How to Infuse Your Wedding with Eco & Ethical Joy
March 6, 2020
MINDFULLY WED E-GUIDE We’ve turned weddings upside down. Yep, that’s right! The Mindfully Wed e-book is a bundle of knowledge like no other. It’s hard being a conscious consumer in the wedding world, so we’ve made it our mission to do the work for you. We go beyond the pretty and the ‘must-haves’ to let couples remain true to themselves and their values, as well as step into their true consumer power.
“The Mindfully Wed e-guide not only made me feel really good about my somewhat unconventional wedding ideas, but also encouraged me to stick to our vision without aiming for perfection. It is jam packed with how-to’s like where to find a socially conscious ring, thought provoking articles such as ‘War on Waste Weddings’ and even planet-friendly menu ideas. The photography is raw, real and breathtaking, giving such authentic inspiration as to what really is possible.
After downloading this guide, I really don’t see any need for wedding magazines or to seek out more information, this literally had everything I could want and more. For all you fellow wedding planners out there, invest in your own copy, it’ll be the smartest and most uplifting spend in your budget, guaranteed.”
Leah Musch, The Unmaterial Girl
After downloading this guide, I really don’t see any need for wedding magazines or to seek out more information, this literally had everything I could want and more. For all you fellow wedding planners out there, invest in your own copy, it’ll be the smartest and most uplifting spend in your budget, guaranteed.”
Leah Musch, The Unmaterial Girl
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The Legend of the Claddagh Ring
July 2, 2019
Passed down through the generations, this romantic story centers on a man named Richard Joyce and the ring he created.
Legend has it that shortly before Richard Joyce, a fisherman was due to be married, he was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.
Passed down through the generations, this romantic story centers on a man named Richard Joyce and the ring he created.
Legend has it that shortly before Richard Joyce, a fisherman was due to be married, he was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential and made Joyce his apprentice. During this time Joyce became a master goldsmith and with thoughts of the lass he had left behind in Galway, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity. In 1689, King William III enforced a request upon the Algerians to release all of his subjects enslaved in the country to release all his subjects held in slavery. Once more Richard Joyce found himself a free man.
His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.
There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.
The Claddagh Ring merges the basic ‘clasped hand design’ of Fede Rings with a heart and a crown signifying Love, Friendship and Loyalty or Fidelity. These rings were kept with great pride as family heirlooms, which were passed lovingly down from mother to daughter on her wedding day.
The design has now become very popular internationally, its spread being helped by the vast exodus from Ireland during the great famine in 1845-1849. The simplicity of the ring and the symbolism it conveys make it the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.
Fede or “Faith rings” date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. They are distinctive in that the bezel is cut or cast to form two clasped hands that symbolise faith and trust. Early examples are on view at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer’s romantic availability, or lack thereof.
Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: “their heart is open”. When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that “someone has captured their heart”.
A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married”.
Legend has it that shortly before Richard Joyce, a fisherman was due to be married, he was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential and made Joyce his apprentice. During this time Joyce became a master goldsmith and with thoughts of the lass he had left behind in Galway, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity. In 1689, King William III enforced a request upon the Algerians to release all of his subjects enslaved in the country to release all his subjects held in slavery. Once more Richard Joyce found himself a free man.
His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.
There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.
The Claddagh Ring merges the basic ‘clasped hand design’ of Fede Rings with a heart and a crown signifying Love, Friendship and Loyalty or Fidelity. These rings were kept with great pride as family heirlooms, which were passed lovingly down from mother to daughter on her wedding day.
The design has now become very popular internationally, its spread being helped by the vast exodus from Ireland during the great famine in 1845-1849. The simplicity of the ring and the symbolism it conveys make it the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.
Fede or “Faith rings” date from Roman times and were popular in the Middle Ages throughout Europe. They are distinctive in that the bezel is cut or cast to form two clasped hands that symbolise faith and trust. Early examples are on view at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.
The way that a Claddagh ring is worn on the hand is usually intended to convey the wearer’s romantic availability, or lack thereof.
Traditionally, if the ring is on the right hand with the heart facing outward and away from the body, this indicates that the person wearing the ring is not in any serious relationship, and may in fact be single and looking for a relationship: “their heart is open”. When worn on the right hand but with the heart facing inward toward the body, this indicates the person wearing the ring is in a relationship, or that “someone has captured their heart”.
A Claddagh worn on the left hand ring finger facing outward away from the body generally indicates that the wearer is engaged. When the ring is on the left hand ring finger and facing inward toward the body, it generally means that the person wearing the ring is married”.
