• Category

    Advice

    Category
    In Advice

    What to do as soon as you get engaged

    No Comments

    Getting engaged is a very exciting moment. You feel like you’re living a dream. At the same time, you’re probably feeling frantic because you’re unsure of all the things you need to do as a result. You suddenly feel flooded with responsibility.

    Don’t let this exciting time slip through your fingers. Follow this list of things to do as soon as you get engaged, and you’ll feel much better about things running smoothly.

    – Take it all in

    You’ve just said yes and your mind is already in a hundred different places. Take a breath and live in the moment. This is something you’ll want to remember (with all the little details). Take a photo to capture the moment and spend some time just taking in the joy.

    – Start speading the news 

    Most importantly, you need to let you parents know. Tell your parents first, before you post anything online. Then, make sure you call the other important people in your life. Last but not least, post a cheeky picture to social media, if that’s your style. It’s sure to be your most liked picture yet.

    – Celebrate 

    Spend a night celebrating with your partner. Getting engaged is a huge deal and it’s also a very personal occasion for the two of you. Make sure you spend some time alone.

    Thereafter, you may want to have some celebratory drinks or a dinner with your close family and friends.

    – Size and insure the ring 

    In most cases, the ring won’t fit. This is simply because your partner can’t have it sized before the proposal. If it does fit, thats great! If it doesn’t, have it sized as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to lose it.

    A similar precaution that is good to take is to have the ring insured. Ask an insurance broker or ask your jeweller for some recommendations.

    – Compile an inspiration folder 

    Start scrolling! Search Pinterest, Instagram wedding accounts (like Wedding ETC’s Insta page), and make Google your new best friend. Look for ideas for your wedding decor, honeymoon, and wedding dress/suit. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll plan your perfect wedding.

    – Start thinking details 

    Set aside some time to speak to your partner about a rough budget for the wedding and honeymoon. Discuss possible dates too.

    – Do some research 

    Wedding photographers, wedding planners and wedding venues get scooped up early. Do some research about which professionals you want involved in your wedding and where you would like it to be. You won’t regret it when you have everything you want.

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Bridal shower etiquette: Tips to remember

    No Comments

    Bridal showers are one of the most popular pre-wedding occassions. The event is a party in honour of the bride and a step towards preparing for married life. Brides look forward to spending quality time with their closest female friends and family, and having all the important people get to know each other before the big day.

    This can be a heavy weight on the shoulders of those planning the bridal shower. There are quite a few things that need to be kept in mind. We’re quite certain that you want to make the day as amazing as possible.

    Here are a few tips to help you ensure that things run smoothly and turn out perfectly:

    – Who hosts and pays? 

    Usually, bridesmaids are the ones who take control of the bridal shower. In fact, tradition (which has changed with the times) says that the brides family should not throw the shower. These days, however, the bride or grooms mother may be involved in organising too. The bride should barely be involved in the planning!

    – When and where should it be? 

    The bridal shower can be held from about 3 months before the wedding to a few weeks before.

    The venue depends on the individual circumstances. If the host has a big enough space at home then it could be held there. It could also be at a family members home, or a restaurant.

    – Who is invited? 

    Most importantly, only people who are invited to the wedding should be considered for the bridal shower. Included in the guest list should be the bridal party, the bride and grooms mothers, female family members, and female friends. It is not necessary to invite every single woman in the brides life, just the most important ones.

    – When to send out invites? 

    You should aim to send out the invitations about a month before the time for the latest. This ensures that guests save the date well in advance. It also ensures that guests can plan gifts and travel (if they live far away).

    Extra tip: on the invitation you should include the brides name, the hosts information, date, time, location, RSVP information and registry information. Your invite sets the tone for the event, so make sure it looks good too!

    – What food do I serve? 

    Since this is a celebration, it would be appropriate to have some cake and desserts. Finger foods such as sliders, savouries, and sandwiches are also a good addition.

    Alcoholic beverages are acceptable, but make sure you keep it classy. Go with some champagne or cocktails. You can also serve tea and coffee towards the end of the event.

    – Are there any traditions to follow? 

