• Category

    Engagements

    Category

    If there’s any time at which you need the ease and conveniences of the internet the most, it’s during your engagement. Planning the big day is stressful enough so it only makes sense that when putting together your gift registry, you’d want to get the job done in the least laborious and time-consuming manner possible. These nine sites offer you the convenience of picking out wedding gifts without having to leave home.

    1 Bespoke Wedding Registry

    Registry Websites

    Launched by a Londoner, Bespoke Wedding Registry aims to fill the gap in the South African market for customised gifting. With a selection of homeware and kitchenware sourced from prestigious brands, including the namesake collection of world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver and local ranges Ardmore and Kikoi, you’re bound to find unique pieces that speak to your style. Plus, they offer a service where a group of guests can club together to purchase larger items such as furniture. You also score two free deliveries if you live in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban.

    Contact +27 21 448 7155, [email protected]bespokeregistry.co.za

    2 Wrapistry

    Registry Websites

    Featuring products from a whopping 90 brands, Wrapistry’s offering include items to stock in your home as well as experiences. A variety of memory-making activities from a couple’s cooking class to wine tasting tours is available to add to your wishlist. If you ever feel like changing your mind, that’s no problem – you can do so as often as you like. To save you from the task of guessing who gave you a gift (and which one!), Wrapistry also mails you a list of guests and their purchases. Now, all you need to do is grab that mouse and start picking your favourites.

    Contact +27 10 500 7503, [email protected]wrapistry.co.za

    3 Banks Kitchen Boutique

    Registry Websites

    What began as a lively shop in a close-knit community has now expanded to two boutiques and an online store. Apart from displaying their cutting-edge goods, the online store allows you to access their blog where you can discover recipes and browse product reviews. Once your guests have bought your presents, Banks Kitchen Boutique will happily wrap the goods, add a note from the gift-giver and deliver it to your door – all on the house. Customers have raved about this convenient outlet and we’re sure you’ll love it too.

    Contact +27 21 461 3190, bankskitchenboutique.co.za

    4 Yuppiechef

    Registry Websites

    Voted South Africa’s best online store, you can rest assured their registry service is effortless. Not sure where to start? Navigate to the ‘Starter Collection’ tab to get an idea of what you’ll need to fill your first nest. Given our demanding, modern lifestyles, we could all spare a few bucks here and there, and Yuppiechef gives you the option of sending discount vouchers to three loved ones. However, if you do spot a pricey item you love, you can make it yours by swapping a few less expensive pieces for it.

    Contact +27 861 702 4969, [email protected], yuppiechef.com

    5 Carrol Boyes 

    Registry Websites

    Named after its internationally esteemed owner, this lifestyle brand specialises in premium homeware products. When creating your registry with Carrol Boyes, you have the option of selecting your goods online or enjoying a personal consultation with an assistant in a brick-and-mortar store. Once you’ve done so, your choices will be listed and placed online for your guests to seamlessly purchase what they please. If you want to return any duplicates, be sure to check that they are in the original packaging and in tip-top condition.

    Contact +27 21 424 8263, carrolboyes.com

    6 Granny Goose

    Registry Websites

    With your mattress covered in fluffy pillows and duvets from Granny Goose, a producer of top-quality bed linen, you can luxuriate in deep, peaceful slumbers night after night. Apart from their bedding products, you can find Le Creuset cookware and Riedel Glassware items at their stores. To easily inform your guests about your registry, Granny Goose will provide you with little cards to insert into your wedding invitations. If anything wasn’t bought, you can get it at 10% off. What’s more, they’ll hand you a special thank-you gift for choosing them as your vendor.

    Contact +27 860 388387, [email protected]grannygoose.com

    7 @home

    Registry Websites

    As South Africa’s prime shopping location for sophisticated homeware, you simply can’t afford not to enlist the registry service of @home. Head to the ‘Customer Favourites’ page to make sure you don’t forget to add any must-buys. In addition to a selection of top-notch products, you’ll receive a gift card worth 10% of the value of all your guests’ purchases. To keep this value updated and to record the buyer of each present in-store, remind your guests to notify the @home sales assistant that they are purchasing an item for your registry.

