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    Romantic things for couples to do in Rio de Janeiro

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    Rio de Janeiro is one of the most perfect places for a couple to take a vacation. It boasts warm, tropical weather and a vibrance that is unmatched. The festive feeling never leaves you while you’re roaming the streets.

    Whether you’re taking your honeymoon or planning a spontaneous romantic getaway, Rio de Janeiro will be everything you want and more. There are tons of activities to make your getaway unforgettable.

    With Rio being one of the most affordable travel destinations, many South Africans couples are booking their trips! Here are some romantic activities that are not to be missed:

    Visit Parque Lage 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5XV9mkia4B/

    This 1840s, English-style 128-acre garden has a lot for couples to see. With fountains, walking paths and endless greenery you’re sure to get some great photos. Parque Lage also has a 19-century mansion which is home to an art school. To make the visit perfect, there is also a cafe and a restaurant where you can have a relaxed, pool-side meal.

    Hike up Pedra Bonita 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B65sxNVDxfN/

    The name Pedra Bonita means Pretty Rock; the name alone makes it a good place for a romantic activity. If you’re worried about your fitness level, there is no need! The hike is one of the easiest in Rio, it only takes about 40 minutes to reach summit.

    Its level of difficulty, however, says nothing about its worthiness; the view from the top is one you won’t want to miss!  If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, there is also paragliding and hang-gliding on offer at the summit.

    Explore Santa Teresa

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B66iTp7FhCD/

    Let your inner tourist out in the hills of Santa Teresa. Cobbled streets, vintage stores, pubs, and welcoming locals are what you’ll find in Santa Teresa. Spend a few hours walking the streets and viewing the colourful buildings. You can catch some amazing views of the city if you pick the right restaurant.

    Take a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrjVKjpASDy/

    The cable car starts at Praia Vermelha Beach, stops at Morro da Urca (halfway to the summit) and then makes its way to the top of Sugarloaf mountain. This is sure to be one of the most unforgettable experiences, with views you couldn’t imagine. To add an extra splash of romance, take the trip at sunset!

    Visit Christ the Redeemer

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B590rVhAZC1/

    You can’t visit Rio de Janeiro without visiting Christ the Redeemer. It is one of Rio’s top attractions and is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

    Watch the Samba bands in Pedra do Sal 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6t6MgThKV0/

    Pedra do Sal is the birthplace of Samba! Every Monday you’ll find Samba bands and locals enjoying the music until 2am. Join in the fun for no cost at all.

    Take a dip at Cachoeira do Horto

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BUFFMpXDLkZ/

    While Rio is popular for its beaches, this waterfall offers a more relaxed, secluded swimming opportunity. If you want to escape the crowds, this is a good option. Surrounded by tall trees and vegetation, Cacheoira do Horto has three rock pools in which you can cool off. To get there, you’ll have to take a short, 15-minute hike from Tijuca National Park.

    A day trip to Ilha Grande 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CVb0ep1Vt/

    Only a 30-minute boat trip out away from Rio lies the Ilha Grande. The island is car free, giving it an untouched feel. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Rio and also has a variety of hikes for you to choose from. When you get hungry, make your way to one of the beach-side bars, or have a romantic dinner on the beach. Spend a day there and make the most of it!

    Visit the Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7B-s-cpI-1/

    Stretching across 338 acres, this is one of Rio’s largest parks. There are more than 6500 plant species to look at, along with animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. This is a great place to get some couple photos and take a romantic stroll.

    Swim in the world famous Copacabana Beach 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt9b1EyDO7L/

    A dip in the ocean is another one of those things you must do in Rio. Copacabana is easily one of, if not the most, popular beaches in Rio. It is world famous, we’re sure you know the song! Even if you’d prefer to avoid big crowds, you should still swing by this beach. It’s a must-do for the ultimate Rio experience.

    Image: Unsplash 

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    Rehearsal Dinners: What they are and how they started

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    Rehearsal dinners are by no means compulsory and, of course, are not the main event. However, I’m sure we can all agree that they are part of the fun of wedding celebrations. In fact, they set the tone for the beginning of the festivities.

    The event commonly comes after a run-through of the wedding ceremony. While the rehearsal dinner is centred around fun, food, family and friends, it also serves some important purposes.

