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    Leandri de Kock

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    Whilst planning a wedding is incredibly exciting, it can also prove to be extremely stressful – high levels of stress and late nights of restless sleep spent worrying about your to-do-list can wreak havoc on your skin.

    Not just a catchy phrase, beauty sleep is a real thing. When it comes to your beauty routine, sleep may be the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth. Your body and skin repairs itself and recovers while you snooze, so to ensure glowing skin, luscious locks and healthy sleep leading up to your big day, we’ve rounded up some pre-wedding must-haves which will also make for perfect gifts for your bridal team.

    Silk is a gift from nature and the ideal organic skincare and anti-aging solution! Dermatologists, hair specialists and plastic surgeons all recommend sleeping on 100% silk pillowcases. Silk has very similar properties to human skin in that it contains a natural protein that contributes to skin health by speeding up the metabolism of skin cells, while delaying the aging process and calming the nervous system.

    Silk Pillowcases:

    Compared to other fabrics, silk has long, smooth fibers that do not rub or irritate the skin. Sleeping on 100% organic silk pillowcases has both skin and hair care benefits:

    • naturally hypoallergenic
    • prevents facial skin from creasing
    • maintains hydration
    • keeps your skincare products on your skin, enabling you to make the most of your beauty routine
    • eliminates sleep wrinkles
    • prevents hair from frizzing and ends splitting
    • reduces the loss of natural hair oils and moisture so that hair retains its natural glossy shine
    • minimizes damage to thinning of hair
    • naturally hypoallergenic
    • repels dust-mites

    Available in standard (R490), king R589) and travel size (R257).

    Sleeping Masks:

    Made from 100% pure silk (inside and out) with an adjustable strap, The Silk Lady’s Sleeping Masks (R337) offer two-fold benefits – the luxurious feeling of soft mulberry silk against the skin, and the comfort of darkness as it blocks out light. The soft and smooth surface helps prevent facial skin from creasing during the night and allows your delicate skin to breathe so the face rests comfortably without pressure on your skin. The Satin Silk used will not absorb your valuable night creams, but rather helps to retain the natural moisture in your skin throughout the night, keeping skin hydrated and nourished. Also included, is a pouch filled with organic French lavender to help promote relaxation and deep, restorative sleep. The deluxe, oversized sleeping mask (R425) covers the ears, so you sleep wrapped in your own luxury silk cushion.

    Organic Peace Silk Beauty Cocoons:

    The Silk Lady’s Organic Peace Silk Beauty Cocoons (R375) is an all-natural way to exfoliate and promote smooth, plump and nourished skin (a great alternative for people who love nature without cruelty). Gentle enough to use every day without damaging the epidermis, the surface structure of the silk cocoons is softly abrasive which helps to remove impurities, dead skin and make-up residue, revealing a silky smooth and radiant complexion. When soaked in warm water, Sericin, a key protein created by Bombyx mori (silkworms) is released which, when used regularly, helps to wipe away wrinkles, effectively eliminate acne scars as well as reduce pigmentation. It also assists in healing injured or chapped skin and eases inflammation.

    Visit The Silk Lady for more.

    Images: Supplied

    One size fits all? No! Not when it comes to your body shape.

    Women come in all shapes and sizes and it’s so important to know your body type and shape to dress accordingly and accentuate your best features. To avoid your dress shopping experience being a stressful one, it’s important to know and stick to what works for your body.

    It’s also important to remember that very few women fall into only one category as we can have different features from various body types. Why? Because we’re beautifully unique!

    In this upcoming series, we’ll be looking at all the different body shapes and some gorgeous weddings gowns that will accentuate YOU perfectly.

    Next up, is the rectangle shape.

    With a third of women falling into this category, the rectangle body shape is known to be rather athletic due to there being very little definition, with your waist creating a straight body line. Women with rectangular body shapes are normally tall and lean, with the shoulders and hips being quite similar in width. Your goal here will be to CREATE CURVES!

