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.

Written by Jessica Kennedy.

Tom Versluys 9/11/17 Tom Versluys 9/11/17

Five Mistakes Brides Make When Choosing Wedding Jewellery

When it comes to wedding planning, most brides-to-be get over-excited to choose the most elegant wedding gowns, but, they tend to ignore or consider the jewellery as an afterthought. This is a big mistake! The right jewellery will have the power to either make you stand out or ruin your entire look on your special day. Therefore, it is important to lay just as much emphasis on the jewellery as you do when picking the right dress for the occasion. Here are the five grave mistakes that most brides make when choosing wedding jewellery.

1. Never Pick out Your Jewellery Before the Dress

Always pick your dress first before you can think of the jewels to go with it. Deciding which dress to wear can be daunting. For that reason, starting with the jewels will narrow down your options for a good dress. It is natural to want to have that unique or exotic jewellery appearing on your wedding photo album. However, pick out the dress and match your favourite jewellery with it. This will save you the time and stress of trying out dress after dress based on the design or colour of particular jewellery.

2. Don’t Try to Match Your Jewellery to Your Dress

Most wedding dresses feature a single plain colour, mostly white, silver or metallic. Choosing white jewellery to go with a white dress will have little to no effect on your overall look. Spruce up things a bit by picking subtly contrasting jewels. You may also add colour splashes and a touch of tribal to accent your look.

If you have to match your jewellery and the dress, a silver-white pair will auger well. You may also consider a metallic match if that’s your preferred theme colour. A point to note is that your choice of wedding jewellery should be something that you can wear comfortably after the wedding.

3. Ensure that Jewellery is On Your Wedding to Do List

Planning a wedding is seldom a piece of cake. Therefore, picking out a good jewellery will most likely divert your mind from the stress associated with wedding planning. Try to include them in your to-do list weeks or months prior to the wedding. This way you’ll avoid the last minute rush, which would more often than not lead you to a poor jewellery choice.

4. Try to Upstage the Dress

One aspect to keep in mind is never to let your jewellery outshine your dress. In most cases, the dress often leaves more of an impression than a precious jewel. The jewels will play a complementary role in enhancing your look. Therefore, plough all your time into searching for the perfect dress rather than the jewellery. Wedding photos will always be viewed long after the wedding, therefore, a timeless and classic design would be a good way of maintaining elegance through time.

5. Choosing Several Pieces of Jewellery At a Go

When it comes to wedding jewellery, more isn’t always better. Having necklaces, earrings, clutch bags, and bracelets crammed up all together can make you appear messy. It is usually easy to get caught up in the moment, prompting you to have all of your precious jewels on you. However, the sparkle of your dress and wedding ring are more than enough to draw the appropriate attention to you on your wedding day.

However, you can cleverly mix gold and silver for better results. If you are spoilt for choice between different colour designs, settle for a blend of the best two that match your dress.

Matching Wedding Dress With Jewellery.jpg

These are some of the insightful things to remember when picking out your wedding jewellery. Choosing a subtle piece of jewellery that you can wear after the wedding is important. Thus, each time you slip them on, you will reminisce about the wonderful moments you had on your wedding day.

Author Bio: Since young, Bobby has developed a fascination for diamond and coloured stones. The content of his blog posts are very practical and informative for diamond engagement ring shoppers. As an avid traveller, he also writes regularly on topics like the latest jewellery trends at Charles Rose Jewellers and around the world along with the interesting stuff he finds in his travels. His posts are clever and fun to read.

Written by Bobby. Produced by Jessica Kennedy.

Tom Versluys 8/28/17 Tom Versluys 8/28/17

The inside life of a Chef at Boulevard Gardens

Here at Boulevard Gardens, we pride ourselves on not only our providing our lovely couples and guests with beautiful locations for their special day, but also on the quality of the food we produce. Not long ago we sat down with Vincent, the chef here at Boulevard Gardens, to talk about all things food.

How long have you been a chef for and where did you complete your apprenticeship?

After graduating high school in my hometown - Malaysia, I decided I wanted to pursue my career as a Chef, as cooking is something i've always had a passion and talent for. I was lucky to receive a full-time apprenticeship straight after high school. With all of the sweat and tears (only from cutting onions...) came a tonne of knowledge, and I graduated as a Chef when I was 19 years of age. After my apprenticeship I was lucky enough to score a position at a 5 star hotel in Malaysia. I gained a lot of knowledge, tips, experience, and tricks from the best in the Industry. I say the "best" in the industry, as the Executive Chefs came from Europe to work with us from the very beginning. With a lot of hard work, a lot of competition and a lot of hurdles to overcome, I ended up excelling in my career and have continued to succeed ever since.

What are your top 3 favourite dishes from Boulevard Gardens?

I think that's a very difficult question, as every single dish at Boulevard Gardens is mouth-watering, fresh and unique. A lot of time, effort and love goes into each dish at Boulevard, but if I had to choose, I would say:

1. Wild Barramundi; topped with macadamia nut and pesto crust.

2. The Vegetarian Risotto.

3. Either the Chocolate Mousse; topped with raspberries OR the Baked New York Cheesecake.

What is your favourite ingredient to work with?

Growing up, I thought salt belonged in a shaker at the table, and nowhere else. I always used to think that salt was the strangest, most unusual thing in the world. Since working as a Chef, and experiencing first-hand the transformative power of salt, that's when I realised that it is an essential ingredient whilst working in the kitchen. Like I tell my colleagues, "No salt, no cooking".

What's the most important part of your job?

There are many "important" parts of my job, especially as a Chef! However, the most crucial elements of my work are timing and accuracy.

Written by Chloe. Produced by Jessica Kennedy.

Tom Versluys 8/3/17 Tom Versluys 8/3/17

The Wedding of S & S

At Boulevard we know that it has to be true love to move across the world for the one you love. This is how the love story of S & S began and nestled away in the hidden garden, was where they looked in to each others eyes and said, “I do”.

Greenery and Blush

The Love Story

It was a sunny Autumn day here at the Boulevard Gardens when S & S celebrated the beginning of their lives as a husband and wife. The love and happiness on their special night was captured by Justin Taylor from Chris Hall Photography. Here is a little sneak peek in to our lovely couple's Wedding day.

At Boulevard we know that it has to be true love to move across the world for the one you love. This is how the love story of S & S began and nestled away in the hidden, enchanted garden, was where they looked in to each others eyes and said, “I do”.

The Wedding

The Wedding of S & S was styled with the elegant combination of greenery and pink details. The stunning bride arrived in a convertible car wearing a gorgeous lace dress and beautiful pale pink heels. Different shades of pink on the bridal bouquet as well as on the grooms tie, pocket square and boutonnière tied the adorable details together.

The ceremony was held in our magical Wedding garden followed by an intimate reception for 30 guests. Our stunning couple chose a trendy long table for their little pop up wedding and it was styled with the same whimsical theme of blush and greenery. Lanterns, pink details and a lush garland across the table, is all you need for an elegant reception. The simple place cards and the little olive branches were a cute addition to the styling. Safe to say that we loved everything about this adorable and intimate Wedding.