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    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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    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.

    Feature image: Pexels

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    Say ‘I do’ to tantalising Tanzanite

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    Those wanting to bring a little colour to their life are skipping the traditional diamond in favour of a unique stone to centre their engagement ring. With so many stones to choose from, one stands above the rest.

    Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and varies in hues from blue, to violet, or purple. According to Shimansky, this gemstone is a ‘geological phenomenon’, making it 1000 times more valuable than a diamond.

    One of the world’s rarest gemstones comes from a 4km strip of land at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to have been created more than 550 million years ago when Mount Kilimanjaro was first formed. However, it was only discovered in 1967 by a prospector named Manuel d’Souza and a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu whilst hunting for sapphire.

    Tanzanite has only ever been found in Tanzania.  The gem is believed to have been created in a unique process called regional metamorphism, in which tectonic plates collide with one another and the igneous rocks morph into one another through extreme pressure. These rocks reach near melting-point and result in beautiful crystal structures. As tectonic plates contain a variety of different minerals, the crystal structures will vary in appearance. This particular mix has never been discovered anywhere else in the world.

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    Scientists believe the chances of these conditions being replicated to produce another batch of tanzanite is about one in a million. Once the mines have been emptied, there will be no more tanzanite unless a new source is found.  It is predicted that within 10-15 years, gem-quality tanzanite stones will no longer exist. As such, as the years progress, this stone will continue to become more and more valuable.

    Tanzanite rose in popularity when Tiffany & Co. founder Louis Comfort Tiffany’s great grandson, Henry Platt, fell in love with the precious gem. Platt renamed the stone ‘tanzanite’ after its country of origin, and considered it to be the most important gemstone discovery in over 2 000 years. Tanzanite quickly became one of the most coveted gems in the world.

    Tanzanite is the official birthstone of December, and is considered to symbolise good luck and prosperity, typically associated with celebrations of new life and new beginnings. This stone is particularly meaningful for the Maasai, who believe the colour blue is sacred and spiritual. The Maasai even have a tradition in which they gift new mothers a tanzanite as an offering of health, positivity and prosperity for the child.

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    Being extremely valuable and rare, tanzanite jewellery is in high demand. As such, they are considered investment pieces. Celebrities like Kate Middleton, Beyonce and and Cate Blanchett have all turned heads in this gorgeous gem.

    Feature image: Instagram / @patonsplacejewellers_

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    Vintage-inspired engagement rings for the classic bride

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    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.

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    Digital vs Paper wedding invitations

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    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.

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    Top 10 summer bridal shower ideas

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    Bridal showers can be just one more thing on your already long to-do list. Oftentimes it can be a challenge to find something to do that is suitable for all ages and interests, as this is usually something for all the women invited to the wedding. Don’t be overwhelmed and certainly don’t take on any pressure about it.

    If you know you’re being surprised, subtly hint at what kind of get together you would enjoy, or ask your partner to secretly let your maid of honour know what you think would work best.

    Whether it’s a surprise set up by your maid of honour or you’re part of the organising, here are some fabulous ideas that will make them exciting and fun for everyone.
    1. Moonlight picnic

    If your bridal shower is in summertime, wait for a full moon and have a nighttime picnic. Add candle lights or lanterns for a cosy atmosphere.

     

    2. Lawn games

    Perfect for outdoor-lovers, have some fun in the sun with games like croquet, bowles, or even water gun fights.

    3. Charity event

    Sometimes, it’s more rewarding to give than to receive. Why not make a team effort to support a worthy cause? Volunteer at an animal shelter, community centre, make gift parcels for needy kids or visit an old-age home.

    4. Dinner and a show

    If you like entertainment, watch a show with your besties. Live music, theatre, and even ballet are good options. End it off with some drinks for a perfect night!

    5. Bake day

    If you’re more in the mood for staying in, why not get the ladies together and bake some sweet treats? Waffles, cupcakes, cookies or brownies are good things to do together.

    6. Pajama party

    A proper girls night is in order before you get married. Wear pajamas, do facials and share secrets with the women in your life.

    7. Foraging

    Foraging has become quite popular and is a ton of fun. Take the ladies to see what nature has to offer and appreciate the wonderful flora that abound.

    8. Pool party

    Poolside get-togethers are great because everyone can choose how to spend the day. Getting your tan on, splashing in the pool to cool down or making fresh drinks by on the side are all on the menu.

    9. Perfume making

    If you’re feeling experimental, why not got to a perfume making class? Surrounded by beautiful glassware and exotic scents, you will feel like you’re in heaven.

    10. Champagne brunch

    This might sound so done-before, but that’s because it’s so much fun! Set a table outside or inside, and gather your loved-ones for a festive brunch.

     
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    Bridal shower etiquette: Tips to remember

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    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!

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    Men’s wedding bands that aren’t boring

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    A ring is a symbol of your love and eternal commitment, so why not have a special one? Men’s wedding bands have a tendency to lean towards bland. However, there are so many small touches that can elevate a ring while still being understated. If you’re on the market for a wedding band, check out these unique offerings.

    American Swiss

    This 9ct yellow gold and sterling silver ring, coined the Johnny ring, features a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds. Perfect for the man not afraid of a little shine.

    Price: R3 299

    Shimansky

    This 5mm half-round band features a hammered finish crafted in Palladium, creating a subtle design for understated uniqueness.

    Price: upon request

    Wolf Bros

    This ring is made in white gold with a combination of rope and polished edges. They can be made up in 9ct or 18ct yellow gold or white gold, as well as in platinum.

    Price: material dependant

    Sterns

    This 9ct yellow gold men’s ring, named the Midnight Magic ring, reveals a bold design of heat-treated black diamonds in a rectangular shape.

    Price: R 4 289

    NWJ

    This ring features Silver, Gold Diamond and White Sapphire in a unique design reminiscent of ocean waves. A true statement ring for the bold groom.

    Price: R5 230

    Arthur Kaplan

    If you’re not one for gold, this Titanium d-shape wedding band with wild olive wood inlay is the perfect blend of rugged design and modernity.

    Price: R3,199.00

    Image: Unsplash

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