Tom Versluys 7/6/18 Tom Versluys 7/6/18

Aussie Bride Beauty Checklist

Nothing like a wedding to make us want to indulge in a ton of pampering and make sure we look our best. It’s our big day after all, and a bride knows how important it is to feel good in your own skin if you want to shine on all the wedding photos and have a truly memorable ceremony. But how do we prep for the event and what will we need to look spectacular? For Aussie brides and those inspired by their beauty, here’s a list of exactly the things you’ll need to make sure you are gorgeous, relaxed, and totally ready.

Start a workout challenge

Now you have the perfect thing to motivate you! The sooner you start, the better results you’ll get, and if you want to get all firm and toned, pick a workout challenge that you can easily fit into your daily schedule.

Try cooking more often

Same as with exercise, the sooner you start, the better you’ll feel when the big day finally comes. Also, if you’ve got pounds to shed, it’s much better to do it slowly and steadily than to starve yourself a month before the wedding. Cut down on sugar and processed junk, eat a ton more veggies and cook whenever you can to make sure you always have a healthy meal on your hands.

Consider laser hair removal

This is definitely optional, but it’s a very, very popular procedure in Australia and it’s worth it in the long run. We recommend that you start doing it at least six months before the wedding because it actually takes several treatments to get full results. That way you won’t have to fuss much with unwanted hair and you’ll feel more relaxed both on your wedding day and on your honeymoon.

Visit your dermatologist as soon as possible

Image: Davids Kokainis — Image: Davids Kokainis

If you’ve got any skin issues, it’s important to address them early so you’d have enough time to deal with them. Acne and wrinkles can be made a lot better if you’re given the proper treatment to deal with them, so schedule an appointment with your doctor and see what they can recommend. In Australia, sun spots are a common problem, so getting professional pigmentation treatment in Sydney is something brides always do before the big day. If you’ve got scarring or spots that you want gone, this can help you out a lot. You can also consider chemical peels and microdermabrasion as a way to smooth out texture and have taut, glowing skin.

Get regular with your skincare

Now that you’ve got your doctor prescribed treatments and recommendations, it’s time to put it all to good use. Nothing will work unless you are consistent, so forget about lazy days where you go to bed with makeup still on and skipping on moisturizing and cleansing. Seriously, a regular skincare routine is all you need to look radiant, and it will help if you incorporate a good vitamin C serum and remember to wear sunscreen every day.

Waxing on time

If laser hair removal wasn’t within your budget or you just didn’t have time for it, remember to wax about a week before the wedding. You should also get your eyebrows done around this time as well.

Dry brushing and tanning

Once hair is out of the way, you can apply self-tanner in case you want a summery glow on your skin. Before you do that, we recommend exfoliating with a brush. Do this before you take a shower, just slough away dead cells while the skin is still dry. Once you’re done with the shower, make sure to take proper steps when applying self-tanner so you wouldn’t end up looking patchy. You can renew your tan two-three days before the wedding.

Manicure and pedicure

Do this a few days before the wedding so you won’t have to rush it. Pick some nice, natural shades and make sure that the manicure is long-lasting and that it won’t chip easily.

Image: Allef Vinicius — Image: Allef Vinicius

Hair and face

The evening before the wedding is the perfect time to grab a good hair pack and nourish your hair, and to sit down and relax with a good sheet mask on your face. Rub in a body lotion into your skin and simply take some time to really let go of the stress and feel happy about what’s coming tomorrow.

A little note about makeup

If a professional is doing your makeup, then make sure you have try-out sessions so you could really pick the look that suits you the best. If you plan to do it on your own, then start practicing months before so you could get the look down perfectly.

One last tip before we go would be to pay attention to stress management. A big, happy event is coming your way, and stress will only mar the joy of it. So, get regular massages, do yoga, meditate, and start looking forward to the wedding!

This article is written by Brigitte Evans from highstylife.com

Tom Versluys 10/29/17 Tom Versluys 10/29/17

Small vs. Large Weddings

When you first start planning a wedding, there are so many things to decide that it can be a little overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions to make is the guest list. Here at Boulevard Gardens, we offer wedding packages to cater for all size parties, big or small. Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the size of their wedding, so if you're still unsure whether you should go big or go small, here are some tips for knowing which to choose.

LARGE WEDDINGS

For some people, grand, sweeping weddings are all the rage. With more guests than you can count on two hands and enough smiles to last for a life time, these style of weddings are sure to get even the shyest guests into their party shoes. When your guest list starts to push into the hundreds, it's guaranteed to be quite an affair, although certainly not for the faint-hearted. Large weddings may be too much for some people, but they will certainly be remembered for many years to come.

