Month: June 2021

Categories
Resources

The ultimate wedding checklist

You’re got engaged. Congratulations!

Now comes the fun part…planning the big day itself. What you will soon come to realise is that planning a wedding requires a great deal of organisation, budget management, and logistical skills. All of which can be quite overwhelming but, with the right tools at hand, you can plan your wedding day with confidence and ease.

We have created an ultimate wedding organiser document to help you keep every detail of the wedding plan under control. We’ve included everything from a budget calculator, to-do checklist, guest list organiser, and on-the-day planner to help your big day run without a hitch.

Wedding ceremony / Source: Brook Amy Photography

Wedding budget calculator

The average cost of a wedding in Australia is around an eye-watering $45,000-$50,000. It is therefore important to work out the budget you realistically have available to be able to execute the wedding of your dreams. Our wedding budget splits the costs into 21 sections including the venue(s), hens and bucks parties, bridal preparation, flowers, catering, transport, wedding cake, photography, entertainment, transport and more.

Our handy budgeting spreadsheet includes a section for notes, estimates costs, actual costs, deposit paid, amount outstanding and due date of final payments. Allowing for full visibility and budget tracking. If you’ve overspent in one category you can always scale back costs in another, for example, if you’ve spent too much on your wedding dress, spend less on the flowers to compensate.

To-do checklist

The wedding to-do list is split into time-bound stages, based on level of priority to help you plan your upcoming nuptials with ease. From announcing your engagement to setting a budget and selecting a wedding venue, to arranging a wedding planner, to choosing the dress, and everything else in between this to-do should have you covered. The planning process is split into the following stages:

  • Post engagement announcement 
    • After the buzz of the engagement has worn off, it’s time to start planning. Sit down with your fiance and discuss what budget you have available, what style of wedding you both want, what date you have in mind, who you both want to be in the wedding party, and contact and visit potential venues.
  • 12-18 months before 
    • Once you have decided on the style of wedding you want, it’s time to arrange the services of a wedding planner. If you’re a busy full time working women or mother, hiring a wedding planner is a top piece of advice to take the stress out of the planning process. At this stage, it’s also a good idea to draw up your guest list for the ceremony and reception. Shopping for the all-important, show-stopping wedding dress should also begin now, as many brides can take a while to find their perfect match!
  • 6-10 months before 
    • At this stage, the highlights of planning your wedding include selecting the dress, choosing the wedding party attire, booking the honeymoon and arranging the hens’ and bucks’ parties. Along with contacting potential photographers and videographers, caterers, florists, transportation and booking the reception evening entertainment.
  • 3 months before
    • At the 3 month mark, it’s time to make initial contact with your preferred wedding hair stylist and wedding makeup artist. Choose your wedding cake, submit a gift list with the bridal registry, pick out the wedding rings and arrange a master of ceremonies
  • 2 months before
    • The one thing you can’t afford to forget to do before the wedding is to give notice of intent to marry the wedding official at least one full month and no more than six months in advance of your wedding date.
  • 6 weeks before
    •  The final countdown is on, and it’s confirmation time. Confirm all of the final details with your florist, ceremony and reception venue, entertainment (wedding band/DJ) and arrange for the wedding rehearsal.
  • 4 weeks before
    • With just one month to go arrange to have your hair and makeup trial, final wedding dress fitting and alterations (if necessary) and confirm arrangements with the wedding celebrant.
  • 1-2 weeks before 
    • The wedding is now just around the corner and it’s time to triple check all of the arrangements for the day. Confirm all wedding day appointments, double-check transportation and petrol, do wedding rehearsal, send a seating list to the reception venue and pack for your honeymoon

Contact local wedding planners

Guestlist organiser

The wedding planner sheet comes with an ‘Initial Guest List’ and ‘Final Guest List’. The Initial Guest List allows you to identify everyone that you would ideally like to invite to the wedding and to see if this is plausible with your available budget. If your guest list is too long you can remove people from the list before sending out official invitations. 

The Final Guest List helps you to track the date you sent the invitation, if the recipient has accepted or declined the invite, a notes section (i.e. do they have any special dietary requirements, children etc.), assigned table number, the gift they bought you and a column to record the date you sent a thank you card.

It’s now quite popular to use digital RSVP businesses like withjoy.com and blissandbone.com to set up invitations and RSVPs. Digitalising this process makes it easy to record and keep track of numbers as well as sharing information about the day. Not to mention it’s environmentally friendly!

Destination wedding / Source: Iclickyou

Wedding day schedule

The big day has finally arrived, the months of planning and preparation are over and it’s time to relax and enjoy one of the best days of your life. Make sure to have a stress free day by following our wedding day schedule, containing a list of timings and to-do’s before the ceremony, during the ceremony and at the reception.

Save some coin with DIY

We all know that planning a wedding can be stressful, time-consuming and costly but with a little DIY magic, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. DIY weddings are full of creativity and character whilst adding a homemade feel to your special day. Add an intimate touch to your wedding decorations, cut costs and take the stress out of your wedding with these simple DIY ideas.

