HOW TO PLAN A BRIDAL SHOWER?

Bridal showers are special. It is that last day before the wedding where the bride can be all herself with her family and friends. It is that last party as a single where she can plan to fulfill all her wishes. It is a special day for the bride as she will be treated like a princess and everything will be done according to her will.

Bridal showers are mostly hosted by the maid of honor as well as the accompanying bridesmaids. It is more of a gift shower than the bridal shower as that is the medium to show love. The gifts are selected in a way that helps the new couple to build up a new home. They mainly include kitchen and home decor related gifts as well as makeup, dresses, and jewelry.

All these things happen simultaneously, but the main headache lies in organising a perfect bridal shower before the guests arrive. These are the things one should keep in mind while planning one to keep everything smooth:

1) PLAN THE DATE IN ADVANCE

The bridal shower is mostly planned before one month of the wedding. It is very important to decide the date in advance to plan other things like venue, invitations, catering, etc.

2) DEFINE THE BUDGET RIGHT

Until you don’t set a budget aside and plan accordingly, you will either end up spending more or less for the big day. When the budget is defined, you are aware of the money you need to spend only on particular things and not on extra things for luxuries.

3) DEFINE THE GUEST LIST

As it is a pandemic season, it is best advisable to keep the list small and concise. Close friends and family members are enough to keep up the safety standards.

4) DECIDE A GOOD LOCATION

Mostly it will be good to avoid choosing an outside location during this time but if the bride still wishes to host a function outside her home, make sure you choose a venue that takes care of all the safety measures and sanitization to avoid the spread of the virus. We at Ultima Function Center, take full care of the safety and sanitization methods.

5) PLAN THE INVITATION THEME

You would have two options, one going for printed cards and the other one as e-invitation cards. You can check out if there are vendors available right now to print some cards for you or else you can go for e-cards and make the best use of the online medium.

6) DECIDE THE MENU IN ADVANCE

At this time, choosing a caterer is really difficult. And even if you get one, it is extremely difficult to check the safety measures followed by them. This is the reason it is important to check some options in advance and decide on one as early as possible.

Now, you know the right list of planning the bridal shower, so all you need to do is buckle up your shoes and start executing for the big day.

Happy showering!

Wedding Planning Checklist: Eight Stages to an Awesomely Planned Wedding in Melbourne [2020]

 

Finally, just like a dream, your big day is coming up! Different thoughts and ideas flow through your mind, and you start fantasizing about an elegant wedding, thinking about different venues for wedding to choose, and also the best wedding planners to hire.

Yes, you deserve an elegant wedding, and one way to turn your fantasies into reality is by planning things out. So, sit tight, as we bring to you a detailed wedding plan guide on organising your wedding in Melbourne for the utmost experience.

STAGE ONE: 12 – 18 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

At this stage, there seems to be plenty of time, but you should start planning early to make things smooth.

Draft a guest list

When planning a wedding, the first thing to do is to draft a guest list. This is part of early preparations and should be taken seriously. It helps come up with estimates in picking different venues and also in preparing a budget.

Prepare a budget

Make a rough estimate of the amount you wish to spend on different aspects of your wedding. As you do so, draft out the most important things to you, budgeting much money on them. These important things should be about 5 in number, and as you carry on with your wedding planning, don’t forget to give room for things that haven’t crossed your mind yet.

Come up with a venue

Picking a venue early enough is very important because you don’t want a situation where you would be forced to use a venue that doesn’t fit your plans. This should be among the first things to do so that you don’t get disappointed as your big day draws closer. Luckily enough, you can get a fantastic wedding venue in Melbourne through us, quickly and without stress.

Prepare for your bridal train

Don’t just wait until your wedding is just a month or two away before choosing your bridal party. Start early enough, informing your potential bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen and any other person that you want them to be part of your train. As you do so, make it clear to them what they are paying for and the things you would be taking care of so that they start getting financially prepared too.

