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    Kirsten Jacobs

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    sweet treats
    In Wedding Cakes

    Ideas for sweet treats to serve on your big day

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    Your wedding cake may be the main event on the dessert table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with some other sweet treats!

    For those that aren’t cake people, having an alternative dessert options is really great and inclusive. We love smaller, individual treats because they’re easy to serve and look super cute too! Another bonus: they can double as a take-home wedding favour.

    From macarons to donuts and crocombouche to churros, here are a few delectable dessert ideas your guests will absolutely love:

     

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    wedding decor
    In Advice

    Wine and dine: How to use alcohol as wedding decor

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    Who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of wine? From gin to beer, champagne to whiskey, alcohol is a mainstay at any wedding.

    Beyond just drinking it, why not incorporate alcohol into your decor? Bottles can be used in in a variety of ways for  many purposes. Use empty bottles as a DIY seating chart, or pour some glasses of champagne to use as an escort card.

    Here are a few boozy ideas to inspire you:

     

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    ALSO SEE: Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names

    Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names

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    How to be the best wedding MC
    In Advice

    How to be the best wedding MC

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    When deciding on an MC for a wedding, many opt for their closest and loudest friends to lead the day. However, being the Master of ceremonies is a top job, and not everyone is cut out for it.

    If you’ve been asked to MC but you’re a bit nervous, fear not. All you need is some pre-planning and a lot of courage. Here are some tips to make sure you are on top of your game come wedding day.

    Fewer laughs, more sentimentality

    Weddings are all about sentimentality, so why not lean into it? Of course, you want to get guests laughing but humour is subjective, and some jokes will likely fail. This is why its best to be sincere and focus on the love of the bridal couple.

    Get the names right

    The most crucial rule with MCing is to get your facts right. There are many people involved in a wedding, and it’s easy to get things wrong if you’re not careful. Make sure you know how to pronounce the names and surnames of everyone giving a toast – you don’t want to offend your bestie’s new father-in-law!

    Custom-build your speech

    Don’t just turn to Google to write your speech and recycle the same tired jokes people have come to expect from weddings. Instead, spend some time thinking about what you’re going to say and get creative. It will help if you focus on the couple. Identify what is unique about them and their relationship, and then create something special based on that. 

    Keep an eye on the programme

    It’s always better to have a plan or programme of events written down to guide you on the day. Even if you know everything you need to say off by heart, having it written down will help to reassure you when your task begins. The running order and timing are extremely important. It is your job as MC to ensure that the guests are never left waiting for something, or that the food does not come out 20 minutes before it should be served. Know your schedule and keep to it.

    Be interactive

    Read through your speech as often as you can before you take the stage. This will ensure that you don’t spend the entire time looking down at a script. It will give you a chance to interact with the audience and make sure you use that shining personality that the bride and groom love about you! Remember, however, that you don’t have to stick strictly to your speech.

    Most importantly, no matter what happens, try to relax and enjoy the day. Just because you’re working the day, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

    ALSO SEE: Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

    Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

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    wedding veil
    In Accessories

    To veil or no veil? That is the question

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    For centuries brides have worn veils for a number of symbolic and religious reasons. From warding off evil spirits in ancient Greece to displaying a woman’s virtue in Christianity, the veil has become a traditional wedding garment.

    But this doesn’t mean that they’re mandatory. Many brides opt not to wear a veil on their wedding day, choosing to go with stunning clips, grips and headbands instead. If you’re undecided, here’s a guide to help you make your choice.

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    high-neck wedding dress
    In Fashion

    High-neck wedding dresses we love

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    From Grace Kelly to Audrey Hepburn, high-neck wedding dresses have been a celebrity favourite for decades.

    This style is classic and demure yet packs a punch. It also lends itself to a Victorian-inspired look. For brides wanting a more modest look on their big day, a high-neck gown offers coverage without compromising on style.

    Here are a few ways to pull off this trend:

     

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    In Advice

    The hangover kit wedding favour: Essential items to include

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    A wedding day is a time for celebration. Chances are, however, some might celebrate a bit too hard. Wedding hangovers can be pretty harsh for your guests, so why not help them recover?

    Wedding hangover kits have become popular wedding favours in recent years. What’s great about this favour is that it’s easily DIY’ed, and couples can add whatever they want.

