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Anita Froneman

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The new year is here and with it,  new trends. Nail art is not new but these absolutely abstract designs are. Forget plain. Solid colours are so last year.

The 2021 nail scene is all about bold, splashy designs, but nowhere near the cutesy flowers and butterflies we had in the early 2000s. Think of your nails as a canvas for true modern art. The colour scheme is up to you, from nude to bright to pastel. Flowy lines, abstract facial outlines, and paintbrush strokes are all the rage.

Here are some of the hottest new trends we can’t get over.

 

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When it comes to planning your big day, you want your closest people by your side to get your through. Things will get crazy, overwhelming and exhausting which is where your A-team step in.

But how do you know who to ask? Who should be your maid of honour and should you even have one? There will most likely be many outside voices telling you what to do, feelings of moral obligation or pressure from your partner around who to include in your bridal party. Take a breath, we’re here to help.

If you have no idea who to ask, consider the following guidelines.

You have the right to choose

It’s your wedding. Not your mother’s,  mother-in-law’s or sister’s wedding. You should be comfortable with the people around you, trust them and be able to rely on them. Choose people you know well, have a close relationship with and that you know carry your happiness at heart.

Your maid/man of honour needs certain qualities

Some traditions dictate that a bride should ask her closest female family member to be the maid of honour, while others firmly believe that it should be your longest-standing friend. While your man/maid of honour might tick both those boxes, the most important thing is that he or she must be your closest friend. They may be a sister, cousin or school friend, but they may also be a recently met colleague, sports mate or even an older person who is a role model and mentor in your life.

That being said, they will need to handle some arrangements, do a lot of planning and be hands-on during the process. As such, they would need to be at least a semi-organised person, live close enough to see you regularly and know you well enough to avoid planning things you would not enjoy.

Your bridal party don’t need to be best friends with each other

The maid of honour and bridesmaids are a group of people who all love you, but they don’t need to love each other. Yes, you want them to have a good time and getting along will be a bonus, but the main thing is that you have the people there that you want. If they really care about you, they will put any potential differences aside and work together as a team to make your dream come true.

You are allowed to exclude people 

This part sounds harsh, but it might be necessary. As with guests, you can’t always have everybody there. Sometimes practicalities just won’t allow it and other times it could be that people expect things of you that are unfair. If it so happens that you and your partner’s sister just don’t see eye to eye, for example, you shouldn’t have to feel pressured to include her in the bridal party. It would probably be a relief to them as much as it is to you, if you don’t ask them.

Remember this is your big day and your happiness counts most.

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We all hope for a smooth-sailing kind of wedding day, but of course, there’s always the odd chance that some drama will go down.

You might think no one would be rude enough to show up to a wedding uninvited, but it can happen. Rather have a game plan worked out on how to handle it than get caught off guard.

Here’s how to avoid having unwanted guests show up, and what to do if it happens.

1. Be clear on the wedding invitations

Firstly, make sure that you are very clear about who is invited when sending the wedding invitation. Sending one card to a family when you only intended to invite the parents, for instance, could cause a misunderstanding. The best way to avoid this is to put the names of your guests on the card, and state whether or not plus-ones and children are invited.

Here’s an example: Instead of saying “Dear Maxwell family”, rather say “Dear Julia and John, please join us in the celebration of our wedding. We regret, we are not able to accommodate children”.

2. Follow up on unwanted RSVPs

Should you receive an RSVP for someone who was not directly invited, you have the full right to contact the person and politely ask them not to come. This is most likely to happen in the case of invited guests who want to bring uninvited partners. Contact the invited partner, and gently but firmly say that you really do not have space for more people than invited.

3. Make a decision about whether to let them stay

Once you’ve done all the invitations right, there is still a chance that someone might show up out of the blue. A long-lost cousin you have no contact with might feel wronged and shows up to confront the family, or an ex-partner tries to interfere with your new relationship.

