Sydney Weddings

Wedding in Sydney tips: Summer Wedding and bad weather

2010-08-03T23:58:00.000-07:00

There is only one thing that you cannot control on your wedding day, and that's the weather! Instead of worrying about it, just plan ahead!

Here a few tips on how to plan an outdoor wedding in Sydney taking into consideration the bad weather:

• Don’t just opt for the best! Choose an outdoor ceremony venue in Sydney that offers a bad weather option like a shelter or a garden gazebo. All best wedding locations in Sydney do have either a gazebo, shelter or cover area nearby ideal for outdoor weddings.

• If there is no shelter in the vicinity, consider hiring a gazebo . Nowadays, you can even buy a foldable one for as little as $ 100. Delegate a person from your party that can put it up for you in case of rain (although light items are usually ok, remember to ask the local council if you need permission)

• Ask your reception to reserve an area in case the wedding ceremony cannot be held outdoor (make sure that it will accommodate your guests and suitable for a ceremony). This should be your ‘last’ option’, as receptions don’t really have much space to accommodate ceremonies .

• For outdoor weddings, adding on your invitations your chosen ‘wet/bad weather’ option address will guarantee that all guests know where to go if it rains. Also you should have some key people from the party in charge to let the guests know that the ceremony location has moved due to bad weather using a ‘phone-chain’ type of communication.

By Following these simple, easy planning steps you won’t need to worry anymore about the weather as you will know exactly what to do if it does happen. You can then enjoy the fun part of the planning, like getting that gorgeous dress!

….but as the ‘Italians’ say ‘the luckiest bride is the one who’s blessed by the rain on her wedding day!” Have a great wedding day in Sydney!

Debora Taliani from Just Get Married in Australia wedding planners

Real Weddings in Sydney (as featured in The Weddings Abroad Guide)

2010-05-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

Samantha & Keith

An iconic city perched on the waterfront and gleaming beneath radiant blue skies, Sydney is sleek and modern. Able to be grand and personal at the same time, this city set the stage for an intimate affair.

The Bride & Groom:Samantha Nevin to Keith Hassett
From:Clare, Ireland
Wedding Location:Sydney, Australia
No. of Guests:2
Samantha and Keith were never ones to care about formalities. “We decided a long time ago that we were not the type of people that wanted the big day,” Samantha said, “so when we made the decision to visit Australia we thought why not get married at the same time.” Their decision to celebrate their wedding in Australia with just two guests guaranteed a personal and intimate affair that was straight out of their dreams.

Ready, Get Set, Go
Unlike many brides on their wedding day, Samantha found herself with time to spare so she ironed her brother's shirt and trousers and watched Oprah! The whole morning was so quiet and relaxed that Samantha couldn't have chosen a better way to prepare for marriage. “I felt great during the whole process - getting ready before hand, during the ceremony and afterwards. I felt I was so ready for that day and I knew I was making the right decision as I had no nerves. I do think that if I had chosen to get married at home I would have felt more nervous in front of all my friends and family.”

“I will never forget that moment”
The civil ceremony took place on a private beach in Sydney with a backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Samantha approached the site of her wedding with her brother and was blown away when she turned a corner and saw her husband to be standing there waiting for her. “We had to walk down an incline through trees and when we turned a corner we got to see the beach and there was Keith looking nervous. I will never forget that moment and the happiness I felt.”
Samantha wore a simple black and white dress with spaghetti straps and Keith wore a suit and shirt but no tie. The pair looked a picture of elegance out on the sand in the middle of paradise. The civil ceremony was personalised with the couples own vows, readings, poems and music and everything possessed a special meaning. Even the simple and intimate nature of the wedding made everything feel more personal and more authentic. Even looking back at her two guests, Samantha can't help but smile. “There were no bridesmaids as my brother was my bride’s man!!”

Valentines Romance
With a nighttime view of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the reception dinner was almost as spectacular as the wedding. The lights on the bridge and the sparkle of the city added an extra touch of magic to the evening. Since it was Valentine's night, there was already romance in the air and the other patrons couldn't help but wish the newlyweds best of luck.
Their set menu was a gourmet treat and it was another reminder for Samantha why she was glad they chose to have such a small wedding. “Since it was Valentine's, no matter which restaurant we chose would have had a set menu and some of our guests wouldn't have liked the food.” The evening was casual and romantic, a perfect beginning for their new life together.