    Focusing on gowns that have an A-line silhouette, or ballgowns, will add more volume to the hip area, while fuller sleeves and shoulder detail will balance out the top half. A scoop neck or sweetheart neckline will further help to create curves.

    Alternatively, a fitted dress with a padded bodice and sequins or diamanté detail to add dimension, or embellishment around the bust and shoulders, will help to accentuate those areas and bring attention to it.

    Necklines are going to play a crucial role when picking your perfect wedding dress. A high neckline like the halter neck or keyhole neckline will help lift your cleavage and create the illusion of more curves, while showing off your collarbone and shoulders. A sheath dress is also a great option as the dress emphasises the waist. It is fitted and nipped at the waistline but with no waist seam.

    Here are a variety of great dress styles perfect for a rectangle body shape:

     

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    By Amy-lee Steenkamp

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Weddings leave a surprisingly heavy footprint on the planet, and as a sustainable bride, it might be overwhelming to think about all the elements of an eco-friendly wedding. Decor carries the theme of your wedding and creates an atmosphere of romance, celebration and nostalgia. But creating that atmosphere while keeping to your ethical ethos might be a challenge.

    The eco-friendly wedding can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming, however, not everything has to be perfect. Every small decision you make to decrease the impact of waste on your wedding helps the environment, so don’t be too hard on yourself.  Here are a few achievable tricks and tips on how you can be mindful when planning your dream sustainable wedding:

    Flowers

     

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    Flower arrangements are usually the main mood setter at any wedding. It’s often suggested to forgo the idea of cut flowers and opt for potted greenery or herbs. However, if you are more of a traditional gal, ask your florist for locally grown flowers that are sourced within season. In order to give your wedding flowers a second life, donate them to a nursing home, local hospital or hospice afterwards. Also make sure to share your blooms with your guests, friends and family to make sure they’re enjoyed for a little longer.

    Venue

     

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    If you are looking for a botanical or forest themed wedding, opt for venues with built-in decor elements, such as luscious gardens or gorgeous patios for outdoor weddings. Booking a venue that requires minimal additional decor will save costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

    The small things matter

     

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    Weddings, in general, have a large impact on the environment – some more so than others. As much as we love watching balloons and fire lanterns floating into the distance, it destroys our environment and wildlife. For safer, more eco-friendly alternatives, try bubbles, leaves or dried flowers instead of glitter confetti. Planting a tree is also a great eco-friendly and symbolic option to memorialize your special day.

    Rent, don’t buy

     

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    Instead of single-use elements such as paper napkins, plastic cutlery and plates, use rented glassware, cutlery and linen napkins. Making the switch automatically elevates the mood of your wedding. If you are opting to push the boundaries of the traditional wedding, bamboo or bio-degradable cutlery, plates and serveware offer an organic feel to your wedding.

    Vendors

    A big tip on creating the wedding of your dreams is finding the proper vendors that carry the same vison and ethos as you. In doing this you will ensure trustworthy services and transparent sourcing. Vendors in the business of creating a cleaner, greener planet often have trendy and budget-friendly ideas that will turn your wedding into a day to remember.

    Get thrifty, upcycle & recycle

    To add that unique flare, thrift special wedding decor or items that add a vintage, one-of-a-kind touch. Forgotten treasures are the perfect pieces to repurpose or upcycle into a beautiful centrepiece or focal point.

    For the budget-savvy bride, DIY is the way to go. DIY signage can be personal and quirky, so instead of creating permanent signs from wood or plastic, you can use reusable items such as chalkboards, glass jars and vases.

    Carbon emissions

     

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    When you go as far as thinking about specific lighting elements in your wedding, try LED lighting – it uses up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. To forgo the energy consumption completely, candles are a great way to illuminate your venue and create a romantic atmosphere. Paraffin candles are known to cause headaches or irritate sinuses, so choose candles that have a mixture of soy, beeswax or coconut wax. There are many shapes, sizes and colours to choose from when it comes to eco- friendly candles, plus you’ll be able to use it again.