Create a wedding landscape

  • A floral wall with simple greenery can substitute an expensive outdoor location and add a natural ambience to your wedding venue
  • Wooden lettering can be bought online and tied up with threads of twine or rope to create a centrepiece. Sayings like “we tied the knot or happily ever after”. Ropes are easily accessible, cost-friendly and the lettering can be the colour, font and size you choose.
  • Add a personal touch to your backdrop by attaching threads of ribbon or Polaroid memories of the lovely couple. This backdrop also doubles as a photo corner for guests to add to the photo collection.

Table settings 

Leaving an extravagant impression on your wedding guests doesn’t need to be costly. It is, after all, the small things that count. Invest in the detailing of your table centrepieces to wow your guests as they dine, wine and enjoy the evening. Here are a few ideas:

  • If you’re after a natural element, simple flower arrangements with complementing wooden bases can liven up the entire environment
  • Pick flowers, greenery or branches from your local area; ivy, eucalyptus and wattle grows wild all over Australia
  • Personalise your seating arrangements with something other than plain old name cards. Use personalised candles, wine glasses or even stubby holders 

These simple DIY additions are cost-efficient, creative and endearing. Ask your bridesmaids to join in on the decorating fun and take the stress out of your wedding. 

We hope that with this handy wedding planning tool you can embrace planning your wedding with minimal stress. If you keep calm and allow yourself enough time to follow the planning process, you will be able to create a beautiful and memorable day.

Check out our wedding blog, to find more wedding tips and tools. Oneflare can help you plan your wedding and find your perfect celebrants, florists, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, wedding planners and wedding car hire.

Categories
Design & decor

How to wallpaper

Looking at your plain wall and feeling uninspired? With an unending variety of patterns, textures and designs, wallpaper is the perfect choice to revive a tired space. Wallpaper can instantly accentuate and enhance your interior space, but as we all know, our tastes and aesthetic preferences are prone to change. Wallpaper caters to our shifting tastes and with the availability of new products, applying and removing a design is easier than ever.

Picking the right wallpaper

Pattern, colour & texture

Make a statement with the right wallpaper design. The pattern and colour combination you choose will depend on the ambience you wish to create. Take into consideration the lighting in the room as this will influence the mood and can either complement or contradict the effect your wallpaper creates. Depending on the look you wish to create, textured wallpaper might be an option to enhance interest and dimension in a space. Here are some general rules to remember when adding wallpaper to a space:

  • Mini prints and cool colours can help a small space appear larger while large patterns can create visual interest but will make a space appear smaller and more intimate.
  • Large vertical patterns and vertical lines make a ceiling appear higher, whereas horizontal stripes make a room appear wider.
  • Textured wallpaper and fabric wall coverings create a three-dimensional effect
  • In large, empty and colder spaces, textured or fabric wallpaper can be particularly effective in exuding an inviting and homely look and feel
Bold, statement wallpaper / Source: Shutterstock

Materials

The wallpaper material you choose will also depend on the function of your room. For spaces prone to humidity and dampness, like the bathroom or kitchen, vinyl wallpaper is an ideal choice as it is durable and easily cleaned. 

Non-woven wallpaper is another popular option, becoming the wallpaper of choice as its blend of natural and synthetic fibres makes it easier to hang and remove. 

Wallpaper is not waterproof however, and it is best to avoid areas that will directly attract humidity.

How to wallpaper

Preparing for wallpaper

Preparation is a must for a successful wallpaper application, our walls need to be bare and as clean as possible.

  • Clear away any dirt or grime on your walls 
  • Fill any cracks or irregularities with a filler
  • Evaluate the space and decide where you will lay the seams of the paper
  • Identify the dominant wall in the room as this will give you an indication of where to start.
  • Clear out any furniture before applying

Applying the wallpaper

  1. Use a pencil and a level to mark a vertical line on the wall
  2. Check your line is straight using a plumb bob or level to double-check your line is straight
  3. Undo the protective wrapping of your paper and ensure the rolls contain the identical shade, pattern and batch reference number. 
  4. Ensure you have enough wallpaper by calculating the length x breadth of the wall but add an additional 10% for potential wastage or 15-20% if the wallpaper has a large pattern repeat
  5. Cut the first strip about 10 cm longer than the height of a wall and cut each following strip at least 5 cm longer than the first strip to keep the patterns aligned. It will be easier if you cut and layout each of the strips before applying the paper to ensure the patterns are correctly lined 
  6. Check the type of wallpaper 
    1. If it is adhesive-backed, it will require soaking in water before the adhesive is activated
    2. For paper without adhesive, a stiff brush, roller, utility knife, scissors, sponge and a bucket of water will be required to apply the wallpaper. Note: Ensure you always use the wallpaper paste recommended by the supplier
  7. Add the paste to a container of water until it gradually thickens.
  8. Ensure the paper doesn’t become too wet whilst applying the paste as it will shrink back when it dries. Allow enough time for the wallpaper to book (soaking in paste) and when you apply the paper, brush out any extra paste, starting inwards and pushing out

Cleaning: Dust, stains and dirt can build up on your paper. Take the time out to wipe down your wallpaper with a damp rag or with a brush attached to your vacuum.

