Advice Archives | Page 2 of 13

In Advice

15 Most requested first-dance songs to help you turn up the romance!

August 2, 2022 No Comments

You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said “I do,” and now it’s time to get down and boogie! The first dance as a married couple is deeply personal and oh-so-romantic, so making sure you have the right song to sway back and forth to is sure to keep those wonderful wedding day memories alive.

If you’re looking for the most romantic songs out there, you’ll be happy to know that a survey conducted by The Black Tux found the perfect playlist thanks to over 900 married couples from all age groups revealing their favourite tunes.

The most requested first-dance song, you ask? “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers with classic love songs from Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley also making the list.

If you’re stumped on what to play as the MC welcomes you as newlyweds, why not take a peek at the 15 most requested first-dance songs:

1. “500 Miles,” by Sleeping at Last

Loved-up Lyrics: “But I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles/To fall down at your door.”

2. “Unchained Melody,” by The Righteous Brothers

Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my love, my darling/I’ve hungered for your touch”

3. “Amazed,” by Lonestar

Lyrics of Love: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side/Forever and ever”

4. “Perfect Duet,” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé

Lyrics of Love: “But darling, just kiss me slow/Your heart is all I own/And in your eyes, you’re holding mine”

5. “All of Me,” by John Legend

Lyrics of Love: “Give your all to me/I’ll give my all to you/You’re my end and my beginning”

6. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Aerosmith

Lyrics of Love: “The sweetest dream will never do/I’d still miss you, babe/And I don’t want to miss a thing”

7. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Jasmine Thompson

Lyrics of Love: “So I’m gonna love you/Like I’m gonna lose you/I’m gonna hold you/Like I’m saying goodbye”

8. “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra

Lyrics of Love: “There is nothing for me but to love you/And the way you look tonight”

9. “At Last,” by Etta James

Lyrics of Love: “At last my love has come along/My lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah”

10. “Sons and Daughters,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “And I, I’ll wrap myself/Around your heart/I’ll be the walls of his heart”

11. “Yours,” by Russell Dickerson

Lyrics of Love: “I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I’m yours”

12. “Kiss Me,” by Ed Sheeran

Lyrics of Love: “And your heart’s against my chest, your lips pressed in my neck/I’m falling for your eyes, but they don’t know me yet/And with a feeling I’ll forget, I’m in love now”

13. “Escapade,” by Janet Jackson

Lyrics of Love: “Come on baby, let’s get away/Let’s save our troubles for another day”

14. “Sweetest Thing,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “You’re the sweetest thing that I ever did see/Like a bird taking way/Tears that set you free”

15. “Speechless,” by Dan + Shay

Lyrics of Love: “And I’m speechless/You already know that you’re my weakness/After all this time I’m just as nervous”

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Advice

Can sleeping in separate beds save your relationship?

July 29, 2022 No Comments

Modern couples are increasingly looking for new ways to add a little “spice” in the bedroom, but it may not be in the way you think.

Couples choosing to sleep apart has become a rather common practice with studies backing the growing trend and according to sleep scientists, 1 in 4 couples are opting to sleep in separate beds.

While more and more couples are enjoying the covers all to themselves, there’s still a certain level of stigma attached to this choice, however, it’s nothing new. The wealthy have been doing it for decades and you only need to pop on an episode of Netflix’s The Crown and check out the sleeping arrangements of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip to find examples of this.

One newlywed couple recently went viral for sharing their out-of-the-ordinary sleeping arrangements. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Nelly and Andrew Grecian claim that sleeping separately has benefitted their relationship as they often feel refreshed and revitalised when they wake up in the morning.

But while some couples are reaping the benefits, just what does science have to say about it?

When sleep is measured objectively, people will actually sleep worse with a partner. This makes sense when you consider that having a partner who snores is basically a recipe for a disruptive night’s rest. However, when asked whether you’d prefer to sleep with your partner in the same bed, you’d likely answer “yes.”