    Contact +27 860 576 576, [email protected]home.co.za

    8 Boardmans

    Registry Websites

    Couple’s who have an Edcon Group Thank U loyalty card will enjoy all the benefits of the programme when they create a registry at Boardmans as you’ll gain 10 times the amount of Thank U points for all the gifts bought at the store. Given that there;s no limit on how many items are added, you could gain an enormous amount of points! These points can then be used to buy anything from Boardmans, or to shop at Edgars, Red Square, Jet, Legit and CNA. Talk about a shopping spree!

    Contact +27 860 236 289, [email protected], boardmans.co.za

    MRP Home

    Registry Websites

    For home decor that’s uber stylish and pocket-friendly, there couldn’t be a better place to shop than MRP Home.Scroll through their ‘Inspiration’ section to view a variety of themes for your home along with a list of products to fit each theme. Although MRP Home offers online and in-store registries, they aren’t interchangeable so let your guest know which kind it is as guests wanting to purchase online for an in-store registry will not be able to do so and vice versa.

    Contact +27 800 212 535, mrphome.com

    affordable website design packages | netsist digital marketing agency | netsist.co.za

    Photography Crew/Unsplash

    It’s your big day, and you’ll want to be the star of the show. Obviously. We show you how to achieve a flawless face, whatever your style, with the newest from red dot cosmetics.

    FIRST OFF, YOUR FOUNDATION

    RED DOT introduces the Mix & Fix Colour Drops which you can use in a variety of fun ways. Use the ‘Green’ option to reduce and hide any redness, and the ‘Dark’ option if your spray-tan is golden, but your face is still pale. Simply add a drop to your liquid foundation or creamy concealer and mix until the desired shade is reached. Add more if necessary.

    NEXT UP, WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

    Make sure your lashes get maximum volume without looking clumpy. Start off with a base coat of Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey which will fill, lift and help separate the lashes, while nourishing and protecting each one. Finish up with a few swipes of Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara to add gorgeous curves and a cat-eye definition that won’t smudge or weigh lashes down.

    ARE YOU A RED LIP KINDA LADY?

    You’ll no doubt want to take that along with you on the day. Rock a red that won’t budge, slip or fade. The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red will get you started with a perfectly primed, matte surface and rich colour payoff, lasting for up to 6 hours come rain or Champagne. Finish the lip off with a layer of Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in the same shade (The Red) for a creamy and flawless finish, ensuring your lippie lasts the entire night.

    SHOPPING

    Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Green

    Mix & Fix Colour Drops in Dark

    Fake It! Lash Primer in Grey

    Catchy Eyes Waterproof Mascara

    The Ultimate Lipliner – With A Twist in The Red

    Velvet Touch Lipstick – Matt in The Red

     

    After you’ve basked in the blissful happiness of saying “yes”, you’re probably dying to announce your news. We’re sure you want to shout it from the rooftops! In the age of social-media and technology, these types of announcements are relatively low-effort tasks. There is also more room for creativity!

    No need to settle for an announcement over a phone call. There are tons of ways to make your engagement announcement memorable not only for you, but for everyone receiving the news. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

    Show off your ring

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5jD96wnw8U/

    Encircle yourselves with love 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B680XKmnoQx/

    Have a friend (or a professional) secretly snap some photos to use later

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7TYNfOJJ3f/

    Incorporate hobbies, interests or activities 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5kx_pXHvNo/

     Lay your ring next to a quote 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7UxzwmBFti/

    Bring your pets into the fun

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7U-nRknpgB/

    Add some humour

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2K7x5fJYNL/

    Write it big and bold 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BynwH7cn5SM/

    Show off the location/scenery 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6mXBX9Jp3r/

    Keep it natural 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Q_vEGF8Ld/

    Involve your kids 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B57ol-xncl1/

    Make it a part of your daily life 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2fNKVznxSd/

    Feature image: Unsplash

    The Roman Catholic Church in Spain has recently introduced a new programme that will require engaged couples to enroll in a two-to-three year course designed to prepare people for marriage. This decision was created in the hopes of lowering the country’s high divorce rates.