Contact local interior designers

Installation tips

Bold prints

For loud prints it’s best to start from the centre and work outwards, otherwise, begin wallpapering from the corner diagonally opposite to your door, and work your way around back to the door and finishing in the corner so the seams aren’t visible. Always start from the top and work your way downwards. When you reach the floor, use a sharp utility knife to trim the top and bottom.

Around a window

Start by trimming the paper around the window sill of the door frame. The leftover paper can be used above a window sill or door frame but ensure the pattern is perfectly aligned to avoid clashing prints. 

Around a powerpoint

To wallpaper around a power outlet, hang the paper over the outlet then cut two diagonal slits from corner to corner. Cut out the triangular flaps, then loosen the plate to smooth out the edges of the wallpaper before reattaching.

Wallpaper vs paint

Applying a new spread of colour or patterned wallpaper can instantly refresh a space, but with the range of hues and textures available, choosing between a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper spread isn’t easy. To guide your next interior step, here are the main points of difference between paint and wallpaper to consider.

Paint

  • The use of colour is transformative in a space and applying a coat of colour is an easy way to distinguish different areas of the home 
  • A coat of paint can bring elements of a space together to give the illusion of extra depth. Paint however, won’t be useful in concealing an uneven surface
  • With occasional maintenance, a repaint will only be necessary every few years. Give your wall a quick clean with a warm, damp cloth to extend the life of your paint and ensure your wall is looking great
Great use of paint, texture and layering / Source: Visualising Interiors

Wallpaper

  • The patterns, textures and design elements of wallpaper are endless, making it the ideal decorative choice. They can introduce colour and warmth into a room and subtle texture to liven your existing space
  • Wallpaper can accentuate personal style to make a statement in a relatively easy way and can be a useful tool to cover an uneven or damaged surface
  • From wood prints to metal finishes or faux brick, wallpaper can create the impression of real timber or red brick without a structural change
  • To maintain your paper a basic mix of warm water and cleaning detergent is suitable for vinyl and washable wallpapers. Start scrubbing from the top of the wall, ensuring the wall is lined with plastic to catch excess water
Categories
Finance

What is negative gearing?

Negative gearing is a rising trend among investors. People who want to purchase investment properties often need to borrow money from lending institutions. When people borrow, they calculate the risks and potential rewards carefully. Most ordinary investors will try to ensure the monthly profits from their investment property will surpass the mortgage repayments and interest rates.

Negative gearing doesn’t follow the same rules. People borrow money knowing that the profits from the property won’t cover the monthly interest and mortgage repayments. Investors make up for the shortfall between the interest payments and income earned with the help of deductions from their current income tax. Negative gearing is prevalent in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand because of the tax policies and concessions in these countries.

What is the benefit of negative gearing?

Why would you invest in a property that doesn’t offer profits that actively cover your expenses? Even if you get a tax break from the government, you don’t earn enough profit through rent to justify the initial investment. Here’s what you need to understand about negative gearing:

  1. Negative gearing works because investors don’t intend to retain the property over the long-term. Their investment only bears fruit after they pay off their loan and sell the property.
  2. For negative gearing to be profitable, the property must be a part of a thriving housing market. Property values should increase over time instead of remaining steady or decreasing.
  3. If you purchase the right property in the right market, you can potentially earn several hundred thousand dollars in profit. This investment is risky and can potentially lead to complete loss of money.
  4. Investors need to plan carefully and ensure they have enough financial stability to bear the shortfall between interest rates and income even with the tax break.

Negative gearing is a financially sound decision only if your capital gains are greater than your initial investments and related expenses.

How does negative gearing work?

You need to consider a number of factors before you invest in negative gearing. If you don’t plan your investment well, you can face losses amounting to several thousand dollars. Here’s what you need to consider:

  1. The total income from the property. For this, you need to multiply the weekly rent by 52 to calculate the annual income.
  2. Tally all expenses including mortgage repayments, vacancy, repairs, insurance, manager fees, bank fees, council rates, water rates, land tax, strata fees, and property improvements costs.
  3. Subtract the total expenses from the income. Deduct depreciation as well.
  4. Calculate the amount of tax you need to pay and determine how much of it will be refundable.
  5. Consider the capital growth of the property in the market.

All of these factors will help you determine the capital gains from your investment. If you don’t perform these calculations, you won’t know if the property is worth investing in and whether you will get enough money to justify the investment. This is how negative gearing works and delivers profit. It relies solely on the market demand and supply as well as the growth in property rates.

An example of negative gearing

It’s not easy to understand how negative gearing works without considering a real-life example. Here is an example that illustrates how you can earn profit using this investment strategy:

  1. You purchase a $440,000 property on a loan of $400,000 with 7% interest rates. Your interest will be around $28,000.
  2. If you earn around $450 rent every week on this property, you earn $23,400 in annual rent income, which leaves you with a shortfall of $4,600.
  3. If the value of the property increases by 10%, you gain a profit of $44,000 at the end of the year and once you remove the shortfall of $4,600, you have an overall profit of $39,600.
  4. You can deduct the other expenses from this calculation and still get ample profit at the end of the year.

