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    50 of the best wedding entrance songs to get the party started
    In Advice

    50 of the best wedding entrance songs to get the party started

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    Making your first entrance as a married couple at your wedding reception is a big deal, and you need the perfect soundtrack to back it up.

    The song you choose to punctuate your steps will set the tone for the rest of the evening. What kind of story do you want to tell? It’s important to pick something that is true to you and your partner. The best thing to do is to match the song to your personality.

    Whether you make your debut as a married couple to an upbeat song or a tear-jerker, there is no right or wrong answer. There is a wealth of options to choose from, here are a few of the top tracks people have been loving.

    1. Linger – The Cranberries
    2. Best Part – Daniel Caesar
    3. Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
    4. You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall and Oates
    5. Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe – Barry White
    6. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
    7. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) -Whitney Houston
    8. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gay and Tammi Terrell
    9. All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
    10. Best Day of My Life – American Authors
    11. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
    12. Raise Your Glass – P!nk
    13. What I Like About You – The Romantics
    14. Riptide – Vance Joy
    15. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons
    16. Lucky – Chelsea Cutler
    17. Cheerleader – Omi
    18. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
    19. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
    20. Cake by the Ocean – DNCE
    21. This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna
    22. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
    23. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
    24. We Belong – Pat Benatar
    25. Waiting For A Girl Like You – Foreigner
    26. I.F.L.Y – Bazzi
    27. You’re The One That I Want – The Grease soundtrack
    28. Beyond – Leon Bridges
    29. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
    30. I Wanna Have Your Babies – Natasha Bedingfield
    31. Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
    32. Stuck With You – Ariana Grande feat. Justin Bieber
    33. Dangerously In Love – Destiny’s Child
    34. We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters
    35. Marry You – Bruno Mars
    36. My Girl – The Temptations
    37. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
    38. It’s Tricky – Run DMC
    39. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
    40. What I Like About You – The Romantics
    41. Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams
    42. T.N.T. – AC/DC
    43. You Sexy Thing – Hot Chocolate
    44. Dear Future Husband -Meghan Trainor
    45. Get Your Number – Mariah Carey
    46. Stuck On You – Lionel Richie
    47. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
    48. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
    49. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
    50. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z

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    In Celebs

    Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost marry in low-key ceremony

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    Scarlett Johansson is a married woman! The Academy Award-nominated actress has tied the knot with Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer and comedian Colin Jost in a low-key ceremony.

    Their big news was announced by Meals on Wheels, a US-based charity for elderly people.

    “We’re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony with their immediate family and loved ones, following COVID-19 safety precautions as directed by the CDC,” Meals on Wheels wrote on Instagram

    “Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time by supporting @mealsonwheelsamerica. Please consider donating to celebrate the happy couple by clicking the link in our bio.”

     

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    Johansson and Jost met when the actress made a guest appearance on an SNL season finale, and soon began dating in 2017. In 2019, the highly private couple announced their engagement.

    This is the third marriage for Johansson. She was previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds from 2008 to 2011, and journalist Romain Dauriac from 2014 to 2017, with whom she shares a child. It is the first marriage for Jost.

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    In Wedding Gowns

    The wedding jumpsuit of 2020

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    Modern brides are loving the bridal jumpsuit. Comfortable yet chic, it has become a fan favourite over the years for those wanting something different.

    This year has been anything but normal for the wedding world, so it makes sense that one of the most popular bridal outfits is not a dress at all. Pandemic brides have been obsessed with a specific bridal jumpsuit that has taken over Instagram.

    Designed by French bridal genius Rime Arodaky, the Patsy jumpsuit has become the most in-demand bridal look of the year.

     

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    Patsy features a fitted white bodice and trousers under sheer sleeves and a train that combines elegance with edgy detail. Its the greatest asset is its versatility, as it works in a number of settings. From a courthouse to a garden wedding or even an engagement party, this bridal look will turn heads.

     

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    Simply pair with block heels, and style your hair in loose waves or a chic updo with some loose tendrils to complete the ‘cool girl’ aesthetic.