STAGE TWO: 8 – 10 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

This is the time you should take things a step further. Here are important things you should do at this point.

Reach out to photographers, DJs and other vendors

Begin contacting photographers, videographers, DJs, car rentals, cake makers, florist and others. Find out how they operate, what they offer and their fee. After that, carefully go through the vendors you contacted and narrow them down until you find the best match for you. Don’t waste time, book in advance as soon as you find the right ones for you. This could be a tedious process; hence you may want to contact us for recommendations.

Inform the guests

It would be a very terrible idea to wait just a few months before alerting the guests. For a proper planning, ensure that all the guests on your list are notified so that they save the date and begin adequate preparations.

Make provisions for lodging

Will you wedding require booking rooms on the night before the big day? If yes, book accommodation and also make research for suitable accommodation for guests coming from afar.

Open a registry

At this point, if you like the idea of a registry for well wishes and gifts, set one up. This will enable you come up with as much ideas as possible.

Pick a ring

This shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is necessary at this stage that you search for wedding rings and order for them.

STAGE THREE: 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

Your joyful day is just about 6 months away, and many things should begin falling in place now.

Buy cards and other stationery

Sending out invitations should be done without stress, this is why you should start at this point making research about thank you cards, place cards, menus and other related items you desire.

Decide on your appearance

This stage should be used for determining how you want to look on your big day. Try hairstyles and different makeup to know which one you like so that things become very easy when you do the final make up.

Bring together your documents

Arrange all your means of identification, ensuring that your birth certificate, passport and other necessary documents are valid and kept safe.

Prepare for treatments

Book ahead for treatments like hair coloring, facials, tanning and any other thing you need before your big day. Doing this ensure that things play out nicely.

Make reservations for your honeymoon

It makes lots of sense to book your honeymoon at this stage. This will reduce the load and free you from unnecessary worries. Pick where you want to spend your honeymoon, choose accommodation and book flights too.

STAGE FOUR: 3 – 4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

Things are becoming interesting and you are getting more excited. At this stage, you start executing your plans and make things happen.

Begin inviting

It is time to officially send invitations out.

Get your attire ready

Get items for the day ready. Things like shoes, jewelry and others. Also, if you aren’t satisfied with your dress, then you should make necessary adjustments at this point.

Choose your bonbonniere

Decide on what you want to use as bonbonnaire and get it ready.

Draw up a final list

It’s time to get things heating up pretty fast, so ensure that you’ve made final decisions with your vendors, communicating with them properly. Let them know details of what you want, including the venues and time.

Get the bachelors party ready

Make sure everything is moving on smoothly, and check on the organisers.

Confirm the ceremony details

Ensure that every detail of the legal paperwork is correct, possibly meeting your celebrant to crosscheck your vows and other things.

STAGE FIVE: 1 – 2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

It’s now remaining a month or less before your dream wedding, and planning takes a whole new dimension here.

Prepare the table

Begin making preparations for table arrangement and where each guest should sit.

Shop for gifts

Get the gifts sorted out now to avoid last hour rush.

Practice that dance step

In a happy and fun filled manner, begin practicing your dance moves if you wish.

Schedule for the day

Everything should be planned out, including meal times and other details for the main day. Ensure that all participants get a copy so that things will move smoothly.

Prepare your speech

Get in touch with your MC and let them know what should be covered. As you do that, don’t forget to write your speeches to avoid a hastily drafted speech.

Get proper documentations

Ensure that all necessary documents are sorted out for the ceremony, and all legal works have been taken care of.

STAGE SIX: 2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

Things are really moving fast, and this is when you should round up most plans.

Finalize your reception

At this point you must have gotten the final numbers and details of the big day, so send everything about organizing the venue to the event center and other vendors that would be needing the numbers.

Get bags ready

Do you intend lodging somewhere a night before your big day and even on the night of your wedding? If yes, it is time to pack the bags you’ll be needing for the wedding.