In cases like these, you need to decide whether you will force them to leave or let them stay and adopt a “the more the merrier”-attitude, provided there is no drama. You will probably be too caught up in your own fun and happiness to bother about the plus-one that snuck in after all. If it’s more serious than that, you should address it.

4. Speak up

Should the situation need sorting out, you will have to face the person and ask them to leave. It will probably be unpleasant, but it is needed. Be friendly and kind, and take your partner or a member of the bridal party with you. Take them aside in private and tell them that it’s wrong for them to be here. Here’s an example: “I’m really sorry I couldn’t invite you, but I feel that it’s better if you are not here today. Please leave the wedding, and we can talk more later.”

5. Know who to call

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If the uninvited guest for some reason refuses, you need to have backup. The person might be intoxicated, aggressive or just plain rude but you do not need that on your special day. If you have a wedding planner, call them for assistance. If not, call the venue security or the manager, and explain the situation. It might be a good idea to also save the nearest police station’s number too, just in case.

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Ring bearers and other youngsters who form part of the procession always bring a smile to everyone’s faces at the wedding. Some ask their nephews and nieces, cousins or own children to be the ring bearers. Others include their fur-babies.

Whether it’s the outfits (some have very important titles like “Ring Security”) or the faces (a few babies have admittedly fallen asleep on the job), we simply adore these gorgeous kids and animals.

Those with pets don’t stop with dogs, mind you. There are “wedding llamas” and also a bunny involved. Have a look at our favourites.

 

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Your wedding will be one of the best memories of your life,  so you will want to capture it on film. Of course, there will be an elaborate shoot for the couple and the family or bridal party, but the guests are also part of the occasion.

Set up a fun, lively photo booth at the reception for everyone to enjoy. It can be inspired by the wedding theme or just be neutral.

Add some accessories and props for some extra entertainment. Here are a few that we love.

 

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Morning or afternoon weddings are increasingly popular and even more so in summer. Why not splash out with a delightful French high tea theme? Think sweet tartlets, fresh croissants and salty finger quiche. Add a splash of exotic tea, artisan coffee and sparkling Champagne.

Tables laid out in pastel colours, porcelain tea cups and serviettes fit to frame. No one does cakes and breads better than the French.

 

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A wedding is a happy, fabulous and colourful time and nothing reflects joy as well as cupcakes. You don’t have to have a wedding cake if that is not your jam.

Cupcakes are easy, more practical and might be preferable for those who would like to take them home. It also makes more sense in a COVID-19-era to offer guests individual desserts they can pick by hand instead of all sharing from one cake.

Here are some delightful cupcake-inspirations to get your mouth watering.

 

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?? ???? ??????????? ?????? – Happy Sunday everyone! Here’s a soothing set on a weekend, how do you like this soft colors? Makes me feel like wedding ? . ?Gold Mini Sprinkles, White Sparking Sugar and White Pearlescent Polish Rods by @sprinkly_uk – 15% discount using my code “SEEYENBAKES15” With a mix of LUX metallic sprinkles by @sweetapolita and Gold Small Chocolate Balls by @happysprinkles from @the_cake_decorating_co . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? Rosette Edge painted using @sweetsticksau a mix of Pink Diamond & Glamorous Gold Metallic Lustre Dust inspired by @zibakeriz . ? Rose Gold Prism Powder by @fancysprinkles . ⭐Nozzle 1M, 1B, 4B, 104 and 6B by @wilton_uk @wiltoncakes . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ?Wilton Color Right by @wiltoncakes with my Swiss Meringue Buttercream ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #floralcupcakes#seeyenbakes #wiltonuk #cakeinspo #cakeinspiration #cupcakegrid #cupcakeinspo #bakersspotlight #cupcakedesign #cupcakequeen #floralcupcakes #cupcakestyles #cupcakefordays #cupcakeproject #cakesbae #weddingcupcakes #cupcaketime #cupcakeoftheday #cupcakedecorating #wiltoncakes #cupcake #cupcakeofinstagram #cupcakelove #flatlaytoday #buttercream #cupcakes #cakestagram #cakeporn #instacake #cupcakestagram #swissmeringuebuttercream

