Entertaining with Elle…
What are your hobbies? My ‘hobbies’ (when I get the time) include writing, reading magazines and looking at vintage books on the 60′s and 70′s, Interiors, Society and of course the Art of Entertaining. Entertaining is quite possibly my most favourite topic of conversation, that and Weddings of course…
So… it was no surprise that flicking open the freshly printed pages of Elle Australia and its highly anticipated October Issue did I find myself sweetly succumbing to its ‘Party’ pages… gasp!
Case in point. The thing I love about Elle and unlike most publications, the reader is not only privvy to the ‘Who’ but they are also informed on all those juicy details i.e. The music, food, decor and trends. Elle manages to present all this uber import-ante information to us via two crisply assembled pages. Seamlessly mind you.
You see, the little details are what keeps us Planners and Stylists super-inspired and loving what we do every day. Creating and being inspired. Without having instant access to what’s hot on the global-stage via a VIP Invitation, which let’s face it, unless you’re Anna Wintour or Karl Lagerfield who does. Thanks to Elle for bringing us along for the ride…
Look, I have always been very aware of how the other half lives and well, here’s a secret. They’re still living exactly how I had imagined… fabulously that is!
Want to read a ‘How-to’ guide on throwing a party that’s quote: ‘Part French, part Italian and part Snoop Dogg?’ Head to pages 375-376 now.
Bree x
Save money / Hire a Wedding Planner
[Todd Fiscus, Event Director at Todd Events]
White Rabbit Projects plans exciting weddings and events all-year-round. Our creative and planning process is very simple. It goes a little something like this…
First we get an enquiry then a brief of what the client requires from us. Next we get to work on providing a proposal and quotation and if we are lucky we win the job. Then we get to work on mood-board preparations, budgets and sourcing items for our clients special day.
Throughout the briefing process we request our clients send through visuals. This is the BEST and ONLY way we can ensure that everyone is on the same page. Managing peoples expectations is paramount. Avoiding disappointment is key.
Creativity is open to a world of interpretation, therefore it is really important that we get this part right. Alot of time goes into this and often goes unnoticed. The things is that there is no dress-rehearsal for an event. Therefore to avoid disasters on the day and phrases like; “This wasn’t what I envisaged”, we rely heavily on clients sending us to sites like their Pinterest pages/ Blogs and Magazine clippings so we can get an idea of their style and taste.
Opening Pandoras box cue Pinterest can cause a world of conflict though. You see, when someone brings us an image of an event that took place overseas like in the USA or in countries where it’s a lot cheaper to get your hands on gasp-worthy decorations and flowers this is where things start to get a bit tricky.
In the USA; Venues, Suppliers and Hire Goods are infinitely cheaper than they are here in Australia. Fact. Clients need to understand that we essentially are not comparing apples to apples and this even for us is quite difficult to get our own heads around.
It goes without saying that we ourselves often reference American Event Designers i.e. Preston Bailey and Martha Stewart for a world of inspiration. We just love how Americans plan their events. They’re bigger, more colourful, often themed and perfect for the guest whose ‘seen it all’.
Unfortunately though the Wedding industry happens to charge a fraction of what we do here in Australia and hence there being a greater demand for Wedding and Event Planners in the USA.
Whilst Australia brides-to-be in Australia are still warming up to the idea of hiring a Wedding Planner for their big day. We are still deemed a ‘Luxury’ item and sadly an unnecessary expense when planning a wedding. It’s a hurdle that we are slowly overcoming and people are gradually warming up to the idea that we are on their side and want them to get the most from their well earned cash.
Still some unfortunately think that a Wedding Planner is reserved for those individuals who own a wallet the size of Packer. The truth is that, well this is just not true.
Organising and Event here in Australia is actually one of the most cost-saving items you can engage in ahead of your big day.
Recently we had a prospective client who we managed to save her a small fortune. She was about to spend an unnecessary amount on a particular supplier who should have known better. Luckily she met us just in time and prior to booking this supplier and in that moment our fee was totally negated due to this cost saving activity meaning we cost her literally nothing.
You see, the age old adage of spending money to save money is more apparent in our industry than ever. Whilst many would beg to differ, we open people’s minds and present them with valuable ways, tricks and tools on how to shave thousands of dollars of their wedding.