According to scientists, this suggests that our social brain prioritises a need for closeness and security at night, even when traded in for a good night’s rest. However, no matter your sleeping preferences, couples need to prioritise sleep when it comes to their relationship.

A rather interesting study found that when the sleep and relationship quality of heterosexual couples were analysed, it found that when male subjects slept worse, they often reported their relationship quality suffered the next day. In contrast to this, on days when female subjects were not happy about their relationship, both her sleep and her husband’s sleep suffered that night.

Wendy M. Troxel PhD, a senior behavioural and social scientist and the woman behind “How to sleep like your relationship depends on it,” reiterates this. But what’s her conclusion on the matter?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to couples and their sleeping strategies, but couples will need to learn the art of prioritising sleep for the betterment of their relationship and lives. After all, sleep occupies around one-third of our lives with research indicating that when you’re well-rested, you’re a better communicator, happier, more empathetic, and more attractive.

Feature Image: Pexels

In Advice

Saying “I do” doesn’t have to mean saying “I do” to debt

July 25, 2022 No Comments

The first year of marriage is always marital bliss, especially when you have heaps of debt behind your name. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming up the perfect wedding – bells and whistles included – walking down the aisle doesn’t have to mean walking straight into wedding debt.

Overspending on your wedding day may just cancel out the marital bliss everyone enthusiastically talks about. According to a 2019 study by LendingTre e concluded that 45% of newlyweds between the ages of 18 and 53 went into debt to pay for the wedding. And with many South African couples paying between R80 000 – R120 000, as per Standard Bank, it’s no surprise why.

While getting married can be an expensive business, sometimes it helps to stop and think before making a big purchase on Kim Kardashian-esque flower wall.

Trade debt for memories

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the tasks and balance sheets of planning a wedding, but it’s important to remember why everyone is really attending your wedding – love. The food, DJ, wedding photographer, and signature drink are just the cherry on top of your love and commitment cake, and it’s important to keep this at the centre of your planning.

Get on the same page

According to the same 2019 study, nearly 76% of newlyweds who reported they went into debt also stated they argued over wedding-related expenses. The remedy? Bridal couples need to get on the same page when determining what they’re spending their hard-earned cash on. Creating a wedding budget and discussing expense details are two ways for avid debt collectors. If you’re looking to splurge on an open bar, make sure you’re both comfortable with how long it will be “open,” what liquor will be available, and what the total will come to.

Stick to your boundaries

We’ve all heard the phrase: “keeping up with the Joneses,” but sometimes it’s okay to watch them cruise on by. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming which can easily lead to bridal couples listening to the opinions of others. A great way to avoid being swayed by friends and family members and what they’d like to see at your wedding is by writing down a list of wedding priorities that are important to you and your partner. Consider what is “worth-it” and what is “non-negotiable,” this will provide you with a better foundation with which to smile and say “no, thank you.”

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Advice

Pinterest reveals the top wedding trends for 2022

May 6, 2022 No Comments

We love a good Pinterest search, especially when it comes to finding much-needed wedding inspiration.

Did we mention how stressful wedding planning can be?

Thankfully, this online moldboard has been with us every step of the way and has been a favourite amongst brides-to-be as they pin away and plan their weddings.

While we would like to think that we’re still in the age where millennials are getting hitched, the social media platform has swooped in to burst our bubble, revealing that Gen Zers are pinning away as they plan their impending nuptials.

A burst of fresh air is what this generation is looking for as they ditch stuffy traditions and do it their own way.

“This year, Pinners are planning for the big wedding celebrations after postponements. We are seeing larger weddings come back and a movement away from minimalism,” says Swasti Sarna, Senior Insights Manager at Pinterest.

“We are also seeing rising searches for Pinners wanting to connect back to their roots by celebrating their unique cultural traditions, with 45% of the top wedding trends related to different cultures.”

So, just what are bridal couples searching for? From Bridgerton themes to sustainable weddings, here are a few of the wedding trends for 2022, according to Pinterest.