    By Mia Smith

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Tattoos today have lost their bad reputation in exchange for declarations of love, relationships and personal expression. The most recent trend involves getting compatible tattoos with your significant other that doesn’t necessarily include their name or need to be the exact same.

    If you’re wanting to take the plunge and get inked with your S.O, take a look at these cool ideas:

     

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    xxx

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Feature image: Unsplash

    In all its glory and beauty, Hindu weddings are steeped in tradition which many people don’t necessarily understand. In all honesty, explaining this could take a while, so we’ve tried to simplify the details and just give you the basics to a traditional Hindu Wedding and what it entails:

     

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    Sangeet

    Directly translated, the word ‘Sangeet’ means music, which is rather fitting considering what the Sangeet is about. This event has both the families of the groom and bride come together and celebrate in the form of song and dance. Put simply, this is just one huge party generally celebrated a few days before the actual wedding ceremony takes place. Wedding guests and the bridal party are able to either perform choreographed dances or perform certain songs, if they’re brave enough. Nerves aside, with amazing food, plenty of family and great music, the Sangeet is definitely one of the nights most memorable from the entire wedding celebration.

     

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    Mehndi Party

    The mehndi party, generally done 2 to 3 days before the wedding, is celebrated by the bride’s family. At this stage of the celebrations, henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet in a decorative pattern. Mind you, this does take some time, which can be anywhere from 2 – 6 hours depending on how intricate the patterns are. Brides would hire a mehndi artist who would also apply henna to her guests who wished to have their hands decorated for the wedding as well. Applying the initials of the groom somewhere on the bride’s hands is also a tradition that seems to have been passed down from generation to generation.

     

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    Hurdee / Haldi Evening

    A cleansing prayer done by both the bride and groom. Most of the time it is separated as the bride would do so in her house and the groom would do it at his. The actual ceremony consists of a hurdee or haldi paste applied to the exposed skin of the bride and groom; their hands, feet, face and neck. The haldi paste is made of turmeric, gram flour, curd, sandalwood and rose water and is said to give the couple their bridal glow. The haldi is done the night before the main wedding ceremony and in most cases, turns into another celebratory event. Not that we’re complaining!

     

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    Wedding Ceremony

    The actual wedding ceremony is a colourful affair with guests dressed up for the occasion as they witness the beautiful vows and prayers being performed. The actual wedding ceremony is made up of a few rituals all significant to the marriage union. One of the most significant factors is that the actual wedding date is chosen by a priest. Astrology plays a very important part and hence determines the best time and date for the couple to wed. Fire is another very significant part of a traditional wedding as it is always present during a rite of passage, such as births, deaths and marriages. Red powder known as ‘indoor’ is applied to the forehead and centre part of a woman’s head, symbolizing her status as a married woman to the world. This is also why most brides opt to wear red for their weddings.

     

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    Reception

    A reception will generally follow on from the wedding ceremony which is seen as the celebration of the wedding and partying through the night. There is not necessarily a ritual performed during the reception, just a chance for the couple to mingle with their guests, be congratulated on the wedding and dance the night away. Not a bad way to end off a 4-day wedding affair.

     

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    Bidai

    The last, and probably most tearful part of a wedding, the bidai, is where the bride bids farewell to her family. In previous times, once the bride marries her groom, she is officially leaving her family to join the family of the groom. This could be her first move out from home or moving to another place where she won’t see her family that often. This is a rather bittersweet moment and usually lots of tears are shed for loved ones.

    Also to be noted, these are traditions passed down from generation to generation, so modern times have changed things slightly, although many of these are still followed today.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Bridal beauty is undeniably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day, no matter who you are.

    We recently had the pleasure of chatting to the National Make-up Artist for Bobbi Brown, Anna Weinbeck. She has been with the brand for over 9 years and shares her insights and tips into looking picture perfect on your wedding day.

