Tag: bridesmaid hampers

Bride Advice: DIY Bride Tribe Survival Kit

Bridesmaid Survival Kits

“This kit is my way of letting you know, Your support means the world and I love you so!”

Your Bride Tribe have been with you through all your wedding planning- the dress-hunting, the Hen’s party planning and being there to lend their strength and shoulders to cry on when things have not gone to plan. Now we’ve finally made it to their main role – standing beside you on your big day! To make sure they survive to the finish line, a Bridesmaid Survival Kit can get them through the day!

bride tribe wedding celebrations
Image: The Bridal Box Co

Things to include in your Survival Kit:

For Fashion Disasters

If it’s going to happen, Murphy’s Law says a fashion mishap will happen just before your Tribe is ready to walk down the aisle! Make sure you’re covered with a few items to save you from a mini fashion disaster: a mini sewing kit, spare hair ties and bobby pins, fashion tape, a nail file and clear nail polish.

While perhaps not a fashion disaster, bad breath or odour can strike and leave the Tribe feeling self-conscious. Including some mints and mini-perfume (or gorgeously scented hand cream!) in your survival kit is a great solution!

Survival Kit must haves
Image: Little Things Favours
To Keep Them Going

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bubbles and celebratory drinks are never too far away on your big day, but making sure everyone keeps hydrated enough to make it through the day (and ease that hangover tomorrow!) is super important! So make sure to include a bottle of water in your survival kit!

But you gotta keep up those sugar levels too! While we love to watch wedding bloopers online, the last thing we ever want is one of our Tribe passing out on the big day! Include some little chocolates or treats like jelly beans or protein balls.

keeping hydrated on your big day
Image: Pintrest
For the Tears

Their bestie is finally getting married – you betcha there will be some happy tears along the way! Include a little stash of tissues for your Tribe for those teary moments throughout the day.

But not all tears could be happy tears. New shoes, broken nails, headaches and heat can all bring a serious case of the ouch! Remember to pack some band-aids and some pain relief!

happy tears wedding tissues
Image: Cricut
Ready for their Close Up!

You’ve spent the morning getting hair and makeup and looking fabulous and now the HMUA have left you to your own vices. As the day goes on, don’t let unwanted shine or smudged lippy ruin your look! Pack some blotting paper and mini-touch-up essentials like a spare lip stick or balm to hold you over for those post-professional pic selfies!

make up essentials wedding day
Image: Pexels

Real Weddings: Courtney and Aaron

Courtney and Aaron real wedding

Where do we even start with Courtney and Aaron’s gorgeous wedding! These two are absolutely stunning and every little detail of their wedding was too! We are so honoured to share this little piece of their love story with you as these two are practically a part of The Bridal Box Co. family.

Courtney and Aaron chose a gorgeous Autumn day the stunning surrounds of the Gold Coast, Australia for their wedding day. The weather could not have been more perfect, providing a beautiful backdrop for their wedding at Braeside Chapel in the hinterlands.

braeside chapel wedding venue wedding inspiration

The couple stuck to tradition and prepared for the big day separately, with Courtney taking the opportunity to thank her gorgeous bridesmaids and Mum for all their love and support with our custom gift boxes! Courtney selected her personalised gifts for her leading ladies, who also surprised her back with her own Bride keepsake gift box.

Courtney wore Katrin, by Rosa Clara – a stunning fitted dress with intricate beaded detailing from White Lily Couture. The ceremony look was completed with an added tulle overskirt, creating a soft, dreamy feel. This addition meant Courtney could easily transform the look and feel of her dress to a backless evening gown for the reception. Ready to get this party started!

Our amazingly talented florist, Bumble and Bloom created bouquets and boutonnieres of roses, blue gum and pink peonies – perfectly complementing the bridal party, chapel and breath-taking reception venue, Poorinda.

Courtney and Aaron celebrated their perfect day surrounding by family and friends but could not forget their furry loved ones! Dressed to impress, their doggy attendants wore a bow-tie and flower collar.