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Happy Birthday Tiffany @cloudsandcreamco ????!! I am so glad to have met you on here where we bonded over asian bakes & flavours, all the rants and chats throughout the covid period has brought us closer – thank you so much for the friendship ? I hope that your hand is under recovery so you could return to the baking world soon. Dedicating this ???? ???? ??????????? ?????? to you for #tiffanysbirthdaycollab on your special day as we figured that soft blue seems to be one of your favourite ?? i hope you are having a blast on your special day! . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And in reality, this set has been gifted to a friend for a farewell as he is leaving Edinburgh to further down south in UK for good; to pursue his dreams in culinary & baking. This is to wish him all the best and hope he will succeed in doing what he is passionate in. . ?White 100s 1000s, White Sparking Sugar, Turqoise Glimmer Pearls and Baby Blue Pearlescent Polish Rods by @sprinkly_uk – 15% discount using my code “SEEYENBAKES15” . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⭐Nozzle 1M, 4B, 104 and 6B by @wilton_uk @wiltoncakes . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ?Colors by @americolor and @wiltoncakes with my Swiss Meringue Buttercream ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #fallcupcakes #seeyenbakes #cakeinspo #cakeinspiration #cupcakegrid #cupcakeinspo #bakersspotlight #cupcakedesign #cupcakequeen #cupcakestyles #cupcakefordays #cupcakeproject #weddingcupcakes #cupcaketime #cupcakeoftheday #cupcakedecorating #wiltoncakes #cupcake #cupcakeofinstagram #cupcakelove #flatlaytoday #buttercream #cupcakes #cakestagram #cakeporn #instacake #cupcakestagram #swissmeringuebuttercream #floralcupcakes

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Throwback to our last wedding of 2020 this fall – so thrilled we got to be a part of Chelsea + Paul’s big day ✨

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Wedding treat for the happy couple #weddingcupcakes #cupcakesofinstagram #cupcakedecorating #cupcakes #cupcakestagram #fondantcupcakes

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All white ?

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Something blue… Beautiful vanilla cupcakes for a wedding. ??

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All our cupcake orders come in crisp white presentation boxes. We do batches of 4, 6 and 12 ???

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Times have changed and so have traditions. There’s no need for anything to be done simply because that’s the way it has always been done.

On your wedding and the days leading up to it, you want someone close to you to help you out. Whether it’s the planning, running errands on the day, organising a stellar bachelorette or simply getting excited with you, your bestie has got your back.

Your bestie may or may not be a man. No rule says your best friend needs to be the same gender as you.

In modern times, it’s completely acceptable for men and women to be good friends with members of the opposite sex, without being romantically involved. A mature relationship can handle each other’s friends without getting jealous.

So, if you’re tying the knot but you don’t feel you have a girlfriend that you are necessarily close to, why not ask your male friend to be your ‘man of honour’?

There’s no reason he can’t take you dress shopping, cake tasting or throw an epic kitchen tea. If you do, here are some things to keep in mind:

– Your partner comes first

Hopefully, your partner is also good friends with your best friend and respects your decision, as you will respect theirs. However, insisting on asking a friend that your partner may not get along with might hurt them. If there is a history between you and the male friend, for example, your partner might not like the idea of him sharing these personal moments with you. It would be wise to be open and honest with your partner before asking the friend.

– Your male best friend’s comfort comes second

Even if your partner is completely comfortable with the idea, your friend might not be. They may be more or less at ease with spending time discussing intimate details surrounding the dress, hair and makeup, the honeymoon etc. Or they might simply not enjoy doing those things, they could end up being bored and you will end up feeling neglected. Have a casual chat with them to test the waters before the big ask, unless you know them well enough to know they will say yes –  and have fun doing it too.

– Your family’s opinions should not influence you

Oftentimes, our family’s opinions tend to shape our decisions, even as adults. Your family might be more traditional than you, and it’s important to treat them with respect. However, this is your day and the way you choose to do things are up to you and your partner. So, if they frown upon your decision, either have an open discussion with them or ignore their input, but don’t change your mind for their sake. You deserve to be happy at this very special time in your life.

