• Choosing an engagement ring is tricky. Not only do you have to consider the cut, colour, carat, and setting style, but have to remember that each choice needs to match the previous one.

    On top of this the ring receiver (in most cases the bride) has to like it. After all, she’s the one who’ll be wearing it for the rest of her life.

    For this reason, people may consider having the bride choose her own ring. Now don’t get too upset at the idea! It doesn’t have to be a controversial move. I mean, we’re in the age of independence right? Women are making their own choices and this is just another one they would probably love to make for themselves.

    If you’re not sold on the idea of the bride choosing her own ring. Here are some pros and cons, to help you make your final decision.

    Pros 

    – You get to spend quality time together 

    It can be a lovely bonding experience for the two of you. Instead of it being a stressful time in store for one partner alone, it can be a way for you two to get to know each other even more.

    – No guessing games 

    As mentioned before, there are a lot of decisions to make with rings. It’s also impossible to know what cut, colour, and setting style your bride will want without specifically asking her. So, instead of playing a guessing game while you consult the jeweller, have your partner by your side to make the decisions herself!

    – Sets the tone for wedding planning 

    It’ll be the first wedding task you do together and will give you some insight into what the wedding planning will be like.

    Cons 

    – Takes away the surprise factor

    While you can still keep the date and proposal plans a surprise, your bride will know she’s getting proposed to sooner or later. That might take the fun out of it for many people.

    – Waiting after buying

    The bride will spend every second after choosing the ring in anticipation of the proposal coming her way. If she has to wait too long she might get frustrated, but you also don’t want to rush it. This could complicate things.

    – Money-talk could get awkward 

    The bride will know the budget for the ring. Most couples are good with being open about these things, but if you aren’t then taking your bride ring shopping is probably not a good idea.

    Image: Unsplash

    As part of your wedding festivities, the bridal shower offers a perfect moment for you to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest.

    As the bride, you definitely want to look the part. Remember, this is your day! To tease your walk down the aisle, it seems fitting to wear white to your bridal shower. Naturally, this outfit would be more daytime appropriate than a wedding dress.

    Here are some fashionable ideas for you to put your best foot forward:

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    Also read: Modern Bridal Shower Ideas

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Millenials have changed the status-quo of many things, including marriage. In years gone by, it was generally expected that you get married early in your twenties. These days, people are taking a longer route to the destination.

    Data from Pew Research has shown that the median age of people getting married (men and women) is the highest it’s ever been. But this doesn’t mean that millenials are against marriage. It simply shows that they are delaying it.

    So why is an entire generation opting to push back their plans for nuptials? Well, there are a few reasons.

    The most commonly cited reason is that millenials prefer to have their own lives in order before taking on a life-long partner. Careers, goals, bucket lists, travelling, studying, job promotions – these are all things millenials want to accomplish before marriage.

    They are more concerned with establishing themselves as individuals, instead of rushing to share their lives with another person. Experts have reported that this, in fact, results in a more fulfilling marriage in the end.

    Another reason is that divorce rates are high. Many millenials have been children of divorce. Having experienced this, they would prefer to ensure that they protect their own children from it. In order to do this, they are postponing marriage to be certain of their readiness and their compatibility with partners.

    Quite notably, the importance of marriage has also decreased. This has also resulted in delayed marriages. In the past, marriage was a huge part of peoples lives and was even used to define people, especially women. Marriage no longer adds to (or lessens) a womans value, so women are in less of a hurry to go through with it.

    Finally, the social norms have changed. Previously, you could not have kids without being married or it would be a scandal. You could not live with your partner without it being the talk of the town. These rules, in most places, are no longer a factor in the marriage equation. People are more free to live their lives and do as they please.

    Of course, if you want to get married early in life that’s okay too. However, the trend seems to be that the age at which people marry is increasing.

    So if you’re planning on marrying later in life, and you’re being questioned as to why you’re 28 and not married yet, feel free to provide your examiner with any of the reasons listed above!

    Image: Unsplash

    Vegan wine is fast becoming a sensation in South Africa. People are seeking out ethically made wines in exchange for their hard earned money. Providing guests with vegan wine on your wedding day will not only tantalise their tastebuds, it will also teach them about the incredible variety that is available in South Africa.

    What classifies wine as vegan?

    Vegan wines are made without animal products. During the typical winemaking process, the wine is filtered through substances called fining agents. These are used to remove unwanted flavours or colours, protein, yeast, cloudiness and other organic matter. Typical fining agents are animal-based. These, according to PETA include

    – Blood and bone marrow,

    – Casein (milk protein),

    – Chitin (fiber from crustacean shells),

    –  Egg albumen (derived from egg whites),

    – Fish oil

    – Gelatin (protein from boiling animal parts),

    – Isinglass (gelatin from fish bladder membranes).

    Vegan winemakers will leave the particles to sink naturally to the bottom of the wine or otherwise they will use fining products like bentonite (type of clay) or pea protein – both of which are non-animal fining products, to remove the organic matter. Voila! Your wine is vegan.

    Some delicious vegan wines that are produced in South Africa include:

    White:

    – Franschhoek Cellar La Cotte Mill Chenin Blanc 2019

    – Franschhoek Cellar Statue de Femme Sauvignon Blanc 2019

    – Franschhoek Cellar Town Hall Chardonnay 2018/9

    – Boschendal Le Bouquet 2018

    – Bellingham Bernard Series Viognier 2018

    – Boschendal Rachelsfontein Chenin Blanc 2017

    MCC:

    – Boschendal Brut NV MCC

    – Backsberg Kosher Brut Méthode Cap Classique

    Red:

    – Franschhoek Cellar Baker Station Shiraz 2018

    – Brampton Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

    – Brampton Roxton 2015

    – Boschendal Noble Late Harvest Vin d’Or 2017

    – Franschhoek Cellar The Old Museum Merlot 2017/18

    – Boschendal Lanoy 2017

    – Brampton OVR (Old Vine Red) 2016

    – Brampton Shiraz 2016

    Pink:

    – Alvi’s Drift Rosé Wines

    – First Cape Five Cellars Rosé

    – First Cape Rosé

    – Delheim Pinotage Rosé

    Picture: Unsplash