Know what the weather would look like

The weather shouldn’t ruin your big day. Check ahead and make necessary preparations for it. Check the forecast and make arrangements for items like umbrellas, fans, and other items, depending on the predicted outcome.

Collect your dress

All necessary adjustments should have been done by now, so it is time to pick up your wedding dress.

Get ready for your honeymoon

Ensure that bags for your honeymoon are ready and packed, and don’t forget all the travel documents needed for your honeymoon.

STAGE SEVEN: A WEEK BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

Now it’s just remaining 7 days before your wedding, and you can’t just wait any longer for it!

Get payments ready

Ensure that you make the agreed payments with your vendors so that there won’t be any reason to worry on your day.

Visit your venue

Among all the fantastic wedding venues in Melbourne, you must have gotten one at this point. Make a physical visit to your chosen venue, ensuring that all items are supplied as agreed, and the venue is set accordingly too.

Read this: Tips To Choose Best Wedding Venue!

Cool off the stress

Don’t stress yourself, your wedding is just less than 7 days away! Have a nice treat, enjoy yourself, get a massage, and any other thing to help you relax and feel pampered.

Let the rings sparkle

Bring out the engagement ring, get it properly cleaned and polished for the big day.

Make rehearsals

Contact your celebrant and work out a convenient time for possible rehearsals.

STAGE 7: ON YOUR BIG DAY!

Finally, that great day you have been waiting for has arrived! Congratulations!

Feel relaxed

Right from over 12 months ago, you began planning everything, so relax, and allow your vendors take care of the day. You chose them based on how professional they are, therefore, no need worrying about a thing because they will handle it all. It’s your wedding day!

Remember back up plans

You must have planned for alternatives in regards to the weather, so even if the day turns out to be the opposite of what was forecasted, don’t fret. Just stick with what will work with the weather and don’t try forcing things.

Enjoy the moment

It is your big day, don’t let anything steal away your joy. Feel the vibes, enjoy the laughs, and make every moment a memorable one.

STAGE EIGHT: AFTER YOUR BIG DAY

Now your dream has finally come true, and you have just wedded!

Have a romantic honeymoon

Your wedding is over, but your journey of endless love just began. Enjoy your honeymoon, talk and make fun about your wedding day and have the best of laughs and a good time too.

Make the necessary name changes

Make sure you effectively handle all legal documents and make necessary name changes on passports, credit cards, and other necessary documents.

Gift registry

Ensure that your gift registry gets finalized and do everything needed.

Be grateful

In a special way, send special thank you messages to your parents, organisers and other people who directly helped make your wedding a success. Also, send thank you cards to all who sent gifts or attended.

Handle the laundry works

Dry clean any dress that needs to be tidied.

Finalize with your vendors

Meet your vendors, review them and make final conclusions with them. Don’t forget to meet your photographer and videographer for a final photo album and video.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, you just successfully planned a great wedding, keep smiling. A wedding is a big day and should be celebrated joyfully and memorably. At Ultima Function, we don’t just bring to you the best wedding venues in Melbourne, we make sure everything is properly planned and you enjoy every single minute of the day!

How To Break News To Your Guest About Postponing The Wedding

2020 has taken everyone on a wild ride and overall hasn’t really been the best year for anyone. So many plans had to be cancelled or postponed and that includes weddings. If you are one of those couples, we would advice you to keep on reading as we have quite some insight on how you can communicate to your guests about postponing the wedding.

Whether you’ve decided to go for smaller wedding with just your really close friends or thinking of holding it off until next year, we are here to help you through the process. You may be having a hard time communicating this piece of information to all the invited guests and that’s completely understandable. Here are some things you can do:

TAKE A BREATHER

The very first thing to do is take a deep breath and stop panicking. We know your wedding is one of the most important day in your life and you want everything to be perfect. However, this is the time to make the best out of a bad situation.

