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How to have a pet-friendly wedding

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They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, so it seems natural they would be involved in your big day. Pet-lovers can include their furry companions on their wedding day in a number of ways, but it is most important to make sure your wedding is pet-friendly before doing so.

There are many things to consider, like whether the venue accommodates pets and how the guests will react. Here’s what to keep in mind.

1. Location

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If you are planning to have your pet present at your wedding, it is very important to consider the venue of the wedding. Consult your wedding planner when you are booking a venue because some places do not allow pets inside. It might be best to opt for an outdoor wedding where your pups can run free.

2. Guests

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If you plan to have pets present, make sure to let your guests know beforehand. Some people are allergic to certain animals or have deep fears that can impact on their experience at your wedding. To avoid the drama, include in your wedding invitation which animals will be present and allow your guest to decide if they are still comfortable to attend.

3. Pet behaviour

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You know your pet best. You know how they act around people and what things make them happy, so when you plan on including your four-legged friends, know exactly which tasks to give them. You wouldn’t want to give the tasks or of a ring bearer to a puppy that likes playing catch or is super energetic. Its also best to hire a pet sitter to look after the animals during the day while you’re busy mingling with your guests.

4. Inform the photographer

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Tell your photographer in advance that you are planning on bringing along your pet to the wedding, this gives them time to plan creative ways to take pictures that include your pet.

5. Dress-up

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Consider something simple and pet friendly when you dressing up your pet for the wedding. You do not want to make them uncomfortable with things that could potentially strangle them, a bow tie or flowers around the neck is the perfect option.

6 Decor and setting

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Use the decoration of the wedding venue to get creative and include your pets on the decor to make them feel included on the big day.

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In Advice

A bold choice: Bezel set rings

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Looking for an uncommon ring setting? We’ve got the perfect one. The bezel setting is an uncommon choice, and offers a highly unique look.

This setting has been around for decades, and is actually one of the oldest in the history of jewellery design. Poppy Delevigne and Mary-Kate Olsen have rocked this look.

Also known as the Rubover, this setting gives off an Art Deco aesthetic perfect for a bold bride. Here’s what you need to know.

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A bezel setting features diamonds that are completely or partially encircled by a thin border of a precious metal holding it in place. The surface of the ring is thus smooth. Also called a tube setting, it helps to accentuate the diamond and offers a contemporary look. This setting works best with round stones, but can be used on any shape from pear to heart.

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Because the stone is held securely in place, this setting is highly durable and protects the diamond very well. This is perfect for fragile stones. It also prevents anything snagging on the stone or knocking it, making it perfect for a wearer with an active lifestyle.

However, this setting conceals a large part of the stone. It can also be the more expensive option because it requires much more precious metal and is more labour intensive.

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In Celebs

Interesting facts about Kate Middleton’s wedding dress

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Everyone remembers April 29, 2011, the day that people across the world were fixated on their screens for the highly anticipated Royal wedding. Kate Middleton, a non-royal, was marrying Prince William. Some were waiting to see the decor and others, the guests. However, the wedding dress was the true show stopper of the day.

Many wondered who will have the honour of designing Kate’s dress. Sarah Burton, a famed designer for Alexander McQueen, was given the momentous task.

Kate chose to combine tradition and modernity on her dress, fitting for a princess. The dress was made out of ivory satin on the waist and hips. The waist also had a corset that shaped the dress.

The lace appliqué for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace.

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Interesting facts

The train of the dress was almost three metres long (2.7m).

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The embroiderers had to wash their hands every 30 minutes to avoid dirtying the gown.

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Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a design which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

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The inspiration behind the skirt was that it opens like a blossoming flower

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There were 58 buttons down the back of the dress

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In Announcements

Actress Lily Collins is engaged

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The COVID-19 pandemic can’t stop love! Actress Lily Collins is the latest starlet to announce her engagement. The ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ star recently took the next step with writer-director Charlie McDowell.

The pair, who have been dating for over a year, announced their happy news on social media this past weekend.

“I’ve been waiting my lifetime for you and I can’t wait to spend our lifetime together…” the actress captioned images from their special day which took place in the mountains of New Mexico.

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“In a time of uncertainty and darkness you have illuminated my life. I will forever cherish my adventure with you,” wrote McDowell.

