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    10 Best wedding planning apps & tools

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    We all need a little help sometimes, especially when it comes to planning your wedding and everything that goes along with it. Thanks to digital apps and tools, it is now easier than ever to get the help you need and stay organised. Have a look at 10 of our favourite wedding planning apps and tools:

    1. Joy – Wedding App & Website

    Are you looking for an app that will save you time, money, and efficiently get things done? Joy wedding app and website is your one-stop-shop for a personalised wedding planning experience. You can manage guest lists and create a checklist of all the things that need to be done before your big day. In addition to the impressive features this app offers, you also have the option to create a wedding website directly from the app.

    2. Google Calendar

    Time management is often overlooked when planning an event but is an important factor in ensuring that things go as planned. With your big day fast approaching, you want to alleviate all the pressure that comes with leaving things to the last minute. With Google Calendar you can plan all your meetings and customise your reminders. This way, you never forget anything and you’re always on time.

    3. From9AM Beauty

    From9am is your one-stop online shop for all things health and beauty in South Africa.  Quality products made locally and imported are available for online purchase, this includes makeup, eye, Lip, face, hair, body and feet products catering for all types of consumers! Shop the From9am.com beauty destination for makeup brush sets, blush and powder brushes, beauty blenders, makeup bags, tweezers, foundation, eyeshadows, palettes, eye makeup, lashes, concealers, contours, highlighters, bronzers, primers, setting sprays, face, body and feet products + so much more!

    4. My Wedding Table Planner

    Seating arrangements can prove to be one of the more challenging tasks when planning a wedding. You need to consider all the family drama that comes with it and keep everyone happy at the same time. With Table Planner, you can easily add as many guests as you like and shift them around to accommodate your venue size. This way, you have a broad view of what the seating arrangement will look like in your venue. You also have the option of allowing the app to create a generic seating plan and track RSVPs.

    5. Happy Couple

    Months leading up to the wedding, you and your partner may experience an overload of stress that can lead to a build-up of tension between you two. Happy Couple is an app that promotes relationship strengthening through quizzes and friendly gaming. You and your partner will get to know each other better and reassure your compatibility for years to come.

    6. GoodBudget – Budget Planner

    Without a proper budgeting plan, your big day might leave you in a financial pickle. Goodbudget is a user-friendly app that allows you to allocate expenses for everything that you need. Once you have a budget set in place you can shift expenses around to ensure that you are not overspending in certain areas and neglecting others, maintaining a balance is key to success.

    7. A wedding registry

    This fairly new concept amongst young couples has made gift buying so much easier. Not only do you save your friends and family from spending hours in the mall looking for a suitable gift, but drawing up a registry also guarantees that you will get the gifts you want and need. Several stores offer the option of creating an online registry. Yuppiechef, Mrp Home and Woolworths also have online stores to make things easier. Your guests can visit their website, enter your registry details and shop without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

    8. Google Drive

    Planning a wedding takes an army. Instead of the constant back and forth with different vendors and planners, centralise all the information with Google drive. As things progress, you have the option of adding notes and comments to keep everyone updated.  Easily share your wedding planner folder and everyone will have access to it. Simple yet effective.

    9. Airbnb

    With so much to do before your wedding, you’ve barely given your honeymoon a second thought. But once the excitement dies down after your big day, we are almost certain that you and your partner will need some time away to rest and enjoy each other’s company. Airbnb offers unique experiences and accommodations for every type of budget and occasion. The app also allows direct contact with the host of the venue you will be staying at to ensure that your stay goes as smooth as possible.

    10. Facebook

    It might sound crazy, but Facebook has become the modern-day yellow pages. There is almost nothing you can’t find on there. From dressmakers to wedding venues, Facebook is a central place for vendors and ideas. Your friends can share recommendations with you and you can get their opinions of things as well.  Embrace the age of digital planning.

    By Aadilah Hallam

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    In Decor

    How to incorporate food into your decor

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    Fruit and vegetables as decor have been trending for a while now, but a few new takes on the trend have surfaced more recently. We take a look at some wonderful ways you can incorporate food into your decor:

    Why not add beautiful kumquats, oranges or grapes into your table arrangements to give them added intrigue and beauty? It’s a wonderful addition to a bouquet as well, especially in an outdoor wedding setting.