    Often, the rehearsal dinner is the first time that all friends and family of both the bride and groom are under one roof. Many guests will be meeting for the first time. This is important as it allows all the guests and important attendees to get to know each other; it ensures that, on the special day, everyone is getting along and comfortably able to have fun with each other.

    Another important function of the rehearsal dinner is the speeches. Most people prefer to keep the speeches on the wedding day to a minimum, with only the parents of the couple, the maid-of-honour and best-man saying a few words. Obviously, there are more people who might want to celebrate the happy couple with a word or two; maybe some friends, siblings, or other close family members. The rehearsal dinner is the time for all of these speeches. It allows for everyone to say what they want and feel as if they are a part of the wedding, without extending the duration of wedding speeches unecessarily.

    But what is the origin of the rehearsal dinner, you ask?

    Wedding historian Susan Waggoner notes that “Hundreds of years ago, attending a wedding could mean days of travel. The night before the event would find the tent, hut, castle, or manor house jammed to the rafters with friends, relatives, and emissaries, all of whom had to be fed.” Essentially, the tradition was created as a result of necessity. The couple would invite guests from far and wide and because traveling back then was not as easy as it is now, the visitors were often hungry on arrival.

    After this, however, the tradition evolved to something a bit more fantastical. The rehearsal dinner, while still serving as a mass-feeding of arriving visitors, also became an opportunity to chase evil spitits away. It was believed that if attendees of the event were loud and rumbustious then evil spirits who wanted to ruin the couple’s chances of having a happy life together would be scared away. So, the idea was to gather all the guests for a dinner before the big day, and have everyone be as noisy as possible.

    Today, the event remains useful in many ways and is sure to be a good idea.

    Image: Unsplash

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    Wedding guest etiquette

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    Wedding season is exciting! Maybe a dear friend is tying the knot or a close family member is planning on saying “I do”. Perhaps a colleague or neighbour has invited you to their nuptials. These are all great opportunities to celebrate the people in your life, and are definitely events to look forward to. Most people agree that weddings are a lot of fun. However, you may be a bit worried about what is expected of you as a wedding guest.

    Sure, even the most seasoned wedding guest can mistakenly break the rules every now and then. But, the last thing you want is to embarrass yourself in front of all the other guests or be an inconvenience. If you want to ensure that your wedding-attendance-reputation is top quality and that you’re the best wedding guest you can be, then follow these simple tips.

    – RSVP as soon as you can
    Whether or not you’re planning on attending, you should RSVP as soon as you can. If you don’t, it’ll be a huge inconvenience to the couple, especially if you still show up to the wedding. Often, the couple needs to communicate a final head-count to vendors such as caterers. While you may think putting off the RSVP is minor, you could be unnecessarily adding to the couples wedding stress. Don’t do it!

    – Don’t bring a guest if you weren’t given a plus one
    If the wedding invite doesn’t clearly state that you can bring a guest, then don’t. It’s also probably a good idea not to assume that you can bring your kids either. If the invite doesn’t say anything, then find out first.

    Weddings are expensive. If you didn’t get a plus one, then the couple wasn’t planning on catering for your plus one. Additionally, most venues have a maximum capacity. It will be mighty awkward if you bring a guest and there is no seat for them.

    We know it can be uncomfortable to attend a wedding alone, but it’s better than causing an inconvenience on the couple’s special day.

    – Dress appropriately
    Take the season and the time of day into account, then dress appropriately for those factors. Be sure to check if there are any dress code specifications on the invitation. If there are, then follow them. Do not take any artistic liberty.

    Additionally, avoid wearing white at all costs. Wearing white is considered to be extremely rude – you’ll be wearing the bride’s colour on her special day.

    – Arrive on time
    This is not the time to arrive fashionably late. If you arrive late you may disrupt the ceremony or proceedings. You’ll be considered rude and inconsiderate.

    – Put your phone on silent
    This is another way you may mistakenly disrupt the ceremony. If you get some notifications or a phone call during the ceremony, it is quite distracting. The attention should be on the couple, do not take it away from them.

    In fact, you should try to keep texting and social media to a minimum during the wedding, lest you come across as uninterested or bored.

    – Don’t abuse the open bar
    You don’t need to take full advantage of the free drinks. A wedding is a classy event, so behave as such. A story about you passing out at the wedding is sure to get you uninvited from future weddings very quickly.