    It is generally not necessary to follow tradition if you don’t want to. However, some traditions include having something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue handed over to the bride. Another one that is quite popular is creating a bouquet using the ribbons from gifts and using the bouquet at the rehearsal.

    Tradition also says that the shower should include various games about the bride and grooms relationship and games that are a bit embarrassing for the bride. These have mostly faded away over time.

    Gift specific tips: 

    – How do I ask guests to come with gifts? 

    Most guests will know that a gift is necessary for a bridal shower. However, simply adding the registry on the invitation is an indirect way of reminding guests about gifts. The bride can also request that nobody brings gifts if she so pleases.

    – Does the bride open gifts at the shower? 

    Another bridal shower tradition is one that suggests the bride should open all the gifts at the shower. This is not necessary at all. It could be used as an ice-breaker, but if the bride prefers to open gifts in private thats fine too!

    If gifts are being opened at the shower, ensure that somebody is keeping track of who has given what. The bride will need to send thank you cards a few weeks after the shower. If she can’t remember who gave her what, that would be a disaster!

    – Hostess gifts? 

    This one is a bonus tip for the bride. Be sure to get the hostess a gift as a token of your gratitude. Throwing a bridal shower is no small task and we’re sure you want your hostess to know that you appreciate her efforts!

    Image: Pexels 

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Pros and cons of a public proposal

    No Comments

    A proposal should be well planned and deliberately thought out. We’re sure you’ve imagined yours before. Who hasn’t? Perhaps you saw the movie The Wedding Singer, which led you to crave a public display. Maybe you watched Leap Year, and the proposal on the ocean-side cliff led you to consider something more private.

    It’s also possible that you’re not sure if you (or your partner) would prefer a public or private proposal. Consider the pros and cons of a public proposal to help you make the final decision.

    Pros: 

    – It will be an event to remember 

    The public gesture will play like a movie in your partners head for years and years to come. It will likely be one of their fondest memories.

    A public proposal also makes it easier for you to catch the moment on video or in a series of photographs. Arrange for a friend or family member to secretly record everything as it happens, and make it a moment that lasts forever.

    – You can get other loved ones involved 

    Sharing this special moment with people who care dearly about you (and your partner) can make it feel extremely special. You’ll get to celebrate your engagement with your loved ones as it happens. On top of that, you can share the planning and preparations for the proposal with everyone you’re inviting to relieve some of the pressure.

    – It will be easier to spread the news 

    If your proposal is public, everyone you care about will either be there when it happens or will find out very soon after. You won’t have to spend a day calling everyone with the good news.

    Cons: 

    – Might not go as planned 

    If you’ve been together for a long time, and you’ve spoken about marriage, then this shouldn’t be too much of a worry. However, there is always the chance that your partner says no. In public, a “no” will feel so much worse.

    On a similar note, you cannot control the environment around you. You could get caught in bad weather, your big question may be drowned out by noise, and other people may try to get involved unexpectedly.

    – Unnecessary pressure

    You could be putting unnecessary pressure on your partner to say yes, when they aren’t sure they’re ready to. They may feel more comfortable in a private setting to ask you to discuss the proposal and the way forward, but in public they can’t really do that.

    You’ll also be putting a lot of pressure on yourself. A public proposal takes a lot of organizing and co-ordinating. If you’re not good under pressure, perhaps you should go for something more manageable.

    – Expenses can pile up 

    If you’re really going big, like writing “will you marry me” in the sky, you may have to spend quite a bit of money. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth it, because that money may be better spent on the wedding itself.

    The most important thing to consider about a public proposal is what will be most comfortable for you and your significant other. If you don’t mind the attention and pressure, and the big gesture and fanfare has always been something you wanted, then go for it!

    Image: Pexels 

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    How to keep your (soon-to-be) family-in-law happy

    No Comments

    So you’re engaged, and although it’s an exciting and thrilling time for both you and your significant other, conflict is bound to arise, often in the form of your soon-to-be family-in-law. Some cases may be worse than others, but we’d like to help you lessen the load. Read on for some practical tips and thoughts on how to keep them happy, and, appropriately involved.

