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    5 things to consider when planning your wedding registry
    In Advice

    5 things to consider when planning your wedding registry

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    It is very frustrating to receive three of the same thing from different people as a wedding gift. This is because people think in similar ways and they normally don’t know what to get you and so they resort to common gifting. As the bride, you can avoid this and the admin that comes with it. Here’s how:

    Don’t wait until the last minute

    Start planning and send out your registry ahead of time, you want your wedding registry to be one of the things you do at the beginning of your wedding planning.

    Making and setting up a registry takes more time than you might expect it and deserves your attention because you won’t have time to redo it.

    Be realistic and practical 

    In your wedding registry, you should already be thinking ‘home’ and because of that, your gifts should be practical items that will make the transition of starting a new life easy.

    Make a list of things you want in your house but won’t be able to get soon, these should be the gifts your friends and family get you.

    Also be mindful of the people buying, you don’t want to make them pay exorbitant amounts but you don’t want cheap gifts, so get a few quotations on each item.

    Share your registry

    Once you’ve created your wedding registry, make sure you share it with your guests.

    This includes coming up with easy ways to access your registry. It could be online where a person can click and get it or share a link with your guests.

    Make sure to have a checklist option available for you and the people buying gifts, this makes it easy to see what has been bought and what is left.

    Make it a joint project

    Put aside some quality couple time to contemplate your future life together and think about what kinds of gifts would make you happy.Your partner must have input on the registry because this is the beginning of your life together, you don’t want anyone feeling left out.

    Look for great deals 

    Before choosing where to register, find out what kinds of perks and discounts you might get.Approach your desired shops for a registry, they usually give discounts for bulk registry purchases.This option helps get expert advice from someone who’s knowledgeable.

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    Most popular songs to propose to
    In Advice

    Most popular songs to propose to

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    Going down on one knee to pop the question is a special moment, one that requires the perfect setting and atmosphere. Music is an easy way to amplify the romantic spirit, and many opt to play their favourite love songs to serenade the scene.

    It turns out there are some love songs that stand above the rest. Learningjewelry.com analysed the top 60 Spotify playlists dedicated proposals and engagements. Here are the sweet songs that appeared most often.

    All of Me – John Legend

    Perfect – Ed Sheeran

    Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

    A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

    Make You Feel My Love – Adele

    Marry You – Bruno Mars

    On Bended Knee – Boys II Men

    Just Say Yes – Snow Patrol

    I Swear – All-4-One

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    The history of the bridal trousseau
    In Engagements

    The history of the bridal trousseau

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    Getting married is a large step in life, one that some brides start preparing for years in advance. In many cultures, it is common for women to have a bridal trousseau, a collection of items that will ease them into married life.

    Trousseau is derived from the old French diminutive trousse, which means ‘to wrap or bundle in a package’. While the contents may differ from bride to bride, the overarching idea behind the trousseau is to start your wedding and marriage on the right foot. Items that often feature in a bridal trousseau include clothing, jewelry, linens, bedding, pottery, and household appliances. These items are traditionally kept safe in a cedar hope chest or trunk.

    The bridal trousseau can be dated back hundreds of years and across various cultures, and was often considered a symbol of status. This practice saw its early roots in the form of dowries, and has been witnessed in ancient civilizations including Babylon, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

    It reached its peak in popularity during the Renaissance, specifically in France. Brides with wealthy families would fill a chest with items like linens, dresses, bedding and homeware to prepare her for her future marriage. The fuller and more ornate the trousseau, the higher the bride’s status. Those from a lower economic class often hand-made items to put into the trousseau.

    A bridal handkerchief was a must-have item in these days. Historically, the Romans were said to wet the handkerchief with perfume and brides would wear it over their shoulders or neck. Once the French got hold of this, it became a practice reserved for royalty or the upper class.

    By the mid-19th century, brides of all classes had adopted this trend and began sporting handkerchiefs customised with the initials of the bride and groom, interlaced as a representation of their union.