    – Mingle with the other guests
    If you’re at a table with strangers, be sure to introduce yourself and make some conversation. When it’s appropriate, get up and talk to other people too. This simply makes you a pleasant guest to have in attendance. You should, however, avoid sitting in a different seat because you know people at a table that isn’t the one you were assigned. You’ll be messing with months’ worth of planning.

    – Don’t compare the wedding to others you’ve attended
    It may seem as though you’re being judgemental or criticizing the wedding. The couple has spent a great amount of time planning this, and to them it’s perfect. Keep your opinions to yourself. Nobody wants to be seated next to a Negative Nancy.

    – Unless you’re the actual photographer, keep the pic snapping to a minimum
    Hovering around the couple all day to take pictures can be quite annoying. It can also be quite distracting. Refrain from this. One or two pictures are fine, but don’t over-do it.

    Another thing that you should remember is to avoid using your flash. Your flash may ruin the official photographer’s photos or simply just distract the couple and other guests.

    – Don’t leave early
    Unless it is really necessary, it’s best not to leave early. Wait at least until the cake is cut. It’s simply good manners. You wouldn’t want to make the couple feel bad on their special day, would you?

    Image: Unsplash 

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    Romantic things for couples to do in Turkey

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    Travelling to unfamiliar countries is super exciting but may be overwhelming. If you’re feeling frantic as you arrive, you may miss some amazing experiences. That’s why it is better to pre-plan, or at least do some research on what activities you would like to do before you start your trip. This is especially true if you’re going to a place like Turkey.

    Turkey is known for its exotic atmosphere, rich history and culture, and its natural and architectural beauty. The country, with its reputation for being romantic, draws in couples from the world over. The list of romantic things to do is quite long and you’ll be spoilt for choice.

    To ensure you don’t feel bombarded by all the amazing options, here is a list of some of the most romantic things to do in Turkey.

    – Take a tour of the Sultanahmet District in Istanbul 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BOQ-f_IjNZ8/

    The Sultanahmet District is easily the most popular destination for tourists in Istanbul, Turkey. It serves as a sort of hub of tourist attractions. The district is bordered by three bodies of water including the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, all of which are tourist attractions in their own right. The district also encapsulates the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque which are two other popular attractions known for their architectural beauty. Seeing the sights of a city with your partner can be quite romantic and exploring makes for great memories.

    – Take a trip to the Prince Islands 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BM37eHljn41/

    Off the coast of Istanbul is this string of Islands. While you’re there you can enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful scenery. What makes these islands extra special, and what is sure to make your visit unforgettable, is that the only mode of transport on the islands is a horse and cart. You can go sightseeing on the traditional horse-drawn carriage, called a feyton, and see everything that the islands have to offer.

    –  Go to Cappadocia 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6yNqKcoewF/

    Cappadocia is widely known for its incredible landscapes. If you decide to visit the region, you should take an early morning hot-air balloon ride and catch the sunrise and a birds-eye-view of the ancient rock dwellings (or fairy chimneys).

    – Have a couple’s Turkish Bath 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KivssHSJ6/

    This is highly ranked on the list of popular activities for couples in Turkey. The spa treatments you’ll receive are centuries old. Take in the beautiful interiors while relaxing luxuriously in one of many spas across Turkey.

    – Go on a date at a teahouse 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzuRQmvJOHp/

    For locals, Turkish tea is one of the best daily pleasures. It is a good way to relax and unwind. There is no shortage of tea houses and many of them come with amazing views too. Make sure you put this on your to-do list, or consider it as a daily end of day activity, to make the experience even more authentic.

    – Watch the sunset at the Golden Horn 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx_vpMKgsS6/

    What is a romantic getaway without an evening spent watching the sunset? The Golden Horn Park is one of the best places to be to catch the sunset in Istanbul.

    – Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6qSHdOhLQ3/

    An evening dinner cruise is another classic romantic getaway activity. The Bosphorus straight runs throughout the city and from the cruise ship you’ll be able to see some of the sights such as the Blue Mosque from a different angle.

    – Visit the Bazaars 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Biunap8hOsH/

    Here you’ll take some great pictures and find some cool souvenirs. This is a great way to eat, shop, and experience the culture all at once!