     

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    Get fancy with the geode wedding trend
    In Decor

    Get fancy with the geode wedding trend

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    Geodes are having a major moment in the wedding world. The geologial formations are colourful and distinctive, adding a fun edge to your big day.

    Geodes (derived from the Greek word “γεώδης” meaning “Earth-like”) are geological secondary formations within sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Geodes are hollow, vaguely spherical rocks, in which masses of mineral matter (which may include crystals) are secluded.

    With their shimmering interior and marbled appearance, geodes are mesmerising to look at. They make for perfect wedding decor, and are versatile so they can be used in a variety of ways. From tiny escort cards to table numbers and even as cake inspiration, this is one rocking finish.

    Here are some ideas to inspire you:

    Invitations

     

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    Decor

     

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    Cake

     

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    In Advice

    Here’s how marriage laws are changing in South Africa

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    A number of amendments have been made to existing marriage laws in South Africa in recent months. These changes were meant to have been implemented earlier in the year but were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown.

    The Department of Home Affairs said in a presentation to parliament that they plan to introduce new policy changes that will update South Africa’s marriage laws. The policy will be drafted for public comment before the end of the 2020/2021 financial year, which will be by March 31, 2021.

    The changes are all based on constitutional values and modern social dynamics, the department explained in May.

    “Despite all the changes that have been made in the marriage legislation post-1994, there are still serious gaps in the current legislation. For instance, the current legislation does not regulate some religious marriages such as the Hindu, Muslim, and other customary marriages that are practised in some African or royal families,” the department said.

    “Given the diversity of the South Africa population, it is virtually impossible to pass legislation governing every single religious or cultural marriage practice. It is against this background that the DHA is embarking in the process of developing a marriage policy that will lay a policy foundation for drafting a new single or omnibus legislation.”

    The key updates introduced in the new policy include:

    – The new Marriage Act will allow South Africans of different sexual orientations, religious and cultural persuasions to legally marry.

    – New rules on the age of marriage

    – Changes in marriage, matrimonial property, and divorce legislation

    – solemnisation and registration of marriages that involve foreign nationals

    – solemnisation and registration of customary marriages that involve non-citizens especially cross-border communities or citizens of neighbouring countries

    Most recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Civil Amendment Act of 2020, making it illegal for state marriage officers and magistrates to refuse to solemnise a civil union between same-sex couples.

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    Tips for planning a DIY wine tasting for your bridal shower

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    Wine tasting is basically a national sport in South Africa. With award-winning wineries found across the country, wine not take advantage and spend the day sipping away?

    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people are advised to stay home as much as possible. However, if you still really want to host a bridal shower then you can bring it to the safety of your home. Create a DIY wine tasting experience for your closest friends with these easy steps.

    Create (and stick to) a Guest List

    This may seem like an obvious first step when planning an event, but there is always someone who doesn’t RSVP and shows up anyway. Gently remind everyone you invite that you need a definite yes or no answer. The last thing you want is thirsty friends and not enough wine and glassware to go around.

    “Extra” is Just Enough 

    Wine is an inherently fun theme for a bachelorette party or bridal shower, but why not make your event as Insta-worthy as possible? Create a fun bar or bar cart, deck your tables out with florals or tossed confetti, or incorporate fun signage to make your venue really pop! You can also have fun with your food. Cheese and crackers always pair well with wine but offer your guests something sweet as well as a macaron tower or petit fours.

    Pick Your Poison 

    It may be best to stick to a specific type of drink on the day. Mixing alcohol can be dangerous, so avoid sipping on gins to wine to beer in one sitting. Once you decide the type of alcohol you want to serve, it’s time to choose the different brands. Choosing four to six different brands is just the right amount to have enough variety and keep your guests sipping pretty.

    Since you don’t have to fill up the glasses completely, an average 750ML or 25.4oz wine bottle is enough for about eight people. We recommend having an extra bottle of each wine for every eight attendants, so if someone wants a refill of their favourites after the tasting is over, it is readily available. Plus, once a favourite is chosen, you’ll want to have enough of that wine for a toast!