    The trousseau tradition has waned in popularity over the years, and shed its connotations with wealth and class. It is still commonly witnessed in Indian culture, and some Cape Malay families in South Africa also uphold the practice.

    A modern version of this concept is experienced through the process of registering for wedding gifts, hosting a bridal shower, and saving family heirlooms.

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    Everything you need to know about ring engravings
    In Advice

    Everything you need to know about ring engravings

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    Having your engagement ring engraved is a beautiful way to to show your love. It allows you to carry a special hidden meaning with you wherever you go, and also makes your ring more identifiable if it goes missing.

    This is a timeless practice, one that has been loved since medieval times. Back in the day, people had their prized jewellery possessions engraved with religious quotes and messages of devotion.

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

    Engraving is a relatively affordable option, but the price depends on what exactly you want engraved and the font. Machine engravings are cheaper, hand engravings will cost much more. Most rings can accommodate between 15-30 characters, so you can’t write novels. No more than five words is ideal.

    The best time to have it engraved is when you order the ring. However, you have lots of time to decide exactly what you want it to say as engravings happen at the end of the manufacturing process. Importantly, not all jewellers perform engravings so make sure to ask for a referral if they cannot.

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    It is a fast process, and can be done in a day. There are three ways to do it. The first, machine engraving uses a template to trace out letters and symbols using a corresponding sharp tool. This option limits your font choice, but pretty much guarantees a neat finish.

    Hand engraving is the most costly option, and is also the most imperfect. However, it does allow you freedom to choose whichever font you want. It is also a deeper engraving, meaning it lasts longer and creates a unique visual finish.

    With laser engraving, jewellers use a pencil-sized laser beam to inscribe your special message onto the ring. The strength of the laser differs depending on the type of metal. This option allows for longer messages.

    The most important thing here, and we cannot stress this enough, is to double, triple and quadruple check your spelling before handing your words over to the jeweller! Make sure to double-check it again once you receive the finished product.

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    In Advice

    Tech and apps for couples separated by lockdown

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    For the couples having a tough time being separated for such a long period, we understand your pain! Being away from your significant other is never easy, and now you have no choice about the matter.

    This may leave you feeling down and out, as the distances puts strain on your relationship. Maybe you’re fighting more, or maybe you’re just dying to be by each other’s sides. Whatever the reason, you’re probably looking for some solutions by now! Especially since we’re unsure of how long the stages of lockdown will last, and in which stage we will be able to visit people socially.

    To help you ease the longing for each other, there are some apps and devices that you could download or buy (respectively), to help your relationship during lockdown.

    Here are some of our favourites, to ensure you’re feeling the love no matter the distance:

    Apps: 

    Loklok 

    For those couples who enjoy leaving little notes for each other, this ones for you. Essentially, the app gives you access to each other’s lockscreens, but not in a creepy way!

    It allows you to upload photos, do doodles or write cute messages on your partner’s lockscreen. When they look at their phone, they’ll see the sweet message you’ve left for them. The app is only available for android users.

    Rave

    Just because you’re separated in distance, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a movie together. Rave allows couples to stream videos together, and gives you a chat bar underneath the video for your running commentary.

    You can use it to watch Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo and more. If you’re wanting to watch something you own a copy of, upload the video to Dropbox or Google Drive and you’ll be able to watch it together!

    Available for iOS and Android.

    Lovedays

    Using this app, you can see countdowns to all important events in your relationship such as your anniversary, upcoming vacation, or the next time you’ll see each other.

    Available on iTunes and Google Play.

    NUJJ 

    A simple app, but probably the most adorable. All you do is shake your phone when you’re missing your love, and they will receive a little vibration on their end. Cute! Right?

    Tech:

    Friendship lamps

    Similar to the NUJJ app, but with a more visual expression of emotion, a friendship lamp will let you know your partner is missing you. When one of you touches the lamp, the other’s lamp lights up. It will melt your heart to know that you’re being thought of.

    Purchase here for R3 109.

    Pillow Talk 

    If you don’t like sleeping alone, then this device has got you covered. Pillow Talk is a wristband you wear when you sleep, it recognizes your heartbeat and sends it to your partner in real time.