    Image: Unsplash 

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    Digital vs Paper wedding invitations

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    Many industries are slowly making the move to become more eco-friendly and the wedding industry will not be left behind. More often, couples are opting for digital wedding invitations (or wedding e-vites). Not only are digital invitations greener, they also come with other benefits such as being cost-effective and less time consuming. However, some might feel that a certain sentiment is lost by using a digital invitation.

    To help you weigh up the options, here are some pros and cons of both digital and paper wedding invitations.

    Digital

    Pros:

    – Saves Money 

    Digital wedding invitations will save you money in a variety of ways. You’ll pay for the design once, and you’ll be able to use it as many times as you like. There will be no postage costs and no paper or envelope costs.  If your budget is tight, or if you’re not too fussy about wedding invitations, digital is the way to go.

    – Eco-friendly 

    No paper invites means that you’re saving trees! On top of that, the delivery of  paper invitations, to your guests, requires fuel. With digital invites, you’re ensuring that your wedding has a smaller carbon footprint.

    – Easy to do 

    You could find a professional graphic designer to create your invitation for you. All you need to do is give them some specifications and your wedding invitation will be ready in no time.

    With the rise of online tools like Canva to make your life as easy as possible, it is even possible to find a website that has invitation templates for free. You could create an invitation completely on your own in a single sitting. Quick and easy!

    – Saves time 

    Not only does it save time on the designing front, but it also gets delivered within seconds. This means you’ll receive your RSVPs quicker too.

    Cons:

    – Some guests may not be tech savvy 

    For the older guests, a digital invite may cause some issues. Some grandparents or aunts and uncles may not be sure how to RSVP or how to access the invitation at all. You wouldn’t want to risk them missing the special day! However, there are ways around this problem. You could opt to send only certain people paper invites.

    – Invites may get lost in a spam folder 

    While it is mostly unlikely, there is a chance that your invite may be detected as spam. Most people don’t check their spam folders, and this could mean that they miss your invitation completely.

    – Designing it yourself can be risky 

    Some of us are simply not artistically inclined. And that’s okay! But, if you’re designing your own wedding invitations you may want to be cautious. The internet is full of ideas, and most websites provide you with templates, but you could still end up with a design that is sub-par if you’re not careful.

    It may sound as if digital invites are less distinctive, significant or memorable, but there are ways you can make it special!

    Paper

    Pros:

    – May be easier to access 

    There are several stores that carry printed wedding invitations. Finding these may be easier than finding a graphic designer.

    – Comes with extra excitement 

    Holding the invites in your hand, packaging them and sending them off can be an exciting activity to do with your partner or your family. It can feel like the real beginning of the wedding festivities.

    – Makes for a great keepsake

    You can keep the wedding invitation forever. Perhaps you want to frame it or put it in your wedding album. These are things you can’t do with a digital invite.

    Cons:

    – Can be quite costly 

    Printing, paper, envelopes, decorations such as ribbons or glitter, and posting. If you add all of these up, it could add a large sum to your budget.

    – Very time-consuming 

    Creating the invites and packaging them already take a lot of time. Thereafter, you’ll have to wait for them to be delivered. This can take a long time, especially if your guests live far away. Additionally, it’ll increase the waiting period you’ll have for receiving responses.

    Image: Unsplash 

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    The infamous second dress: Celeb edition

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    There’s a new rule among celebrity brides – one dream wedding dress just isn’t enough! Brides have embraced slipping into something a little more comfortable for drinks and dancing, and also, some ‘wow’ factor. Draw inspiration for your second wedding dress from these breathtaking brides:

    Hailey Bieber

     

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    A post shared by VERA WANG (@verawanggang) on

    Being comfortable does not mean you have to give up being stylish. Hailey Bieber changed into a Vera Wang slip dress and trainers for a more relaxed reception look. The custom gown was made from silk charmeuse and featured an asymmetrical cowl neck with a plunging back.

    Ellie Goulding

     

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    A post shared by Mr & Mrs Jopling ?❤ (@caspellie_06) on

    Ellie had not one, but five outfits on her wedding day! For her second look, she changed into an off-the-shoulder Stella McCartney gown with a thigh-high split and a diamond trim.

    Leona Lewis

     

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    A post shared by Italian Wedding Circle (@italianweddingcircle) on

    A blush pink sequin embellished gown was Leona Lewis’ choice for her wedding reception. The gown was designed by Inbal Dror and featured spaghetti straps, a V-neckline and delicate embroidery.