The pair celebrated a second reception with Aaron’s family in London, then set off on their honeymoon, exploring Italy, Croatia and Greece in the spring.

courtney and aaron wedding braeside chapel wedding inspiration

Reception Venue: Poorinda
Ceremony: Braeside Chapel
Photographer: Figtree Pictures
Videographer: Myfilm
Florist: Bumble & Bloom
Dress:  White Lily Couture
Cake: Made by Courtney’s sister Ashleigh!
Caterer: VGC Catering
Hire: Hampton Event Hire & Superb Party Hire
Hair: Carlie Anne Hair Design
Makeup: Jessica Peacock Makeup
Suiting: MJ Bale
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shona Joy 
Rings: H&S Jewellers & Browns Jewellers (UK)
Transportation: Kombi Celebrations 
Bridal Gift Boxes: The Bridal Box Co. 

Bride Guide: Maid or Matron of Honour?

maid of honour wooden gift box with white ribbon and pink roses being handed between two women, one in a pink bridal robe and the other in a white robe

You’re getting ready to choose your Bride Tribe and your leading lady to stand up beside you on your big day. But does she earn the title of Maid of Honour or Matron of Honour? What’s the difference and does it matter?

Bride Tribe proposals are made extra sweet with our custom gift boxes. Photo by Elsa Campbell Photography

 Traditionally the title of “Matron” refers to the Bride’s honour attendant who is already married, whereas a “Maid” is unmarried. This role is often given to the Bride’s best friend or sister, though we’ve seen a bit of a shift from this norm to include the Bride’s mother or even a well-behaved, much-loved pet dog.

Can you have both a Maid and Matron of Honour? Absolutely! If you’re wondering how the bridal procession traditionally follows when both are in attendance – the Matron of Honour walks down the aisle first, followed by the Maid of Honour, who will stand closest to the Bride during the ceremony.

Our gorgeous Bride to Be with her closest girls. Photo by Poppy & Sage Photography. Flower crowns by Bumble & Bloom

These days, most Bride’s choose to simply use the title “Maid of Honour”, whether her attendant is married or not. If you wanted to avoid using the terms “Matron” or “Maid” altogether, you could simply opt for “Honour Attendant”. In times when the Bride’s honour role is given to a male, we’ve seen the clever introduction of “Man of Honour” given to him. Likewise for the Groom’s party, we’ve seen “Best Woman” instead of the traditional “Best Man”.

Of course, if your honour attendant has four legs, you might choose the title “Dog of Honour”. Just make sure they don’t steal the wedding cake!

Courtney & Aaron shared their big day with their furry family. Photo by Fig Tree Pictures

So what do you think? Will you stick to tradition when giving titles to your Maid or Matron of Honour? 

Whatever you decide, we have you covered! Our “Maid of Honour” gift boxes can be found HERE and you have the option to custom your title to suit whoever is beside you on the day… no matter how many legs they have!

Inspo: Hen’s Parties & trending now!

Recently, we teamed up with Lenzo, one of Australia’s most awesome party planners, for a bit of an inspo shoot with amazing suppliers from across the country in Melbourne’s Neptune Food & Wine.

We wanted to draw on the hottest upcoming trends to create a Hen’s party that was both trendy and timeless. So Aussie Bride Tribes gather around and check out these amazing suppliers to help style a celeb-worthy Hen’s party for your leading Bride to Be and her last fling before the ring!

What’s trending now? Peach, Colour blocking and of course, Statement accessories! Putting that personal touch on your party and gifts adds that timeless and unforgettable addition to any celebration.

The amazing vendors involved:

  • Styling – LENZO (@partywithlenzo)
  • Photographer – Elsa Campbell (@elsacampbellphotography)
  • Venue andfood – Neptune (@neptunefoodandwine)
  • Flowers – Flowers By Brett Matthew John (@flowersbybrettmatthewjohn)
  • Cutlery, Crockery, Vases, Plates, Cake Stands, Props and Decor – The Hire Co (@thehireco)
  • Floor, mirror and table Decals – Pickawall – (@pickawall)
  • Desserts – Blue and Ruby Cake Art (@blueandrubycakeart)
  • Bar, bar table and bar stools – Place Settings – (@placesettings)
  • Gifts – The Bridal Box Co (@thebridalboxco)
  • Stationery, and Signage – State of Reverie (@stateofreveriestudio)
  • Hair and Makeup – Carla Dyson (@carladysonmakeup)
  • Model – Brazen Models (@brazenmodels) Danielle Collis (@danielle_collis) Daria Varlamova (dazvarlamova) Jess Lengyel (lengyel_x)
  • Women’s Clothing – Orange dress worn by Danielle and beige check dress worn by Daria (@elliatt) Beige and copper floral dress worn by Jess (@winona)
  • Women’s Shoes – Bared (@baredfootwear)
  • Photo Booth – VIP Photo Booth – (@vipphotobooth)
  • Hair accessories and jewellery – Peach It – (@shop.peachit)
  • Bags and phone cases – The Daily Edited – (@thedailyedited)
  • Drinks – Yellowglen (@yellowglen)