    Here’s what she had to say:

    Q: What is your best advice for all brides?

    A: Every bride deserves to look flawless on their big day, whether you’re getting a make-up artist or doing it yourself. Make sure you’re completely happy with your make-up, if you’re not, then change it. That’s why you need to do a trial first. Be comfortable in your own skin and be proud of who you are!

    At Bobbi Brown, we offer free How To lessons, so you can learn anything you want to know, from finding your perfect foundation to getting the perfect lip shade for your skin type. Pop past a counter any time and just book and enjoy.

    Q: What is a trial and why is it so important?

    A: A trial is where you and your make-up artist will discuss the look you want on your wedding day and apply the make-up. This is important as you might want a certain look but as soon as you see how it looks on you, you aren’t as happy as you thought you’d be. It will also give you an idea of how long the make-up lasts. After the trial is your opportunity to change anything that needs to be changed. I always recommend to my brides that they take a look at their make-up in as many different lighting situations as possible, and also take as many photos with flash and without to see if the colour of the foundation blends in seamlessly with the rest of their body.

    Q: How do I look after my skin before the wedding?

    A: Taking care of your skin before your wedding is of utmost importance. You want to make sure that you have fresh, healthy, glowing skin on the day of your wedding. The best time to start changing your skin regime is 6 months before your big day, as this will allow you to see if you have any reactions to facials/peels or any new skincare products you want to try out. The last facial you can go for should be a week before your wedding, but that’s only if you’ve done it before and you know your skin won’t react or flare-up. Make sure that you use a lot of hydrating products; I love our Hydrating Skincare range as it just balances the water levels of your skin and it’s also anti-bacterial so it will prevent any spots from forming on the skin.

    Q: What is the best foundation to use on your wedding day?

    A: I always prefer to use a foundation that doesn’t have an SPF as this is usually the ingredient in foundations that causes flash back. Flashback is where your face looks a lot lighter in photographs. My go-to foundation for all brides is our Skin Foundation Stick as it suits all skin types and skin shades with no SPF and buildable coverage. I love to use it with our Vitamin Enriched Face Base as a primer as this creates a smooth canvas and the foundation applies seamlessly.

    Q: What is the most popular look brides go for?

    A: I found that the most requested looks for brides are a smokey eye, very glam or natural beauty. A smokey eye is a very dark and dramatic eye perfectly balanced with a soft nude lip and bronzer. At Bobbi Brown, we have a Smokey Eye Mascara and beautiful eye palettes to help create this look perfectly.

    A very glam look is more of a winged out liner, bold lips and lots of highlighter. Luxe Lip is a great option here as the colour pigment is beautiful and lasts all day.

    Natural beauty is just a better version of yourself; soft eye makeup, pretty pink blush and a soft lip.

    Q: What are the most important products to have on your big day?

    A: An amazing primer; this will set the tone for how the foundation applies and lasts during the day.

    No Smudge Mascara; it won’t budge the whole day or night.

    Luxe Matte Lip Color; in your perfect shade, this lipstick will stay on for hours

    Q: Is there anything you should avoid on your wedding day?

    A: Please do not go for any tints the day before, be it your hair, brows or lashes. If you need to fill in your brows, go for our Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil to fill in any gaps. If you do change your products or go for a facial a bit before your big day and you see your skin is reacting, apply some Skin Relief Remedy – it will immediately reduce redness and help calm the skin. Try to go for a facial wax a week before your wedding, if you go later and your skin is a bit red, apply a little bit of Instant Full Cover Concealer over your foundation to neutralise any discolouration.

    Feature image: Supplied

    From traditional neutral make-up looks to the outstanding bright lip, here are our top 5 wedding beauty looks we deem as utterly iconic:

    1. Priyanka Chopra

     

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    The wedding that took, like, 20 celebrations and had us all in absolute awe! Even though Priyanka Chopra had so many wedding looks, our all-time fave was definitely her all red traditional look complete with classic make-up that complimented the outfit and did not overpower it.