    You download the app, slip the band around your wrist, and put the speaker under your pillow, and there you go! It’s like you can hear them sleeping next to you.

    Purchase here for R3 512, 96

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    In Advice

    Romantic home proposal ideas

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    So lockdown ruined your big proposal plans but you can’t keep the secret inside any longer? It looks like an at-home proposal is your only choice! There’s no need to worry though, there are more than a few ways to make it special.

    If you’re in search for some at home proposal ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get your love locked in during lockdown:

    – The games night proposal

    If you’re a playful pair, plan your proposal around a games night. You could do it under the guise of keeping busy on another night under quarantine. Set out a scrabble board, and throughout the game try to spell out words that eventually lead up to “will you marry me?”. “say yes?” or “wife/husband?”.

    Alternatively, you could play charades, pictionary, or any such guessing game, and take your proposal from there! Act out or draw marriage, and then get down on one knee.

    – The classic dinner proposal

    Cook your soon-to-be a romantic dinner, decorate the table with candles, and do it just like they do in the movies. After some casual dinner-time conversation or perhaps during dessert, pop the question.

    – The pet proposal 

    We know those of you with fur babies don’t want to leave the little ones out of anything! Plan to have your pet involved, by placing the ring on their body (without hurting them of course). Have your pet approach your partner for them to find the ring.

    – The treasure hunt proposal 

    Hide the ring, write down some clues, and make a fun activity out of your proposal. Tell your partner you’ve got them a gift but they need to go on a treasure hunt for it. Voila, a fun and flirty at home proposal.

    – The pamper proposal

    Treat your significant other to a spa day, full with DIY face masks and a massage, perhaps even a bubble bath. After they’ve relaxed to the max, and you’ve built up the nerve then get down to business.

    Good luck with your proposals!

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    Wedding tasks to do during lockdown

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    Just because you’re on lockdown, doesn’t mean productivity can be thrown out the window. With all the extra time on your hands, why not put it to good use by prepping for your big day?

    Here are some ways to plan your wedding during lockdown.

    Fine tune your Pinterest boards

    The first step in any wedding plan is to consult the oracle: Pinterest. Take a deep-dive into this app to craft your perfect day, from your wedding dress all the way to take-home favours. Creating Pinterest boards helps refine your ultimate vision, as well as show others involved in the planning process what you want. Happy scrolling!

    Research wedding vendors

    Even though they won’t be operating now, most wedding vendors have amazing, informative websites where you can research their offerings in depth. Some wedding venues even offer virtual tours, making it easier for you to suss out the grounds from the comfort of your home. Always make sure to check out their social media pages too, especially the review section. This might save you from some dodgy dealers.

    Update your registry

    Being at home makes you really realise what you need and don’t need. Now’s the time to think about what would make your life easier or just better. Developed a coffee addiction during lockdown? Add a coffee plunger to the list. Realised the cozy life really is for you? Boom: fluffy blanket.

    Plan your playlist

    Music can make or break a good party. Since you’ve got all this free time you might as well fill it with some great tunes. Give Spotify a try to discover new artists and find that special song for your first dance. You can also make a list of your favourite ‘feel good’ songs, which will make your DJ or wedding band’s job so much easier.

    Learn a new dance

    You want to look as good as possible when you take to the floor for your first dance as newlyweds, so why not learn from a professional? Youtube is an amazing resource for those wanting to gain new skills. Whether its the tango or hip-hop, there is a multitude of masterclasses you can follow in your  own living room.

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    In Announcements

    Eco-friendly wedding invites

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    Inviting your friends and family to your wedding day should not be taxing on the environment. The idea of posting your wedding invites is a thing of the past (or it should be) purely based on the carbon emissions that it takes to get your invite to each individual guest. Save costs and save the planet with these eco-friendly wedding invites.