Bride Advice: Choosing Your Make Up Artist

“The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.”  Calvin Klein

You’ve found the perfect dress and definitely got that Pintrest board sorted for all the other finer wedding details, but how do you choose a make-up artist!? It’s definitely an important consideration in your wedding planning, because you want to be confident that your make-up artist is skilled to create the radiant bridal look that you’re after!

We needed the low-down on all things wedding make up, so we caught up with Rebecca Evans from Facescape Make Up Artistry. Rebecca has nearly 20 years experience in the industry and was happy to share her tips with our Brides to Be.

Q: How long should I book my Makeup Artist in advance for my wedding day?

Rebecca: You need to book your artist at least 6 months before your wedding. If you’re wanting a particular Makeup Artist, you should book as soon as your day is confirmed.

Q: What should I look for when picking a Makeup Artist for my wedding day?

Rebecca: When looking for the right makeup artist for you, you should make sure you firstly check out all their photos of past brides. Make sure they are real everyday people and not all edited models. Read their reviews. Lots of years in the Industry doesn’t necessarily mean they are better than someone with little experience. I know lots of amazing Makeup Artists that have only been in the biz for a few years.

Q: Should I have a trial before my wedding day and if so how long before?

Rebecca: Definitely get a trial if you can! Then you can feel at ease knowing how beautiful you will look on your wedding day. I recommend to have your trial around the same time of day as on the wedding day and keep it on for as long as you can so you can see how well it lasts. Take heaps of selfies too so you can see how it is on the camera. (Don’t waste it and go out!) I also recommend to get your trial about 2 months before the wedding (or more) just in case the Makeup Artist you have chosen is not right for you and you frantically need to find a new one.

Q: How much time should I allow for each bridesmaid? And for the Bride?

Rebecca: Makeup generally takes an hour each. I like to come with an extra hour up my sleeve for set ups and a relaxed morning. I don’t like to rush.

Q: Should I limit the amount of people/Friends/family getting their makeup done by my makeup artist on the day?

Rebecca: Most Makeup Artists can book up to 7 makeups on their own. But that means a very early wake up and no time for unforeseen hick-ups. If I get booked for 5 or more I bring a fellow makeup artist to share some of the load. It means a later start and more of a relaxed morning for everyone.

Q: What should I expect to pay for wedding make up, is it dearer than normal event makeup and if so why?

Rebecca: ‘Wedding’ makeup should not be more expensive than ‘event’ makeup. It takes the same time, same products and same perfection. And the bride makeup shouldn’t be more expensive either in my opinion. But many do charge more for the Bride’s Makeup.

Q: When should I pay for the make up? Before the wedding day or on the day?

Rebecca: Most of my brides have their invoice paid a week before their wedding. I also take a deposit to lock in the booking. It’s very common for Makeup Artists to be requested for the same date, so a deposit is very important. Some brides pay the balance in cash on the day. I prefer transfer so it’s done and no one needs to worry.

Q: What are some tips to keeping our make up looking fresh all day?

Rebecca: It’s all in the products used (and application). All Makeup Artists are always searching for the most amazing, flawless & long lasting makeup. I use a matte moisturiser, the strongest hd primer ever, and lots of setting power and press powder. If the foundation is set correctly and your primer/moisturiser is correct for your skin type, your face should not be creating excess oil that will affect your base. Also you should check that your makeup artist primes your eyelids. If they are not primed you could end up with creases and worn off eyeshadow. Using a cream/paste like eye primer will ensure your eye makeup lasts (and into the next day if you’re careful).

Q: Any other tips or recommendations for our Brides?