    Acceptance

    First of all, you need to make peace with the fact that your wedding planning journey will come with a fair share of stress, drama and mishaps, but all of this could be managed easily by not stressing about the things you cannot change. That goes for the family you’re marrying into as well. If you’ve known the person you’re marrying for a good amount of time, you probably know their family too – including their habits and preferences. Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean those things will change, so make it easier for yourself by making peace with it – you’d want your S.O to do the same for you.

    You marry the family, too.

    That said, your new spouse’s family is accepting a new member into theirs, as your family is too, so be mindful about including them in the planning process. Your wedding is a celebration of not only two people coming together, but two families uniting, so they need to feel that their opinions matter too. This doesn’t mean that you have to take every suggestion they make to heart, but they’ll feel much more included if you make an effort to hear them out and make some compromises.

    Take a stand

    Sometimes, keeping the peace means taking a stand. It’s extremely difficult to avoid hurting the feelings of someone who simply wants to help, but sometimes their need to help is greater than your need for it. Don’t allow yourself to get into a situation too deep before realising that you’re allowing things to happen that will ultimately make you unhappy. Say no when you need to, but explain your feelings and reasoning behind it so that a mutual understanding can be reached.

    Same page

    You and your S.O absolutely need to be on the same page when it comes to making the decisions in your planning process. This will allow you to adequately explain your reasoning to your families, without throwing anyone under the bus. However, if your parents are paying for some parts of the wedding, you need to be on the same page with them too. Be open about what you want, your visions and expectations to avoid unnecessary conflict, especially if you’re not the one paying for it.

    Lessen the load

    Just because it’s your wedding doesn’t mean you have to plan, take care of and do everything. Make your vision clear and allow your mother-in-law, father-in-law or whoever-in-law to help you out with making calls, DIY projects, collections or whatever it is you may need. This will allow them to feel involved, but not in an overwhelming way where they have the ability to make decisions for you. However, looking at the other side of the spectrum could be just as tricky. Maybe your father-in-law is great at building things with his hands, but up until now you haven’t been getting along that well. Take the plunge and ask him for help with your DIY projects – it might be the starting point for the relationship you’ve been looking for.

    Image: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    What to know before you get engaged

    No Comments

    Getting married is a big step. When you enter into a union with someone, you promise to be with them, for better of for worse, for the rest of your lives. Unfortunately, almost of half of marriages today end in divorce.

    Marriage is hard, and many walk into it not understanding that reality. While you cannot always be 100% ready, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for this new life you plan to enter. If you’re thinking of getting engaged, make sure you know these things about your partner beforehand.

    Financial situation and spending habits:

    Money is a major stress in relationships. Ideally, you need to have a general idea of your significant others financial situation before getting engaged. If someone is in debt or has bad credit, that could impact their partner in the future. You should ideally also know your partners spending habits, so that you’re on the same page about budgeting. This will particularly come in handy when you start planning your wedding.

    How you feel about kids:

    This is the all-important question. As much as many people dream of one day being a parent, there are others who don’t. Wanting or not wanting kids is an important conversation to have with your partner and can cause big problems in your marriage if you’re not on the same page. If you do want kids, also make sure to discuss how many you want, how you would want them to be raised and the kind of parent you want to be.

    Religion/faith/belief systems:

    The topic of religion can sometimes be tricky. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or Athiest, the important thing is that your partner knows about your belief system. Its not the particular faith system that is of importance, just how that will impact your relationship. For example, if you follow different faiths and want children, which faith will you raise them in? Will someone be expected to convert?

    Their beliefs can also shape how they see things in the world and their stance on issues such as abortion, same-sex relationships, and gender roles. If these causes are important to you and your partner feels differently, that could cause big issues. While you don’t have to agree, you do have to be tolerant of each others beliefs.

    Living habits:

    If you don’t already live together, you might be in for a shock when you do join homes. It is important to know each others living habits beforehand to prevent future issues. What if your partner loves having people around all the time but you enjoy solitude? Or they’re neat and cannot leave the house in the morning if it’s in a mess while you’re more of a ‘I’ll clean it later’ type of person? Small issues like these can grow into massive arguments if you’re not aware of them beforehand and have established a middle ground.