Just for Them
“One of the issues I have with weddings at home is that you seem to try and please all your guests and make sure they all enjoy their day. I feel your wedding day should be about the bride & groom.” Samantha shared. By choosing to get married abroad, she didn't have to stress about following convention or dealing with a large crowd. Their intimate celebration was more than Samantha and Keith could have ever hoped for: beautiful, meaningful and stress-free.

The Perfect Partners
Ceremony: Private Beach, Sydney Wedding Planner: Just Get Married!

same sex weddings in Sydney

2010-04-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

In Australia same-sex marriages are still seeking Legal recognition, but if you are after a memorable commitment ceremony in one of the most beautiful Cities in the World, we are happy to assist in offering our Local Expertise and Wedding Services in Sydney!
We can adjust any of our wedding packages in Sydney to your personal ceremony choice of either a Symbolic, Blessing or Commitment Ceremony.
Beach Weddings
Sydney Opera House Weddings
Royal Botanic Gardens Wedding
Sydney Harbour Weddings
Sydney Island Weddings
Sydney Boat Weddings
Sydney Church Weddings
Private Venue Weddings
Symbolic, Renewal of Vows, Commitment Ceremonies
We also offer a wide list of additional services like photography, video, hair and make up, to seect from the Just Get Married Professional Wedding Services & Suppliers in Sydney at highly discounted rates!

A Scottish Wedding in Sydney: Louise & Colin Beach Wedding in Sydney

2010-04-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Colin and Louise who just a few days ago tied the knot with a beautiful Sydney beach Ceremony!

Colin and Louise from Scotland, decided to get married in Sydney, bringing most of their family with them, for a memorable downunder combined Holiday and wedding day! Close friends also joined from New Zealand.

The Sydney Beach ceremony was personalised with their very personal wedding vows and a candle ceremony. All guests, including the groom, wore the traditional Kilts, with color matching their family Clan.

At the beach ceremony in Sydney, Louise and Colin also added a bit of magic by having a Piper play live and leading the bride down to the 'altar'. The Beach ceremony was followed by champagne and canapes service, under a charming Sydney Heritage House veranda.

All wedding and services were impeccably planned, coordinated and managed by Just Get Married Wedding Planners in Sydney. Colin and Louise picked Sydney Beach Exclusive wedding option 2 . Other services booked via Just Get Married were the bride and bridesmaid hair and make up, flowers, piper musician, wedding cake, Photography, wedding arch, beach location, celebrant and wedding catering

To enquire about your beach wedding with Just get Married contact weddings@justgetmarried.com

Sydney Weddings: Win a Beach Wedding in Sydney

2010-03-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Prize includes: Sydney Beach Wedding location - civil ceremony or symbolic ceremony - Sydney Wedding Civil Celebrant - Australian marriage legal fees and documentations - marriage certificate - witnesses, if required - 30 min relax massage for couple - signing table - bridal bouquet & button hole.

to enter go to: www.justgetmarried.com/australia/enquiry_form_2.htm or visit www.justgetmarried.com

***terms and conditions*** The Sydney Beach wedding prize has to be used by 30.06.11. Prize opens to any citizenship. Multiple entries will be excluded. one entry per couple. the winner will be notify via email. the prize is not transfarable.

Sydney Beach Wedding: Be Inspired by Martyn and Emma's Beach Wedding

2010-03-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Emma and Martyn (pictured on the right) recently got married in an exclusive beach wedding location in Sydney thanks to Wedding Planner Debora Taliani from Just Get Married!

Coming from the UK and choosing Sydney as their destination wedding location, they wisely opted for an all inclusive wedding planning service to organise their dream beach wedding in Sydney! they used Just Get Married, one of the leading Sydney based destination wedding planner services dedicated to assisting UK couples to create their dream wedding in Sydney and they couldn't be happier with their choice.

here's what Emma and Martin wrote to Debora just after their wedding:

'Deborah, thank you and all at Just Get Married for making our wedding day the most special, unstressful and romantic day we could ever have imagined. From day one the organisation and communication was brilliant, we were never afraid to ask questions and your advice Deborah was invaluable. All of the services you provided from the hairdresser, to the flowers and wedding photographer were first class. A special mention must go the cup cakes we had as our wedding cake, they were the cutest, tastiest treats and perfect for a small wedding like ours! Our advice to any prospective bride and groom is to look no further than Just Get Married as you have found your perfect wedding planner'.