Rebecca: It’s a good idea to purchase a touch up lip stick. The MUA will sometimes supply a little bit of lippy in a container or card. But I think it’s best to just pop into a store and purchase one.

Image from: http://everafterdays.com/services/bridal-beauty-hair-make-up/

https://www.facebook.com/facescapemakeup/

Inspo: Boho Picnic Wedding

This year’s wedding trends have been hot! I feel like weddings just keep getting better and better and this year we saw flower crowns trending, interactive food stations and including your furry friends in the celebrations!  But we are absolutely in love with the alternate seating arrangements and Boho weddings that we have been seeing more and more of.

So we were so excited to be involved with this special styled shoot down near Byron Bay, Australia. This Boho picnic wedding was shot at The Vale, at a magnificent 50 acre luxury farm stay. This breath-taking location is surrounded by lush green fields, friendly farm life and absolute tranquillity.

Our friend’s at Click Picnic created a stunning and unique reception seating, with a gorgeous picnic styling that would be perfect for an intimate reception or even a personal picnic with you and your partner. Did you spot the best seat at the table? Or very own personalised swing made an appearance! Platter to plate created a grazing board fit for royalty and an experience that everyone who loves their antipasto must enjoy.

This gorgeous bride walked down the aisle in a couture gown from Studio C Bridal and custom white fedora by Fallen Broken Street.

We hope you love this Boho Country Affair as much as we loved creating it.

The whole team behind the shoot:
Tom // groom // @tommy_c_23
Katerina // bride // @siberian_princess_
@bumble_bloom // flowers // website
@cakemydaybyjo // cake // website
@clickpicnic // event hire // website
@cocoblushboutique // flower girl dress // website
@emilyjane_designs // earrings // website
@fallenbrokenstreet // hats // website
@gingerblondeco // bridesmaid dresses // website
@ivory.haus // bride and flower girl robes // website
@_makeupby_gigi // hair and makeup artist // website
@molossidesigns // custom-cut designs // website
@platter_to_plate // catering // website
@poppyandsagephotography // photography // website
@studiobcouture // stationery // website
@studiocbridal // dress // website
@thebridalboxco // gift boxes & swing // website
@thevaleaustralia // location // website

Bride Advice: with Chanel

Chanel and Allen became engaged in November and the gorgeous couple caught our eye when they won a LOOP Giveaway that The Bridal Box Co. was participating in. Chanel is ALL about the details, has great taste and a totally swoon-worthy instagram @chanelngarcia. 

These love birds have tied the knot now, but we had a sit down when Chanel was still a blushing Bride-to-be to talk all things wedding!

The Bridal Box Co: Tell us about the proposal? Did you see it coming, or were you super surprised?

Chanel: No I didn’t! He caught me by complete surprised and kept the ring with my Maid of Honour. We went glamping in Glenworth Valley for our 10 year dating anniversary and he popped the questioned by the fireplace. It was very secluded and romantic!

The Bridal Box Co: When is your wedding and how long is your engagement?

Chanel: Our wedding is in November, we would have then had a 2 year engagement. We’re thinking of having a cute little garden ceremony and reception in Camden, Moss Vale or Byron Bay.

The Bridal Box Co: How many people are invited?

Chanel: We’re planning on having a small intimate wedding with about 60-70 people.

The Bridal Box Co: What is the theme/colours of your wedding?

Chanel: Blush pink, white and gold.

The Bridal Box Co.: Let’s talk Bridesmaids. How many are you having, how’d you choose and how’d you propose?

Chanel: I have three bridesmaids, I surprised all of them individually. My best friend is my Maid of Honour because she’s been there through thick and thin. We tell each other everything! Bridesmaids are my sister who’s always been supportive and my cousin who I share my fondest childhood memories with.

Maid of Honour- We were playing the game “speak out” with the mouth pieces. I pretended to read a card asking her “Will you be my maid of honour?” She understood what I said but didn’t realise I was actually asking her!

Cousin- I made a “Will you be my bridesmaid” mug and dropped it off to the barrister before we met up for coffee. I waited for her to receive her order in her mug. She was so surprised and excited!

Sister- I came out with a card and a “Will you be my bridesmaid” candle in a gown at my first wedding dress fitting.