    Love languages:

    Love is about more than just lust. It’s about making your partner feel seen. Your love language, or how you express love towards others, can cause issues if your partner cannot identify it. If your love is shown through physical affection but your partners is words of affirmation, they could feel overwhelmed by your constant PDA and long for you to use your words more than your body. When you understand each others love language, you understand the meaning behind each others actions, making your actions that much more impactful.

    How to effectively communicate:

    Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. If you cannot speak and listen to each other well, your relationship will be fraught with issues.  Fore example, If your partner bottles their feelings, that could cause them to build up resentment towards you because they cannot effectively communicate their needs. You, in turn, could end up feeling guilty about something you didn’t even know was an issue. You need to know how to discuss and resolve conflicts in a healthy way that won’t exacerbate issues.

    Family and friend dynamics:

    Hopefully, if you’re at the point of getting engaged, you’ve met your significant others’ family and friends. These people have known your partner longer than you, and can thus give you greater insights that you might not have known.

    While you might be used to your specific family dynamic, your partner might have a completely different one. For example, if you’re family is the overbearing type, your partner needs to be prepared for them most likely having lots of opinions on your marriage. Understanding family dynamics will allow you to place boundaries on what is acceptable behaviour and what isn’t, making family gatherings much easier.

    Your goals for the future:

    While we can’t predict the future, we can be honest about our desires. If you have specific goals that could make considerable changes to your life, your partner needs to be aware of them. Popular grounds for divorce is that couples want different things. What if you’ve got dreams of relocating to the city while your partner wants a quiet life in the suburbs? Or you want to be a career woman but your partner expects you to become a stay-at-home mom? These differences in life goals can breed resentment if not discussed beforehand in a healthy manner.

    Image: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Accessories

    Alternative engagement ring stones

    No Comments

    An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

    But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

    Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

    1. TANZANITE

    The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

    2. MORGANITE

    With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

    3. JEWEL BAND

    If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

    4.  OPAL

    Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

    5. VINTAGE

    Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

    6. ONYX

    Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

    7. PEARL

    Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover  of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

    8. ROUGH CUT

    The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

    9. TURQUOISE

    If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

    10. SMOKY QUARTZ

    This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Accessories

    Engagement ring trends for 2020

    No Comments

    A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

    Here’s what will trend in 2020.

    Coloured stones:

    Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

    Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

    Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvwwqlB-_0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Unique shapes:

    Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

    This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNeYu5lsZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Throwback designs:

    The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

    Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dALFJlfDD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose gold:

    Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

    “Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gfj9Kh7Kx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Three-stone rings:

    We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

    “We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

    The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ajAg8jb-I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stacking rings:

    Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

    Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dutVbpBoZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    The groomsmen’s duties

    No Comments

    Being a groomsman is a big honour. But with great honour comes great responsibility. As a groomsman, you’ll be expected to fulfil a number of duties to aid the groom in his wedding journey. Here is a rundown of the groomsmen’s duties:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByrrXuuJFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pre-wedding prep:

    Get fitted for wedding attire:

    As a group, the groomsmen will be fitted with wedding attire to match the wedding’s theme. If a suit is being made, you might have to send your measurements through so make sure to have those on hand. Depending on the couple, you may be expected to purchase or rent the attire yourself. Make sure to set aside money for this.

     

    Attend pre-wedding events:

    Wedding festivities do not start and end with the big day. There are a host of pre-wedding events you will be expected to attend, including the engagement party, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner and of course, the wedding.

     

    Help plan the bachelor party:

    As one of the groom’s last nights as an unmarried man, the bachelor party is an important event in the pre-wedding schedule. While it is traditionally the best man’s responsibility to plan the event, groomsmen often provide a helping hand. Assist the best man in whatever he needs to pull off an epic bachelor party. You might also be expected to assist financially, so keep that in mind.

     

    The Big Day:

    Support the groom:

    The Big Day is bound to be stressful for the groom. As a groomsman, you’ll be tasked with keeping him calm throughout the day. Ease his nerves, give him pep talks when needed and make sure his look is complete before he steps out. If need be, take the lead and make sure all arrangements are organised, such as transport and liaising with photographers and caterers. This way, the groom has less to stress him out, allowing him to enjoy his Big Day.