     

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    Fruit and vegetables can also add lovely pops of colour and freshness to your table runner and are also a great way to dress a harvest table. What better way to complement your wedding venue than by featuring grapes in your decor if your wedding is located on a vineyard, citrus and stone-fruit in an orchard setting, or even tomatoes for an Italian location wedding.

     

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    A new trend we have recently come across is the statement fruit sculptures designed by Slippery Spoon Kitchen, which offer a super fun design element to a tropical-themed wedding. It’s a great way to complement any other bold colours and design ideas you may want to feature at your wedding.

     

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    Hanging dried fruit installations are a cool and unique alternative to floral installations, and provide an instant visual impact to your wedding reception. If you want to reserve some space on your tables, hang your floral or fruit decor from the ceiling.

     

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    By Elizabeth Mackenzie

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    In Engagements

    Grooming basics for the bearded gent

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    Guys won’t admit it, but we are pretty sure they spend just as much time on grooming their beard as a woman would spend doing their make-up. We’re not here to judge, after all, self-care is crucial! Instead, we’re here to offer a few tips and tricks to aid in growing and maintaining that luscious facial hair.

     

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    Patience is a virtue

    Just like a fine wine, growing your beard takes time, and the longer you wait, the better it will be for you to work with. Avoid unnecessary trims, shaves and being fidgety – patience is the number one thing that is needed to make it grow. This should take about 4 – 6 weeks, depending on how fast or slow your hair grows.

    Necessary tools

    A good beard starts with the basic tools. Beard oils to soften the hairs and to avoid irritated skin, a beard brush to comb the oils through and keep your beard tangled-free, and lastly, a set of trimming scissors to cut those stray hairs and keep them in check with the rest of your beard.

    TRY: Red Dane Two-Phase Nourishing Oil

    Mug wash

    A beard is not only about the hair, but the skin underneath as well. Within the early stages of your beard growth plan, wash and condition your beard daily. This means washing it properly with your face wash and then working in that aforementioned oil from root to tip. Also, be sure to include an exfoliant weekly that can help remove the dead skin cells and avoid that awful itchy beard sensation.

    TRY: Cowshed Bullocks Refining Facial Scrub

    Vitamins & proteins

    Yes, seems like a weird tip to include in the list, however, your beard hair relies on the necessary B vitamins which include B5, B3 & B9. A good diet will not only do your health wonders, but your beard too.

    Beard-in-training

    Regular combing and maintenance are a way of helping the beard hairs stay in place and grow in the direction you need them to. Combing them will ensure the hairs are straightened to some degree, and using a beard wax or oil daily will also ensure the hairs are tamed. Before you know it, your beard will grow exactly how it needs to.

    TRY: Hairy Eye Average Joe Beard Balm

    By Yashna Balwanth

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    In Advice

    Juices that will make you glow

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    Make-up is a great way to enhance your natural beauty but having great skin is the first step to achieve that undeniable glow. Attaining a natural glow may seem like just a dream but rest assured, it’s more real than you think. Have a look at these juices that will give you that wedding glow.

    What should be in your glowing juices?

    Carrots

    This vegetable contains vitamins C and A, which reduces skin inflammation and helps reduce pigmentation, uneven skin tone and blemishes.

     

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    Beetroot 

    As with carrots, beetroot also contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin and reduce inflammation and angry skin.

     

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    Tomato 

    This superfood is very high in antioxidants. Because of this, it helps to combat free radicals and the harmful effects of the sun.

     

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    Pomegranate 

    This fruit boosts the production of collagen and elastin, which nourishes the skin and in return makes the skin glow. It also contains those famous antioxidants.

     

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    Spinach 

    The leafy greens contain high amounts of iron and vitamin C which means, you guessed it, an antioxidant boost of note.

     

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    Ginger

    This root helps rejuvenate the skin. It reduces inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

     

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    Apples 

    Besides keeping the doctor away, this fruit is known to calm the skin and provide a lot of nutrients. They also contain ample amounts of vitamin A and C.

     

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    Water
    It goes without saying, but water helps to hydrate your skin from within. Optimal hydration means fresh, bouncy skin that replenishes tissue quicker than drier skin.
    What’s the take? 