SMALL WEDDINGS

Perhaps you want a small, more intimate event, with only your closest family and friends. Although not as grand as some large-scale weddings, a smaller function provides a cosier environment for those who attend, making it all the more special. It is more likely that everyone will know each other and get along well, removing the drama that some people associate with weddings. Smaller weddings are also more cost effective. If you are on a tight budget, it might be more realistic to plan for a small wedding that is within your desired price range.

Written by Jessica Kennedy.

Tom Versluys 10/22/17 Tom Versluys 10/22/17

Top 5 Groom's Fashion Trends for 2017

One of the most important parts of your wedding day is how you're dressed when you're ready to say, "I do." Although the bride will be the centre of attention with her wedding gown, you'll also stand out and get plenty of attention. If you want to look stylish and trendy as a groom, there are a few fashion trends to model for 2017.

Navy Suits

Navy suits look sleek and stylish compared to the traditional black or white suit that is typically worn at weddings. Navy suits pop when paired with colours that include blush and ivory when you want to still look masculine at the romantic event. With a pair of brown shoes and a white bow tie, you'll look sleek and presentable for your bride. Those who want to stand out even more and are getting married in the spring or summer season can opt for an electric blue suit that makes more of a statement.

Single-Breasted Jackets

Single-breasted jackets are one of the latest trends for men because they're slimming and structured, creating a sharp look when you want to look polished on your wedding day. Sack style jackets are also available with single-breasted jackets, making them comfortable to wear for different body types. Because they're meant to be worn buttoned-up for a more formal look, two to three buttons are often used.

Burgundy Wedding Suits

Burgundy wedding suits are also increasing in popularity for their bold colour shade that will draw just as much attention to the groom. The unique colour shade will allow you to mix or match with your wedding party and looks ideal when the groomsmen wear gray suits. You can also match the bold suit with navy suits for your groomsmen to prevent it from looking too dramatic.

Slim Suits

Slim suits are incredibly slick and will allow you to feel confident when standing at the end of the aisle as you wait for your bride to appear. In past years, men have opted to wear baggy pants that are roomy but are straying towards slim pants that look sharp and will allow you to look fit. The style is youthful and will allow you to look slender when you want to have a fitted suit that complements your body type.

Skinny Ties

When you want to embrace a retro look that is a blast from the past, consider wearing a skinny tie to create an edgy style that will allow you to look cool on your wedding day. Slim ties are a step up from traditional ties and will allow you to wear a unique accessory that is eye-catching. Choose a skinny tie colour that is neutral to prevent the tie from looking too bold with your suit. A black or gray tie can complement different colours of suits and will work as the main focal point of the outfit.

You should feel confident and masculine on your wedding day, making it necessary to research the latest trends in the wedding industry for grooms. When it comes to your attire, it's important to choose accessories or a specific suit that looks bold and will allow you to turn heads while standing next to your bride.

Author bio: Ivette works in Digital Marketing at POLITIX, a leading Australian-based brand that specialises in contemporary men's fashion clothing. POLITIX is known for their original design, expertise in fit, tailoring, and ultra attention to detail.

Written by Ivette. Produced by Jessica Kennedy.

Tom Versluys 10/2/17 Tom Versluys 10/2/17

A Beginner's Guide to Wedding Planning

Wedding's can be overwhelming. There is a lot to do, a lot to plan, and even more to worry about. Wedding planners can assist wherever possible, and make the bride and groom's life much simpler.

Wedding's can be overwhelming. There is a lot to do, a lot to plan, and even more to worry about. Wedding planners can assist wherever possible, and make the bride and groom's lives much simpler. But before you can get to that stage, it is important to be prepared and at least think about certain aspects of your wedding.

The dream

Some brides have been planning their weddings since they were children. They probably have countless Pinterest boards, follow every wedding Instagram account available, and have a scrapbook of ideas at home that they've been filling up for years. Perhaps you are not one of these people. Regardless, it's important to know what you want before you talk to a wedding planner, because they won't be able to tell you what you want.

The guests

Other than the bride and groom, the next most important people at any wedding are the guests. Generally close family and friends of the couple, the guests make up the majority of the party, and will determine the size and rowdiness of the ceremony. It's a good idea to at least know the number of guests you intend to bring, if not the exact names, before heading to a wedding planner.

The budget

One of the biggest worries about planning a wedding is the overall cost. Most people know that weddings are expensive, but it's useful to know how much you would like to spend. Even if it's only an estimate, and it does change as time goes on and plans change, it's better to know what your limits are at the beginning.

The ceremony

Do you want a large ceremony, or a small one? Do you want it to be a grand, sweeping epic, with dramatic music and thousands of flowers, or a more low-key, intimate event, with a minimalist style and only your very closest friends and family members? Before you start talking to the professionals, try and get an idea of what you picture the ceremony will look like, so once the wedding planner starts asking questions, you can at least answer some of them.