    Couples wanting to marry in a Roman Catholic Church in Spain are currently required to participate in 20 hours of marriage training, but priests argue that this is not enough time to prepare for a life-time promise.

    Speaking at a press conference, Monsignor Mario Iceta, the bishop of Bilbao and the president of the conference’s subcommittee for the family and the defence of life said, “You can’t prepare for marriage in 20 hours. To be a priest, you need to spend seven years in the seminary, so what about being a husband, wife, mother or father? Just 20 hours?”

    The high divorce rate is a cause for concern for many priests. Spain currently has the second-highest divorce rate in the world after Luxembourg. Many blame the “express divorce” law, which speeds up the process of divorce by removing the need for a trial separation. While there is no official data for the last few year, it is estimated that the rate sits at 60%.

    To remedy this, the Spanish Episcopal Conference announced their latest voluntary programme for engaged couples called ‘On the Path Together’, designed to “accompany, prepare and help young couples towards the matrimonial vocation”.

    The course is divided into 12 sections that focus on different aspects of a relationship, including ‘communication’, ‘fidelity’, ‘the beauty of sexuality’, and ‘conflict resolution’. Couples participating in the course will be required to attend the fortnightly sessions and practice ‘chastity’ throughout.

    Feature image: Pexels

     

    The classic bride deserves a ring to match. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making. Honour her love for the yesteryear with a memorable vintage-inspired engagement ring she is guaranteed to treasure forever.

    Embellished with unique engravings, alternative cuts and colourful stones, these vintage rings are truly one-of-a-kind and a huge trend for 2020. In late 2019, Emma Stone debuted her antique-style ring with a centre pearl instead of a diamond. Follow in the Oscar-winning actresses footsteps with a vintage-inspired ring of your own. Here are some to guide your way.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Q-y4Jj5ff/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpy4R7WjSUv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tDyCRF39f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsbGnFl91k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5f9l_hFRXe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nji7hg8Be/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Og8WjF1Q3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7En6UqgHtA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Ec4AlgP6z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B62ASFdAePY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6o-8_ops1Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I0iF0lFJC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Pexels

    US filmmaker Lee Loechler is the man of many a Disney-lover’s dreams. He had a few tricks up his sleeve when he took his unsuspecting girlfriend, Sthuthi David, on a date to watch her favourite movie, Sleeping Beauty.

    A partner in crime filmed the two watching the movie, when suddenly the well-known scene of the prince about to kiss the princess changes into something quite unusual. First, the characters’ faces change to resemble Lee and Sthuthi, and then things take a different turn. Sthuthi looks confused, then the on-screen prince takes a ring box out of his pocket and throws it out of the screen for Lee to catch!

    “I love you with my whole heart, including all of its ventricles, atriums, valves… She’s a cardiologist,” he tells the crowd. “Sthuthi David, M.D., will you live happily ever after with me?” he asks.

    The rest, as they say, is history.

    Watch how the fairy tale unfolds:

    Picture: Twitter/360NG_Blog

    Former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel Peters just gave us an intimate look into her engagement to Tim Tebow. Taking to Instagram, Demi-Leigh shared a beautiful IGTV video documenting the day the couple got engaged.

    Tim proposed to Demi-Leigh in January 2019. Tebow had flown family members from across America and South Africa to Jacksonville, Florida to be a part of the proposal. Demi was told they were attending a late Tebow family Christmas dinner at their family farm and was surprised when it ended in a proposal.

    In the video, Tebow can be seen leading Demi outside and professing his love for her.

    “Ever since I first saw you, you gave me so much hope. When I first heard your voice, you gave me so much belief. When I first met you, I knew you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I will spend the rest of my life fighting for you and fighting for us,” said Tebow before going down on one knee to propose.

    Tebow also flew Demi’s favourite South African performer Matthew Mole to Florida to serenade them post-proposal.

    Both Tebow and Nel-Peters shared the video to their personal Instagram pages.