    Fruits and vegetables are a great way to achieve a natural glow on your wedding day. Make sure they’re high in antioxidants and you’ll be glowing in no time. Just remember to start at least a week before the wedding for any juice to be effective. The sooner you start, the better the results!

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    In Fashion

    A quick guide to honeymoon swimwear

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    Planning your wedding is definitely a stressful task, so the honeymoon might not even be an aspect you’re focused on right now, however, there is one additional task you will have to accomplish before racing off to you lush honeymoon – packing. And because swimwear will make up the most of your tropical honeymoon wardrobe, we’ve put together a quick guide:

     

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    If you’re headed to the tropics you will probably be living in your bathing suit and a cover-up, but dining at a restaurant or perhaps dancing or exploring may also be on the cards.

     

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    You’ll probably want to take at least two swimsuits. This way you can alternate them. To have even more options, look for mix and match bikini styles, so you can get four looks out of two suits. If you’re not a fan of bikinis, try a one-piece, which is perfect for lounging around, going for a dip, and can even double as a bodysuit! You’ll also want to pack a swimsuit that you’re comfortable with wearing in a spa.

     

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    For the honeymoon activities other than lounging by the beach/pool, you will need a maxi dress or skirt that you can dress up or down. Cover-ups are a necessity as you can easily transition from the beach to dinner and drinks – think beautiful wraps or sarongs. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, but this is also the perfect time to play around with those beautiful swimsuits that have been hiding in your closet!

    By Larissa Vermeulen

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    In uncategorized

    The essential guide to wedding lingerie

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    It’s what’s underneath that counts, especially on your big day. Lingerie and nightwear will play a bigger role in your big day than you might imagine, so we’ve put together the essential guide to choosing your wedding lingerie.

    Your dress will pretty much determine which bridal lingerie you choose and it has to merge seamlessly with the fabric and style of your dress. Your wedding lingerie should flatter your figure, shouldn’t be visible and make your dress hang on your body as flawlessly as possible.

    Seamless lingerie is always a winner. If your dress or pants are fitted through the hips and thighs, you’ll need to be a bit more careful with your selection to avoid the dreaded visible panty line. A seamless thong is always the safest bet because it hugs your body and is made to be virtually undetectable under clothing. It’s also important to consider the fabric – clingy materials like silk will show every single bow, seam, embroidery detail, and buckle, so be sure to look for super simple lingerie with minimal detailing. The hue of your lingerie is also very important – nude and beige are often the most practical hues for bridal lingerie because they’re least likely to show through under a white or ivory outfit.

     

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    If it’s really important to you to have a smooth, sculpted silhouette on your wedding day, you may want to look into shapewear. From high-waisted panties to bodysuits and slips, there are so many different kinds of pieces to choose from. Also, ensure that the shapewear you choose is comfortable. After all, you’ll be wearing it for hours at a time, and you should be able to breathe and move comfortably throughout the ceremony and reception so that you can fully enjoy the experience.

     

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    Matching robes or sleepwear can make for amazing pre-wedding pictures and would be a nice little gift for your bridesmaids. Have them personalised to serve as a beautiful reminder for both you and your bridesmaids.

     

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    Another important factor to consider is the straps (or lack thereof). If your wedding dress has sleeves and a simple neckline you’ll have a lot more options to choose from. If your dress has no straps, you might want to look into a strapless bra or low line corset which suits the neckline of your dress and provides adequate support.

    Backless and low-back dresses and jumpsuits also pose some style challenges. Try a backless or low-back bra or bustier, or if you’re comfortable going bra-less, consider some nipple covers, pasties, or adhesive cups. Dresses with plunging necklines work better with an adjustable multi-way bra.

     

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    The lingerie you choose for your wedding outfit may not be the sexiest or most exciting styles, so do take the time to slip into something extra special for the wedding night. Maybe try something like a seductive suspender set, a sensual bodysuit or romantic chemises to look and feel your best on your wedding night.