The Dark Side of Life

Traditionally, brides have always worn white, but the latest trends from Pinterest reveal that brides-to-be are stepping away from this and opting for something completely different. “Black dress wedding party,” “black boho wedding dress” ( 4X), and “black wedding cakes” (+94%) are a few search terms that have been trending as “dark wedding ideas” becomes a popular search term on the platform.

Pearls are a girl’s best friend

Move over diamonds because there’s a new sheriff in town. From engagement rings to “pearl cake,” the rise of the pearl is something that Pinterest predicted back in December 2021. They were certainly right on the mark as bridal couples opt for the non-traditional. Search terms such as “pearl wedding dress,” “Pearl wedding” and “Pearlcore” are just a few trends that are here to stay in 2022.

Back into nature

More specifically, the forest. Brides and grooms are really looking to make their wedding day a fairy tale event with search terms like “woodland fairy wedding,” “enchanted forest wedding dress,” and “forest wedding ceremony” being big trends. This is no surprise as forest wedding venues can offer couples a magical setting. Throw in earthy tones for suits and bohemian style dresses and flowy veils, and you have a wedding ceremony fit for a Disney princess and prince.

The Bridgerton Effect

The Netflix has been making waves in more ways than one. The opulent Regency Era has grabbed almost every bridal couple’s attention with search terms such as “‘Bridgerton’ bridal shower ideas,” and “‘Bridgerton’ wedding” being the top terms that bride- and grooms-to-be are searching for.

Sustainable Weddings

It’s cool to care for the environment and eco-conscious couples are taking a stand with their sustainable wedding. Paying special attention to how we affect the environment has slowly become a top priority for many people, so it comes as no surprise that sustainable weddings are on the rise. From food to decorations, “eco-friendly wedding ideas,” “thrifted wedding decor” and “reuse wedding dress ideas” are some of the top search terms.

Feature image: Pinterest

In Advice

Looking for the perfect wedding dress? Here are a few tips to find ‘the one’

April 29, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to finding “the one” and having that movie-magic moment where your bridesmaids break into a sob after just one look of you in the perfect dress, it all comes down to finding the right shape for your body. We’ve turned to the experts for this one, putting our ear close to the ground and listening to the suggestions that dress designers may have for some potential gown stumbling blocks.

You’re fuller in the hip/thigh area:

Choose something you are comfortable in. If you are confident and love your curves, then there are ways to make a fitted dress accentuate all the right areas. If you are more conservative or feel self-conscious, then go with something that cinches in at the waist and naturally flows out from there.

You have larger than average breasts:

Get a fully structured bustier if your bust needs that lift and support, or a daring plunge for those girls stay in place.

You are petite

If you are going for lace, something with smaller patterns would be best. If not, choose something streamlined and gorgeous! Even the princess look can work, if done right.

You don’t look good in classic white or ivory

Nude, toffee and sand shades are hot this season! Oyster is also a wonderful shade that suits a variety of skin tones.

You’re not too keen on exposing a lot of skin

A beautiful, hand-engineered, appliquéd illusion sleeve is the best of both worlds!

Feature Image: @aglowceleste

In Advice

Nature-based proposal spots in Cape Town

April 27, 2022 No Comments

If you’re planning to propose to your partner in Cape Town, you are in luck thanks to the beautiful scenery that Cape Town is blessed with. If you want to propose out in nature there is no shortage of beautiful locations for you to do so. Whether you take a drive out to the winelands or stay within the city, you will be spoiled for choice.