If the value of the property doesn’t grow by 10% or more, you won’t gain enough profit to justify your investment.

Contact local property lawyers

What expenses can you claim as deductions?

In most cases, you can claim a deduction for any expenses related to the management and maintenance of an investment property, this includes any interest you pay on loans. When your asset is negatively geared, you may be able to deduct the full amount of rental expenses against your rental and other income, including your salary and wages.

The rule of thumb is, property investors can claim deductions in three main categories:

  • Building allowances – in most cases you can claim building allowances such as for depreciation over time
  • Revenue deductions – you may be eligible to claim revenue deductions such as the interest on borrowed funds
  • Capital items – major items such as a oven or dryer in a rental property are subject to depreciation over time and can be claimed over several years

Are there any changes in negative gearing in 2021?

The 2021 budget includes a number of measures relevant to property investors, however it doesn’t directly address or change existing arrangements around negative gearing.

How does this affect Australians?

Negative gearing is still a good investment option for Australians, particularly if you have enough financial stability to support the shortfall between the interest rates and the income generated. The housing market is on the upward trend so you can expect the value of the property to grow comfortably over a short period of time.

It’s a good idea to consider a short-term investment instead of long term investment if you intend to use negative gearing. Most people only invest for one year and see several thousand dollars in profit. This can keep you safe from any changes to regulations the government makes in future years.

Categories
Top tools

Direct Messaging

Customers can now directly message your business, without posting a job.

Receive high-intent enquiries directly in your Oneflare business inbox and start a conversation with your next customer today. This exciting new feature is free for businesses with an active subscription and at least one of the following plans:

Speak to us on 1300 441 593 for more information.

Register business

How does Direct Messaging work? 

A ‘Message’ button now appears on every eligible businesses’ public business profile. Once selected, customers are presented with a simple form asking them for brief details about what they need done, as well as any photos that help describe the job. 

Upon confirming their contact details, the message is sent directly to your business inbox where you have the option to ‘accept’ or ‘decline’ the request at no extra cost. Once accepted, the customer’s contact details are revealed and you’re now able to continue the conversation.

Frequently asked questions

Categories
News & updates

The Oneflare team share their favourite product features

At Oneflare, our mission is to provide Aussie businesses with the best way to find work. Over the last 12 months, we’ve been busy listening to your feedback and implementing improvements to make Oneflare easier to use, and more effective at helping you win work. 

To celebrate, we asked some of the team from Oneflare HQ to share their favourite parts of the platform. Here’s what they had to say.

Sync Accounts

“Our Sync Accounts feature is incredibly powerful. It means businesses can bring together all their great reviews in one spot – hassle-free” – Cindy, Head of Support 

“My favourite part of onboarding is going through the Sync Accounts feature. If a business has a lot of Facebook and Google reviews, they all show up together in one spot and their page looks amazing! Businesses are very happy with the way their page looks afterwards.” – Nicky, Customer Success Manager

Our Sync Accounts feature is a favourite amongst Oneflare HQ team members and businesses alike. It allows you to showcase reviews from not only Oneflare customers, but Facebook and Google accounts as well.

Businesses like GT Plumbing use Oneflare to showcase their reviews.

Profile analytics

“The profile analytics are a great indication of how well the directory exposure is helping any business. You can see all the interactions customers are having with your profile. From contact clicks, views, and impressions it’s all easily accessible for the business to see in one centralised place!” – Shane, Sales Manager

Auto quoting

“Auto quoting is a really cool feature for businesses who use it well. It is hassle-free once you’re set-up, and provides unique value that no other competitors can.”  – Nura, UX Designer 

“Auto-quoting has changed the game for so many businesses who don’t have the time to make quick initial contact with the customer on Oneflare. It’s highly customised with the number and types of work you want to quote, it has allowed even sole-traders on the tools to win work consistently!” Brendan, Business Development Manager

Auto quoting is the easiest way to quote in the Oneflare platform. Simply set your job criteria and budget, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Oneflare Now

“My favourite part of our product is Oneflare Now. It’s such a unique offer, that allows tradies to win jobs more quickly and efficiently. Though a close second would be the new profile screen on our Business App which we recently updated with a ton of new features. I love that it puts full control of preferences in the palm of our businesses’ hands.” – Nak, Mobile Developer

Oneflare Now is currently available to Locksmiths, Electricians, Plumbers and Towing Professionals. It is an exciting new direct call service that allows you to connect directly with customers needing a job sorted urgently.

Business inbox

“Our in-house built chat application is used by thousands of businesses every day. It ties efficiency and transparency into a single page application, that allows businesses to manage their Oneflare clients with ease.” – Yianni, Developer 

If you haven’t already, download the Oneflare for Business app today in the App Store, or on Google Play, to unlock a world of features to help you win work.

Categories
Reception

The most unique wedding venues in Australia

Your wedding venue plays a vital role in the overall ambience of your wedding. If the venue, theme and decor work well together, the atmosphere will be welcoming and unique. Most couples choose traditional wedding venues like halls, churches and gardens, but it doesn’t hurt to think out-of-the-box.