For assistance in how to create your dream wedding in Sydney contact Debora for a free quote and assistance on weddings@justgetmarried.com

Marriages for overseas couples in Sydney - Legalities

2010-02-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

GETTING MARRIED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
A Marriage in Australia, is fuss-free & require very little paperwork! Whether your are Australian or an Overseas couple getting married in Australia, the legal process to follow is very similar.
--------------------------------------------------
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED TO GET MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA:
OVERSEAS COUPLES:
a signed Notice of Intended Marriage (we will post it to you at the time of booking)
valid passports
divorce papers or widow/widower papers (if applicable)
LOCAL COUPLES:
a signed Notice of Intended Marriage (we will post it to you at the time of booking)
Evidence of the date and place of birth of both parties
divorce papers or widow/widower papers (if applicable)
--------------------------------------------------
WEDDING CEREMONIES IN AUSTRALIA
CIVIL LEGAL BINDING MARRIAGE: Once you decide to marry, and upon the engagement of our services, you are required to give our marriage celebrant at least one month and one days notice of an intended date of marriage. The notice of intendedf marriage form (aks NIM) will be sent to you at the time of booking.
RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS (LEGAL & NON LEGAL BINDING): Once you decide to marry, you are required to confirm your religion. We will contact the church parish and inform you of the process to follow, as this vary from religion to religion.
SYMBOLIC, RENEWAL OF VOWS, BLESSING & COMMITMENT CEREMONIES: some couple may for personal reasons, be after a wedding in Sydney, without a legal recoignition. these type of ceremonies are called Symbolic, (AKA commitment or Blessing Weddings) Once you decide on a symbolic ceremony, we will adjust any of our Wedding packages in Sydney to a Symbolic Wedding. The Wedding will have the same feel and caratheristic of a legal marriage wedding, including the list of ceremonies avaialble.Unless told, None of your guests will even notice the difference!
SAME-SEX MARRIAGES: In Australia same-sex marriages are still seeking Legal recognition, although it is not illegal to conduct a commitment ceremony. We can adjust any of our wedding packages in Sydney to your personal choice of a Commitment Ceremony. For more information on same-sex marriages in Australia, visit http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/MarriageGetting_Married#section8

Royal Botanic Gardens: Dream Wedding in Sydney - Parv & Micaela's wedding

2010-02-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

Parv and Micaela, a lovely couple from the UK, are the latest couple who used Just Get Married exclusive destination weddings packages and tied the knot at the magnicient Royal Botanical Gardens wedding location in Sydney, early this month.

Parv and Micaela eloped in Australia and booked our full inclusive wedding package in Sydney few months prior.

They selected the Royal Botanical Gardens as their wedding ceremony location in Sydney.

Together with our planning services, professional wedding hair and make up, a bridal car, photography and flowers, they also added an elegant touch , by hiring a wedding arch decorated with fresh orchids & white roses, and a wedding red carpet . The wedding ceremony was held at the Royal Botanical Gardens, lawn 33, with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

The photography coverage started at the Royal botanical gardens and continued to the Sydney Opera House.

They are now back in the UK and planning a wedding reception with friends and family in Prague, Micaela's birth place, where she will wear again her beautiful wedding dress, and showing off their amazing wedding photos in Sydney. We really wish all the best to Parv and Micaela and their future together!

Wedding bouquets ideas and suggestions

2010-02-15T18:36:00.000-08:00

Wedding Bouquet Styles by Debora Taliani from http://www.justgetmarried.com/
Wedding bouquets come in a variety of shapes or styles. The below descriptions cover the most common wedding bouquet styles. Before you make your final decision on the style of bouquet you want, you should consider the logistics of holding it (large bouquets can be very heavy!) as well as what is going to suit your size and shape and the style of your wedding dress. For example if you are petite, a large bouquet might overwhelm you whereas a small nosegay bouquet might look completely out of proportion if you are tall.
Arm Bouquet
A natural stem bouquet designed to be held in the crook of the arm or sometimes in a downward direction. Usually consists of long-stemmed flowers such as roses and lilies. A loosely tied ribbon or bow is sometimes used to keep the bouquet together.
Trailing Bouquet
This classic style bouquet can either look like a 'waterfall', falling straight down, or it can resemble a 'teardrop'. In general it is slightly rounded at the top and falling to a point at the bottom. Can be formal or informal, open and airy to full and compact.
Hand-tied Posy
Bouquet of blossoms and greenery with an unstructured appearance rather than a precise round shape although it can still be roundish in shape. The natural stems create the ‘handle’ and stems can be left exposed or completely ribbon-wrapped.
Round Bouquet
Circular in shape, a round bouquet consists of a large number of flowers and sometimes greenery in a compact space. In general, the bouquet is held together in a round bouquet holder.
Nosegay Bouquet
In general, nosegays or ‘tussie mussies’ follow the same shape as a round bouquet but are usually smaller and not as dense as a round bouquet, and may include more greenery and the addition of ribbon streamers
Freeform Bouquet
This bouquet often has no discernible shape. As the name implies, this style covers a looser bouquet that often has flowers or greenery coming out at various angles.
Single Stem
While not technically a bouquet as it consists of only one flower a single stem arrangement can be a very simple and elegant look. This stem is held in the same manner as the arm bouquet, and is generally placed in the crook of one’s arm. The calla lily seems to be the most popular flower for this arrangement.