    Winner, winner

    Help identify the winning bottle by setting up a wine scorecard. This allows your guests to track their notes and assign numerical values to each wine. Lastly, don’t forget enough pens (to write with, duh) and water (to cleanse the palette) for each attendee.

    Execution

    Remember the four “s’s” (see, swirl, sniff, sip). Have your gals take the time to really enjoy and savour each sip. Invite them to judge the appearance, aroma, body, taste, and finish of each wine in front of them. Although the responses are based on an individual’s taste, it is a great way for your friends and family who don’t know each other to bond over likes and dislikes.

    Whether you wine a little or a lot, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the moment with your closest family and friends.

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    In Advice

    How to cover up acne on your big day

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    On your big day, the last thing you want to wake up to is a bright red zit on your face. Acne happens to the best of us, and, like taxes, are unavoidable.

    From stress to environmental factors and not removing your makeup,  there are many things that can lead to a breakout. Even getting a facial could cause your skin to react negatively as it purges all the bad toxins, which is why experts recommend getting one day before your big day.

    If you do have a breakout on your big day, fear not. There are tried and tested methods to cover up these uninvited guests so that the focus is all on you.

    Spot treatment

    Before covering your breakout up, make sure you’ve treated it to kill off the bacteria. Going in with some tea tree oil on a Q-tip is great to clean the area.

    Less is more

    It may seem like the best thing to do is cover your skin up with a full coverage foundation, but this will just end up looking cakey and highlighting the texture in your skin. Instead, go in with a luminous, light to medium weight foundation. Remember to pounce the product into your skin using a beauty sponge to remove some excess product. This will create a light and even base layer to build on when you go in with your next products.

    Concealer saves the day

    Concealer will be your best friend. Spot conceal your breakouts using a small face brush, making sure to lightly tap over the concealer and then blend the edges to feather it out. Tapping motions around the edges is best here. You can also go in with your foundation brush afterward and use the excess product on the brush to help blend the concealer in even further.

    If the breakout is quite red and inflamed, go in with a thin layer of a green-toned concealer first then layer the skin-coloured concealer over it. The green will cancel out the red tones.

    Remember to set your concealer by going over spots with a setting powder.

    Take out texture

    If you have a particularly bumpy breakout that stands out on your face, another step is to go in with a full coverage powder foundation, like the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, and push the product onto the skin surrounding the breakout. This will build a more even layer that will make the breakout bump appear less severe.

    Here are some amazing tutorials to help guide your way:

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    Bridal shower v bachelorette party: what's the difference?
    In Bachelorette Party

    Bridal shower vs bachelorette party: What’s the difference?

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    Picture this. You’re surrounded by the women in your life: your mother, grandmother, and future mother-in-law are all smiling at you as you unwrap a gift from a friend. To your dismay, it’s a dainty piece of lacy lingerie that you now have to show everyone.

    With so many different pre-wedding events, it’s easy to get confused. While they seem similar on the surface, a bridal shower and bachelorette party are designed for different audiences.

    We’re here to help clear things up to avoid these awkward situations.

    Bridal shower

    This is the tamer party of the two. Normally a brunch or high tea, it’s a lovely gathering with yummy treats, delicious drinks, and good old-fashioned bonding. Back in the day, this was the event at which the bride was presented with all the things she would need for her kitchens, such as crockery and tea towels. Hence it’s also known as the kitchen tea. Now that times have changed, you can present the bride with whatever you want – just make sure the gift is PG!

    This is the event your gran and niece will attend and is also a good opportunity to spend some time with your mother-in-law, away from all the wedding chaos. Get some advice from the married women in your life, enjoy delicious finger sandwiches, and sip on some bubbly. There are also a great number of family-friendly games you can play to break the ice and help both sides of the family mix and mingle ahead of the big day.

    Bachelorette party

    When the cucumber sandwiches are finished and the sun goes down, it’s time to gather your girlfriends and paint the town red. Some brides opt to have the bridal shower and bachelorette party on the same day as all the people you’re having at your wedding are all in one place, but it’s really up to you.