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Environmental Wedding Choices
March 19, 2019
Those of you that follow me on Instagram and Facebook will know that this year, I am trying to make sustainable changes to my lifestyle that help our environment.
I remember when I was at school (all those years ago), Planet Ark made a big impression on me and with a vision of a world where people live in balance with nature, it still connects with me even today. As mother of two, I feel it important to do what we can to make our planet more sustainable. But we are not here for me to talk about the environment, we are here to talk about WEDDINGS. So, here are 10 eco-friendly wedding choices you can make, making a positive impact on the world while planning your wedding?
I remember when I was at school (all those years ago), Planet Ark made a big impression on me and with a vision of a world where people live in balance with nature, it still connects with me even today. As mother of two, I feel it important to do what we can to make our planet more sustainable. But we are not here for me to talk about the environment, we are here to talk about WEDDINGS. So, here are 10 eco-friendly wedding choices you can make, making a positive impact on the world while planning your wedding?
1. DECORATIONS
I reposted earlier today an image by Waste Free Wednesdays: “Celebrate without plastic banners or balloons. Opt for paper or fabric decorations at your next party”.
Creating beautiful bouquets and table settings will summon all of your creativity, and eco-savvy skills. Think outside of the box by using local, seasonal and organic goods for your displays.
Creating beautiful bouquets and table settings will summon all of your creativity, and eco-savvy skills. Think outside of the box by using local, seasonal and organic goods for your displays.
- Reuse and repurpose items that you already have at home, such as vases, tins and baskets to make beautiful table settings.
- Make sure any fabrics you use for table cloths, runners or napkins come from organic material.
Go as minimal as you can with decorations – for example, don’t worry about chair covers, aisle runners or fussy table additions. Use potted flowers, or edible centrepieces such as bowls of fruit. Guests can take these home afterwards as their wedding favours!
Try dimming the lights and using candles as your primary lighting source. Consider using upcycled glass jars as candle holders, which you can send your guests home with as gifts.
Always try and reuse something you already own, as this will limit the need for unnecessary material use, and will ultimately save landfill space
Try dimming the lights and using candles as your primary lighting source. Consider using upcycled glass jars as candle holders, which you can send your guests home with as gifts.
Always try and reuse something you already own, as this will limit the need for unnecessary material use, and will ultimately save landfill space
2. INVITATIONS
Firstly, consider the size of your wedding. Might sound strange but the bigger your wedding, the more environmental impact it will have.
Next, what material will you use for your invitations? Paper invitations are fairly wasteful, and can be very expensive if you’re using a professional printing company. If you’re going to print your invites, choose chloride or chlorine free paper. If you choose store-bought invites, look for ones 100% recycled content. Or try printing on paper that has seeds embedded inside. This way your guests can plant the invites after the wedding, and have flowers or herbs to remind them of your special day.
If you’re looking for something far more environmentally friendly, your next best option would be to go digital. There are so many gorgeous digital designs available. This will cost much less than paper invites – and you keeping the process green by using the absolute least amount of paper.
Why not take it to the next level and create a website dedicated to your wedding. Two weddings I attended recently both went this option. You can offer all the necessary information for your guests, such as location, menu options and registry list. Your guests can also RSVP via this website and print off directions to the venue. Eco-friendly and a digital dream! You’ll save trees, ink and costs. Sure, you may want to print some invites for older members of the guest list (like your nana!) who may not have the internet or be tech-savvy, but that’s fine! Cutting down on your paper usage this way has a big effect in the long term.
Next, what material will you use for your invitations? Paper invitations are fairly wasteful, and can be very expensive if you’re using a professional printing company. If you’re going to print your invites, choose chloride or chlorine free paper. If you choose store-bought invites, look for ones 100% recycled content. Or try printing on paper that has seeds embedded inside. This way your guests can plant the invites after the wedding, and have flowers or herbs to remind them of your special day.
If you’re looking for something far more environmentally friendly, your next best option would be to go digital. There are so many gorgeous digital designs available. This will cost much less than paper invites – and you keeping the process green by using the absolute least amount of paper.
Why not take it to the next level and create a website dedicated to your wedding. Two weddings I attended recently both went this option. You can offer all the necessary information for your guests, such as location, menu options and registry list. Your guests can also RSVP via this website and print off directions to the venue. Eco-friendly and a digital dream! You’ll save trees, ink and costs. Sure, you may want to print some invites for older members of the guest list (like your nana!) who may not have the internet or be tech-savvy, but that’s fine! Cutting down on your paper usage this way has a big effect in the long term.