The Bridal Box Co: What did you fill your Bridal Box Co boxes with?

Chanel: A candle, nail polish, beautiful soap, customised shot glass, customised hair tie and a DIY inspo booklet (with photos and details about our big day, their dresses and their roles).

The Bridal Box Co: Do you have any advice for other Bride-to-be’s planning their own wedding?

Chanel: Keep an eye out for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. Keep a little planner to note down ideas and plans. Involve your fiancé and your bridal party! My fiancé and KIKKI K wedding planner have made everything easier!

Real Brides: Amanda & Carly

Our Story

Carly drums in a band, and we had a mutual friend who asked me to go with her to see this band that’s the day I met Carly. It was a slow start for us but eventually we ended up together and we thought we couldn’t of been happier. We got engaged three years ago after being together for only about 1.5 years. I always wanted one of those chocolate advent calendars for the countdown to Christmas. It was December 1st and we were having dinner in (stir fry, my favourite) Carly handed me this advent calendar, I was beaming with excitement cause I’m a chocoholic. She told me to open the box labelled one and there it was a beautiful engagement ring and that’s when our life together really started.

Planning

Our wedding planning experience was stressful and draining which is why in the end we decided to elope and surprise our guests at a party! The most important thing to us was that the day was about us and our life together not about anyone else and that our fur baby could be there to celebrate with us.

The Dresses

Our wedding dress search was rushed with 8 weeks to find something. We had no idea what “the one” was. We both went in with pictures of this and that and joined bits and pieces together, luckily for us Nancy knew exactly where our imaginations were going and created us both our dream dresses.

Special Touches

My (Amanda) dad passed away 8 years ago and we had a special button hole made for him that matches our hair pieces and it went out to his plaque the morning of our day so that he could be “wearing” it while he was with us. Archie our fur baby came with us to our ceremony and photos as well. 

Advice

Elope.

Only do what makes you and your partner happy.

You can’t please everyone. So take a deep breath and enjoy your day it goes crazy fast. 

Photography: Morgan Roberts Photography www.morganrobertsphotography.com

Videography: Julie Lowe www.julielowephotofilm.com
Ceremony Venue: Buderim Forest
Officiant: Josh Withers www.marriedbyjosh.com
Styling: Crown of Eden www.edentheflowershop.com.au
Flowers: The Elopement Collective www.elopementcollective.com

Wedding Dress: Nancy Khau boutique www.m.facebook.com/NancyKhauBoutique

Hair: Dollhouse Makeup Artistry www.dollhousemua.com.au
Makeup: Lilly (our beautiful friend)

Inspo: Bridesmaid Proposal

Your besties have been by your side through thick and thin; to celebrate your wins and bring you ice cream when you’re down. When you want to ask them to stand by your side on your special day, you want to find a way to let them know they are special and just how much they mean to you!

Sometimes your closest friends live on the other side of the world and the question will have to be asked over the phone or Skype. But if you’re lucky enough to have your tribe close by – then why not spoil them with a Bridesmaid proposal picnic!

Pop-up picnics are definitely trending at the moment, which means there’s probably a service near you that lets you host a gorgeous picnic – without all the hassle! Just like Glamping (which we also love!) all the cooking, packing, set-up and cleaning is done for you. If you’re more organised and DIY, here’s a little inspo we put together with a few of our very talented Gold Coast vendors.

As you grow up, you truly realise how important having your best friends in your life is. Even though you may not see them every day or even week, you love knowing that when you are together again, it’s like it was yesterday that you last spent time together!

We also (of course) recommend our gorgeous, “I can’t say ‘I do’ without You” gift boxes to accompany you on your Bridesmaid Proposal Picnic!

Styled Shoot Team:
Coordination & Bridal Boxes @thebridalboxco
Event Stylist @lovenwishesstyledevents
Florist @franklyandtheflowers
Photographer @atomicbutterfly_photography
Videographer @nsiproductions
Clothing @the_bohemian_club
Sweet Treats @two_little_cupcakes
Jackets @hideandrose
Platter @conkandco
Hair @hsk_hair
Makeup @majormakupandhair
Signage @bearartdesign
Candles @drifttradingco
Models @conkandco @jessicatonkin1 @gold_coast_musings @bruna_bidoia