    By Larissa Vermeulen

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    In Advice

    Old school songs you need in your wedding playlist

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    Wedding receptions are the time to celebrate and rejoice the new marriage. They usually consist of food, tearful speeches, fun and dancing. When it comes to the dance floor, everyone knows great music makes the party. Here are a few old school songs you need in your wedding playlist:

    50s

    Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra (1954)

    70s

    Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder (1976)

    Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry (1976)

    Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees (1977)

    Y.M.C.A – Village People (1978)

    What you won’t do for love – Bobby Caldwell (1978)

    Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson (1979)

    80s

    Celebration – Kool & The Gang (1980)

    Just The Two Of Us – Grover Washington Jr. (1981)

    Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)

    It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls (1982)

    True – Spandau Ballet (1983)

    Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (1983)

    Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham (1984)

    Love song – The Cure (1989)

    90s

    End of the Road – Boyz II Men (1992)

    Macarena – Los del Río (1993)

    Wonderwall – Oasis (1995)

    Gettin’ Jiggy With It – Will Smith (1998)

    I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys (1999)

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    In Advice

    How to clean your wedding dress after the big day

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    Wedding dresses are one of the most spoken about elements of any wedding. After having such a big role in your big day, preserving the dress may be your decision. If you decide to store your dress, it may need a polish after a couple of years. Here’s how to clean your wedding dress after the big day, to keep it beautifully preserved and in tip-top condition.

    Ask your sales consultant 

    When you purchase your wedding dress from a boutique, be sure to inquire about the cleaning. Your sales consultant should be able to advise on how to properly clean it. There may also be special instructions that come with the gown on how to clean it.

    Sooner the better 

    If you do decide to store the dress, it’s very important to clean it before packing it away.

    Dry cleaners 

    If you’d rather not chance it or perhaps don’t have the time, you could always look for a special dry cleaner. They should know how to clean the wedding gown and the specific materials used correctly.

     

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    Simple dresses 

    If your gown is made from simple materials and fabrics, you could clean it yourself – just be sure to do some research before attempting it.

    Light

    When your gown is drying, keep it away from natural and artificial light.

    Know your fabric 

    If you decide to wash it yourself, know what type of fabric the dress is made of. Be aware of what type of embellishments are on the gown. Odds are, you can probably gently wash it by hand. Also, be aware that some fabrics can stretch when hung up, and because a wedding gown is particularly heavy, it’s best to let it dry while flat.

     

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    Spot clean 

    If your wedding gown is very detailed and large, you may have to opt for spot cleaning. This would involve pinpointing the stains and just cleaning those instead of the whole dress.

    Whatever option you choose, just make sure you know what your wedding dress consists of and what it’s made of. Lastly, be gentle with your gown, especially if it’s big and consists of lots of detail (for example beads).

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    In News

    Indonesia may ban sex outside of marriage

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    New criminal laws have been proposed in Indonesia, and means that citizens and tourists may face jail time or receive fines for engaging in pre-marital sex. The densely populated Islamic country believes that they must protect their citizens from behavior that ‘contradicts God’s word’.

    If passed, the law states that sex may not take place outside of marriage which includes same-sex couples. It will also prohibit couples from living together before marriage and adultery will also become a criminal offense. The criminal code also includes jail time for women who have an abortion. The only time abortion is deemed permissible is if there was a medical emergency or the pregnant woman has been raped. Fines will be given to those promoting contraception to minors.

    Parents, a child or a spouse can inform officials of the criminal offense. Jail time may range from six months to one year.

    Blasphemy laws will also be tightened and insulting the president or vice president will be criminalised.

    Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Indonesia. This means that the LGBTQIA+ community would be heavily affected if the law is passed. Even though homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, it is frowned upon. Their law does not protect the LGBTQIA+ community from discrimination and hate crimes.

    The proposed criminal code has caused uproar among many. More than 300 000 people have signed a petition urging president Joko Widodo to not pass the law.

    Australia has already updated their Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website to warn their citizens about the possibility of the laws being passed. They have warned citizens and possible travelers of the new laws that may be passed.

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    In Fashion

    Bridal capes

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    Bridal capes are a great option for brides that are looking for a little something extra and for those that are looking to break away from the norm. Bridal capes are elegant and very stylish plus they’re trending! Gain some inspiration from these tasteful bridal capes.

     

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    As you can see bridal capes can come in various styles, lengths and materials. It’s your day to shine, so choose to embellish your bridal look with a fashion forward cape.

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