3. FLOWERS
Choosing Australian grown flowers is better for our economy than having flowers imported. Ask your florist to ensure that they’re only using Australian flowers in your arrangements. Plus, this costs less than having your blooms imported. Also look at your local suppliers.
You could also use potted plants which can be given away at the end of your big day.
You could also use potted plants which can be given away at the end of your big day.
4. FAVOURS
There are lots of choices here. Consider plantable favours like potted seedlings, herbs or succulents. If a lot of your guests are traveling, keep in mind that they probably won’t want to pack a pot of soil into their suitcase, so consider biodegradable seed packets if you’re committed to the plant route.
Or, think about edible. Look to local businesses like coffee houses for a bag of their signature beans, candy shops for chocolate bars (easy on the paper wrapping) or jams in reusable glass jars from a local orchard or homemade.
I recently attended a wedding that went for a charity donation in lieu of favours. Each guest was given a “token” to place in one of three a shadow box that coincided with charity. Information was set out on each charity and you were allowed to read up on them all and decide which organisation you’d like the couple to donate to. At the end of night, the one with the most “tokens” was the one who the couple would donate to.
Or, think about edible. Look to local businesses like coffee houses for a bag of their signature beans, candy shops for chocolate bars (easy on the paper wrapping) or jams in reusable glass jars from a local orchard or homemade.
I recently attended a wedding that went for a charity donation in lieu of favours. Each guest was given a “token” to place in one of three a shadow box that coincided with charity. Information was set out on each charity and you were allowed to read up on them all and decide which organisation you’d like the couple to donate to. At the end of night, the one with the most “tokens” was the one who the couple would donate to.
5. THE VENUE
Choosing a venue helps set the stage and theme for any event and is usually your first major decision. One of the biggest ways to cut down on energy is to get married outdoors. Choose a location that will show off the beauty of the environment, like on a farm or vineyard, where the sun can provide all of your lighting. There are tons of beautiful botanical gardens, hilltops and refurbished.
We know outdoor ceremony and receptions don’t work for everyone. If you want to be indoors, there are several ways you can make it green. First, hold your ceremony and reception in one place—no one will have to travel to get from one event to the next, which cuts back on fuel emissions. Or choose a venue that gets plenty of sunlight and host a daytime wedding so you can leave the lights off.
We know outdoor ceremony and receptions don’t work for everyone. If you want to be indoors, there are several ways you can make it green. First, hold your ceremony and reception in one place—no one will have to travel to get from one event to the next, which cuts back on fuel emissions. Or choose a venue that gets plenty of sunlight and host a daytime wedding so you can leave the lights off.
6. CATERING
Have a plan for all of that extra food! Chat with your caterer or venue about this. One way of ensuring that no cake is left over is to provide paper bags or little cardboard boxes for them to take everything home or use it as your dessert. Another great way to ensure there is no catering waste, have finger food and get the remaining food taken away with you or opt for a food truck.
Choose local, seasonal and organic produce for your wedding menu. Even your cake can be made with these ingredients.
Choose local, seasonal and organic produce for your wedding menu. Even your cake can be made with these ingredients.
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7. MINDFUL EXIT
We’ve all seen the beautiful pictures of the happy couple leaving the ceremony or reception…so how are you going to do this mindfully. When thinking about your departure, there are lots of options.
If the venue allows your guests to throw confetti, look for dried petal confetti, recycled paper (all ripped up), or lavender buds. Not only does it look prettier but it is an all-natural product that won’t cause any harm to wildlife and will biodegrade naturally.
If your venue will not let you throw “confetti”, then bubbles are always a fabulous alternative.
If the venue allows your guests to throw confetti, look for dried petal confetti, recycled paper (all ripped up), or lavender buds. Not only does it look prettier but it is an all-natural product that won’t cause any harm to wildlife and will biodegrade naturally.
If your venue will not let you throw “confetti”, then bubbles are always a fabulous alternative.
8. HIRE RATHER THAN PURCHASE
Hire anything that you don’t need to buy, like crockery and cutlery, chairs, a marquee, and any decor items.
Hiring vintage furniture is better for the environment than purchasing cheap plastic furniture that won’t last. Plus- it looks better!
Hiring vintage furniture is better for the environment than purchasing cheap plastic furniture that won’t last. Plus- it looks better!
9. SOURCE LOCAL VENDORS
Choosing area vendors is a great way to keep the transportation emissions low and support the local economy. Look around your desired venue/s for local vendors.
Also ask family and friends if they can help you out…this may not quite be a tip for eco-friendly but more money saver. If they are already attending your wedding, why not utilise their skills, if they are willing.