There’s something out there for every budget, preference and requirement, you just need to find what is right for you.

Outdoor wedding venues

Outdoor weddings have their own unique charm. The environment is free, open, social and bright. You can get married surrounded by greenery and nature, in a bright and cheerful morning sky or under the starlit evening sky. There is no shortage of nature’s beauty in Australia, so you’re sure to find a beautiful venue for your wedding. Here are some options for you to consider:

  • Glen Erin at Lancefield – What can be more romantic than getting married in a vineyard? You can enjoy excellent wines, wonderful food and stunning scenery at once. The vineyard is also a great backdrop for wedding photographs, so all your wedding pictures will look stunning and unique. The Glen Erin vineyard is located at the foothills of the Macedon Ranges and is merely 35 minutes away from the Melbourne airport. 
  • Kingfisher Bay Resort – Imagine a beautiful wedding with a gorgeous backdrop of crystal clear blue sea and white sand. That’s exactly what you get at Kingfisher Bay Resort. This venue is an excellent choice for people who are willing to splurge on a destination wedding and want to make it a day/night event. The resort is located on Fraser Island, which is listed as a World Heritage site. You can host 250+ guests at this beach-front location, so it’s ideal for people who want a great outdoor wedding to enjoy with their family and friends.
  • Longitude 131° – Australia is known for its outback and rugged natural beauty, so why not make this beauty a part of your wedding memories? Longitude 131° provides an immersive wedding experience. You can enjoy the comfort of luxury tented pavilions and the flavour of expertly prepared food and drinks in this ancient and majestic land. You can get married with the mighty Uluru in the background and share the cultural heritage and history of this place with your family and friends on your special day.
  • Orso Bayside Reception – Not everyone wants to travel all the way to Ayer’s Rock for a wedding ceremony. Some couples prefer a more modern and less rugged wedding style, this makes Orso Bayside in Sydney a perfect choice. This is a waterfront wedding reception venue. You can enjoy ample natural light, watch the boats travel on the water and enjoy the constant flow of movement here. This venue can accommodate 250. 
  • Terara Riverside Gardens – There’s something very charming and old-school about garden weddings. You’re surrounded by greenery and flowers in full bloom, sheltered by large and ancient trees, getting married under a bright blue or starlit sky. The Terara Riverside Gardens are located 2 hours away from Sydney by the Shoalhaven River in Terara. The location ensures this place is private, quiet and undisturbed. You can have an intimate and beautiful ceremony here.
Vineyard Wedding Image
Wedding in the vineyards / Source: Brook Amy Photography

Unusual wedding venues

Outdoor weddings are wonderful, but some couples want something different for their day. Australia has so many places that can offer unique and interesting wedding experiences. If you want your wedding ceremony to be truly memorable, you should consider the locations mentioned below:

  • St Josephs Guesthouse – This venue is located in Sydney and was a place of worship at one point in time. The owners transformed this Catholic Church into a guesthouse and it became one of the most unusual and interesting wedding venues in Sydney. This location is perfect for a small, intimate wedding with just close friends and family.
  • The Yard at The Lock Up – Ever wanted to get married at a police station and an old prison property? This venue was Newcastle’s Police Station from 1861 to 1982, which lends it a unique vibe. The venue is modern and has all the comforts you can expect from wedding venues, but it certainly has an entirely different vibe to it. You can see traces of the old graffiti and have to pass through a solid iron gate to enter the property. 
  • Shene Estate & Distillery – This venue provides a truly unique and customised wedding experience. It is located in Southern Tasmania, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The owners work with local vendors to provide the best meals and an intimate atmosphere. This is an excellent venue for people who want something private and beautiful in a rustic setting.
  • The Apple Shed – The Apple Shed is a large barn located in Southern Tasmania. It has a bar, cafe, museum and an expansive outdoor area. This outdoor area has a roof and fire pit, so you’ll be very comfortable and warm in the space. The Apple Shed also provides excellent food and some truly spectacular cider.
  • Glasshaus Inside – If you want a venue that’s located in a city, you should consider the Glasshaus Inside. Essentially, it is an urban warehouse plant nursery with an industrial vibe and plenty of potted plants. It’s located near Melbourne CBD and is easily accessible. Your guests won’t have any problems trying to find a comfortable place to stay for the wedding
Coastal Wedding Image
Wedding on the coast / Source: Little Glimpses

Reception wedding venues

If you plan to have an actual wedding in a church or other such locations, you don’t need to spend money on a venue that provides both. Here are some venues that host only receptions:

  • Villa Blanca – Villa Blanca is conveniently located in the heart of Bankstown and can easily house over 400 guests, which makes it a good option for large weddings. The venue has a very modern and sophisticated vibe with the best lighting, audio-systems and ample parking space. Your guests will be happy, comfortable and have a great time.
  • Colbee Centre – This is a highly rated reception venue and has been voted the best in NSW for the 5th time. It’s located in Nurragingy Reserve and has a man-made dock, fountain, ample greenery and even a hardwood dance floor with fairy lights. This reception venue is perfect for a light-hearted and playful wedding.
  • Manly Golf Club – The Australian Bridal Industry Association once voted Manly Golf Club as the best reception location in NSW. This venue certainly hasn’t lost any of its charm since then. It was established back in 1903, so it has a traditional and elegant vibe to it. The wedding reception is open to members as well as non-members.