    “Yes to forever ❤️One year ago today I said yes to forever with you @timtebow. It was the most magical day. The most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. Certainly the biggest surprise. I knew it was you since date one. I can’t wait to be your wife… soon ? #TyingTheTebow”, Nel-Peters captioned the video.

    Watch the sweet video below:

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7Gt6dWBy7w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

    Victoria’s Secret model Martha Hunt will soon be swopping the catwalk for the wedding aisle. She recently announced her engagement to photographer Jason McDonald with an adorable Instagram post. 

    Hunt made the announcement on Instagram, posting a series of pictures with the caption “i have a secret…”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7E1BMMlObO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The proposal went down on January 5 and involved a bear-y adorable ring bearer. In an image posted to McDonald’s Instagram page, Hunt’s dog Bear can be seen wearing a dog collar with his parent’s initials and the engagement date, as well as the engagement ring dangling from it.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7E3LDcH7WF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Congratulations to the happy couple!

    Feature image: Instagram / Martha Hunt

    Many industries are slowly making the move to become more eco-friendly and the wedding industry will not be left behind. More often, couples are opting for digital wedding invitations (or wedding e-vites). Not only are digital invitations greener, they also come with other benefits such as being cost-effective and less time consuming. However, some might feel that a certain sentiment is lost by using a digital invitation.

    To help you weigh up the options, here are some pros and cons of both digital and paper wedding invitations.

    Digital

    Pros:

    – Saves Money 

    Digital wedding invitations will save you money in a variety of ways. You’ll pay for the design once, and you’ll be able to use it as many times as you like. There will be no postage costs and no paper or envelope costs.  If your budget is tight, or if you’re not too fussy about wedding invitations, digital is the way to go.

    – Eco-friendly 

    No paper invites means that you’re saving trees! On top of that, the delivery of  paper invitations, to your guests, requires fuel. With digital invites, you’re ensuring that your wedding has a smaller carbon footprint.

    – Easy to do 

    You could find a professional graphic designer to create your invitation for you. All you need to do is give them some specifications and your wedding invitation will be ready in no time.

    With the rise of online tools like Canva to make your life as easy as possible, it is even possible to find a website that has invitation templates for free. You could create an invitation completely on your own in a single sitting. Quick and easy!

    – Saves time 

    Not only does it save time on the designing front, but it also gets delivered within seconds. This means you’ll receive your RSVPs quicker too.

    Cons:

    – Some guests may not be tech savvy 

    For the older guests, a digital invite may cause some issues. Some grandparents or aunts and uncles may not be sure how to RSVP or how to access the invitation at all. You wouldn’t want to risk them missing the special day! However, there are ways around this problem. You could opt to send only certain people paper invites.

    – Invites may get lost in a spam folder 

    While it is mostly unlikely, there is a chance that your invite may be detected as spam. Most people don’t check their spam folders, and this could mean that they miss your invitation completely.

    – Designing it yourself can be risky 

    Some of us are simply not artistically inclined. And that’s okay! But, if you’re designing your own wedding invitations you may want to be cautious. The internet is full of ideas, and most websites provide you with templates, but you could still end up with a design that is sub-par if you’re not careful.

    It may sound as if digital invites are less distinctive, significant or memorable, but there are ways you can make it special!

    Paper

    Pros:

    – May be easier to access 

    There are several stores that carry printed wedding invitations. Finding these may be easier than finding a graphic designer.

    – Comes with extra excitement 

    Holding the invites in your hand, packaging them and sending them off can be an exciting activity to do with your partner or your family. It can feel like the real beginning of the wedding festivities.

    – Makes for a great keepsake

    You can keep the wedding invitation forever. Perhaps you want to frame it or put it in your wedding album. These are things you can’t do with a digital invite.

    Cons:

    – Can be quite costly 

    Printing, paper, envelopes, decorations such as ribbons or glitter, and posting. If you add all of these up, it could add a large sum to your budget.

    – Very time-consuming 

    Creating the invites and packaging them already take a lot of time. Thereafter, you’ll have to wait for them to be delivered. This can take a long time, especially if your guests live far away. Additionally, it’ll increase the waiting period you’ll have for receiving responses.

    Image: Unsplash