MAKE SOME DECISIONS

The next thing you need to think about is whether you want to have a small, intimate wedding or whether you want to postpone it until the COVID-19 threat has drowned down all together. When opting for a small wedding, you will obviously have to limit the number of guests and that means not inviting over half the people you did before. It is important that you communicate this to every single guests you invited before. Be honest and communicate via email, text or social media. No one will take things personally as everyone is aware of the pandemic and the new rules for social gatherings.

Before setting the new date, check with the people you are inviting about their availability and whether or not they would be willing to attend. For whatever reason if some of your really close friends or family members can’t make it, you can opt for live streaming the ceremony so they can be a part of it.

You can always have a big party later down the line once life goes back to normal, so don’t feel too bad about not inviting as many people. Prioritize your safety and understand that it is OK to have a quarantine wedding.

If you are planning to get married soon, we wish you the best of luck!

Tips to Make School and College Graduation Amazing and Breathtaking

 During your school or college life, the thing that you look forward to the most is the graduation ceremony. You want to look cool in front of your parents and friends. You also want the graduation ceremony to be memorable and have a blast. Graduation day is the most important day in your life and it is the day you decide your future plans. You want this day to be filled with lots of happiness and joy. You want to throw your graduation cap in the air and want to make your parents proud. This day is all about celebrating your achievements and having fun with your college mates. You talk about your childhood memories and share your future aspirations.

SPECIAL OCCASION

It is that time of year in which you decide what about your future plans. You are ready to take the next step forward in your life. You will be meeting your seniors and new people that you haven’t met before. You may want to announce that you have found someone special that you want to spend the rest of your life with. It is time that you look for a venue to hire.

Moreover, hiring halls that meet your criteria can also become a very difficult decision to make. If you are looking for halls for hire, then we got you. Ultima Function Centre is the ultimate destination for your formal graduation ceremony. We have experts that know all about event management. We provide function rooms and venues for formal school events in Melbourne. Hire a hall or venue whichever suits you best.

SURPRISE YOUR PARENTS

If you are a parent and your daughter or son is soon to graduate, then you may be looking for a venue to hire. We offer a wide variety of halls to hire for your function needs. It’s up to you to decide whether you want a hall or venue. The graduation ceremony is much more than just a walk across a stage or give a speech. Your parents will see you as you hold the degree and make them proud.

Actually, this moment needs a beautiful setting and we provide you with that setting. We are experts in arranging all kinds of formal events. Graduation comes with lots of surprises. Your son or daughter may have found their loved one and may want to surprise you. We have arrangements for these kinds of surprises to make it more lovely. We make your convocation the most amazing day of your life. You will surely remember these good times.

FUN-FILLED NIGHT

There is no doubt that on your graduation day, you will be having a good time with your friends and may have planned big things for them. You want them to have a blast. We can help with planning your best friend gathering ever. The graduation party is all about having a fun time with your friends, and we know that. We have music and lights arrangement as well to make your graduation day more fun. Your friends will be mesmerized by the decorations and beautiful setting that we will have prepared for them. Venues hire companies do not provide the level of arrangement that we provide. We provide a premium experience and give there is attention to detail in every part of the decoration. If you have in mind a hall to hire, then we got you covered. We provide multiple halls hire services. You can book multiple halls if you want to.

THE BIG OCCASION

For this big occasion, you want everything to be perfect and want to have a wonderful time with your loved ones. High school and college life are the most amazing part of your life. You make lots of friends and have adventures together. You make strong bonds and want to cherish those bonds forever in your life. That’s why the graduation ceremony is more than just a celebration. It is once in a lifetime event that you won’t be having in the future. Arranging a graduation party can be a daunting task and can require lots of planning. You will be making guest lists that will be attending the ceremony. The guests need to be properly informed about the event to make it exciting for them to come.

INVITATION CARDS

You will need to make invitation cards for guests and they need to be attractive and filled with lovely words. You should send these invitation cards two months in advance so that everybody can prepare for the big day. We have attractive looking invitation cards that you can send to your loved ones. What are you waiting for? We have halls for hire and venues to hire in Melbourne for making your graduation party unforgettable.