Contact wedding planners

Intimate wedding venues

Not only are small weddings with a limited number of guests affordable, they’re also easier to organise. You just need to arrange for transport and accommodation for a select number of people. Smaller weddings are also more intimate and personal. The focus is on the couple instead of the party and entertainment. This adds a new meaning to the entire ceremony. Here are some venues that can fit in perfectly with the intimate wedding vibe:

  • The Boat House – The Boat House is located in Barton, Canberra and provides a beautiful and intimate setting. The venue sits on the shore of a lake, has parklands and is only minutes away from the city. The atmosphere here is quiet and serene, which makes it the ideal place for intimate weddings. The location is beautiful and the food is excellent so your family and friends will truly enjoy themselves at this location.
  • Dunbar House – Dunbar House is small, elegant, and charming. It can easily house 110 guests and provides a welcoming atmosphere to all. You can enjoy great views of the Sydney Harbour, soak in the serenity of the property and exchange your wedding vows under an ancient fig tree.
  • Glengariff Historic Estate – This is one of the oldest estates in Australia and the oldest in Queensland. The property has been around for over 130 years and has hosted several weddings in its lifetime. On an average, it hosts around 150 events each year, with great success. Visitors call the estate a photographer’s paradise because there are over 30 different locations that can provide excellent photography opportunities. This property can house 20 to 200 guests comfortably so your wedding can be as intimate or grand as you want it to be.
  • Allegro Function Centre – This venue is located in the Hills District close to Sydney and sits on 5 acres of lush green landscaping. You can enjoy gorgeous bushland views, peer up at large ancient trees and start your new life surrounded by nature. The venue is a beautiful Mediterranean villa with high ceilings, a large fireplace, exposed wood and lime-washed walls. The venue has a very rustic yet elegant ambience to it.

How to book a wedding venue

Most wedding venues allow online reservations or have customer care numbers. All you need to do is contact them via their website or on their listed number to know more about the reservation process. Here are some things you should keep in mind.

  • Decide your budget – You can have a beautiful wedding ceremony at a wonderful location without burning a hole in your pocket. When you’re planning your wedding, make a list of priorities and determine where your venue ranks on the list. If it’s somewhere near the top, you can assign a larger budget to it.
  • Time – Most wedding venues expect you to book date months in advance, especially if you want to get married during the wedding season. It’s a good idea to start making your enquiries about 6 to 8 months in advance. If you intend to get married during spring or summer, you might want to start making enquiries earlier. All the venues mentioned on this list are quite popular so they won’t sit vacant for too long.
  • Decide what you want – Before you choose the venue, decide what kind of wedding theme you want. Do you prefer a small ceremony with just a handful of family and friends or a grand event at a vineyard? Would you prefer being in the comfort of an indoor location or want to savour the beauty of the outdoors? Discuss this with your partner and decide which theme best suits you.
  • Look at reviews – It’s a good idea to look at reviews, articles, pictures and other sources of information to create a shortlist of possibilities. You won’t have time to tour and inspect a large number of venues when you are planning your wedding. Once you’ve created the shortlist, you can contact the venue.
  • Prepare a list of questions – Be prepared with a list of questions regarding the venue location, capacity, food, music arrangements, decor options, parking space, etc. You should also ask for a quote and make sure all expenses are included and described in the quote. You can compare the cost estimate from different venues carefully and determine what suits your requirements and budget best.
  • Tour the place – Narrow the list down further and tour the venues at your convenience. You can look at places that provide a good backdrop for photographs, consider where you’ll exchange vows and other such factors.

You should also take the time to understand the terms and conditions related to bookings, fees, cancellations, etc, before you make your choice. Reading the fine print will help you avoid problems later.

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

How to make the most out of a small garden

From tiny apartment balconies, rooftop decks, compact courtyards or narrow paved walkways, there are many creative ways to create a lush, serene and functional garden regardless of the size of your outdoor area.

Well planned small gardens can be just as beautiful and functional as sprawling manicured ones. Best of all, they don’t take much financial cost and time to set up and maintain.

If your tiny outdoor area is in need of some TLC, here are our eight top tips to make the most of the space you do have and bring your small garden to life.

Space-saving furnishings

When setting up your small garden for practical use like alfresco dining and drying laundry, opt for space-saving options. Invest in a sturdy foldaway table and set of chairs, a collapsible umbrella and a retractable clothesline, so you can minimise clutter and tuck all these items away when not in use.

Multi-purpose bench seating

If you have the space, consider adding in timber bench seating with hinged lids. This provides the perfect spot to store all those little items, like watering cans, cushions, gardening and BBQ equipment, collapsible chairs, firewood, the esky and alike that can take up precious space in your little garden. You could even incorporate planter boxes into the bench seat design giving you a comfy spot to sit as well as grow your fave lush plants.

