Want to keep your honeymoon local without sacrificing on luxury? Drostdy Hotel in the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet could be where your memories are made. This boutique hotel features an Africology spa, state-of-the-art gym and choice of three swimming pools surrounded by gardens. If you can drag yourself away from the pampering, there are plenty of historic sites to visit in SA’s fourth oldest town and mesmerising natural beauty in nearby Camdeboo National Park.
Beyond all the tulle, confetti and clinking of Champagne glasses, there are some less glamorous considerations such as your marriage contract. Let our crash course help simplify all the technical jargon so you can concentrate on more fun things, like choosing the best cake!
THE TIES THAT BIND
A marriage contract is the legally binding part of saying ‘I do’. Do your own research (chat to friends or family and search online), then sit down with a lawyer to discuss your options for written agreements that suit you and your fiancé. You may feel loved up enough to speak to the same lawyer, but it’s best to take care of this part of your research as independently as possible. You are signing up for a major change in your everyday life, something that will affect you long after the wedding bells have chimed. So know your options, and have an open and honest discussion with your partner about your own needs for the agreement you’ll both sign.
LEARN THE LINGO
In community of property, both spouses have joint responsibility and entitlement to the assets and liabilities gained while married as well as those that existed before the marriage.
Out of community of property, your assets and liabilities before getting married remain your own and do not become the possession or responsibility of your spouse once you marry.
With accrual Assets gained by one spouse are shared between the couple and divided if the marriage ends (i.e. what’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours).
Without accrual Assets gained by one spouse during the marriage belong to that person alone and are not shared or divided if the marriage ends (i.e. what’s yours is yours and what’s mine is mine).
Antenuptial contract (ANC) This contract details the agreement you have made as a couple about the division of your assets should your marriage end in divorce or death. If you decide not to go this route, you’ll be married in community ofproperty without accrual by default. In other words, an ANC offers protection of your assets before you enter into the marriage andprevents any of your spouse’s liabilities (debts) from becoming your responsibility should something happen to them.
WHEN TO SIGN
Your marriage contract can be signed before or during your marriage. However, it’s more costly and complicated to sign one once you are already hitched. So set aside time to sit down with your fiancé for an open conversation about this and get on the same page about the legalities of your union. Seek the expertise of an attorney who specialises in family law to get the ball rolling.
Incorporating Mzansi flavour into your wedding is a lovely way to pay homage to your country or family. Whatever your heritage, here are some of the best ways to stay proudly South African on your big day.
1. A SENSE OF CEREMONY
Are there poems, quotes or vows that are particular to your heritage or culture? Incorporate them into your ceremony and make sure to emphasise them in your programme. You could even elaborate on the origin and history of the words you include or ask whoever is marrying you to add these anecdotes as well.
2. YOUR ATTIRE
Is there a specific colour or print that has meaning in your family? Try and include it in a subtle way, for example, maybe a hairpin, brooch, pocket square or even a pair of shoes in a colour or pattern that represents your particular heritage.
3. THE FOOD
How about serving welcome drinks infused with flavours of well-known South African herbs and plants? Think buchu gin, geranium cordial, rooibos iced tea … the options are endless. And when it comes to food, traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. There are many ways you can transform much-loved homestyle dishes – from bredie to braai – into appetising, intricate canapés and sophisticated mains.
4. FLOWERS & DECOR
South Africa is blessed with an abundance of unique, exquisite flora. Instead of trying to get hold of exotic plants and flowers, try using indigenous, seasonal ones that are found in your hometown. Proteas, strelitzias and succulents can look striking paired with simple greenery, and will be a much more cost-effective option too! Consider texture as well: wooden, woven or African-print table runners and underplates work well when combined with minimalist elements.
5. THE MUSIC
A wedding playlist is very personal and should include songs from some of your favourite moments together. Add a little twist by including a traditional song somewhere in the playlist – whether it be during your first dance or when people are grooving on the dance floor later.
From the table settings to the dance floor, let your wedding signage be as playful, stylish or whimsical as you are!
1. IN LOVE WITH THE DANCE FLOOR
Faced with a plain ol’ dance floor that needs some prettying up? Why not enlist the help of an arty friend to paint a monogram in your wedding colours? It’ll be easy enough to paint over later.
2. MAKE AN ENTRANCE
A sheet of acrylic displaying the couple’s names transforms a simple plinth and floral arrangement into a grand welcome gesture.
3. TROPICAL FEVER
Embrace the tropical trend with delicious monster leaves for placemats and banana leaves as place settings (write on them with Posca paint markers).
4. MR & MRS
A vintage-style metal ampersand light sign makes a cute photo prop.
5. TOP THIS
Don’t be tied down by traditional cake toppers!
6. PERFECTLY FRAMED
A simple frame allows your message to blend in with the rest of your wedding decor.
Photography: pinterest.com/weddingalbummag
We all know that minimal make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends this year, and it’s sure to carry over into 2018. We’re showing you how to pull off the perfect bare (almost) face on your wedding day.
IT ALL STARTS WITH SKIN
Undeniably, the biggest component for pulling off a minimalistic appearance is healthy skin. Start with a solid skincare routine well in advance by consulting an expert – this will include serums and treatments galore. However, all your efforts will be useless if you don’t feed your skin from the inside too. Eat clean, cut out sugars and gulp down water to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will you feel light and energized, but your skin will reflect that by showing off your natural glow. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen or, better yet, stay out of the sun to avoid nasty sunburns and long-term damage.
KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
When it comes to choosing your colours, know what works for your skin tone and type. You don’t want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day. Instead, enhance your features and keep it simple. Think highlighted cheekbones, bronzed temples, rosy cheeks and groomed brows. Add a lipstick close to your natural lip colour and avoid piling on the foundation – only conceal where necessary.
APPLICATION IS KEY
Apply your make-up with tools that will enhance dewiness and achieve a flawless application. Always start with a clean canvas and make sure to moisturise before anything else. Applying make-up with brushes and sponges that can allow you to build and blend will ensure your look to be effortless. That said, make sure your brushes and tools are clean and free from previous make-up applications.
MATCH YOUR ELEMENTS
Match your make-up to your dress colour, your veil (if you’re wearing one) and the overall feel of your wedding. For example, do a bare face with a burgundy lip if you’re having maroon peonies as your flowers. Or do a nude lip and highlighted or bronzed features with an ivory dress. We also love a super low-key look with statement earrings for a subtle yet striking take.
Photography: pinterest.com
Celebrate in the warm glow of candlelight and seal your love with a kiss beneath a star-studded sky wearing a non-traditional bridal gown in moody, midnight shades.
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; veil and headpiece, both Olivelli
Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; headpiece, Olivelli
Bridal bouquet, Fleur le Cordeur; dress, Suzaan Heyns; heels, Aldo
Bodysuit, Woolworths; veil, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa; feathers, stylist’s own
Dress and veil, both Olivelli
Dress, Stefania Morland; cape, Suzaan Heyns; headband, Lovisa
Dress, Kobus Dippenaar; flower crown, H&M; bracelet, Accessorize
Dress, Danielle Margaux; shoes, Aldo
Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages.co.za
*This look book was created for Wedding Album 2016-1; products may no longer be available and are subject to availability.
Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Gift bags
Scissors
Felt
Craft glue
METHOD
1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.
Defy convention with standout smoky eyes. Use an eyelid primer to keep pigments strong and prevent shadows creasing, and boost your batting power with a lash primer before applying your mascara.
MUST-HAVES
LCN Long Wear Eyeshadow in Smokey
Infuse your wedding decor with a spirit of adventure, incorporating shades of desert sand in beige, khaki and ochre.
TIP: Fruitcake travels well – s0 send your guests home with a slice in a pretty box.
Cakes, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes
Silver platter gold cake server to hire, both Check My China; home-made marshmallows, MaMère Confections
Oval platter to hire, Check My China; boutonnière, Fleur le Cordeur
TIP: Play with contrasts to create depth and interest – mix textured linen and raw terracotta, smooth porcelain and wonky ceramics, fleshy succulents and thorny branches.
Linen napkins to hire, Plush Props; cups and bronze-rimmed dinner plates, all Mervyn Gers Ceramics; floral arrangements, Fleur le Cordeur
TIP: Look for fabric swatches with African patterns for inspiration
Wedding invitation, thank-you tag, name tags and venue map, all Seven Swans; desert rocks to hire, Propeller Props
White side plate to hire, Plush Props; rose-gold fork to hire, Check My China; cake, Dilley’s Cakes and Cupcakes
Aqua espresso saucer and white espresso saucer, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; terracotta snack bowls R4 to hire, Check My China; white plates and mini pot-pie pot to hire, all Plush Props
TIP: A wooden tabletop (painted in Plascon Orange You Glad) + water-based paints + potato stamps = endless design possibilities!
Karoo dining chair with matt gold ribbon seat, Pierre Cronje; floral centrepiece, Fleur le Cordeur; dinner plate with bronze edging, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; white side plate and linen napkin to hire, both Plush Props; name tag, Seven Swans; slender cup, Mervyn Gers Ceramics; green glass and copper cutlery from to hire, Check My China; terracotta jug to hire, Propeller Props
Decor: Shannon Daniell
Photography: Andreas Eiselen/hsmimages.co.za
*Products subject to availability
Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions you should ask your bridal make-up artist, and once having had them answered confidentially, you can have peace of mind.
1. CAN I BOOK A TRIAL BEFOREHAND?
This is essential since it will give you the opportunity to tell the artist exactly what you do and don’t like. You’ll also be able to see how your make-up will look on your wedding day; if you’re happy, they’re hired! Make sure you book a few months in advance and ask for a trial guideline – the artist will be able to provide this in full detail.
2. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?
We all know that life happens, but on your big day, you need complete peace of mind. Find out if your artist has a solid cancellation policy should there be an emergency on her side. Will there be a backup plan in terms of an assistant or another artist attending on her behalf? What is their policy regarding a refund? What if the artist is late? All of the above need to be answered by the artist in the form of a contract. If not, think twice.
3. DO YOU WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM OF ASSISTANTS?
If you and your entire bridal party need to be done and dusted (or powdered, rather) by a certain time, ask the artist if she will have some capable hands to jump in and help. You can also ask her to set up a timeline for you, with each member of your retinue assigned to a specific artist and the time they need to be ready. This will help the process run more smoothly, and everyone will feel much more relaxed.
4. CAN I USE SOME OF MY OWN PRODUCTS?
Make-up artists usually use their own products and tools, but if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to anything specific, ask the artist to use some of your own trustworthy products that you are comfortable with. Make sure you let them know during your trial so that they can also plan accordingly.
5. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES I CAN LOOK AT?
This is purely for you to see what the artist is capable of, or particularly good at. If her other work photographs well, you can be sure yours will look good too. If they don’t have anything to show you, be wary. You won’t have any ideas as to their skill level, even if you’re still in the trial phase.
Photography: pinterest.com