    Katherine Schwarzenegger

     

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    A post shared by ELLE Australia (@elleaus) on

    Armani Privé was responsible for both of Katherine Schwarzenegger’s wedding looks. Katherine swapped her first strapless fitted gown for an ivory column gown featuring draped shoulders. The second dress also featured a long train that was lifted via a wrist loop.

    Chiara Ferragni

     

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    A post shared by Lisa Carmody (@lisasweddingworld) on

    The Blonde Salad influencer wore custom Dior wedding dresses for her big day. The second dress featured delicate embroidery depicting a small lion, representing their son Leone, along with lyrics of the song ‘Favorisca I Sentimenti’ written by her husband Fedez. The second dress could also be transformed into a practical mini dress!

    Poppy Delevingne

     

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    A post shared by Tara Makeup (@tara_makeup) on

    Rather than wearing a second wedding dress, Poppy wore a multi-purpose Chanel design on her wedding day. The embellished gown featured a detachable skirt turning it into a mini-dress. Perfect for the dance floor!

    Meghan Markle

     

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    A post shared by Meghan Markle (@hrhofsussex) on

    A halterneck gown was the choice for Meghan Markle’s second wedding dress. The elegant and modern piece was designed by none other than Stella McCartney.

    Kate Upton

     

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    A post shared by Kate Upton (@kateupton) on

    Model Kate Upton swapped her traditional white lace Valentino gown for a sheer silver dress for the reception. The second dress was designed by New York-based Christy Rilling Studio.

    Princess Eugenie

     

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    A post shared by Princess Eugenie (@princesseugenie) on

    After wearing Peter Pilotto for the wedding ceremony, Princess Eugenie changed into a blush-coloured gown by Zac Posen for the reception at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

    By Larissa Vermeulen

    Feature image: Instagram / Kate Upton

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    10 Wedding dress trends to look out for in 2020

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    ‘Royal’ and ‘classic’ were among the words used to describe the wedding dress trends we saw in 2019, but 2020 is all about new ways of interpreting a classic look and taking inspiration from the past.

    Wedding dress trends for the year ahead include everything from feathers and ruffles, to low back details and super high slits, to name a few. So for the brides planning for 2020, we know you are faced with so many choices and different styles, but we’re here to narrow those options down by presenting our favourite wedding dress trends for 2020.

    From simplistic to dramatic, these are the wedding dress trends to look out for in 2020:

    1. Capes

     

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    A post shared by Jeannelle l’Amour Bridal (@jeannelle.la.amour_bridal) on

    If there’s ever a time to be OTT, your wedding day is that day. For the more dramatic brides, their wedding day is their time to shine, which is why the cape trend is perfect for you. Bridal capes are a modern alternative to the veil with a theatrical feel. It’s glamorous, it makes a striking statement and is ideal for the bride looking to enhance her wedding dress with a touch of something different.

    2. Feathers

     

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    A post shared by Janita Toerien (@janitatoerien) on

    Inspired by the 1920’s, this feminine feather trend arrived as a new type of texture. What might appear as slightly heavy, the light-weight feather details on a wedding dress add a playful, glamorous and dimensional edge. If the dreamy, classic wedding gown or minimal sheath dress is not for you, an elaborate gown draped in feathers might just be. Feathered wedding dresses are bold and fashion-forward, yet very unique. If you are intrigued by this trend but won’t commit to a full feathered dress, choose a simpler dress with feather accents.

    3. Low back

     

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    A post shared by Robyn Roberts Bridal Studio (@robynrobertsbridal) on

    This is a sexy and statement-making wedding dress trend. A low back or backless wedding dress is a flawless balance between glamorous, modern and sophisticated, showing a bit of skin while still looking elegant. This trend is actually quite versatile because whether you prefer a structured lace or flowing dress, the backless trend can work across all styles.

    4. Tulle & ruffles

     

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    A post shared by V A G A B O N D Bridal (@vagabond_bridal) on

    For some vintage inspiration, consider a wedding dress with layers upon layers of tulle, or a full ruffled A-line skirt. The sensational bridal look has been seen before in a more subtle way,
    but in 2020 we’re hoping to see the trend kicked up a notch! A wedding dress with many layers of exaggerated tulle and ruffles is guaranteed to have all eyes on you, and will make you feel like a modern-day princess.