Sydney Wedding Planners - UK Alliance of Wedding Planners interview with Debora Taliani

2010-02-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

Deborah from Just Get Married who is based in Australia and plans weddings for local couples and international clients, gives an insight into her life as a wedding planner in Australia.

Just Get Married - Australia
How does a typical wedding day run in your country?
In Australia weddings follow a very similar schedule of the day as in the UK.
A pre-wedding face to face meeting is held a couple of days before the wedding to reconfirm all details of the day and to get to know personally your wedding coordinator and celebrant
It starts with the bride getting ready, with hairdresser and makeup artist at her hotel.
It is followed by a pre-wedding photo & video shoot of both groom and bride in separate venues.
The guests and groom then leave for the ceremony location where our coordinator/photographer/videographer/celebrant are waiting, followed by the bride and bridal party.
The coordinator assists guests and groom with the seating. She then greets the bride on arrival and the ceremony starts.
Ceremony lasts approx 20 minutes depending on your personal choices, and can be enriched with any wording/vows/ prayers as the couples wishes.
During the readings, a candle ceremony takes place with the couple lighting together a personalized candle with 2 separate candles, symbolizing their union. It is a very touching ceremony for the couple and the participants!
At the end of the ceremony, the registrar is signed and the couple is officially declared husband and wife by the Australian Marriage Law (valid worldwide).
The ceremony may be followed by a butterfly release, champagne cocktail and canapés, Sydney Harbour Mini Cruise, together with after ceremony photography/video coverage.
The guests and bridal party then leave with our pre-arranged minibuses, limousines and CLK wedding cars to the chosen reception venue.
What type of location do most wedding ceremonies themselves take place?
In Australia you can literally get married anywhere! On a beach, in any of Sydney’s picturesque gardens, a luxury yacht/cruiser on the harbour, or even inside the Opera House or on a Sydney private romantic Island! The most requested wedding locations in Sydney are Gardens with a backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour views, followed by intimate beach ceremonies and Island weddings.
What type of location do most wedding receptions take place?
As specializing in Destination Weddings, the Harbour receptions are the most popular! They offer amazing views, the finest food and wines. Sydney reception venues can accommodate small groups of as little as 5-6 guests to 200-300 guests.

Just Get Married - Australia
How many guests are usual to such a wedding?
Depending on nationalities, most of the time it is only the bride and groom with few friends and guests. If either the bride or groom are from Australia, then it can be either around 60 guests both local and from overseas or even 200 guests!
What customs/traditions are most common in your weddings?
Bride and Groom keep a piece of the wedding fruit cake and freeze it until the first wedding anniversary, then eat it as good luck for the years to come. Kitchen tea party is also a big thing in Australia, where bride and all girlfriends get together. The girlfriends bring kitchenware gifts and ’surprise’ the bride with jokes, games and most of the time a male stripper turns up dressed as a pizza delivery guy!
What does a typical wedding cost?
Weddings in Australia can be very cheap if you know how to budget it. Our packages for examples, start from as little as AUS$ 2000 including wedding location hire, celebrant, all planning and legal costs, bridal car, flowers, ceremony aisles items etc.
How important are independent wedding planners in your country?
Very important! An independent wedding planner works independently on a no-commission basis. Therefore she/he will source venues/suppliers/locations based on your own wedding ideas and styles. A Local wedding planner has the right local knowledge and wedding expertise to assist you with the right choices keeping it within your budget!
Any anecdotes/comments/tips on planning a wedding in your country.
If you are thinking of a big wedding overseas, hire a local wedding planner from start to end, not only for a few bits and bobs. When overseas, you cannot have control over the planning and knowing how things work there. A local wedding expert has all the right tools and knowledge to deliver the wedding of your dreams in Australia, stress-free hassle-free with 100% satisfaction on the outcome!
Elope to Australia and organize a wedding reception in UK on your return, where photos and videos are shown to the guests. This is perfect for 2 reasons: family and friends don’t feel left out with the great bonus to wear that gorgeous wedding dress again!