    Credit: Pinterest
    If you plan on making your own kit, consider adding some of these items:

    – A bottle of water to prevent a dry throat

    –  An eye mask to reduce puffiness

    – Plasters for those blisters after dancing all night long

    – A granola bar for energy

    – Sunglasses to hide those bloodshot eyes

    – Gum or mouth wash

    – A mini bottle of alcohol because… you know, hair of the dog

    Credit: Pinterest

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    In Accessories

    How to style a hijab with your wedding look

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    When crafting your perfect bridal look, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your values. For a Muslim bride who chooses to wear a hijab, this is an important addition to her beauty.

    A hijab is a headscarf some Muslim women wear over their hair and chest, in honour of their Islamic tradition. Islam encourages both men and women to dress modestly once they hit puberty, and a hijab is a common method of following this guideline for women. However, it is not a requirement, so some Muslims may choose not to wear one.

    hijab wedding
    Photo: Pinterest/wisamsveils, Bridal Hijabs & Turbans

    A hijab can be highly personal and speaks to one’s culture and upbringing. It can be worn in a multitude of ways, from a simple wrap to an ornate headpiece accessorised with jewels and stones. It’s like wearing a crown.

    The fabric you choose will have to complement your dress. Generally, brides have the hijab made from the same fabric their dress in to ensure it matches in colour and creates a uniform look. The fabric will act as a base, and you can always dress it up with jewels and extra accessories.

    hijab
    Photo: Pinterest

    If you want something different, you could always make a statement with some texture and dimension. Chiffon adds a lighter look and ethereal quality, and sowing 3D flowers of different sizes will add a stunning depth to your look. Lace is always perfect for a touch of romance, and a more clean look, opt for pearls.

    ALSO SEE: The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

    The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

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    bachelorette party
    In Bridal Shower

    Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

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    Not one for the club scene? That’s perfectly acceptable. With all the stress of wedding planning, a nice relaxing weekend with your best girls is a great way to calm your nerves.

    Low-key brides wanting to do something a little different to the traditional bachelorette rager can opt for more serene experiences designed to soothe those frazzled nerves and get you ready for your big day. Here are a few fun activities to consider.

    Spa Day:

    Who doesn’t love a spa day? A fresh set of nails, a massage and a facial can do wonders, especially when you’re feeling tense from wedding planning.

    You can arrange for a group spa day at a local beauty salon or wellness centre, or you could even have them come to you. Allow your guests to pick from an assortment of treatments, and throw in some delicious light snacks and infused water to complete the vibe.

     

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    Yoga:

    Feeling tense? Maybe you need to work out those muscles! Yoga is a great way to ease stress and get your body moving in a low impact workout that will leave you feeling calm.

    You can have a yoga instructor come to you to host a yoga class, complete with breathing exercises, and guided meditation. If you want to add a unique element, you could even try goat yoga!

     

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    Staycation:

    Live the life of luxury without even leaving your city. There are so many incredibly Airbnb listings across South Africa, allowing people to book out entire villas overlooking mesmerising views.

    All your guests can pool together to book a place with enough space for everyone in a central area. You can spend the weekend chilling poolside, cooking up meals with your besties, and bonding.

     

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    Wine tasting:

    Wine tasting is a national sport in the Western Cape. With so many wineries to choose from, locals are truly spoilt for choice.

    For a safe experience, we suggest taking a trip on the Franschhoek wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off service connecting you to six wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley.

     

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    Yacht life:

    What’s more luxurious than lounging on a luxury yacht? Spend the day cruising away with 360° views and sunshine warming you up.

    You don’t need a specific destination, a local cruise is perfect. Most boats are equipped with sound systems so you can DJ the day while you work on your tan, and menu and bar options are typically available as well.

     

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    ALSO SEE: Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

    Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

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    engagement ring
    In Accessories

    Sweet inscriptions to have engraved in your ring

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    Having your ring engraved is an excellent way to personalise your engagement ring. It allows couples to write sweet messages of devotion to one another, and keep it close to their hearts.

    But what do you inscribe on such an important piece of jewellery? Considering you will (hopefully) wear your ring forever, you’ll want something meaningful to look back on.

    You don’t have that much space on a ring, so a shorter phrase is ideal. Here are some cute words to have permanently written on your ring.

    Dates and symbols

    • Your wedding date
    • The date you met
    • Your initials
    • Co-ordinates to where you first met

    Words and phrases

    • I Love You
    • Always and forever
    • Until eternity
    • Never to part
    • Perfect fit
    • Finders keepers
    • Je t’aime
    • Better together
    • Till death
    • I do

    ALSO SEE: Buying vs. Hiring Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Costs & Considerations

    Buying vs. Hiring Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Costs & Considerations

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