    5. Super high slits

     

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    A post shared by Monique Lhuillier Bride (@moniquelhuillierbride) on

    Put those legs on display! Along with low backs and plunging necklines, wedding dresses with high, sexy slits fall into the same dramatic category. A high slit is a tasteful detail that will show off your legs and is a great idea for the bride that still want a classic full-length dress with a modern and decadent edge.

    6. Sheer

     

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    A post shared by Anna Georgina (@annageorgina_bridal) on

    A bit risqué? We think not. Sheer never looked so chic, and with this trend, you can be fully covered and still have a sultry sheer illusion. There’s room for imagination while feeling sophisticated and sexy at the same time. Keep in mind that the layers on the inside of the dress will be visible, so make sure it covers and hides what it needs to. Make use of slips, beautiful lingerie, lace, 3D appliqué and a variation of materials to create lightness without showing everything.

    7. Ball gowns

     

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    A post shared by Elbeth Gillis (@elbethgillis) on

    Nothing says classic quite like a full A-line ball gown style wedding dress. This style trend is by far the most versatile as it is suited for almost any neckline and bodice,
    Whether its lace or embellishment, strapless or long sleeves, it just works across all spectrums. It is the most perfect dress style to make a grand entrance as
    you cannot miss its voluminous silhouette.

    8. Off-the-shoulder

     

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    A post shared by 메이크업상아 (@makeup_sangah) on

    Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses are a timeless trend and in 2020 it will be no different. The traditional foundational structure remains untouched but every year we see slight upgrades to the trend.

    9. Minimalism

     

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    A post shared by Made with Love Bridal (@madewithlovebridal) on

    There’s beauty in simplicity. Not all brides want their wedding dress to be dramatic and extravagant with meters upon meters of material and detail. A simple wedding dress can have a more profound impact with a subtle hint of sexiness. A minimalistic wedding dress is not limited to a silk slip or sheath dress but might just mean no lace, beading or added volume. It stands out wonderfully by creating clean lines and a sleek shape.

    10. Sparkle

     

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    A post shared by Rochelle Smith (@justanothermannequin) on

    There is nothing wrong with walking down the aisle dazzling in sparkles. For the bold and dramatic bride, a dress that shines in all its glory might just be the one for you. From glittering beads and metallic detail to embellishments and rhinestones, you’re bound to be a regal vision.

    By Amy-lee Steenkamp

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    Should you invite kids to your wedding?

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    One of the most controversial guest-list decisions you’ll make is whether or not you’re inviting kids to your wedding. On the one hand, the decision against inviting kids could cause some tension between you and your loved ones. On the other, a wedding without kids is likely to be much easier.

    There are many things to be taken into consideration when making this decision. From guest expectations to venue capacity.

    Ultimately, the decision is yours and you should do what feels right for you and your partner.

    To help you wrap your head around making this decision, here are some pros and cons of inviting kids to your wedding.

    Pros of inviting kids: 

    – Your guests with kids won’t have an issue attending

    It is common for guests to complain about a child-free wedding because they don’t have anywhere to leave their kids. Sometimes, finding a good baby-sitter can be tough, especially if the child’s grandparents are also attending the wedding. If you’re inviting guests from out of town, they won’t be familiar with any sitters in the area. Most people won’t leave their kids behind if they’re travelling either.

    By allowing kids at your wedding, you ensure that all your friends and family with kids are able to be in attendance.

    – They add to the atmosphere 

    Inviting kids to your wedding brings a playfulness that you likely wouldn’t get from your adult guests. Having children run around and giggle with joy really does add an extra touch of happiness to the special day.

    – There will be no tension 

    If you decide on having a wedding-wide ban on kids, you have to be prepared for some tension. Many people will take offense to the decision. This can be totally avoided if you allow parents to bring their kids along.

    – Your nieces and nephews can be part of the wedding 

    While kids may not always be your cup of tea, we’re sure you’re very fond of your little nieces and nephews. You may even want them to be a part of the bridal party. If your wedding doesn’t accommodate kids, this is something you’ll have to give up.

    Cons of inviting kids:

    – Kids are unpredictable 

    Kids are known for their unpredictability. They could start screaming and crying and having a full-blown temper tantrum at any moment. Additionally, they get a bit fidgety if they’re sitting still for too long. They may start running around and acting uncontrollably if they get bored. If you’d prefer to avoid the risk of having your “I do’s” interrupted, then an adults-only affair is probably better for you.