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Collins, the daughter of iconic musician Phil Collins, rocks an unusual engagement ring featuring a one-of-a-kind rose-cut diamond.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Lily Collins

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A love like this: Dineo and Solo Langa

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Actress Dineo and rapper Zothile (Solo) Langa are constantly serving us ‘couple goals’. The pair met many moons ago but were not public about their romance until four years into the relationship.They have been married for over a year but have been together for 8 years.

Here’s how this famed South African couple fell in love.

 

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Dineo met Solo eight years ago through a mutual friend, Leroy. He had set them up to a blind date anaware to them, but luckily it was love at first sight. Solo asked for her phone number and texted her on the same day. They later went out for dinner that very same day and have been together since.

On their Showmax wedding series, Kwakuhle kwethu, Dineo admitted to having a huge crush on him and could not wait longer than five minutes to text him back.

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Solo took to social media to explain how he proposed to Dineo. They were on a holiday in Mozambique in January 2019 and he has already planned to propose. He explained how a person might think it would be easy to propose to their best friend, but it was nerve-wracking for him.

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The couple tied the knot on May 11, 2019 at the Kitchen L’antico Giardiono in Johannesburg. They had a secret ceremony where they changed outfits twice, and guests could only post pictures of themselves and not the wedding itself. They later gave us the Kwakuhle kwethu series showcasing their wedding.

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The couple share a YouTube channel where they share an inside look into their personal life. On the channel they touched on their spiritual journey as these two lovebirds are trained, traditional healers.

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They say that friendship and spirituality make them who they are. From the day they met, their conversations were easy and endless and they continue building on that.

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Victoria's Secret model Jasmine Tookes is engaged
In Celebs

Victoria’s Secret model Jasmine Tookes is engaged

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Model Jasmine Tookes and director of international markets at Snapchat Juan David Borrero are engaged! The couple, who have been together for four years, took their relationship to the next level on September 21.

Borrero took Tookes on a surprise trip to pop the question.

“It was a complete surprise!” Tookes told Vogue. “I woke up at 9:00 a.m. to go about my regular day of meetings with JOJA [the health and fitness Instagram account she shares with fellow model Josephine Skriver]. After the meeting, he came downstairs to tell me to pack my bags for a surprise trip that we were leaving for in two hours.”

In the car, Borrero blindfolded Tookes and took her to the place they first met, Rose Cafe in Venice, California. Next up, they headed to the airport to board a plane to Page, Arizona.

“He knows me so well that he had Popeye’s catered—I was in heaven!—so we ate chicken tenders and drank champagne until we landed in Page, Arizona. Then we hopped on a helicopter which flew us to the most beautiful, otherworldly-like secluded place in the middle of the desert rocks in Utah. It was just us.”

A table decked out with champagne and a charcuterie board awaited the couple, which they feasted on before Borrero lead Tookes to a lookout point.

“Shortly after that, he escorted me to a lookout above where we were sitting and on the ground was a bunch of rocks which spelled out WYMM? At first glance, I didn’t know what this meant, but it immediately dawned on me that it meant ‘Will you marry me?’”

A drone flying overhead delivered the ring in a black pouch. Of course, she said yes!

“I was in complete disbelief and immediately burst into tears because this was something I did not expect. After lots of happy tears, I obviously said yes, and this was honestly the best day I could’ve ever imagined. We are very excited and looking forward to a future filled with lots of love and happiness.”

Feature image: Instagram / Jasmine Tookes

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In Advice

What is a prenup and do you need one?

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In the time leading up to your big day, there are so many moving parts as you plan the wedding of your dreams. Often, the last thing on the mind is the nitty-gritty details of the marriage contract you are about to enter into.

While it’s not the most fun topic, it is important to think about the legal and financial ramifications of your impending nuptials. Some couples choose to enter into a prenuptial agreement, a legal contract that determines the financial rights of each spouse if a divorce or death were to take place. A prenuptial agreement eliminates a battle over assets in the event of death of divorce.

Some may think its a bit negative to think about divorce before you’ve even gotten married. However, it is the practical option, especially if both spouses are financially well off on their own and have important assets they want to protect. Maybe you have an important family heirloom you don’t want to part ways with, a massive inheritance or want to ensure your family or children get certain assets in the event of a divorce or death.