Have a look at these 5 proposal spots that make use of nature to set the scene:

Cape Point

Take a drive out to Cape Point National Park to see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, and become one with your partner.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bernadine Jeffrey (@berniejeffrey) on Nov 24, 2019 at 12:42pm PST

Lion’s Head

Hike up lion’s head and take in the magical views from the top. You will certainly feel like you are on cloud 9 up there.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lions Head (@lionsheadct) on Oct 23, 2019 at 8:46pm PDT

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Plan a picnic in these lush gardens and take a walk on the Boomslang tree canopy walkway for panoramic views of the gardens and mountains.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jarat Tours (@jarattours) on Sep 3, 2019 at 10:08pm PDT

Boulders Beach

While there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Boulders beach, with its colony of African penguins, offers something a little extra to make the proposal that much more special.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by عبدالله الجمعة Abdullah (@aaljumah) on Aug 26, 2017 at 1:33pm PDT

Vineyards

The abundance of beautiful vineyards and accompanying restaurants makes it easy to choose just one to propose. Enjoy the delicious local wines and views of the vineyards.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carol Byrne (@cannalletto) on Nov 30, 2019 at 12:47pm PST

Feature image: Unsplash

Also read: Things to do in Cape Town

In Advice

5 Unique bachelorette party ideas that don’t include a stripper

April 19, 2022 No Comments

I recently found myself planning my cousin’s bachelorette party. Let me tell you something, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure that the bride and her guests are happy. It’s definitely not as stressful as planning a whole wedding, but I found myself obsessively scrolling through social media in search of the biggest and best bachelorette ideas out there.

Anything that would live up to all those Hollywood bachelorette tropes. Stripper – check. Dildos – check. You know the list. This got me thinking, are there any bachelorette party ideas that will have tongues wagging while stepping outside of the box?

There sure are! If you’re looking to throw an unforgettable bachelorette that doesn’t include a stripper bumping and grinding on the bride-to-be, here are a few ideas that may get the inspiration flowing.

Bubbles and Brushes

If you’re searching for something that screams: This is a sophisticated bachelorette, then look no further than a day filled with painting and bubbles. There are a ton of spots across South Africa, including Paint and Sip which offers online classes too. This is a great way to unleash everyone’s inner creative!

Sail off into the sunset

You don’t have to put on your clubbing shoes to have a good time, the open sea is all you need! If you live close to the ocean, you’ll find countless sunset cruises that are perfect for an early evening spent sipping on champagne and enjoying good food and music. Take it a step further and rent a yacht for a few hours. This will allow you to soak up the sun and get down in your swimsuits like nobody’s watching!

A pampering weekend

It’s always about getting tipsy and downing as many shots as you can. If you’re looking to avoid a booze-filled weekend, opt for something a little more relaxing like a wellness weekend away to your favourite spot. There are some incredible wellness hotels around the country, including the Mount Grace Hotel and Spa in Magaliesberg which offers gorgeous views and wonderful spa treatments.

Tea Party anyone?

Fancy dresses and fine china, if the bride-to-be can’t seem to get enough of either of these things, then opt for a sophisticated tea party. Grab the bride squad, adorable teacups, and delectable scones, and get the party started! There are plenty of hotels that offer a tea party experience, including the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. However, you can opt to re-create something of your own.

Splurge on a luxurious Airbnb

Head to the mountains or the sea, but just make sure that you make it fancy! There’s nothing like enjoying the company of friends while sipping champagne and enjoying the views from your mansion. The best part is that you’ll be able to split the costs, ensuring that the bride has a relaxing and cost-free time! Don’t forget the games!

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Advice

Wedding dress inspiration straight from Bridal Fashion Week 2022

April 14, 2022 No Comments

There are some brides that simply know what they want their wedding dress to look like. However, there are a few brides-to-be who need a little nudge towards inspiration, and there’s nothing more inspiring than the latest wedding gowns from Bridal Fashion Week.

The crème de la crème of the fashion world came together to grace us with the most fabulous and on-trend designs – the perfect way to find inspiration for your upcoming nuptials.

Here are a few of our favourite designs from Bridal Fashion Week’s Spring Collection:

Anne Barge

Mira Zwillinger

Zuhair Murad

Ines Di Santo

Reem Acra

Galia Lahav

Savannah Miller

Galvan Bridal

Halfpenny London

Elie Saab

Monique Lhuillier

Feature Image: Monique Lhuillier

In Advice

6 Wedding planning apps and digital tools we can’t live without

March 2, 2022 No Comments

We’re living in the Digital Age. While relying on robust binders dedicated to vendors, bridesmaids, and various wedding planning activities can be useful, sometimes it can get a bit confusing.