     

    E-vites

    Inviting your guests to your wedding by way of email is a sure-fire way to protect the planet. Not only does it eliminate the risk of the invite getting “lost in the mail” but it gives your guest an effortless response mechanism. You can detail your invite as elaborately or minimalist as you please. It also allows you to keep track of who is and isn’t able to attend. Voila, planet saved.

     

    Seed paper invites

    If you’re old-school and want to send physical invites, fine, but be sure to use plantable seed paper. This can be sourced online. The paper is customisable and durable. Seed paper gives back to the planet by growing new plant life, in return for your carbon emission – unless you hand-delivered the invites in an electric car, of course.

    Make your own invites

    Again, if you want to keep things traditional, add an eco-spin. Make your own invites using compostable or seed paper, use environmentally-friendly ink and ensure no glue, wax, glitter or plastic is used in the process. Request that your guests RSVP electronically to you over email so that nothing gets lost along the way. By doing this you’ll have a digital record of attendees that can be used to send thank-you mailers out after the wedding. A win-win.

     

    Tips to remember:

    – Delivering invites means carbon emissions are offset into the atmosphere.

    – Glitter is a micro-plastic and is harmful to the natural world so avoid it at all costs.

    – Use seeded paper for all your wedding stationery, it helps the planet and small local businesses to thrive

    – An e-vite really is the most eco-friendly option available if you’re looking to keep your wedding as clean as possible.

     

    Image: Unsplash

     

     

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    The royal touch: Sophisticated sapphire rings

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    Deep blue is the colour of royalty, so it is no surprise a rich sapphire stone would centre Kate Middleton’s engagement ring. Once belonging to Princess Diana, this iconic ring caused sapphire sales to skyrocket in 2010 following the royal engagement announcement. Even before this proposal, however, sapphires have been adored and coveted for their intense colouring.

    The name of this precious gemstone comes from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ and the Latin word ‘saphirus’, both of which translate to mean blue. Despite the name, however, sapphires come in a range of colours from blue to yellow to pink. The only colour is cannot present as is red as it would then be considered a ruby. Naturally, blue is the most coveted colour variant.

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    Sapphire is one of the four main precious gemstones, including diamonds, rubies and emeralds. While found all over the world, the highest-quality and most prestigious sapphires come from Kashmir, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Montana.

    The stone is believed to have healing properties, and is regarded as the stone of mental focus and order, inner vision and psychic awareness. Chakra theory also believes that sapphires help open one’s third eye, thus allowing wisdom and insight to enter.

    This stone is much loved by celebrities such as Princess Diana, Penelope Cruz and Elizabeth Taylor.

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    Coloured stones have been trending in the engagement world for the past few years, and sapphire makes an excellent choice because it can double up as your ‘something blue’. When picking one out, always refer to the four Cs: colour, cut, clarity and carat.

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    In Engagements

    10 fun engagement party ideas

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    Now that you’ve got the ring, you’ve said yes, and you’ve spread your great news, it’s time to celebrate! Your engagement party is the first of many celebrations to come before the wedding in which you get to honour your relationship. You’ll definitely want to start your wedding journey off with a bang.

    While some may opt for the traditional engagement party, others may want to spice things up a bit. Since an engagement party is a celebration of the couple, it should reflect their personalities, right?

    Here are some fun engagement party ideas to get your imagination flowing:

    –  Classy back yard picnic 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6IHLX2jDGj/

    – Garden Dinner 

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    – Wine and cheese tasting 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4_FA6nsf7/

    – Casino Party 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B72t3fbov5q/

    – At home silent disco 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B75doWRhyQQ/

    – Glamping for a night 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B73fzA1Dg5w/

    – A bonfire at the beach 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7vv3SqnjiR/

    – Dress up/themed party 

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    – Backyard movie night 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxi2mcsHPzO/

    – Cocktail party 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7449HyDnxI/

    Bonus: 

    – Tribute to your first date

    If you did something exciting on your first date or ate some great food, try to incorporate that into the party. If you went to a certain restaurant, perhaps you could host the party there. Maybe you went to a carnival – you could either have all your guest join you at another carnival, or you could have a carnival themed party.

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