    2. Kim Kardashian West

     

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    When we think of the perfect nude make-up look, our minds instantly go to Kim Kardashian West. She most certainly made the look quite iconic and trend-worthy since her wedding to Kanye West in 2014 and has been perfecting the nude look ever since. Lashes for days, contoured cheekbones and that perfect nude lip shade all pull the look together.

    3. Meghan Markle

     

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    In our opinion, wedding make-up should just enhance your already natural, beautiful self. This is why Meghan Markle makes our top list of most iconic beauty looks. With her gorgeous freckles still peeping through, she radiated class and elegance with minimal make-up, yet still being true to herself.

    4. Solange Knowles

     

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    Bold red lips and a natural ‘do are why Solange Knowles makes it to our top beauty looks. Her unique choice of wedding attire makes her truly one in a million, and we are totally here for it. Even though Solange’s wedding was in 2014, this look has a modern edge that will still serve it well today.

    5. Princess Diana

     

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    We cannot use the word ‘iconic’ without making mention of Princess Diana. Her perfectly flushed and rosy cheeks, doe eyes and lightly tinted lips make this beauty look one we will never forget.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Feature image: Instagram

    We’ve seen them just about everywhere, but the last thing you want is a standard, non-significant flower crown on your special day. But don’t stress – we’ve gathered 6 very significant flower crowns for you to incorporate into your wedding day beauty look. You don’t even have to stop and smell the roses – just wear them!

    Mother nature

     

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    Keep things subtle and simple with a greenery-inspired flower crown that adds just the right amount of green to your look, without looking too boho. Ideal for a forest or garden wedding and, in addition, quite complimentary to redheads!

    OTT florals

     

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    Big blooms are never a bad idea, especially ones with burgundy tones to contrast your wedding dress. This flower crown demands attention, and this one definitely has ours.

    Cascading pinks

     

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    Who said flower crowns need to only go around your head? Why not try this alternative which consists of cascading peonies, orchids and hydrangeas giving brides that boho-chic look.

    A crown of note

     

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    The highest flower crown you’ve ever seen? Yes please! Ivory colours to match your wedding dress, incorporating a bit of flowers and the very trendy pampas grass as well –  this is definitely an eye-catching flower crown fit for a queen.

    Halo of roses

     

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    Pink roses never disappoint when it comes to adding that something extra to your wedding look. Flowers out of season? Try silk flower crowns that will last long after the wedding day is over and you can use it again in the future!

    Floral hat

     

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    Really want to make a statement with your flower crown? Try this completely covered floral hat in soft tones of purple and lavender which can fit over your hair perfectly. With such an extravagant floral headpiece, keep jewellery simple to keep the attention focused on the crown.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Image: Unsplash

    Every bride wants to look like the best version of herself on her wedding day, as well as have all the correct tools to take along on her honeymoon. Thanks to Bobbi Brown, this dream can come true.

    Beauty comes in many forms, and it goes beyond a product, a routine, or a face. It can be found anywhere, but its expression is yours to create. No masks, just make-up, no rules. Just you. Beauty begins with you.

    When the brand was founded nearly 30 years ago, this was our vision – and we champion it today. We make make-up that enhances, not hides, your true beauty.

    One lucky winner will win a Bobbi Brown hamper to the value of R3 775 consisting of the following amazing products:

    1x Eye Shadow Palette valued at R1250

    Give your look a glamorous edge with this eye shadow palette that lets you shade, line and define with fashion-forward hues and high-impact finishes. Palette includes matte, shimmer wash, chrome metal and metallic shadows that can be applied dry or wet for maximum colour payoff.

    1x Vitamin Enriched Face Base valued at R895

    A Bobbi Brown bestseller – a primer plus moisturisation for smooth make-up application (it’s the best of both worlds). Rich in feel, but never greasy, this advanced oil-free face formula, with Shea Butter, instantly hydrates, softens and cushions skin.

