It’s always great receiving an invitation to a wedding. It’s a joyous occasion that you are honoured to be part of. As excited as you may be, your wallet might not be as thrilled. All the costs are easy to forget, so be prepared for these expenses if you’re a wedding guest.
The engagement party
Couples usually have an engagement party to celebrate the good news and the marriage to come. It’s not always a big thing, but there is a chance that you may encounter a few expenses.
– You may need to purchase a gift. It’s not a requirement, but if you feel the need to get the couple a gift, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or over the top and you shouldn’t feel pressured into getting something expensive.
– Not all engagement parties are super formal, but if the one you’re going to happens to be, and you don’t own anything up to par, then you may need to go on a little shopping trip.
– Hopefully, there are drinks available but if the soiree doesn’t feature an open bar, you’ll have to fork out some cash for your liquor.
Bridal shower
– Pitching up with a gift is now expected unless stated otherwise, so that’s definitely a deduction.
The bachelor/bachelorette party
– A gift may not be necessary but depending on how close you are to the bride, you may be required to contribute to various things surrounding the party itself.
– If you’re going out, you may have to pay your own way for things like dinner and drinks.
– Travel costs. Now, this isn’t always the case, but you may be required to travel to a destination for the party. Whether it’s an hour or plane away, that’s still a cost.
The wedding
– Travel comes up again, as the ceremony and reception may be held at a special place that’s of course at a distance. You’ll have to make your own way there unless stated otherwise.
– This is the main event and a special gift is now mandatory. Most couples opt for a wedding registry that consists of a variety of gifts with different price tags, big and small.
– Since it is the big day, you have to look your best. Depending on what the dress code is and what’s available in your closet, you may need to stop window shopping.
– If it is a destination wedding, chances are, you may need to sort out your own accommodation. Some couples may book a few rooms at a hotel but you’ll have to pay your own way.
It’s important to remember that even if you get an invitation to all the wedding festivities, you don’t have to attend them all, especially since they can become quite costly.
As expensive as all these things may seem, before you decline the invitation, keep in mind that all the things listed may not be applicable to all events.
Image: Visual Poetry Photography
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All images by Pritti by Migneon Marais Photography
Make-up and hair by Lisa Brown International
Dresses all by Cindy Bam
Styling by Claudia Waschefort from CW Make-up & Styling
Coordinated by Love Lienkie Events
Furniture & Decor Styling by Country Daughters
Shot on location at La Paris Estate, Franschhoek
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Trends are ever-changing in the wedding world. If you’re looking for inspiration or maybe want to avoid what’s being overdone, then have a look at what’s trending in the wedding world of fashion and beauty. Whatever the reason, these trends are great ideas or additions to your wedding repertoire.
Fashion
– Wearable flowers
Greenery shouldn’t have to be reserved for your decor alone. Sure we all know about flower crowns, but what about incorporating some florals in your wedding outfit as well?
– Statement headpieces
The 2018 Met Gala’s theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, so it’s no surprise that statement headpieces are still in!
– Sleeves
The style may not be for everyone but wedding dresses featuring statement sleeves are trending. Strapless wedding gowns just seem so boring now.
–Royal wedding inspo
Who doesn’t want to be a princess? With the recent royal weddings, it’s understandable that the regal influence has made its way to the wedding world.
– Wedding jumpsuits
Who said brides have to wear a dress? Jumpsuits are so hot right now. They can be dressed up or down as much as you’d like.
Beauty
– Natural make-up
At the end of the day, it’s your big day and it’s your choice to go bold or not. With that said, many brides are opting for a more natural make-up look. It’s not as heavy and emphasises your natural beauty.
– Red lips
The passionate colour is in. It makes for a bold statement and really stands out well if you opt for wearing white on your wedding day.
– Sun-kissed
Keeping with the more natural make-up look, instead of going with a ‘Kardashian contour’ brides are choosing a more ‘bronzed goddess’ feel. The sun-kissed look is achieved by bronzing the high points and making use of subtle shimmer.
– Sleek hair styles
What’s great about this style is that it works for any length of hair. The sleek look will also allow your gorgeous face to stand out and be on display!
– Windswept style
If having your face on full display doesn’t appeal to you, then going with a windswept look is a great option! Some brides prefer a neat and more put-together look, but if you’re looking for that ‘they must’ve used a fan to get this shot’ kinda vibe, then opt for a windswept style.
Image: Unsplash
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Trends are ever-changing in the wedding world. If you’re looking for inspiration or maybe want to avoid what’s being overdone, then have a look at what’s trending in the wedding world of decor and food. Whatever the reason, these trends are great ideas or additions to your wedding.
Decor
– Coral
It’s the colour of the year! What’s more trendy than that? Trendiness aside, it really is a beautiful colour. What’s really nice is, it’s feminine without being ‘that typical’. You can use coral as your accents of colour.
– Balloon backdrops
Flower backdrops are out and balloons are in. Use it to make a statement or fun photo back-drop.
– Non traditional and traditional colour palettes
Some couples tend to stick to the norm while others are making use of ‘edgy’ colour schemes.
– Royal flowers
Even though balloons are in, some couples are incorporating a little ‘royal affair’. Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding, making use of big flower installations are in! The royal couple had a beautiful and dramatic flower-filled entrance. Ellie Goulding followed this royal trend too!
– Smoke bombs
It makes for great pictures. Remember a couple years back when the in thing was to have your guests hold sparklers as you kiss your partner and the camera goes off? Now it’s smoke bombs!
Food
– Speciality food trucks
Food trucks have been trending in general so there’s no reason why your wedding can’t feature them either. Since they’re so popular, there’s a variety of different kinds available. From food to bars to dessert!
– Statement cakes
Couples seem to be reviving the old trend of wedding cakes as a ‘centrepiece’. Weddings are starting to feature big and bold statement wedding cakes again.
– Banquets and harvest tables
If food trucks aren’t your thing but you don’t want to stick with the norm of sit down or buffet dinners, then how about Banquets and harvest tables? They look so grand and your guests will be able to choose from a variety of dishes.
– Gin bars
Gin is in! Well, it has been for a while and it still is. So incorporating a gin bar where people can customise their cocktail is a really funky and great idea. You can have a few gin options available along with different mixers.
Picture: Unsplash