    – You will have to spend more money 

    Venue size and catering need to be taken into account. They may be little but kids still require seats and food. If your budget is tight, you may want to ensure that your adult guests are catered for first and then decide if you can afford to invite kids.

    – You’ll have to keep them busy

    Entertainment for kids and entertainment for adults are two completely different things. You will have to ensure that you have a way to keep kids busy, because for them a wedding is a very long event.

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    How to take care of your engagement ring

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    Your engagement ring is probably one of your most prized possessions. For many, their engagement ring is also their most valuable piece of jewellery. Not to mention the sentimental value!

    The ring is meant to last a lifetime. If you don’t take all the the necessary steps to care for it, it might get spoiled. However, jewellery care is not exactly common knowledge. So, you may be worried about your cluelessness on the subject and the condition of your ring… No need!

    Here are some tips and tricks to help you ensure that your engagement ring stays in the best condition possible:

    – Have it insured ASAP 

    This should be one of the first things you do when you come into possession of an engagement ring. It will allow you to wear your ring without being constantly worried about it. Most insurance will cover loss, theft and damage.

    – Keep the resizing to a minimum 

    Having your engagement ring readjusted too many times can cause the metal to become fragile. This will make the ring more susceptible to damage. If your hands swell because of things like pregnancy, it’s best to store the ring away until it fits again, rather than having it resized.

    – Buy some ring dishes

    A simple but useful tip! Keeping a few ring dishes around the house will ensure that you don’t carelessly misplace it. Whenever you remove it from your finger, pop it in the ring dish and you’ll know exactly where to find it.

    – Clean your ring 

    The option to take your ring to the jeweller for a cleaning is available at most stores. However, cleaning your ring at home is quite easy. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of dish detergent (ensure that it is not chlorine based). Leave the ring in the water for about 10 minutes, then remove it and scrub it with a soft bristled brush. Rinse the ring and dry it with a lint-free cloth or a hair-dryer.

    – Remove your ring when necessary 

    Swimming, exercising and manual labour are all activities that you should remove your ring for. If you’re going to the beach, for example, it may be better to leave the ring at home.

    – Refresh the metal setting 

    Professions suggest that having the metal setting refreshed every few years is a good habit to get into. Your ring comes into contact with oxygen and moisture every day and this could damage the metal. Keep in mind that different metals have different lengths of durability. Ask your jeweller how often yours should be refreshed.

    – Beware of chemicals

    Chemicals and abrasive solutions can erode the metal setting. If you’re coming into contact with these, its best to ensure that your ring is far away.

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    The history of the wedding kiss

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    While some traditions fade and others are altered, the wedding kiss has remained. A kiss after the vows is a wedding tradition that, it seems, will never disappear. Today, the wedding kiss serves as a representation of love and devotion between the couple. Historically, however, the wedding kiss had a different purpose.

    Like many – if not most – traditions passed down for centuries, the history is a bit broken and unclear. As a result, there are a few origin stories of the wedding kiss.

    The most commonly cited story is that of the ancient Romans (753 BC to 27 BC and then from 64 AD to 1453 AD). In ancient Rome, the wedding kiss was more of a legal formality; it symbolised a transaction that had taken place.

    In those times, marriage was considered a contract and the kiss was the “signature” that rendered the contract binding. Neel Burton MD says, “In an age of widespread illiteracy, kisses served to seal agreements, thus the expression ‘to seal with a kiss.'” The kiss was also considered to be the first time that the couple ever kissed.

    Others argue that the history of this significant kiss starts in the church. In ancient Catholic ceremonies, it was customary for priests to give the groom “a kiss of peace.” The groom was then required to pass the kiss on to his dearly beloved. It is said that this is how the phrase “you may now kiss the bride” came about.

    Another religious argument about the origin story of this kiss comes from the scripture itself. The kiss is said to symbolise the fulfilment of the scripture that says “and the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8).

    Wherever it stems from, we’re pretty glad that it stood the test of time. The wedding kiss is one of the most anticipated moments of a western wedding. When celebs or royals are married, the kiss is sometimes even analysed by body language experts.

    If public displays of affection are not for you though, remember that the kiss is not compulsory and your nuptials are still valid without it!

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