Also ask family and friends if they can help you out…this may not quite be a tip for eco-friendly but more money saver. If they are already attending your wedding, why not utilise their skills, if they are willing.
10. THE DRESS
Your wedding attire could be very costly, plus the damage to the environment it produces as it is manufactured, so consider these sustainable options for your dress, tuxedo or suit.
- Rent your wedding dress. but you can also look for a vintage dress, tux or suit from a second-hand clothing store. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a second-hand dress either (it’s only been worn once before after all!). Not only do you save virgin material, but you can potentially save a lot of money. You can use the same methods for the groom and the rest of the bridal party.
- Use the age-old tradition of wearing your mother or grandmothers dress. Take it to your local seamstress to transform it into your own special gown.
- If you prefer to opt for something new, choose to have your outfit made from certified organic cotton, silk, hemp, or other fashion-forward fibres. These materials use fewer chemicals in their production, and support social projects in developing countries. When the big day is over, consider recycling your dress afterwards. You could also ask your bridal party to wear their own dresses, while providing a colour, style or length as guidance to add some uniformity.
Consider choosing something that you can wear again, as this justifies the cost of having a dress or tuxedo made. The same goes for your veil: don’t splash out on a veil that is only going to be worn once. A headpiece that can be worn again can be tailored to complement your dress or outfit. You can even design your own from vintage buttons, old jewellery and fabric that you have around.
Check online for vintage or antique wedding dresses. There are many companies to choose from, all offering unique designs and fabrics.
So, with a bit of careful planning, it will be easy for you to make your wedding that bit greener. The easiest way is to take a look at what you can change to make the day more environmentally friendly, from your first planning stage right through to the last dance.
In order to make a significant change, it helps to hold that ideal all the way through. Then, you can rest easy knowing that your special day has been special in every single way!
Check online for vintage or antique wedding dresses. There are many companies to choose from, all offering unique designs and fabrics.
So, with a bit of careful planning, it will be easy for you to make your wedding that bit greener. The easiest way is to take a look at what you can change to make the day more environmentally friendly, from your first planning stage right through to the last dance.
In order to make a significant change, it helps to hold that ideal all the way through. Then, you can rest easy knowing that your special day has been special in every single way!
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How much does a Marriage Celebrant cost?
March 6, 2019
Let me welcome you to your special day
As a Marriage Celebrant, we are consistently asked this question. Some people assume that we arrive, chat with people, speak for a bit, have a laugh, shed a tear, shake hands and leave. They think that’s all we do, well I’m here to tell you it’s not! As I’m about to reveal, there is so much more to a wedding ceremony than just the 30 minutes, or in some cases an hour, spent in front of your family and friends.
Marriage Celebrants typically charge between $650 and $1,500 to write and deliver a customised wedding ceremony, and frustratingly we often hear couples wanting a “cheap” celebrant because “it’s only an hour” that they need the Celebrant for. A Marriage Celebrant plays a huge, and vital part in your wedding day. They set the vibe for the whole day and help to keep things on track before you make your grand entrance. We are often the unofficial organiser of your guests. We are the glue that holds your wedding ceremony together for you, because your mind is on other things.
Marriage Celebrants typically charge between $650 and $1,500 to write and deliver a customised wedding ceremony, and frustratingly we often hear couples wanting a “cheap” celebrant because “it’s only an hour” that they need the Celebrant for. A Marriage Celebrant plays a huge, and vital part in your wedding day. They set the vibe for the whole day and help to keep things on track before you make your grand entrance. We are often the unofficial organiser of your guests. We are the glue that holds your wedding ceremony together for you, because your mind is on other things.
With that being said, choosing the right Marriage Celebrant to compliment your wedding day is SO IMPORTANT. There are so many things to consider when booking a celebrant.
Do you get along with them? Are they serious or funny?Do you have a similar sense of humour to you, as a couple?Are they going to fill the brief you’ve given them, or do their own thing?
Here are some of the things involved in getting you married that you’ve probably not thought about.
Do you get along with them? Are they serious or funny?Do you have a similar sense of humour to you, as a couple?Are they going to fill the brief you’ve given them, or do their own thing?
Here are some of the things involved in getting you married that you’ve probably not thought about.
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT QUALIFICATIONS
Becoming a marriage celebrant takes time and money. Prior to becoming a celebrant, the Certificate IV in Celebrancy must be successfully completed and passed.
APPLICATION FEE
Once the course has been completed and passed, celebrants must apply to the Commonwealth Attorney General to legally become a celebrant.