Sydney Bride Skincare best tips and advise

2010-02-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

These easy to follow tips will guarantee you to have that glow and beautiful skin and hair that any bride deserves!
TIP NO.1
Never underestimate the sun’s power!
Unless you are aiming for the builder tan look, WEAR sunscreen!
We cannot stress this point enough! On a regular basis a bride will turn up on her wedding day with a burned face, and sun burnt lines!
There is no miracle cream to make them fade away on the day. They will be visible on the day, on your video and your photos!
- Use Sunscreen in hot/warm climates for at least 4 weeks leading to the wedding or as soon as you arrive to your wedding destination. In Australia, all you need is a 10 minutes stroll to get burnt, regardless the season ( sunny or overcast conditions).
- All sunscreens are good as long as they have 30+ UVA and UVB protection.
- Sunscreen are effective only if applied 20 minutes prior exposure or going out. To make it easier, swap your daily body cream with sunscreen and apply in the morning after a shower.
- To continue to be effective, Apply sunscreen evenly and regularly! sunscreen must be applied every 2 hours (even if the instructions says 4 hours protection! as sweat and clothes rubbing reduces the effect)

Share these tips with your bridesmaids, maiden of honor and mothers…or anybody who will be in your pics!!!!

TIP NO.2
Here comes …the orange bride!
Fake tans are great to achieve that perfect sun kissed look on your wedding day without damage to your skin. Fake tans give different shade/color depending on how your skin reacts to them so if you are considering to have one, remember:
- Have a spray tan applied by a professional salon
- Always have a trial to see what color your skin will be after the treatment
- A professional salon/beautician will provide you with a list on how to prepare your skin prior and how to maintain the tan after the application AND follow them!
- Have a photo taken after to make sure that the tan looks natural on pics.

Share these tips with your bridesmaids, maiden of honor and mothers…or anybody who will be in your pics!!!!

TIP NO.3
SKINCARE
A bride to be should follow a skincare program starting at least 3 months prior the wedding at a salon or in the comfort of her home. This will guarantee a flawless complexion and also the make up lasts longer.
- Regardless the type of skin, in hot/warm climate your skin will be oilier than cool climates.
- Make sure you swap your daily face cream with a matt one or a face cream with less moistures than the one you would use for cool weather.
- Any skincare company has specific products for hot/warm climates so have a look around at the airport’s duty free!
- On the day, bring blotting sheets (Bodyshop sells some very good ones - opt for the non-powder ones) to apply on t-zone . it will absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
- If you have combination/oily skin, it would be worth it to buy ‘Clarins’ Instant smooth – perfecting touch Cream. It gives a perfect matt look that lasts all day and it can be applied under or over make up. for more tips and wedding ideas visit http://www.justgetmarried.com.au/

Legal Marriages in Australia for foreigners

2008-12-09T22:03:00.000-08:00

In Australia you can get married in any location, indoor or outdoor of your choice.
Legally, getting Married in Australia is also very easy and quite straigthforward process .
the Australian Authorities require the following documentation:completed NIM signed by you and a witness to be sent in original no later than 1 month and 1 day prior the wedding, copies of your passports, copies of your birth certificates, if applicable divorce papers
Ceremonies are celebrated by a civil celebrant who charge a fee for the service and to cover administration costs.
for more info on how to get married in Australia please contact weddings@justgetmarried.com

Wedding tips: Make up and Skincare for Brides

2008-12-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

SKINCARE
A bride to be should follow a skincare program starting at least 3 months prior the wedding at a salon or in the comfort of her home. This will guarantee a flawless complexion and also the make up lasts longer.
- Regardless the type of skin, in hot/warm climate your skin will be oilier than cool climates.
- Make sure you swap your daily face cream with a matt one or a face cream with less moistures than the one you would use for cool weather.
- Any skincare company has specific products for hot/warm climates so have a look around at the airport’s duty free!
- On the day, bring blotting sheets (Bodyshop sells some very good ones - opt for the non-powder ones) to apply on t-zone . it will absorb excess oil and reduce shine.
- If you have combination/oily skin, it would be worth it to buy ‘Clarins’ Instant smooth – perfecting touch Cream. It gives a perfect matt look that lasts all day and it can be applied under or over make up.

Just Get Married celebrates 10 years in destination wedding planning

2008-12-01T21:01:00.001-08:00

Celebrate Just Get Married's 10 successful years in wedding planning in Australia
with a 10% discount on selected wedding packages and options. visit http://www.justgetmarried.com/