• For most men, the classic necktie is a standard part of the wardrobe. You’ve worn them to school, to work, and to many a formal function. Now, however, your wedding day is approaching. The thought of wearing a tie is not exciting to you. Perhaps the tie doesn’t feel special enough, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit.

    Many may not be aware of the wide variety of neckwear available to choose from. A tie can easily be replaced. Have a look at this list of alternatives to the classic necktie.

    No Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtQ9ayHbbY/

    Bow Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a_E5thcwh/

    The Ascot/Cravat

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

    Collar Chain 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0e8yNblbwF/

    Bolo Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PvABvBVrG/

    Continental Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/4kuiadHK7J/

    Western Bow Tie 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/fWXwVSPWw9/

    Neckerchief 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZHJV0BIDc/

    Collar Clip 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Zs_Z6iMC8/

    Neck bow 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxC6ljSnX9z/

    Image: Unsplash

    Hear us out: Having your wedding invitations only electronic can be special. In fact, there are many reasons why it’s actually way better than paper invites. It’s economic, has no effect on the environment and has no chance of getting lost in the mail (South Africans will understand). You can also add great features, like an RSVP button and an option for guests to synchronise it with their calenders.

    In creating your e-vites, you can either approach a professional graphic designer or create it yourself with various paid or free online tools. Here are some ideas to get you started:

     

     

     

     

    Picture: Pexels

    Weddings leave a surprisingly heavy footprint on the planet, and as a sustainable bride, it might be overwhelming to think about all the elements of an eco-friendly wedding. Decor carries the theme of your wedding and creates an atmosphere of romance, celebration and nostalgia. But creating that atmosphere while keeping to your ethical ethos might be a challenge.

    The eco-friendly wedding can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming, however, not everything has to be perfect. Every small decision you make to decrease the impact of waste on your wedding helps the environment, so don’t be too hard on yourself.  Here are a few achievable tricks and tips on how you can be mindful when planning your dream sustainable wedding:

    Flowers

     

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    A post shared by Holly Winnie Calligraphy (@hollywinniecalligraphy) on

    Flower arrangements are usually the main mood setter at any wedding. It’s often suggested to forgo the idea of cut flowers and opt for potted greenery or herbs. However, if you are more of a traditional gal, ask your florist for locally grown flowers that are sourced within season. In order to give your wedding flowers a second life, donate them to a nursing home, local hospital or hospice afterwards. Also make sure to share your blooms with your guests, friends and family to make sure they’re enjoyed for a little longer.

    Venue

     

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    If you are looking for a botanical or forest themed wedding, opt for venues with built-in decor elements, such as luscious gardens or gorgeous patios for outdoor weddings. Booking a venue that requires minimal additional decor will save costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

    The small things matter

     

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    A post shared by Do it for David (@doitfordavid_) on

    Weddings, in general, have a large impact on the environment – some more so than others. As much as we love watching balloons and fire lanterns floating into the distance, it destroys our environment and wildlife. For safer, more eco-friendly alternatives, try bubbles, leaves or dried flowers instead of glitter confetti. Planting a tree is also a great eco-friendly and symbolic option to memorialize your special day.

    Rent, don’t buy

     

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    A post shared by STYLE YOUR SPACES (@styleyourspaces) on

    Instead of single-use elements such as paper napkins, plastic cutlery and plates, use rented glassware, cutlery and linen napkins. Making the switch automatically elevates the mood of your wedding. If you are opting to push the boundaries of the traditional wedding, bamboo or bio-degradable cutlery, plates and serveware offer an organic feel to your wedding.

    Vendors

    A big tip on creating the wedding of your dreams is finding the proper vendors that carry the same vison and ethos as you. In doing this you will ensure trustworthy services and transparent sourcing. Vendors in the business of creating a cleaner, greener planet often have trendy and budget-friendly ideas that will turn your wedding into a day to remember.

    Get thrifty, upcycle & recycle

    To add that unique flare, thrift special wedding decor or items that add a vintage, one-of-a-kind touch. Forgotten treasures are the perfect pieces to repurpose or upcycle into a beautiful centrepiece or focal point.

    For the budget-savvy bride, DIY is the way to go. DIY signage can be personal and quirky, so instead of creating permanent signs from wood or plastic, you can use reusable items such as chalkboards, glass jars and vases.

    Carbon emissions

     

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    A post shared by Fairmarry (@fairmarry) on

    When you go as far as thinking about specific lighting elements in your wedding, try LED lighting – it uses up to 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. To forgo the energy consumption completely, candles are a great way to illuminate your venue and create a romantic atmosphere. Paraffin candles are known to cause headaches or irritate sinuses, so choose candles that have a mixture of soy, beeswax or coconut wax. There are many shapes, sizes and colours to choose from when it comes to eco- friendly candles, plus you’ll be able to use it again.

    By Mia Smith

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Wedding are usually pretty standard, but they don’t always have to be. Those that want a unique take on their wedding ceremony can make a statement in a variety of manners, from an alternative wedding arch to personalised vows. But what about your ceremony seating arrangement? Your guests need to sit, so they might as well do it in style. Small touches like rearranging your seats in shapes or replacing the seat all together with another object will give our guests something to Instagram about.

    Take some inspiration from these unique ceremony seating arrangements.

    A seat with a view:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1jX6m9BAAa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose-tint my world:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZxSz7AKRL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stylish side seating:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Xwj_spZTd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Ring, ring:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUZOLRnY8p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Poolside perfection:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3j9Xbqnljg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pretty picnic:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45hSWSH1lD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Simple stumps:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqz8-2dgpk3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Hay there:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNc7PBggQRc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Classy curves:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B18_xiqiGn9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rounded out:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IcTUVH92l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Beautiful benches:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DpOdRpC5a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash