Credit: Blaise Bell Photography
When planning a DIY wedding on the NSW South Coast, there are so many opportunities to add inexpensive bespoke touches to your wedding design. Most of the time the magic lies in the smaller details, so don’t forget to look beyond the bigger picture and add some thought to the finer touches.
Seacliff House is surrounded by rugged natural beauty, so the venue itself guarantees a beautiful and romantic backdrop for your big day. Our property is fully versatile and designed to suit any type of wedding or theme, so all you need to do is think about how you want to style it to suit your tastes as a couple. We’ve provided a few tips to help get the details right.
Start by choosing a theme and colour scheme
Choosing a theme is probably the biggest decision you will make when designing your wedding, as this sets the benchmark for everything from the invitations to the dress. Think about your personalities and tastes as a couple and the kind of mood you want to create for your special day and be guided by the season your wedding will be held in. Seacliff House is a stunning wedding venue all year round, but different seasons are suited to different styles.
Once you’ve decided on a theme, pick a colour scheme to suit. Choosing a colour scheme early on in the styling process will make things so much easier when it comes to choosing bridesmaid’s dresses, groomsmen’s outfits, flowers and décor. Seacliff House is designed to work with any colour choice, so think about your favourite colour or ones that will help create the vibe you’re going for. Think dark, dramatic tones for a romantic winter wedding, soft pastels for springtime or classic neutrals for timeless elegance.
Get the invitations right
Setting a theme and colour scheme before you design your wedding invitations ensures your theme rolls out from start to finish. This way when the invitations arrive in the mail, the very first thing your guests will see is a piece of stationery that sets the scene for what lies ahead.
Pick flowers that compliment your theme
Choosing flowers is one of the most fun parts of planning a wedding, but the choices can be overwhelming. The best way to pick your florals is to think about the type of bloom that’ll compliment the theme and design you’re going for. If you’re going for a boho gypsy style wedding, Aussie natives are an excellent choice, while those seeking a more glam, classic style might want to opt for roses or lilies. It’s also important to think about what’s going to be in season when your wedding rolls around, as not all types of flowers are available year-round.
Consider your colour scheme when picking your flowers. Which colours will complement your bridesmaid’s dresses? Do you want soft romantic pastels or a rainbow of bold, vibrant shades? One single colour or a combination of several? Figuring out the answer to these questions before you even think about the type of flower you want will make the decision much easier. Check out Elka’s Flowers here on the South Coast for vintage inspired, bespoke flowers which a touch of whimsy. Don’t forget to speak to your florist about how you want your bouquet tied and with what materials, and whether you want to add any extra flowers or greenery.
Add some personal flavour
Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. Planning a DIY wedding gives you total creative freedom to design the bespoke wedding of your dreams, so this is your chance to add some personal flavour of your own. Add signage using your own words for a personalised touch and think about the little accessories you can add to really make the wedding a reflection of yourselves as a couple. Are you both chocolate fanatics? Consider a fondue and chocolate station. Are you both health nuts? Set up a smoothie and kombucha bar. It’s identifying these little quirks that make you who you are as a couple that can make your wedding so much more personal.
When picking vendors, stick with the ones that speak to your personal style as a couple. If you’re into more formal settings, design an elaborate sit-down dinner by candlelight and hire caterers that can provide an elegant three course meal. If you’re more casual and laidback, have a rustic outdoor feast of platters and bites so guests can focus more on drinking and dancing. We’re lucky to have an incredible range of independent wedding vendors here on the South Coast, so check out our Friends page for a list of suppliers who can help design the bespoke wedding of your dreams.
 
Don’t skimp on the photographer
We’ve heard horror stories about DIY brides who choose to do away with professional photographers altogether, instead trusting that friends and family will get enough great shots on their phones and digital cameras to compensate. Not surprisingly, most of these brides are then completely heartbroken when the results don’t live up to their expectations. Hiring a professional wedding photographer is one of the details you don’t want to skimp on – they’re there to capture the magic of the day and create a physical reminder of just how stunning your wedding was. In addition to capturing memories of your wedding, think of it as a keepsake for all the hard work you put into planning.
Let your photographer know your favourite details of the wedding styling so you get the exact photos you’re looking for. If you’re completely besotted with the vintage cushion collection or have a soft-spot for fairy lights, let the photographer know so your most loved features aren’t overlooked. There are some amazing wedding photographers on the South Coast, like Red Berry Photography and David Campbell – you’ll find details on our Friends page.