Bench seat with additional seating / Source: Bondi Landscapes Design & Construction

Create levels

Define different areas of your small garden using pavers, steps, hedges, garden beds, gates, water features, decking, screens or fences. Believe it or not, this will help to make the area feel larger and allows you to create multiple outdoor zones with different purposes. Consider adding in a chill-out zone level with benches, a fire pit and/or water feature and then a dining and cooking level with a table setting and a BBQ.

Look around

When planning your mini garden look to use every possible inch of space to grow plants. Look for opportunities to hang plants off an awning, fencing, walls, verandas or the garden trellis. Make the most of blank wall space on your patio, courtyard wall or balcony by adding greenery in the form of wall mounted planters, climbing plants or by hanging a vertical garden. Woolly Pockets are a great green wall modular planter option that is easy to install and maintain, with self-watering versions available.

Go potty

Planter boxes and pots are the perfect solution for small paved courtyards with no garden beds and cramped concrete balconies. Line larger pots and shrubs along your balcony railing for extra privacy. Container gardens are especially good for renters who can easily uproot all their hard work and take their pot plants with them when they move on to a new home.

Feature pot plant / Source: Northside Landscaping & Gardening

Edible extras

Create your own little green fragrant oasis in your planters, pots or a raised garden bed by planting easy to grow edibles and herb variety es. Edible plants that thrive in containers and small spaces include lettuce, strawberries, citrus trees, olive trees, bush beans, spinach, mint, chives, rosemary, basil and thyme, just to name a few!

Up the Zen factor

For those without a green thumb or a serious interest in gardening, a minimalist Japanese-style Zen pebble garden could be a good low maintenance way to go. Enhance the tranquil Japanese theming with the addition of a beautiful potted Japanese maple, bamboo screen to provide a wall of green, a Buddha statue, a koi fish pond or a Bonsai tree or two. The great thing about Bonsai trees is they grow very slowly, don’t take up much space and look amazing.

Contact local gardeners

Screen queen

Typically, compact living means close proximity to neighbours and a lack of outdoor privacy. If your courtyard or balcony space has neighbours overlooking or visible foot traffic close by, a natural screen can be the perfect way to go to add greenery and privacy. Plant a line of bamboo, magnolia trees or mother in-law’s tongue along the area you wish to block out prying eyes from. Alternatively put up a garden trellis and plant creeper plants below to make a lush green screen that maximises privacy.

We hope these tips help you to transform your small yard from drab to a fab private green oasis. For more tips and tricks about gardening take a look at our garden privacy ideas, vertical garden ideas and indoor plant guide.

Categories
Finance

Small business tax advice

Running a small business isn’t always smooth sailing, especially at the end of the financial year. With these few tax return tips, you’ll have your tax return done quick, so you can get back to business.

Prepare your tax return early

Avoid the rush in July by getting your documents together early. For some businesses, this involves manually collecting an inventory of receipts, expense records, invoices or employee details to review your company’s spend. Keeping records helps you understand your business’ financial situation and for tax purposes, receipts should be kept for up to five years. Starting as early as possible is the best way to minimise stress towards the end of the financial year and will help you lodge correct statements. As you go, confirm your business records are up to date and in line with current legislation.

Get ahead of the game and plan ahead by keeping copies of previous years records.

Get in touch with your accountant before June 30 to ensure you’re organised / Source: Stock image.

Tax advice for small business owners – what can you claim?

Being a small business there are plenty of things you’re able to claim tax on. Here’s a brief overview below.

  • If you or your employees travel for business you can claim:
    • airfares, train, bus or taxi fares, accommodation costs, meals and overnight business travel.
  • If you run your business at your home, or your business is based from home, you can claim:
    • the business portion of some expenses, including mortgage interest and electricity.

Match all accounts

Reconciling your accounts ensures bank statements are consistent with your own records, helping you spot any discrepancies in spend and find duplicate transactions. Start by chasing up outstanding payments, pending invoices or unpaid refunds. When all payments are up to date, match your receipts to your bank transactions, asking for copies of receipts where necessary. When you reconcile your accounts, you will also need to consider investment accounts, unpaid or outstanding debts and any leases.

Send payment summaries to employees well before July to ensure your business’ accounts are reconciled before PAYG summaries are provided for employees. Use this chance to update employees’ current financial details and superannuation payments, also checking any termination dates and leave entitlements.

A meeting with a bookkeeper or accountant can be useful as the new financial year approaches.

Contact local tax accountants

Shop for what you need

Some business owners use this opportunity to pre-purchase service and supplies to claim a deduction but fall for the trap of spending for unnecessary items, simply for a tax deduction. You can make a tax deduction on any important businesses purchases.

Claim the right deductions for the best refund

Keep accurate and detailed records to help you make the right deductions and concessions for your business. While it may take you some time to delve into the details of what deductions are available, a little effort from the experts will help your business pocket extra savings this financial year.

You can claim expenses related to the running of your business -mostly for day-to-day costs or for expenses that depreciate over time but are used to improve the structure of your business. To see what can and can’t be claimed, Check the ATO website.

