tone of the day. Discuss the tracks you do and don’t want with your partner.

Cheat tip – Ask your friends to pick their favourite track to add to the playlist.

9)    Transportation

Arrive and depart in style – whether via a limo, minibus or stately car.

Cheat tip – Practice exiting the car in your wedding dress.

10)    Accommodation

Book early for yourself and your bridal party. This will allow you to continue the celebration together the next day.

Cheat tip: choose a venue with onsite accommodation – your bridal party will more than likely have a priority on reservations.

Discuss all these and more at the RACV Healesville Country Club Wedding Open Day on Sunday 2 June 2013. Nestled in the idyllic Victorian Yarra Valley, it’s your opportunity to discuss your plans with local suppliers and the expert, onsite wedding planner. Entry is free.

Find out more here

Autumn is the season of romance and beauty, and autumn brides will be spoiled for choice with an array of beautiful wedding flowers in seasonal hues of warm reds and bright yellows. Below are some tips and tricks for selecting floral arrangements and bouquets for an autumn wedding.

zianniafloraldesigns.com.au

Matching your gown and theme

Select your theme and dress first. This allows you to take colour samples and swatches to a florist, who can help you select from an assortment of autumn-blooming wedding flowers. Consider weaving small gold details and accents into your dress as a subtle seasonal hint. Also consider complimentary colour palates; scarlet red, warm orange and bright yellow bouquets look stunning with traditional white or ivory gowns, but can also contrast beautifully with coloured dresses. Yellow and purple are gorgeous complimentary colours for your bouquet, as are red and green, and orange and blue.

www.societybride.com

Seasonal picks

Autumn is traditionally recognised as the harvesting season, with conditions prefect for bringing produce to fruition – and wedding flowers are no exception. Autumn brides have a number of options, from bright yellow dahlias, warm orange roses, vibrant purple lisianthus and a range of colourful tulips. Consult with your florist ahead of time to ensure your preferred options are available, as seasonal fluctuations may impact the availability of some flowers. It’s also a great idea to add rustic accents with wiry green foliage weaved amongst bouquets and ornamental arrangements. Other flowers available in autumn are bright perennials, richly flowering salvias, cascading delphinium, and a variety of traditional roses.

greenweddingshoes.com

Hands on

Floral arrangements can be costly, and budget conscious brides may choose the path of do-it-yourself. Should you choose to go it alone, be aware of limiting factors such as availability, time, skill, location and preparation. Remember, some flowers tarnish when touched, some wilt faster than others, and some may not be available in your area. While florists can order specific wedding flowers internationally, local brides are restricted by availability – so start researching what wedding flowers will be available in your area. Flowers placed in slim glass bottles or seasonal petals scattered around candle-holders are simple and innovative ideas for autumnal centerpieces. David Austin and Delbard roses are also relatively easy to arrange and bloom with fuller flowers during autumn months. Bouquets accessorised with brooches or lockets also add a personal touch, and can be matched to your theme. Try to find a short floristry course in your area to help you prepare for the big day – a class will also be a great indicator as to whether you feel comfortable arranging your own wedding flowers. Also keep in mind the style of bouquet you’re trying to achieve and find a picture to help inspire your arrangements.

images.meredith.com

Up or down? That’s the question you may ponder while trying to determine the perfect bridal hairstyle for your wedding day.

The first thing to consider is the style of your wedding dress. A dress with an intricate bodice may be best shown off with your hair up. Similarly, backless and strapless dresses will be enhanced by an up-do. Also consider your face shape: high cheekbones will stand out with hair worn up. Hilary Duff showed exactly how with her elegant ballerina bun.

Hilary Duff shows how to wear a ballerina bun, photo courtesy of weddingbee.com

Stylish ideas for hair up:

• Braids
• French twist
• Ballerina bun
• Side ponytail

Having your hair down will work well for a more relaxed wedding. It is also an appropriate style for a beach destination wedding. If you have a square jaw or more angular features, curls can help to soften them. Brides with long hair might also like to flaunt it by wearing it down. Take inspiration from Kate Middleton, who opted for stunning loose waves on her wedding day.

Kate Middleton showcases loose waves, photo courtesy of People magazine

Stylish ideas for hair down:

• Curls
• Soft waves
• Straight

Your bridal hair accessories and/or wedding veil will also determine how you style your hair. Whatever style you choose remember to ensure it’s held securely.

Finally, the weather may influence how you wear your hair on your wedding day. If you are getting married in a windy environment (or, if you’re unlucky, in the rain), wearing your hair up will save you any worries about the style falling out and could help tame the frizz!

Whether you decide to wear your hair up or down, make sure you run your ideas by your wedding hairstylist prior to the day and if possible, have a practice run. You may also want to match your bridesmaids’ dos with your own for a chic, coordinated look.

Love the Bride team xx