Recently we came across this fabulous interview on Martha Stewart Weddings with Mr Todd Fiscus. Fiscus is a Texas based Event Director and Founder of Todd Events. Fiscus clearly has flamboyancy running through his veins and we just love his confident and colourful eye. In this candid interview he shares with the reader how they too can save money by hiring a wedding planner. We couldn’t agree with him more…
If you are considering planning a wedding and going it alone, contact us first for a complimentary consultation. See how we too can end up saving you cash and spending time having fun!
Read and be inspired!
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226702/expert-advice-event-designer
Bree x
KERRY AND ANGELO
An Aspiring Planner
My name is Olivia and I have been coming in once a week as a work experience student for White Rabbit Projects since March of this year. Kerry and Angelo’s wedding was a first for me on two counts. It was both the first wedding I had ever assisted on, and as a bit of a country girl from out west, it was also the first time I’d ever been to Rose Bay.
The Venue; The Sailors Club, was beautiful. The combination of the windows, water, and long candle lit table created a spectacular intimate line down the middle of the main dining room. The table was decorated with petite bottles of patron and fresh fragrant florals.The Bride was stunning in her strapless gown and made a seamless change before dinner into an elegant new dress. The guests sipped mojitos with fresh mint and enjoyed themselves, and the party atmosphere.
The night, overall was something I immensely enjoyed being a part of, it was beautifully put together, and beautifully executed. It was a night that reminded me why I want to become a wedding planner, and the real art to this fantastic and vibrant world.
Rhea and Andrew
When I received a call from Rhea I knew that this was a one of a kind wedding that I just had to be a part of.
To let you in on a little secret, the team here at White Rabbit Projects quite frequently drop a tear. Rhea and Andrew’s wedding was no exception.
Not only were Rhea and Andrew’s vision crystal clear from our initial meeting but the chemistry between them both… well… it was always destined to be a day full of happy tears.
You know that famous closing scene in The Graduate where Benjamin (Dustan Hoffmann) decides he must go after Elaine (Katharine Ross) whose getting married downtown and takes it upon himself to literally steal the bride and run off into the distance and live happily ever after?
Something took us back to that exact time and place. The setting of the church the 50′s muscle cars. Something charming about the day, and almost not of this era.
Enough said. Hopefully we’ve managed to set the mood for this beautiful story to now unfold. Thanks to our visual storyteller Matthew Mead – who managed to eloquently sum the day up pretty well don’t you think?
All the very best to you both Mr and Mrs Mara
WRPx
INTRODUCING THE WEDDING ENGINEER
Can’t decide on whether to spend money on hiring a wedding planner or stylist? Hire a wedding engineer instead!
Did you know that no two zebras have the same stripes? In an effort to dispell all myths surrounding the role of a wedding planner and a stylist we’ve endeavoured to present our case in the simplest way possible – because let’s face it. We all know how exponentially confusing not to mention overwhelming it can be to plan a wedding.
It’s all about you on the day
The most important role of a wedding planner should be geared towards pleasing you on the day. We often refer to it as being your eyes and ears on the ground. Whilst you think you might be able to plan a wedding on your own, you can most certainly not produce your wedding on the day. It’s physically impossible. For instance, your wedding planner will chase your hair and makeup artist or DJ if they are not on time, they will ensure that place cards are set-up on the tables before guests arrive and make any last minute changes if there are drop-outs on the day. If it rains, it is the wedding planners role to kick in plan b. and notify all suppliers of next steps and greet you with an umbrella at the reception. The wedding planner will also chase down the bridal party when it is time to cease photos and be announced into the reception venue so as to not compromise the quality of food being served. Other duties are to ensure that the venue hold up their end of the bargain and that the bathrooms are being kept clean and that guests drinks are being topped up. Being on the ball and ahead of everyone else and having the experience to spy problems before they arise is what makes your wedding planner invaluable.
The Planner versus the Stylist
Often the misconception is that a stylist is a wedding planner. We will be the first to communicate that the cost of a wedding is not something to be sneezed at. Budget often restricts you from having the help you really need. Hiring one supplier over the other and expecting them to do the job that is not in their domain can be dicey territory. When shopping around for a Wedding Planner or a Stylist, a lot of companies will provide both and do it with sheer aplomb. Be sure to do your research and see what their strengths are. Is it in the planning or styling? A planner in most cases will be upfront with their creative capabilities and this is by far the best approach to take. You need someone that sees your vision and can see it come to fruition both logistically and aesthetically speaking.
A birds eye view
This is the second most important role of your wedding planner. Depending on the size and nature of your wedding and the complexity surrounding the set-up etc… there can be as many as 20+ suppliers involved in your wedding day. Your wedding planner is instrumental in marrying you up with the very best suppliers that are suited to your personality and style. From photographers, venue location, celebrant, hire equipment, menus, running order for the day, transportation, invitations, accommodation, wedding registry, seating plan…the list is endless.
Having an all encompassing understanding of every last detail surrounding your wedding day is what keeps the process smooth and complimentary. Enter your wedding planner.
Case study #1. Emma and James are getting married on a farm with no power or running water. Everything needs to bought in on site. We are talking generators, toilets, catering marquee, marquee, kitchen equipment, flowers, rigging points, chairs, tables, cutlery, dance floor, power, av + sound, lighting and more. Through multiple site inspections and production meetings to uncover the logistical side of your wedding, the wedding planner produces the master running sheet and floor plan (cad drawings if necessary). He/She is the number one person who understands that the placement of each supplier and their arrival and bump-out times are crucial to the success of the day. Unless a clear assessment by the wedding planner is established very early on in the peace then suppliers will find it very difficult to get the right information they require to implement their role in the day. Who do they call if not your wedding planner? YOU. This is when you start to feel overwhelmed and completely absorbed by the day. Don’t quit your full-time gig, enlist a wedding planner and in the words of one of my clients – “Help to shield you from all those nitty gritty details”.
To cut a long story short – who wants to look back and recall the sheer stress surrounding your wedding day. Not you that’s who. Although wedding planners are still very new to Australia, its hard to get your head around what we do. Hopefully this article has aided in getting you familiar with our role and responsibilities.
When in doubt – contact us today for a free appraisal to ascertain what path you should go down and how to best maximise your money and time!
WRPx
Jordana and Tom
Jordana + Tom
Jordana and I met at the end of last year via a mutual friend. A budding florist who recently branched out with a business fittingly called WILDER - keep an eye out for this lady. Jordana’s creativity and eye for style is born out of many years spent in the Fashion industry.
Talented on all accounts – Jordana and Tom’s wedding day was nothing short of breathtaking. Whilst it took a village to get it off the ground – the result was sublime.
Thanks to Jordana and Tom and their families for letting us share this special day and for allowing us to share some truly gorgeous footage captured by the talented Elisse Hassey.
THE SUNSET ROOM WATSONS BAY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
More often than not, we pinch ourselves and think ‘boy, how lucky are we’. Today was certainly no exception.
After ascending up the windy New South Head Road and arriving at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, we found ourselves in amongst some familiar territory but change was in the air.
Very shortly after landing a rock star park, we were greeted by one dapper gent – decked out in sailor stripes and gatsby comb over – why, it was the perfect sense of arrival. Into the building we were escorted and not long after in our immediate distance we were nothing short of in complete awe. Welcome to the ‘Sunset Room’.
Imagine Carrie and Mr Big had a getaway in the Hampton’s for one minute – this dear friends would be it!
To launch the latest extension of the recently evolving Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel to media and bridal industry types – as invited guests, it really was such an honour. Hosted by our dear friends at EVHPR – the event was staged to absolute perfection (as expected). As cliche as it sounds. We didn’t want to leave. It was that good.
Here’s what went on;
Eat: Gourmet morsels worth writing about designed by Pete Evans tempted guests in amongst the Laduree French Patisserie ‘instillation’. Say no more.
Watch: Collette Dinnigan revealed 12 new season bridal looks to 60 bridal industry leaders and media.
Do: Meander around the Sunset Room and eye out the beautifully styled space. Every corner, nook was well thought out and totally fitting with its surround. If ever a venue did all the thinking for you – this is it! The Sunset Room requires minimal styling which is such a dream come true to any bride-to-be.
Feel: Crisp white walls, grey timber flooring, a stunning marble bar and nautical finishings designed by Jeremy Bull.