You may only advertise your services as a marriage celebrant, accept Notice of intended marriage forms, and solemnise marriages once you are registered.
You may only advertise your services as a marriage celebrant, accept Notice of intended marriage forms, and solemnise marriages once you are registered.
ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE
Once the celebrant’s application is successful, a celebrant is then required to pay an annual registration charge.
ONGOING TRAINING (aka OPD)
There is an annual requirement for celebrants to complete five hours of professional development. This is to necessary to maintain their qualifications. The professional development can only be delivered through approved training organisations.
MEETINGS WITH THE BRIDE & GROOM
Typically, celebrants will meet with the couples they are marrying two or three times, for up to an hour each time. This is to complete the necessary paperwork, choose readings and discuss the flow of the ceremony. Meetings also allow the celebrant to get to know the couple and develop a rapport.
Knowing the couple well helps the big day run smoothly.
Knowing the couple well helps the big day run smoothly.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Your celebrant will travel to your wedding ceremony venue and this is often included in the price in their local area. Expect to pay more if you are asking your celebrant to travel outside of their local area.
PA EQUIPMENT
A celebrant will normally supply audio equipment to amplify the vows, so they can be heard by all the guests. This same sound equipment may also be used to play music during the ceremony. Good quality sound equipment is expensive. It needs to be maintained to avoid dropping out or crackling throughout the vows.
PREPARATION OF A PERSONALISED WEDDING CEREMONY
It takes time to collate the readings and the vows the couple have written to each other. A good celebrant will also write about the couple using knowledge, gained from the meetings they’ve had with the couple, and add that personalised touch for each ceremony that they perform. So basically, no two ceremonies are the same. And let’s be honest, why would you want the same ceremony as someone else? This is YOUR special day!
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
At the end of the wedding ceremony, the celebrant will hand over a lovely marriage certificate to the couple.
SUNDRY EXPENSES
This includes ink, paper, emails, phone calls, registration fees, advertising and public liability insurance. Most importantly it covers the submission of the paperwork to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (so it’s legal).
TIME
On average, a celebrant will spend on average 15-20 hours preparing for your wedding. This is inclusive of meetings, travel, rehearsal, ceremony etc.
Ceremony Options
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Celtic Knot of Four Hearts-Family Love
February 20, 2019
What’s In A Name?
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So, why did I choose the Celtic Love Knot as my logo? And what does Belluca mean?
The Love Knot represents LOVE and FAMILY. Which is what I pride my ceremonies about. To the Celts, a knot formed from one continuous line evoked eternity. Hearts symbolise Love and Relationships. In numerology, every number has a certain power. The symbolic meaning of number Four deals with stability and invokes the grounded nature of all things. Consider the four seasons, four directions, four elements…all these amazingly powerful essences wrapped up in the nice square package of Four. Fours represent solidity, calmness, and home. Here are 4 hearts, facing four directions, formed from one continuous line.
The Love Knot represents LOVE and FAMILY. Which is what I pride my ceremonies about. To the Celts, a knot formed from one continuous line evoked eternity. Hearts symbolise Love and Relationships. In numerology, every number has a certain power. The symbolic meaning of number Four deals with stability and invokes the grounded nature of all things. Consider the four seasons, four directions, four elements…all these amazingly powerful essences wrapped up in the nice square package of Four. Fours represent solidity, calmness, and home. Here are 4 hearts, facing four directions, formed from one continuous line.
A dear friend of mine decided to take this concept and came up with this beautiful finished image. This image is the original, hand drawn image. It resonated with me so much. I love the natural feel, so kept it as is.
I think this is also where my passion for the handfasting ritual developed from.
BELLUCA is a combination of my maiden name (Bell) and my married name (Lucas). I have been using this name for almost 20 years. It represents unity, a coming together…a blend. It has always fit so well and had a strong meaning of what best represents me.
Belluca combined with the Celtic Love Knot embodies BELLUCA CEREMONIES. Love, family, tradition and unity.
Can you find all four hearts? This multiple heart shaped knot brings a warm, loving, grounding energy. It also is a beautiful representation of a family of four!
I think this is also where my passion for the handfasting ritual developed from.
BELLUCA is a combination of my maiden name (Bell) and my married name (Lucas). I have been using this name for almost 20 years. It represents unity, a coming together…a blend. It has always fit so well and had a strong meaning of what best represents me.
Belluca combined with the Celtic Love Knot embodies BELLUCA CEREMONIES. Love, family, tradition and unity.
Can you find all four hearts? This multiple heart shaped knot brings a warm, loving, grounding energy. It also is a beautiful representation of a family of four!