    Give a great speech:

    While it is typically the best man’s job to give a speech, groomsmen can also be asked to say a few winged words. Give yourself enough time ahead of the wedding to write out a strong speech that highlights what makes the newly betrothed couple special.

    Give a great gift:

    By virtue of being in the wedding party, you should be close to the couple. As such, your gift should be personal to them. If you’re out of ideas, have a look at their wedding registry for inspiration.

    Have fun!

    Now that all the big things are done, you can enjoy yourself at the reception. It’s important that guests have a good time, because that’s part of what makes weddings memorable. Dance with everybody, get people talking and play games as you celebrate love.

    Image: Unsplash

     

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    How to plan your engagement party

    No Comments

    Congratulations, you’re engaged! Traditionally, the first step in wedding festivities is to throw an engagement party celebrating your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest. Here are some key steps to planning your perfect engagement party.

    Choose the hostess with the most-est:

    While tradition states that the bride’s parents typically throw the engagement party, it is not a hard and fast rule. Today, anyone can host the party, whether it be a family member, close friend or even joint hosts. Just remember that the host will be the main funder of the party, so they have to be prepared to pay.

    Pick a date:

    Next step is to find the right date. However, this is not an easy feat. Think about the scale of the party and how long it will take to plan things before setting a date. If you are going for a big, extravagant party then allot more time to plan. Engagement parties typically occur soon after the engagement but can still be held months after the fact.

    You will also need to take into consideration the schedules of your guests. For example, if family members out of town will have to travel long distances to attend, ideally don’t host the party during the week.

    Plan your guest list:

    This is an important step. Remember that the people you invite to your engagement party will also have to be invited to your wedding. As such, this guest list is a preliminary list for your big day. If you’re not sure how big your wedding will be, allow your engagement to be more intimate so that you don’t invite too many people and create an expectation.

    Set up a budget:

    Party planning can quickly get expensive if you don’t have a financial guideline in place. Set up a budget in which you allocate certain amounts of money for the venue, food and drinks, invites and other party planning necessities. This makes every following step much easier as you narrow your options to fit financial means. Remember to leave a margin for extra expenses too!

    Location, location, location:

    Now that you know how big your guest list is, you can choose a venue that will accompany everyone. The venue will speak to the type of party you want. For example, having a party in your parents’ back yard will give an intimate feel, whereas a grand ballroom will give a more luxe feel. This way, you can create a vision of the type of decor you want too.

    Send invites:

    With date and location secured, you can now send out invites. Make sure you send these out with enough time to arrive and give your guests time to plan. At least 3 weeks before the party is ideal. Luckily, your type of venue also helps to determine the style of invitation, making the design element much easier. Make sure to let your guests know the dress-code to avoid outfit disasters.

    Set up a menu:

    Now that you know the venue, your menu can perfectly correspond. For example, if it’s a cocktail event, finger foods work best. A family-style menu works best for intimate gatherings. Don’t forget to include drinks in this! Your menu should work for you, your budget and the style of party you’re aiming for.

    Plan your decor:

    At this point, you should already have an idea of the type of decor you want. Now is the time to do your research and purchase things that will bring your vision to life. Simply adding mini-candles and fairy lights can add a whimsical yet romantic feel. Use fabric to bring in colour schemes, and flowers to soften the space.

    Gift registry:

    While not expected, some guests may want to gift you and your partner at your engagement party. To prep for this, you can set up a gift registry. Remember to focus on low- to medium-priced gifts, as people will most likely spend more on a wedding gift. You can also ask guests to donate to a chosen charity in lieu of gifts.

    Dress to impress:

    As the first taste of wedding festivities, it is typical, though not required, that engaged pairs wear white to their engagement party. Regardless of colour, make sure that your outfit works well for the venue and style of party you are throwing. For example, a casual sundress won’t work for a formal event, and a beaded gown might be a bit too dressed up for a poolside celebration.

    Enjoy!

    You’ve made it! Now is the time to revel in your excitement and celebrate your future with your loved ones.

    Image: Pixabay

    by
    Continue Reading