See: Miss Sydney Harbour, Fraser Short and Arthur Laundy – Owners of Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Collette Dinnigan, Natasha Silva-Jelly – Harpers BAZAAR, Wendy El-Khoury – Wedded Wonderland, Alison Parr – Fab Sugar, Emily Boughton – White Magazine, Rebecca Lau – White Runway.
WRPx
PS Brides-to-be – please see this venue for yourself. It’s hands down on our top five wedding venues of choice. Anyone who knows us knows that we are harsh critics. Take our word and go see for yourself this weekend!
Watsons Bay Wedding
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel’s wedding showcase will be held this weekend 25 & 26 May from noon to 5pm. This weekend’s A Watsons Bay Wedding partners include; Collette Dinnigan bridal, Confection Pantry, Blumenthal Photography, Ladurée Sydney, Kavelle Flowers, Décor of Distinction, Ion Events, Kombi Celebrations, Willowlane Stationery, The Britstop, Silver Lining, Sydney Wedding DJs, Harp Music & Latitude Charters. Guests can meet Pete Evans on Saturday between 12-2pm and enjoy a personal menu tasting. There will also be cake tastings, champagne, canapés and plenty of inspirational wedding ideas. Entry to the weekend showcase event is free.
Visitors to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel who book the Grand Bridal Suite will receive a complimentary consultation at the Collette Dinnigan Woollahra boutique with a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.
KRISTIN AND CHRIS
WHITE RABBIT PROJECTS was thrilled to be part of Kristin + Chris’s dream wedding planning team and were even more excited to see their wedding feature in the Winter issue of Cosmopolitan Bride.
Kristin contacted us to assist with the on-the day co-ordination of her wedding. A super organised bride she had all basis covered except no one to assist with executing suppliers and flow of events on the day. That’s where we stepped in and as we put it ‘were Kristin’s eyes and ears on the day!’.
If you haven’t already – hit up your local newsagent and get this season’s issue of Cosmopolitan Bride.
WRPx
JANUS MEDIA LAUNCH
Last week White Rabbit Projects organised along with Magnet PR the launch of Janus restaurant slash bakery slash cafe in the heart of Kings Cross entertainment Mecca. What went on? Well, guests arrived at 7pm and the fun didn’t stop until the wee hours.
Jesinta Campbell MC’d the night and 250 guests were entertained by brazlian beats and dancers, a roving carvery, a dessert ROOM filled with macaron towers and more sweetness than Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. That and so much more… it really was a feast for the senses.
Bon appetite!
THE ULTIMATE WEDDING PLANNING PARTY
The night where every bride-to-be that ever there was will gather there together because…
The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party can be summed up in two words. Magical and memorable! Celebrating its Fifth Birthday – the UWPP team rolled out the red carpet and unveiled what it does best and that is to create an elegant night for brides-to-be to get the very best advice, tips from only a select handful of wedding suppliers.
This year we were lucky enough to be invited to witness the supreme planning team land centre stage in front of more than 25o something guests.
Nestled comfortably underneath the beautiful Sydney Opera House’s Opera Point Marquee (180 degree harbour views alright!) - the Harbour Bridge played a small role in the nights affair to remember with all eyes firmly planted on the leading ladies themselves – the brides-to-be…
Here’s what we got up to.
Eat: Aria catered morsels – dessert was out of control! Note to self – Must contact Matt and get that recipe (Ok then)
See: A marquee absolutely brimming with beautiful styled tables, decorations, lolly buffet, Musicians and so much more plus a fun fashion show thanks to designers; Steven Khalil, Karen Willis Holmes, Henry Roth, Michelle Roth, Rachael Gilbert, Eden Rose and Georgia Osborne.
Talk: Lynette Carol Bolton led the nights proceedings as the UWPP MC inviting the likes of Elizabeth Trevan (Marriage Celebrant) , Anthony Del Col (Staging Connections), Inlighten Photography to talk candidly on things to consider, think about and what not to do on your wedding day. The funniest part was the live Q&A with Polly and Waz from ‘The Block’. Guys just remember no matter how tough the road gets in your wedding planning journey – you are never alone!
Do: Book tickets for next years event! Enjoy sampling, sipping and smiling with all the fun stuff to do – it really was like a wedded wonderland for brides-to-be
www.ultimateweddingplanningparty.com