    The bachelorette party (or hen night) is a chance for you to let your hair down and have some fun with your friends. This is usually the place where the naughty gifts – think toys for the bedroom – and craziness appear. For lots of people, a bachelorette party is just that – a party. But it doesn’t have to be. You can indulge in a spa day, cocktails, dress up, dress down, it doesn’t matter. As long as you have fun.

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    Perfectly elegant: The prong engagement ring setting
    In Engagements

    Perfectly elegant: The prong engagement ring setting

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    A setting can make of break your engagement ring, so it is important to choose one wisely. One of the most popular choices in the wedding world is the prong setting.

    Classic and elegant, the prong setting is one of the most famous diamond ring settings. This setting is perfect for the timeless bride.

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    A prong setting typically features four to six thin metal claws that are placed on the diamond’s surface to secure its position. This setting is designed to perfectly highlight the diamond’s brilliance by giving maximum exposure to the stone.

    This particular range of settings can be shaped in different ways – prongs can be rounded, squared, V-shaped, elongated or even pointed.

    Ideally, the prongs should end on the diamond’s surface. If the claws extend too high, the diamond’s top portion will be less visible, thus reducing its brilliance.

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    This setting has been in style for decades, and first grew in popularity in the 19th century as more dramatic and larger stones were being unearthed. Jewellers wanted to showcase these stones, and thus needed a setting that would allow it to shine.

    The advantage of this setting is that it allows the diamond to take centre stage. It is also easy to clean and maintain. For those wanting to customise their ring, this setting is versatile enough to complement all diamond shapes, and is easy to adjust for different sizes of stones.

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    On the other hand, because the diamond’s girdle is only partially covered, it is quite prone to chipping. The claws of the setting are also more prone to get caught on clothing.

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    Don’t get married before asking your partner these questions

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    Marriage is a big step, one not to be taken lightly. Before making this commitment, its important to spend time with your partner to discuss major topics that could affect your future.

    While love and mutual respect is considered the most important aspects of a relationship, there are many other external factors that could affect your journey. Making sure you and your partner are open and honest with each other about various topics will help alleviate future issues.

    Here are some topics to bring up before your big day:

    Debt

    If you have debt, it is important that your partner knows about it and how much it is. South Africans automatically marry in community of property, which means that the estates of the married couple are combined and thus debt is inherited. Property and debts acquired prior to or during the marriage are shared equally in undivided shares (50%) and spouses are jointly liable to creditors.

    Children

    Do you and your partner want children? If yes, how many? It is incredibly important to be on the same page with this, as bringing a child into the world is a major life decision that should not be made lightly. Some people don’t want to have kids at all, and it is unfair to persuade an unwilling partner to change their mind later on in life.

    Career/education

    If your partner gets an amazing job or learning opportunity that requires relocation, how will you deal with that? Are you committed to moving with them or will you be long-distance?

    Religion

    While you and your partner do not need to practice the same religion, the core beliefs could cause conflict if they are incredibly different. For example, if one of you is Catholic and therefore oppose abortion while the other is pro-choice, this could be an issue in the future if an unwanted pregnancy were to occur.

    Sexual compatibility

    Sex is a part of marriage, and when and how you choose to do it is an important discussion. Consent needs to be defined, and both partners must be aware that it is necessary every time you have sex as marital rape is illegal in the country. It is also important to have an open and honest conversation on sexual fantasies and expectations, so that partners feel comfortable expressing their desires.

    Finances

    Money is one of the major issues in a relationship. How will you pay for things once you are married? Will you split bills equally, or divide based on salaries? How will you save and spend your money?

    Gender roles

    This will impact on household duties and who does what in the relationship. For example, if one person believes women should do all the cooking and cleaning while the other believes the work should be equally divided, this could cause major resentment.

    Boundaries with others

    What is your partner comfortable with in regards to how you interact with people of the sex you are attracted to? For example, if they are the jealous type, you being touchy-feely with someone, even in a non-romantic way, might create tension with your partner. It is important to know what your partner’s boundaries are and to discuss it if it conflicts with your own.

    Social media activity is also connected here. Some are more private than others, and don’t like to share details about their personal life on the internet while others post everything and anything.

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