More than 5 billion smartphones are currently in use around the world, so why not lean on the convenient pleasures that come with technology by infusing it into your wedding planning.

Whether you’re just starting out or well on your way to wrapping things up, here are a few digital wedding planning tools you can use to your advantage:

Joy – Wedding App & Website

Are you looking for an app that will save you time, money, and efficiently get things done? Joy wedding app and website is your one-stop-shop for a personalised wedding planning experience. You can manage guest lists and create a checklist of all the things that need to be done before your big day. In addition to the impressive features this app offers, you also have the option to create a wedding website directly from the app.

Riley & Grey – Wedding websites

Speaking of creating a wedding website, Riley & Grey is the perfect place to whip up something fabulous for you guests to feast their eyes on. There is a range of wedding templates to pick and choose from that offer a user-friendly experience for those browsing your wedding site.

Trello – To-do list

Trello does more than just offer you the chance to create a work/life balance for yourself, but can help you get organised when it comes to your wedding party. Utilise the site’s virtual pinboard and add a “card” in a column for each category that you would like to create, drop a task and create various colour codes to ensure that everything well-maintained.

Google Drive – Photo organisation

Looking to grab all the incredible photos your guests managed to capture on your big day? As long as you have a Gmail account, Google Drive is an excellent way for guests to add all the beautiful moments and ensures that everything has a place.

Allseated – Venue layout

Its sometimes difficult to picture just how your venue will accommodate your seating vision, but with Allseated, things are made easier. Send them a photo of the venue and they will create a 3D rendering of the space so that you can digitally organise tables, chairs, bars and all the wedding decor of your dreams.

GoodBudget – Budget Planner

Without a proper budgeting plan, your big day might leave you in a financial pickle. Goodbudget is a user-friendly app that allows you to allocate expenses for everything that you need. Once you have a budget set in place you can shift expenses around to ensure that you are not overspending in certain areas and neglecting others, maintaining a balance is key to success.

Picture: Pinterest

In Advice

Start planning those nuptials! Tips for newly engaged couples

February 25, 2022 No Comments

That period of bliss after getting engaged is a feeling that should be savoured because after that, it’s a lot of sheer panic due to being overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re the cool bride-to-be who lets things roll like water off a duck’s back. Or maybe your friends would describe you as a full-blown bridezilla. No matter the box you’ve nicely categorised yourself in, there’s no denying that planning a wedding will leave you with a few additional grey hairs.

Whether you’re newly engaged or starting to plan your nuptials after a year of engaged bliss, here are some tips to help you beat back the monster that is panic:

Set the date:

The first step is figuring out when you and your future spouse are going to say: “I do.” Experts all agree, planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure that you give yourself a realistic timeline. Between 10 – 14 months is a good amount of time.

Get to know your budget:

The worst thing you can do is to start a marriage with the burden of debt. Be realistic about your budget and get to know the parameters you’re working with in order to distribute money appropriately. A great next step is to compile your guest list and figure out the kind of experience you’d like them to have. This will allow you to budget accordingly, but make sure you don’t go overboard! This day is all about the couple.

What to look out for:

Bridal couples often have their heart set on a specific venue, but when booking, they find that it’s booked out for the date they’ve chosen. It can be heartbreaking, but something that can be avoided if you land your venue before choosing your date. Justt make sure you do the proper research. While you may have a rough list of who you are inviting to the ceremony, it’s best to not commit to headcount until you’ve sorted out your budget.

A tip that the experts swear by

So, what is one tip that wedding planners around the world swear by? It’s this: leave it up to the professionals. Sometimes it can be difficult to let go of the reigns and let the professionals do their thing, but if you hire the right people and offer them some creative leeway, you’ll be able to sleep a bit better at night. Collaboration with quality vendors is the key to a happy couple.

Picture: @gracecharlottephoto