Registered businesses with an ABN and a turnover under $2 mil may take advantage of recent tax concessions. This means they can claim any assets (less than $20,000) if an ongoing activity is adequately demonstrated. According to the ATO, your business may be eligible to claim up to $300 on home office equipment, electrical costs, cleaning expenses or repairs although documentation is required to claim deductions that exceed $300.

Plan ahead for maximal tax return savings

The end of the financial year is also an opportunity to compare your business’ performance to last financial year. You can then set realistic business goals for the upcoming year.

Lauren suggests that businesses should consider investing time and money in the right accounting software. This will minimise the risk of tax audits and penalties.

“Be organised. If you have adequate accounting software and bookkeeping procedures, you can do the work as you go,” she says.

The pressure of running a small business is already a lot to handle. When the end of financial year comes around, why not leave it to the experts? From tax accountants to bookkeepers, request a free service and make the right expert connection.

Categories
News & updates

7 ways to create a professional brand image

Having a professional brand image is just as important as the service you provide. Why? It builds trust and credibility, which attracts more customers. Think about it this way – would you rather hire a cleaner in casual clothes or one that presents himself in a crisp, branded uniform?

Creating a professional brand image is not as difficult as you may think. This checklist will help you create a professional brand image!

1. Have a professionally designed logo

Your logo represents your brand, helps customers remember who you are and builds credibility. That’s why it’s extremely important to have it professionally designed. If you need a logo or need your current one updated, you can find graphic design experts ready to help on Oneflare.

2. Have a company uniform

A smart-looking shirt with your logo will make all the difference when customers meet you for the first time. It shows customers you are a legitimate business they can trust.

3. Have professional photos of your business

Customers always want to know who they’re hiring. Make sure all photos of your business are professional and not like one you uploaded from your phone. Need a photoshoot done? Find your local photographer on Oneflare.

4. Brand your vehicle

This one is really a no-brainer! Take advantage of free advertising by having your business name and logo clearly on your truck, van or ute, so it’s visible to everyone you drive by.

5. Have a business website

Customers turn to the internet to find what they need, so be right where they can find you! Being on Oneflare is a great start, but having your own unique website will help increase your professional image. Link your website to your Oneflare profile page so you can show off your reviews. Need help? Just give Customer Care a call!

6. Jump on social media

It’s free, easy to update and when you connect with customers, you increase customer loyalty. Show off your portfolio, answer customer enquiries and provide them with the latest information about your business. It’s the easiest way to be discovered by new customers too!

7. Promote your brand

Hand out business cards, fridge magnets or any other merchandise you may have. The more your brand is out there, the more likely customers will remember your business! You can find trusted printers on Oneflare.

Categories
Design & technology

The best tools to use if you’re building an app

Creating an app is a tall order. However, it’s also one that’s well worth the time, dedication, and resources that go into it. According to the Business of Apps, there were 194 billion app downloads in 2018 alone. In other words, the field of app development is a large market, and it’s only growing.

Having an app for your business can help increase your profit margins by drawing more customers in and making shopping with you more convenient for existing customers. Also, it can help you drum up important brand recognition and loyalty.

Making an app isn’t an easy task, though. It requires plenty of planning and works on behalf of the app company. To get the job done efficiently and to the best of your ability, you’re going to need the right tools for the trade. Luckily, there are plenty of different types of tools you can take advantage of during the process that will help pave the way to your new mobile app!

General workflow management

One of the hardest parts of project management is making sure that every step is done in order without fail. If a step is skipped in app development, you’ll find it difficult to move forward or even struggle with bugs within the program. So, a way to easily track what needs to be done is essential.

There are a lot of options out there for this, but Casual is one that’s quickly gaining steam. It offers a simple interface that displays a flowchart of what needs to be done and which users are taking care of that step. This is incredibly helpful when it comes to handling large projects that require many smaller tasks or need to be done over a longer period of time.

Contact local mobile app developers

If you want something slightly more streamlined that gives team members their own individual tasks without necessarily tying them all together. If you’re seeking this level of individual anonymity, apps like Asana focus on individual task lists. They allow for task assignment with a description of what needs to be done and space in each task to instant message back and forth on the specific job. With its simple interface, there isn’t much room for confusion, and you can easily communicate what you need between team members without any trouble.

Note-taking tools

As you go through the app development process, you’re likely to find that you come up with ideas as you go along that you can’t put into practice immediately. In these cases, you’ll want to keep these ideas in a central, easy-to-find location. If you’re just scrawling them on spare pieces of paper, it’s very easy for them to get lost or forgotten about. In a dedicated area, though, you can find them as you need them. You should have a clear mobile app development process follow to be able to manage any small or big mobile app development task.

One example of a handy service for this purpose is Evernote. This is a tool that is often marketed to college students, but it’s just as valuable to businesses and individual employees. It allows you to keep track of any notes on or ideas about a project and search and reference them as you need to. Since it’s a cloud-based system, you can even access it from a different computer, or it can be accessed by a different team member working on the project.

All of these tools will help you keep your app development projects on track and give you a profitable and polished end results. This is crucial in a world where the tech industry is not only growing but an essential arm that businesses can’t survive without.