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A wedding bouquet should reflect your personality and fit the theme, but not steal your thunder. We love the elegance of white flowers, and the simplicity it brings.

Here are some ides if you’re thinking to go with an all-white bouquet. If white on its own is too plain for you, add some subtle pastel colours to the mix. Also feel free to experiment with accessories to add a special touch to the flowers like dried botanical pieces, wispy feathers, and jewels.

Take a look at these riveting bouquets.

 

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How are you holding up? What a week!⠀ ⠀ “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” —Joyce Meyer⠀ ⠀ One small thing that’s brought me calm and joy is having a vase of fresh white roses on my desk. ⠀ ⠀ What’s something new you’ve done, or added this week, to help you in the waiting?⠀ ⠀ Featured on @martha_weddings⠀ Photography by @kurtboomerphoto⠀ Florals by @monijunco⠀ Planning by @dianaromo.weddings⠀ Makeup by @zoeelizabethmakeup⠀ Hair by @bysandymendez⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ ⠀ #weddingbouquet #whiteflorals #whiteflowers #whitebouquet #floraldesign #romantic #romanticflorals #destinationwedding #fineartwedding #fineartbride #filmphotography #patience #flashesofdelight #thatsdarling #bridetobe #bride #weddingplanning ⠀

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Bride & her Girl ? ??????? @_henrydegabrace . . ????? @maxi_kingston @queenlillian_nkem . ?????? ????? @djirish5 . ??? @princeglam_empire . ??????????? @jorjiz_glam . ?? @dj_youngest . ?ℎ???????ℎ? @wizpromedia @wizproweddings . ????? ???? @peeveraconcept._08038514439 . ?????’? ?????? @cecil.clothing . . ?????’? ???? @hzibah_designs . ???? @brides_and_beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . #nigerianweddingpictures #nigerianweddings #flowergirl #littlebridesmaid #bridallook #weddingdress #whitebouquet #bridaldiaries #bouquet #bridalhair #hairaccessory #bridaldress #hairaccessories #blackbride #blacklove #bridesmaids #theknot #weddingdress #blacklove #weddingdresses #Brideinspiration #blackbride #photooftheday #blackbrides #bridalinspiration #bridalinspo #bridalinspirations

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Unsure of what suit will fit you best? It’s important to choose the right style and wear what flatters your shape most. Looking good is guaranteed to make you feel good!

Take a look at these tips and tricks to find the perfect fit for you.

Slender and tall

Tall men often have trouble finding pants that cover their ankles completely. Make sure your pants are the right length, as pants that are too short will seem skimpy. Alternatively, you cold opt for ankle grazers which are meant to be shorter and end just above the ankles. If you are slim and want to add more texture to your shape, opt for a blazer with padded shoulders. Dark colours work well with taller postures.

Muscular

If you are a fitness enthusiast and have the muscles to prove it, you could possibly wear any style and rock it. However, remember to choose the right size. Buying too small to enhance your muscles is not smart. You will feel uncomfortable and there is always the risk of popping buttons.  The correct size will set you off just fine.

Short and bulky

Go for smooth textures, without too many bells and whistles. The idea is to make you look taller, so opt for vertical stripes or buttoned blazers. Make sure the pant legs are not too long and don’t scrunch at the bottom. Rather get them hemmed if you can’t find a size that fits the waist and legs equally well.

Slender and short

If you have a small frame, you get to go all out. Lighter colours will make you appear larger and stylish accessories will be pleasing to the eye. A bit of extra shoulder padding will also go a long way, and keep an eye out for shoes with a slightly raised sole.

Large

If you are more man than muscle, fret not. Dress smartly in slimming colours like navy and charcoal, and avoid attracting attention to your waistline. Vests are flattering and will conceal any insecurities. Make sure your pants fit nice and snug, not baggy as that will make you seem bigger. The right size is key.

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