THE LOCATION

The location for this beautiful event should be chosen wisely as you will be remembering this event throughout your life. If you are looking for arranging a graduation ceremony and want to make it memorable then you have come to the right place. We will make your graduation event memorable with our exquisite dining experience and lavish halls filled with beautiful decorations. Ultima Function Centre is the ultimate destination for your celebration needs. If you want a hall for hire then we have exquisite halls with beautiful decorations for making your graduation ceremony memorable. You want a location that is able to host all your guests comfortably and provides a cool ambiance. We make sure that your event is well managed and beautifully decorated. We are situated in the beautiful city of Melbourne and provide you with a beautiful scenic view for your graduation party. We have an expansive parking space for your guest’s cars. Booking our services will not break your bank. We offer budget options, as well.

6 Reasons Not To Cancel Your Booked Wedding

 

Are you planning on tying the knot anytime soon? Are you worried about the current COVID 19 situation and whether or not you’ll be able to pull through?

Well, if that’s the case, there’s simply no reason to sweat.

Without a doubt, weddings are a delicate affair. Not only do they require months and months of planning and preparation, they’re costly too. But what do you do in a situation where things appear gloomy –a pandemic as per say.

The answer is postpone, and don’t cancel. You’ve come way too far to put your love life on hold. And so, cancelling it out may cause you huge emotional and financial ordeal.

First, do not stress out! These expert tips are showing you how it’s done, the smart way.

WEDDING IN PANDEMIC: 6 THINGS TO-DO IF YOU NEED A CHANGE IN PLANS (CANCEL OR POSTPONE) FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Be Aware Of What’s Going On Around You

We can’t stress enough on how important it is to be aware of what’s really going on around you. From the country’s current situation to the facts and figures regarding events –there’s so much to consider.

While reliable news sources are your best bet, keep a heads up by talking to professionals such as wedding planners. They’re also great with updated information.

Check On Your Insurance Plan

Needless to say, weddings don’t come cheap.

And you simply don’t want to lose out on thousands of dollars for nothing. For this reason, simply check up on that insurance plan.

In cases of postponement or worst yet, cancellation, you should be aware. What really does your insurance plan cover?

If you haven’t insured your event before, then this is the best time to get one for the new wedding date. Above all, be smart about the whole situation.

Speak To Your Venue Organizers

Next step, when you come up to reschedule your wedding date, getting your venue organizer on board should be your first priority.

Consider asking them for the 3-5 nearest available dates and then decide from picking one according to your feasibility.

We understand that you want to fast track as soon as possible. However, understanding the situation with an open mind is the need of the hour. So it’s better to be flexible.

Brainstorming With Your Team Is A Good Idea

While you try to keep most of the things to go same as originally scheduled, getting your wedding vendors on the same page is worth the effort.

A zoom call with your wedding team would be a good idea to discuss the changes in plans. Consider their availability for the new date and take their perspectives.

After all, they’ve been in the business for a while now. And that means more experience on how to tackle the scenarios.

Keep That Budget In Mind

Financial constraints and weddings go hand in hand. For this reason, you simply need to minimize on losses, if any. From pre-paid tolls to the world of non-refundable products, you can’t be at a loss.

Be sure to check out that fine print, before anything else. For instance, re-read all of your contracts. You might have missed out upon an important clause that’s bound to give you benefits galore.

5 Reasons To Be Excited For Summer Weddings

 

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the first wedding planning tasks that needs to be taken care of. And what a fun part of the planning it is!

Before you start falling in love with dreamy venues you need to consider guest numbers and aim to find a venue with rain backup if you want an outdoors summer wedding. Just in case you need a solid back-up plan.

So, how many guests are invited? This shouldn’t be mixed up with how many guests you expect to attend? Trust us, almost everyone you invite will joyfully come because who wouldn’t love to celebrate your love story? Once you have an idea of numbers the venue search can begin.

