The Australian Summer is often when a large number of engagements take place during the Christmas and New Year period.
Helen shares her knowledge to help make your wedding planning journey as stress free and enjoyable as possible!
Where would you suggest a newly engaged bride start her wedding planning journey?
I believe it is always important to start with the key big ticket items to help the planning journey begin.
This would be to set a date, book your venue, set a budget and then of course the most exciting of all, to start looking for your gown! We are here to guide you through and style your entire wedding look.
What tools does one need?
Things have certainly changed since I got married nearly 20 years ago when you would buy a few bridal magazines and create a physical scrapbook of torn out pages that we have loved!
The major tool that brides use today is Instagram for inspiration. Create a mood board using Pinterest, screen grab some of your favourite weddings, gowns and beauty looks as this will help guide suppliers and also assists our team when you visit the boutique so we have an idea of your style and what you are trying to achieve. That said, it is always important to have an open mind as well!
HR Real Bride Tiarne’s cliff top wedding in Positano in her Inbal Dror gown
Where is the best place for brides to seek wedding inspiration for photographers, venues etc
Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest. Social media is king!
HR Real Bride Tiarne, planned her entire Positano wedding herself drawing inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest
Do brides usually have their wedding venue booked when they visit the boutique for the first time?
In the most part yes, but sometimes brides do not have their wedding venue. They are so excited and for them the gown is the most important part of their day. After all, it does not really matter where your venue is, it is all about how your gown makes you feel. If you are having a formal wedding with hundreds of guests or a small intimate wedding as long as you love your gown it will work everywhere!
How long does it usually take between first visit to Helen Rodrigues Bridal and final gown collection?
It really depends on how far in advance brides book their gowns from their wedding. We usually require 8-10 months production time for our designers and like to receive gowns at least 8 weeks prior to the wedding date so we can schedule appointments to look at accessories if need be to complete their wedding look and then also to book all fittings and alterations appointments.
HR Real Bride Louise, at The Grounds of Alexandria in her Monique Lhuillier gown
Do most of your brides have skincare and fitness regimes in place in the lead up to the wedding?
Yes, I am sure they do have skincare regimes in place. They certainly seem to have health and personal training regimes in place. They often are eating really healthy and working out to be and feel their best on their day. They want to feel physically and mentally strong, which is important in life not just their wedding day.
From your experience, what area of the wedding planning journey do brides usually find the most stressful?
Seating arrangements seems to always create a heightened level of stress! Who should sit next to who, or more often who should not sit next to each other. Sticking to the budget also creates a little stress. Usually just before the wedding is stressful for brides, as so many suppliers are wanting final decisions from them. They are also having to work extra to ensure everything is wrapped up for when they take time off for their wedding and honeymoon. Nowadays, with Instagram brides want perfection. But as far as I believe, perfection does not exist. To strive for it will wear you out, it is just important to enjoy and live in the moment!
The best piece of advice I usually tell my brides is “if things don’t go to plan, no one else knew what the plan was anyway!” to relax and enjoy every moment. That family and friends are there to support you and enjoy your special day and share your love!
HR Real Bride Montarna Pitt at Redleaf, Wollombi in her Inbal Dror gown
“I love these wise words from Helen Rodrigues at my final wedding dress fitting,” shares the bride. “Don’t worry if some things don’t go to plan, as nobody knows the plan!” Montarna Pitt, #HRRealBride