While most people believe a prenup is only for the rich, it is becoming increasingly popular among the middle-class. People who have children from a prior relationship may sign one to ensure property and funding is passed to the child in the event of their death.

A prenup is also helpful to protect spouses from assuming their partner’s debt, which happens if you marry in community of property. If you know you have tons of student loans and don’t want to dump it on your partner in the event of your death, a prenup will protect them.

That being said, a prenuptial agreement is not for everyone. If you don’t have assets you need to protect, you can simply skip this step. Couples who do not sign this agreement automatically marry in community of property, as per South African law. Through this, you share your estate and in the event of divorce, everything is split equally.

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5 unusual bridal shower themes
In Advice

5 unusual bridal shower themes

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Throwing a bridal shower should be a fun and exciting event, but it’s a headache for many. It’s hard to be original and unique in a world where everything has been done.

We’ve put together some inspiration for fun, unusual themes for the unconventional bride and her ladies. From the deep blue sea to outer space, take a look at these interesting themes you never thought to turn into a bridal shower.

Bohemian

If you and your friends are not about the glitz and glam, consider a bohemian theme for the bridal shower. Think rustic, dreamy and earthy. Incorporate plants and flowers, wooden decor, feathers and beads. You can specify the dress code, for example everyone has to wear a headband, feathers or flat sandals.

Enchanted Forest

If you have always wanted to live in a fairy tale, this is your chance. Think everything magical.  Candles, roses and of course, glitter. Colours that work well are gold and silver, and metallics like pink and purple.

Under the Sea

Mermaids, listen up! Go all out ocean vibes. Tranquil blues and greens, sea horse and star fish decor and faux-coral. Tropical-styled music will add well to the beach atmosphere, and make sure you have vibey cocktails.

Casino Royale

Get your poker face on for this one. Red, black and white are the colours of this glamorous evening. This  is a great opportunity to dust off your high heels and show off your gambling skills. You can even watch the movie for the final touch.

Intergalactic

Interested in space? Glow in the dark is the way to go. The sun, moon and stars are the decor inspiration. Get space-themed food and drinks that will ensure a stellar party. Don’t be afraid to turn Star Wars-themed if the bride is a fan.

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Longest celebrity engagements
In Engagements

Longest celebrity engagements

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Celebrities are quick to tie the knot after announcing an engagement. Some very high-profile people, though, took their time to say ‘I do’.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth

Engagement length: 6 years

Miley and Liam were the epitome of teenage romance, having met on the set of The Last Song. The pair were on and off for a number of years and in 2012, they got engaged. After a few tumultuous years following their engagement, the pair tied the knot in 2018. Sadly the marriage was short lived and Liam filed for divorce less than a year later.

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Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

Engagement time: 3 years

The pair got engaged in 2012, after Justin asked Jen to marry him on her 41st birthday. The couple then wed in 2015 in an intimate ceremony.  Three years later, in 2018 the couple got divorced for mutual reasons.

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Engagement time: 2 years

Brad and Ange were together for seven years before getting engaged in 2012. Brad famously divorced Jen Aniston for Ange, who he co-starred with in Mr and Mrs Smith. The rumour is that he cheated on Jen with Ange but who really knows? Ange and Brad married in 2014 and divorced in 2016. Let this be a lesson on starting a relationship borne in infidelity kids!

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Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy

Engagement time: 3 years

The Queen Kate Hudson never actually married her finacé Matt Bellamy. The pair were engaged a year after meeting back in 2011 and share a son. After a 3 year engagement, the pair went their own way in 2014.

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Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard

Engagement time: 4 years

The power pair who are Kirsten Bell and Dax Shepard, were engaged for 4 years. In 2010 Dax popped the question but, being the amazing humans they are, they waited until same-sex marriage became legal in California in 2013. They are still going strong today.

 

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In Engagements

The Aristocrat’s choice: Amazing Asscher cut stones

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The emerald cut is a favourite among brides, but those wanting a similar style with some difference should opt for the Asscher cut. Also known as the square emerald cut, this shape is timeless and stylish, perfectly designed to highlight a diamond.

If you’re diamond shopping, here’s everything you need to know about the Asscher cut.

 

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