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Designing A Wedding Reception That Feels Like A Gathering, Not A Production

28.05.26
Entertainment Wisdom Wedding Planning Wisdom Wisdom
Designing A Wedding Reception That Feels Like A Gathering, Not A Production
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Serge of DJ:Plus! Entertainment
The Mindful Issue

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“Don't try to control too much. Have trust in yo “Don't try to control too much. Have trust in your vendors! You will get a feel for them at the very first meeting. They are the experts in what they do, so just let them do it and have fun on your special day.” – @thisgirlparis & @popes13 ⁠ ⁠ This love story started with a first date that lasted so long they missed dinner and ended up at Maccas sharing chicken nuggets and sweet mustard sauce!⁠ ⁠ Fast forward to a sunset proposal in Malta, Paris and Luke's joyful autumn celebration with their pup Fig in the wedding party, and thoughtful DIY details around every corner.⁠ ⁠ Their story is now live on Polka Dot Featured. Head to the link in our bio to see every gorgeous detail!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @moodyimagery__ / Accommodation: @beridahotel / Ceremony Venue: @Bendooleyestate / Musicians: @tayvinmartinssmusic / Bridal Salon: @marrymebridal_ / Celebrant: @marryusmaryvevers / Bride's Dress: @rosa_clara / Makeup Artist: @maeyoube / Photo Booth: @stareventshire / Lighting: @beebrightfairylights / Flowers: @blushandbloomsfloralstudio / Signage: @lpdesigns_13⁠ ⁠ Image descriptions in the comments.⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #TheAfterDarkIssue #AustralianWeddings #RealWeddings #EveningWeddings #ParalympianWedding
Proof that you never have to choose between a beau Proof that you never have to choose between a beautiful wedding and an unforgettable party. A chic winter ceremony AND a dance floor packed until the very end? This Maleny Manor celebration had it all! ⁠ You’ll find Vanessa and Sam’s full feature on Polka Dot Featured now. ⁠ Photographer: @foyandco_ / Bride’s Dress: @whitelilycouture / Ceremony Officiant: @georgiarose.ceremonies / Content Creator: @lovelane.creatives / Engagement Ring: @michaelhillj / Flowers: @mondofloraldesigns / Groom’s Attire: @peterjacksonau / Hair & Makeup Artist: @mariele_mua / Photo Booth: @photoboothhiresunshinecoast / Rental Furniture: @lovebirdweddings / Transport: @staysafetransfers / Venue: @malenymanor / Musicians: @davewestmusic⁠ ⁠ [Video description: Short clips from the wedding day with the text “the wedding day vs......the wedding night” where the video then flips to fast-paced dance floor shots of the wedding.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #ChicWinterWedding #RealWedding
Hands up who has a wedding dress with some makeup Hands up who has a wedding dress with some makeup or red wine stains on the big day? Or perhaps it got a grimy hem from taking photos in the gardens or at the beach? Even though your wedding is over, your gown still deserves some TLC! That’s where @weddinggownspecialists come in.⁠ ⁠ They’re an association of dry cleaners who are total pros when it comes to cleaning and preserving wedding gowns. Once they’ve worked their magic, they even pop your dress in a museum-quality container to keep it safe for years to come!⁠ ⁠ Click the link in our bio to find out more about the @weddinggownspecialists and where you can find a specialist dry cleaner near you.⁠ ⁠ Haven’t tied the knot yet? Save this post. Your future self will thank you!⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @kimmystevensphotography / Dress: @english_rose_bridal⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A close-up shot of a couple walking through a leafy garden, with the bride holding the end of her dress in her hand. The dress is fully beaded in tiny pearls.]⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #WeddingDressCleaners #AustralianWeddings #AustralianWedding #WeddingVendors #WeddingDirectory #WeddingWebsite #WeddingInspo #WeddingInspiration #WeddingBlogger
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: just The timing couldn’t have been more perfect: just days after we featured Emily and Daniel’s gorgeous wedding filled with Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets, breaking wedding news had Swifties everywhere celebrating! We’re taking it as a sign that meaningful little details never go out of style. If you’re looking for ways to weave your personalities into your wedding day, this feature is full of ideas you’ll want to save. Photographer: @nikkirussianphotography / Wedding Planner: @darlingdontpanic / Flowers: @florette_weddings / Makeup Artist: @makeupbytaniaferguson / Hairstylist: @tonic.makeup.hair / Alterations: @seams_impossible / Bride’s Dress: @forevernessbridalboutique / Engagement Ring: @jasminefraserjewellery / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: @matteostefanoau  [Image one description: The wedding party has their hands in a pile, showing off their matching friendship bracelets. The bride’s flowers sit in the centre, full of pastel tones. Image two description: The groom’s arm showing off his watch and his friendship bracelet. Image three description: A bridesmaid helping the bride put her earrings in; however, the shot mainly focuses on her white and blue friendship bracelet. Image four description: The couple hand-in-hand in a field, with the camera focused in on their matching friendship bracelets. Image five description: A basket of friendship bracelets that were hand made by the couples friends and family for guests to take home from the reception.] #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #TaylorSwiftWedding #SwiftieWedding
We're well into sharing our Wedding Budget Series We're well into sharing our Wedding Budget Series now, but if you haven't read them yet, this is your guide on where to start!⁠ ⁠ Every guide in this series is built from real contributions from Australian vendors across every category. ⁠ ⁠ Not surveys, not best guesses. ⁠ ⁠ The people who actually do this for a living, telling you what things cost, what drives the price, and what to watch out for (in great detail, we might add!).⁠ ⁠ Swipe to see what we've covered so far and find all the guides at the link in our bio!⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #WeddingBudget #WeddingPlanning #AustralianWeddings #WeddingCosts #WeddingBudgetTips #PlanningAWedding #FeelGoodWeddings
We're revisiting some of our favourite details fro We're revisiting some of our favourite details from Ruby and Darcy's love fest – join us on the ride! Moody, non-traditional and full of rustic glamour, we still can't stop thinking about it (obviously!).⁠ ⁠ Photographer: @little_chief_photography / Band: @ziggyzeitgeist / Catering: @eatpollys / Wedding Planner: @saidstudio.events / Ceremony Styling: @saidstudio.events / Beverages: @cocktailcart / Bride's Dress: @mirrorpalais/ Engagement Ring: @eloisefalkiner / Groom's Attire: @belanceworld / Flowers: @soflower____ / Hair & Makeup Artist: @nikizshamakeupartist / Bride's Jewellery: @sacreflux / Marquee: @elderberryevents_ / Wedding Cake: @good.good.cake / Traditional Owner: EasternMaar Aboriginal Corporation⁠ ⁠ [Image descriptions: ⁠ One: a shot of the couple standing behind a red satin wall with a heart cutout in the middle. They're both holding their ring fingers up to show off their new sparkling rings. Ruby wears a deep red tiered lace gown, while Darcy wears a dark brown suit. ⁠ ⁠ Two: Red fringed lampshades hang overhead a bar inside a marquee. A crystal chandelier sits among green and red florals on the bar top, with long tables visible in the background.⁠ ⁠ Three: Two photos laid over each other, one of Ruby standing at the ceremony, eucalyptus trees in the background. The second is a close-up shot of the moody red florals.⁠ ⁠ Four: Guests paint on a giant canvas in the woods, both wearing black and red clothing. The oil painting itself is full of deep greens, reds and black.⁠ ⁠ Five: Ruby holding her hand out for guests to take a closer look at her rings. A joyful smile lighting up her face.⁠ ⁠ Six: Another angle of the florals and crystal light piece on the bar top, although now you can see more of the marquee itself. Festoon lighting hangs across the room, and guests can be seen milling around.]⁠ ⁠ #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #LoveFest #FestivalWedding #NonLegalWedding #RealWedding
Lucy and Michael’s wedding at Clarendon Estate i Lucy and Michael’s wedding at Clarendon Estate in Tasmania was the kind of garden party celebration that feels both effortlessly beautiful and deeply personal.⁠ ⁠ You can find the full celebration now on Polka Dot Featured!⁠ ⁠ ⁠Photographer: @susannahjohnsonphotography / Alterations, Veil & Bridal Salon: @marrymebridal_ / Bride’s Dress: @wona_concept / Beverages: @danmurphys / Bride’s Jewellery: @jt_luxe / Bride’s Shoes: @badgleymischka / Bridesmaid Dresses: @birdygrey / Bridesmaid Shoes: @theiconicau / Catering: @loosegoose_cafe / Styling, Lighting, Rental Fruniture, Flowers & Wedding Planner: @freyr.studio / Ceremony Musicians: #StCeciliaStringQuartet / Ceremony Officiant: @karenallencelebrant / Venue: @clarendon_estate_tasmania / Cinematographer: @folktalefilms / Dance Lessons: @arthurmurrayintl / DJ: @xosounds.co / Rings: @cullenjewellery / Getting Ready Robes: @atmosandhere / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: @northandcomenswear / Groom’s Shoes: @rmwilliams / Hairstylist: @legana.hair / Makeup Artist: @parisdingemansemakeup / MC: @alecfitzmuir / Wedding Cake: @susan.wells14 [Video description: Quick shots from Lucy and Michael’s wedding play across the screen as Remi Wolf’s “Soup” plays in the background.] #PolkaDotWedding #FeelGoodWeddings #AustralianWeddings #AlfrescoWedding

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