1 real bride's AUSTRALIAN HEN'S PARTY
We spoke to Real Bride Larissa about her surprise Bridgerton themed bridal tea party. Read below to learn all the details (ribbon bow veil and all!).
1. Tell us about YOU; who are you, where do you live and what do you do?
Hi Gigi & Olive! My name is Larissa Manley (previously Walsh) and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I am Head of Data and Customer Success for a large first aid and disability training organisation, and I also own a company called Rent a Dress. Rent a Dress is an online shared dress hiring marketplace that connects rental companies and customers across Australia. It was the first to launch in Australia, back in 2014, so fashion and retail are a big passion of mine.
2. When and where did you get married?
I got married on the 30th November 2024 on a private property belonging to my husband’s family in Victoria.
3. Tell us about your Bachelorette? Where did you go? Who did you go with?
My bachelorette party (or hens party as we call it in Australia) was incredible! We had a private events space at an amazing place called Recoleta in CBD Melbourne. I celebrated with my closest girlfriends and family (from both mine and my husband’s). We had a beautiful sit down lunch with plenty of champagne flowing, games, and a video surprise message from my three best girlfriends (one who was my Maid of Honour) who live in London and unfortunately couldn’t make it.
After lunch, the girls surprised me with a hot pink hummer limousine and we went to a very scandalous ‘Magic Mike’ show – which was hilarious and so much fun!
4. Did you have a theme, what was the vibe, how did you choose the aesthetic?
Yes! The theme was ‘Bridgerton’. I really wanted a elegant tea party style event with gorgeous pastels, pearls and bows. I wanted to try and do something a little different (although I’ve seen this theme a lot more now) from the usual theme, and my girlfriends absolutely love dressing up, so knew they’d nail the theme. I love a theme where it’s easy to incorporate into your dress code, without having to wear a costume, so this theme was perfect. I created a Pinterest mood board for my guests and my bridal party (who planned the event) to convey my vibe.
5. What did you wear? (We want all the details...)
I wore a draped cotton mini dress by Magda Butrym in white. It was a perfect ode to the ‘poofy’ ballerina skirt which is trending at the moment, without being exactly that. It featured off-shoulder detailing with mini ruched straps and a bustier neckline. I paired it with Orquidea Heels in mint green from Tissimum and the Ribbon Bow Veil by Gigi & Olive.
For accessories, I wore a vintage Mikimoto Double Strand Pearl Bracelet from Mikimoto that was passed down to me in my family, and paired with a gorgeous single strand pearl necklace that belonged to my late Mother-in-Law. It was a gorgeous, borrowed piece from my two beautiful new sister-in-laws for the day, and was very special to wear. I opted for small rectangular Huggie earrings in silver from Anna Rossi, I really wanted something simple that blended in as I didn’t want a statement earring. Oh, and of course my trilogy engagement ring from Natasha Schweitzer.
I then changed into my second ‘party look’ which was the Antoinette Set by Fait Far Poutch, because who doesn’t love an excuse for two outfits.
I then changed into my second ‘party look’ which was the Antoinette Set by Fait Far Poutch, because who doesn’t love an excuse for two outfits.
6. How involved were you in the organisation? (Type A Bride or did you let your MOH take charge?)
I am a Type A bride, but I completely left my hens up to my beautiful bridal party. Apart from the theme, and a general direction of how I wanted the day to unfold (a lovely lunch, into some sort of activity), I left it up to them. They absolutely nailed it, I could not be more grateful.
7. What was your most expensive purchase? Was it worth it?
My first dress was by far my most expensive purchase for my hens. I actually tried it on many months before the party, and loved it, so it was sitting in my wardrobe for a number of months waiting to be worn. Yes, I absolutely thought it was worth it. I still have it, and have it available for rent to other brides also, which helps take the sting out of the price tag.
8. What was your best budget purchase?
My shoes were my best budget purchase. Retailing at $150, I thought they were amazing value for money. They’re really gorgeous and unique, and were hand made in Mexico so I feel for a pair of heels I’ll definitely wear again, they were worth it!
9. Did you do anything special for your group that you would recommend to other Brides?
This isn’t something I planned myself for the day, but a surprise from my friends and I would absolutely recommend it to other Brides. I had a few friends not be able to make it due to living overseas (they were incredible and all flew in for the wedding though). They surprised me with an incredible video of them running all over London, talking about their best memories with me and how excited they were for me on my special day. It was incredible. It wasn’t just the video, it was the effort behind it. I had shots of them in the famous red telephone booths, in one of the paddle boats at a park’s lake, running around town…it was amazing. And they had a blooper real at the end that put me in tears. If you have anyone that can’t make it on your day, this was an amazing way to feel like they were still there with you.
10. Anything you would change?
Definitely not! I loved the day, and it was made so special because it was all a surprise to me. I wouldn’t change a thing.
11. What are your 3 top tips to other brides planning their Bach?
1. Focus on what is going to make the day special for everyone. We tend to focus on the aesthetics of the space, and while they’re important, they don’t make or break the day. Make sure your day reflects who you are, and what you like to do. If the mood is right, and the food and drinks are good, everyone will have an amazing time no matter what.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things go wrong. Plan as best you can to avoid mishaps, but if anything goes array on the day – forget it! It doesn’t matter unless you focus on it. Shit happens, and sometimes it can make a party memorable.
3. Pick an outfit you’ll love in 50 years time, and one you don’t mind you parents and grandparents seeing. Go for classy with a bit of fun, that always dates well. If you’re wanting another ‘more fun’ look, opt for an outfit change – you only plan to get married once!
12. 3 things from G&O on your Wishlist?
Ummm everything?! It’s so hard to pick, but now I’m no longer a bride but a newlywed, I would have to say the personalised pillowcase set (they are the cutest ever), the boss silk eye mask (just in case my husband forgets) and the boss notebook – perfect to carry with you day-to-day.
Follow Bride Larissa on Instagram Instagram - @larisssamanley and TikTok - @larisssamanley.