With 4 beautiful venues including stunning inside and outdoors options, the Ultima Function Centre in Melbourne is a popular choice for stylish couples on the search for the dream wedding venue. We can cater to your needs with a beautiful ceremony outside and reception indoors.

Our experienced wedding team is so excited about the summer weddings already booked in. We live for weddings and pride ourselves on exceeding expectations for our brides and grooms on their best day ever.

Since we have so many venue options at the Ultima Function Centre we recommend a visit so you can see the spaces that are designed to be transformed to fit your wedding theme. Glamorous, boho, vintage, classic or traditional – our venue spaces can be styled as you desire and are all equipped to host the wedding you’ve always imagined.

We offer ceremony and reception venues, catering, florals, bridal suites, sound and lighting and can recommend many outstanding wedding vendors if you need some extra help. Most importantly we have enough bubbles and beer to keep your reception party rocking until the DJ plays the last song of the night. And don’t forget the cake. We love cake, especially wedding cake!

Drop by to see us soon because once you select the venue you can set the date and send the beautiful invitations. It’s getting very exciting!

Planning A Wedding During Pandemic: 5 Big Mistakes To Avoid

 

WE KNOW THAT THIS TIME IS FULL OF UNCERTAINTIES BUT DON’T LET IT STOP YOU FROM PLANNING YOUR DREAM NUPTIALS!

Here are five mistakes you need to avoid when planning a wedding during a pandemic even though you’re engaged or making adjustments to your original plans :

MISTAKE 1. ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS!

Unlike wedding; wedding planning has seen a shift in the coming times due to COVID -19.

As you begin reaching out to vendors to do your homework, make sure you compile a list of questions to ask. Some questions to consider asking when searching for your venue (or other vendors) can be:

– Are there extra charges for postponing our event?
– What is your cancellation policy?
– How many types of packages do you offer?
– How many guests can be accommodated in a single event?

We have a variety of event spaces that can accommodate up to 600 guests! While we may not see those guest counts right now, we have plenty of room for you and your guests to distance.

MISTAKE 2. BE OPEN AND FLEXIBLE

This is the key to keeping things as stress-free as possible!

If you’re in the early stages of planning, have a few dates in mind. If your venue has a date available, ask if they can hold it for you while you consult with other vendors (like photographers and DJs) on their availability. However, florists and bakeries usually have a bit more flexibility than the two.

In case you need to postpone your wedding in an emergency, ensure you reach out to your vendors as soon as you make the wise decision. Waiting too long may mean your other vendors may not have your new date available.

MISTAKE 3. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

Although an event coordinator is included in your wedding package, a dedicated wedding planner can help you customise as per your choice and need. The planner will help you in reaching out to your vendors in the event of postponing and will save your sanity during the process.
Many planners offer different packages so ask around to find the best option for you!

MISTAKE 4. FINDING YOUR DRESS

If you’re engaged, don’t rush to make a bridal appointment just yet! Most shops will want to know your wedding date. Once it is fixed, you can order the gown according to the date, keeping space for alterations in case needed.

One more important thing is to talk to the venue and block your day by paying a small deposit. The demand is high due to Covid’19 and venues fill up in blink of an eye.

Now is the time to book your dream wedding dress appointment.

MISTAKE 5. BOOK A VENUE THAT OFFERS A PACKAGE DEAL!

You’ve planned your dream wedding on Pinterest, but did you break down the cost of that tablescape you fell in love with?

Booking a venue that offers an all-inclusive package allows you to have that wedding you dreamed of while avoiding any extra costs that may come with renting the basics or bringing in outside catering (again, keeping things stress free!)

Our event packages include tables, chairs, linens, dance floor, and more!

While planning a wedding during this time may seem like a crazy idea, you’re not crazy for being in love and wanting to celebrate that. Here, at Ultima Function Center , we live to make your dream wedding come to life, no matter big or small!

Ready to book your wedding day or schedule a tour? Let’s get started! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Simply book a zoom meeting with us at ultima.