Say ‘I do’ the local way: Part 1

Published on 19 September 2025

She Sews_L_web.jpg

The lead-up to your wedding should feel calm, joyful and a little bit indulgent.

From selecting the right outfit, to pampering yourself and throwing the kind of celebration your friends will talk about for years.

Which is why keeping things close to home when planning can make it a whole lot easier - think: quick fittings, easy pick-ups, trial runs minus the trek and local businesses who are just as excited as you are to be part of your special day.

To help, we’ve rounded up some of our best local picks for style, beauty and event planning so you can start planning your big day with far less stress (and way more fun!)

Save it, share it with your wedding crew and start ticking things off!

1. How to decide on your wedding day style.

Settling on your wedding day style can feel a little overwhelming. But you’ll always make the best choices by working with specialists that can guide you through the process, who understand wedding styles, can do precise fittings and are able make last-minute tweaks simple.

First, begin by picturing what you’ll wear: what colours you like, how it will move and how you envision it photographing next to your partner’s outfit.

If you’re going custom or planning alterations for a dress, book early so there’s room for second fittings and those tiny refinements that make everything sit just right.

For suits, focus on structure and fabric as much as colour - a clean shoulder and a proper hem will outlast any edgy trend.

And don’t forget the supporting pieces: undergarments, ties, shoes, veils and pressing. A quick checklist now saves a mad scramble later.

Here are our favourite specialist picks for local wedding style planning:

  • She Sews, McLaren Vale (pictured) – bespoke dresses, custom designs and alterations for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls.
  • Scott Ferguson Formal Wear, Old Reynella – professionally tailored menswear for the groom and groomsmen, including kilts!
  • Woolcock Reynella, Old Reynella – beautiful occasion wear for mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom.

2. How to begin planning your wedding hair and beauty.

Your glow-up starts here.

Our advice? Start early with a simple timeline - skin prep first, then hair and makeup trials, with final appointments spaced so you don’t end up rushed.

Good wedding beauty prep is mostly about consistency: a few months of steady skin care will beat a frantic week of last-minute treatments every time.

Book hair and makeup trials on a day you can photograph in natural light; bring reference images, your veil or accessories, and be honest about what you actually wear day-to-day.

Lashes, brows and teeth whitening can polish the look, but keep the focus on feeling like you.

And yes, the rest matters too - hydration, sleep, breakfast on the day and one of your bridesmaids tasked with lipstick and powder for touch-ups.

Our top local hair, beauty and pamper picks:

These local beauty experts will have you feeling relaxed, radiant and ready for your close-up shots in no time.

3. What are some fun hens day, bucks show and pre-wedding celebration ideas?

When it comes to celebrating before your big day, choose something that matches your pace - relaxed, creative, adventurous - so everyone will enjoy themselves.

High tea with your closest people can be just the right speed if laid-back is more your style; so can a private wine tasting where you can linger and laugh without watching the clock.

If your group loves a challenge, book something active or a little bit competitive (just remember to keep the bragging rights friendly!)

But the most important part of making sure any pre-wedding celebration goes off with a bang?

Ensuring all the less glamorous bits are planned and communicated well in advance: transport, shoes, food, start and finish times.

Get these things right and you’re all set for a seriously fun day out!

Here are some great ideas for unforgettable hens days, bucks shows and pre-wedding celebrations all located in Onkaparinga:

  • Down the Rabbit Hole Wines, McLaren Vale – wine tasting + delicious gourmet platters in their iconic vintage double-decker bus
  • Maison De Moon, Clarendon – indulge in an enchanting high tea or intimate dining experience.
  • Vitisculpture, Christies Beach – unique and creative 'sculpt and sip' workshops for wine and art lovers.
  • Lumberjaxe, Lonsdale – enjoy a bit of indoor axe throwing with mates for an adrenaline hit.
  • Noarlunga Golf Hub, Noarlunga Centre – state-of-the-art golf simulators, hitting bays and practice sessions for a relaxed, fun afternoon with mates.

4. How to choose wedding flowers that perfectly match your style (and the season).

Picking the right floral arrangements to complement your nuptials is a time-honoured tradition that can be a truly wonderful experience.

Start with your mood - romantic, modern, wild, minimal - then let seasonality and palette guide your choice.

Bring your dress fabric or suit swatch to the consult, along with a quick list of “must-have” and “no-thanks” flowers.

Ask about what varieties are in peak season for your date, and how arrangements can double up as decoration (aisle pieces that become reception features are becoming popular, saving both budget and waste).

If you’re drawn to a more relaxed, garden feel, local growers can create something that looks fresh rather than over-styled; if you prefer clean lines, a restrained palette and considered structure will photograph beautifully.

Local wedding florists and flower farms to check out:

Your wedding experience starts long before you walk down the aisle - and with these incredible local Onkaparinga suppliers, the lead-up truly can be the best part.

When you’re ready, Part 2 of our wedding focus digs into gorgeous venues, food and drink suppliers, photography, transport and on-the-day helpers so everything runs smoothly from first look to last dance… so read on.

Tagged as:
Back to top