    1x Crushed Liquid Lip valued at R395

    The look of a liquid lipstick meets the comfortable feel of a balm and the plumped-up sheen of a gloss. Created with a superfruit blend featuring cranberry, blueberry and raspberry extracts, this emollient-rich, full-coverage formula glides on with pure colour pigments and offers nourishing comfort and moisture – both instantly and over time. Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, talc-free, mineral oil-free, gluten-free & vegan.

    1x Primer Plus Hydrating 3-in-1 Setting Spray valued at R450

    A sheer, nutrient-rich mist that preps skin for foundation, finishes make-up and instantly refreshes the complexion for a healthy-looking glow.

    1x Highlighting Powder valued at R785

    Our cult-favourite Highlighting Powder is back. This high-impact, light-reflective powder gives skin shimmering bronze highlights and is ideal for strobing. Plus, it’s housed in a sleek, mirrored compact, so you can take your glow to go.

    How to enter: Fill in the form with your full name and contact details below

    Winner will be announced: 4 October 2019

    Our Winner: Johanette van Dyk

    You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools.

    Just like the wedding and everything that surrounds it, your honeymoon will be yet another expensive weight on your shoulders. However, with some careful planning, lots of research and a bit of consideration, it is possible to save some money. Here’s how:

    1. Include it in your registry

    Instead of opting for the traditional registry, ask guests for a contribution towards your honeymoon in general, or specific excursions, tickets or bookings. It’s no longer frowned upon to ask for a donation instead of a gift, as more and more couples already have everything they need for their home before even getting married.

    2. Who needs souvenirs?

    Instead of spending unnecessary money on souvenirs (which, let’s face it, you’ll never look at again), rather spend it on experiences – such as special dinners, excursions or tours. These experiences are much more valuable than physical things. However, if you love doing outdoorsy stuff, such as hiking, it might even cost you less!

    3. Use public transport instead of Ubers

    Do some research and gather information on how the public transport system works in the areas you’ll be in. Ubers and taxis are often much more expensive than the public systems, so this way you’ll be able to save quite a bit. Your hotel or accommodation staff will also be able to assist you with recommendations and guides.

    4. Be clever with your travel dates

    You don’t need to leave for your honeymoon the moment you get married. Because most couples still need to take personal matters, such as work, into consideration before being able to leave, you can plan your honeymoon around ‘cheaper’ seasons, flights and destinations. Consider off-season options, as this will not only be cheaper all round, but also less crowded.

    5. Score some points

    On your credit card, that is. Lots of credit card services offer rewards that you can use for travel, including discounts on flights, accommodation, restaurants etc. Although you’d have to start planning this one quite a bit in advance, it will definitely be worth it.

    6. DIY

    Instead of booking everything through a travel agency, do your research, plan carefully, and book everything yourself to avoid paying any additional fees. Also make sure to check the direct websites of hotels, lodges or resorts, as they often have slightly lower rates than when it’s booked elsewhere. If you do, however, prefer to use an agent, make sure they book package deals for you, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

    7. Take a chance

    It might be a little forward, but when booking a room, a restaurant or whatever it may be, casually mention that it’s your honeymoon. People love romance, so they might just give you a freebie, an upgrade or a warm(er) welcome.

    8. Get travel insurance

    Just in case.

    9. Consider when you eat out

    You don’t have to eat at a restaurant for every single meal. Go to local markets or grocery stores and gather a few bits and pieces to take on a picnic, to have in your room or to make a meal yourself. This way you’ll also experience more of your surroundings and of the culture than you would sitting down at a restaurant three times a day.

    10. Go on the hunt

    Again, you’ll need to take some time and do your research with this one, but make an effort to hunt for some deals. Many hotels, destinations, cruises and airlines have regular deals – whether it’s for honeymooners, seasonal or simply because. Make use of them and be sure to make some calls to figure out if they don’t offer any additional deals. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

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