Beach weddings are very popular and it’s easy to see why. The beach provides a beautiful and romantic setting and the soothing sounds of the sea add to this ambience – but how practical is a beach wedding?
Here are some points to keep in mind if you’re planning a beach wedding:
The location
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In South Africa, you can have your wedding on the beach simply by organising a permit with your local council. Permits cost between R300-R6000 depending on which beach you are looking at, the number of guests that will be attending and the complexity of the set up that you would like to achieve. You will save big in terms of location fees. However, you will have to spend on hiring furniture and decor for the ceremony as the beach is a blank canvas. On the plus side, your wedding photographer will be able to get the most beautiful shots, but just make sure that they have done beach weddings before.
The weather
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Since the setting is already so beautiful you will not need to have much decor, but remember that you are on the beach and you’re therefore exposed to the elements. This means that you might need to have a second location on option, which will be at an additional cost. You’ll also have to protect your guests from the elements – if it’s very hot, there will need to be sunscreen, water and maybe even hats for guests to wear, but if it suddenly turns cold, you might need to have blankets for guests to keep themselves warm. And although the soothing sounds of the sea make for ambient white noise, any wind that might be present could make it hard for guests to hear the ceremony.
The legalities
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Since alcohol is prohibited from beaches, this will also be a big money saver. However, if this is not what you want it’ll mean that you’ll only be able to have your ceremony on the beach and your reception will have to take place elsewhere. You’ll also need a location where you can sign your marriage certificate as it can not be done in a public space. Speaking of public spaces, there will be no privacy from beachgoers who will definitely want to have a peek at your beautiful wedding.
The accessibility
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If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, then a beach wedding is a great option. The dress code will most likely be casual, which will save you and your guests a lot of grief in terms of finding outfits. But it might not be quite as relaxing when planning this wedding as there are a few things that beaches might not have. Handicap accessibility is non-existent on beaches due to the sand, and so any guests with physical handicaps will either not be able to attend or will have to have special arrangements made for them to get to the ceremony area. There will be public bathrooms, but you will not be able to control how sanitary they are. Due to the fact that it is a public space, there will only be public parking spaces available which could get filled up very quickly, leaving little parking for guests.
Feature image: Unsplash
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This Colorado-based bride was blessed with a free wedding after surviving her battle with breast cancer, proving that there is still kindness in humanity.
Sabrina Blosky’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 27th birthday in April 2016.
“When I got the news, obviously, it was like a kick in the stomach,” Blosky told 9 News. “I was like, ‘No way, I’m too young. There’s no way that’s ever a possibility.’ As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t want to be afraid. But I think that’s just the nature of the beast.”
Her battle with breast cancer deeply affected her confidence. As a result of all the surgeries and treatments she had to endure, Blosky says she stuggled to see her beauty.
Her now-husband, Rex, a Retired US Marine, has been her greatest support thoughout her cancer journey, and always reminded her how beautiful she is.
“Rex always made me feel so pretty all the time,” she said. “So I was like, ‘OK, nothing’s wrong with me. I’ll go to the grocery store bald.”
The became engaged in March 2017. Watch the video of their enagement here:
Blosky recently completed her final treatment, and to honour her journey, The Wedding Pink gifted her with a free wedding.
The Wedding Pink is an annual wedding giveaway package presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. Held annually in Colorado, USA, one deserving couple wins a wedding to the value of $40 000.
The purpose behind the organisation, founded by fellow breast cancer survivor Sheryl Ungar, is to present a silver lining to couples that have been through the extremely rough battle with this disease.
“I know what all these young women are going through and it’s just a hard time in your life,” Ungar said. “I mean, it’s probably the one time in you life where you just look at yourself in the mirror and it doesn’t look like you.”
Ungar works with a team of wedding vendors in Colorado who have generously donated their services and products to give one couple a year a spectacular wedding in Colorado.
“It’s just really a way to let these couples start their life off,” Ungar said. “It’s a new life. You’re done with cancer, you’re well and now this is a beautiful marriage. You’re starting over with this beautiful life and we’re just sort of giving them that start.”
Sabrina and Rex were chosen as the 2019 recipients, and married on October 17 at the Spruce Mountain Ranch in Colorado.
Picture: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar
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Traditionally significant, a delicious way to end your wedding, and utterly critical for all those with a sweet tooth, the cake selection is not to be trifled with.
Take a look at some of these gorgeous, and equally delicious, wedding cake trends:
Monochromatic Purple
If you’re planning a wedding packed with sweet-loving people and serving the cake for dessert, then this trend is your dream. It’s simple: a stunning monochrome cake with fresh fruit and sweet treats spilling off the top.
Cake by Just Baked – [email protected]
Asymmetrical
For anyone who likes to be a little different, here’s your wedding cake! Slightly less traditional, this is offset, which puts the attention on your wedding cake straight away. The flavours are 2019’s favourite combo: coconut and pineapple.
Cake by Carmen Eksteen Patisserie – [email protected]
Rectangular Floral
Rectangle cakes are the new ‘it’ cake. This flamboyant beauty is covered in colourful, fluffy Swiss buttercream and studded with vibrant fresh flowers. The best part about this? It’s easy to cut and the slices look simply gorgeous.
Cake by Sweet Lionheart / www.sweetlionheart.com
Black Cylinder
If you’re saving your money for an unforgettable honeymoon, think about an elegant and petite option – you can still stick to tradition without having to pay for a large, expensive cake. A dark, dramatic cylinder one such as this is the ultimate statement too.
Cake by Shake ‘N Bake – [email protected]
As seen in Wedding Album Magazine 1/2019 issue. Out now!
Styling by Chiara Turilli
Photography by Samantha Pinto
Photography assistant: Sean Dollery
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As a maid of honour, you’re one of the most important parts of the wedding. You are the bride’s greatest support system, and will be relied on to help with any- and everything in the lead up to and the day of the wedding.
To be the ultimate maid of honour, you’ll need to be prepared. There is no better way to do this than to carry a maid of honour emergency kit.
This is what every maid of honour needs in her emergency kit.
Hair products:
- hairbrush/comb
- bobby pins
- hairspray
- hair ties
Beauty products:
- makeup wipes
- cotton swabs
- miceller water
- extra brushes
- makeup for touch-ups
- lip-balm
- tweezers
- nail polish
- nail polish remover
The outfit:
- a sewing kit
- lint roller
- scissors
- stain-removing products
- fabric tape
- safety pins
- extra jewellery
- lotion (body and hand)
- sunscreen
Medical:
- ibuprofen/pain pills
- anti-allergy medication
- anti-anxiety medication
- eye drops
- band-aids
Organisation:
- a copy of the bride’s toast/wedding vows
- a contact list of all vendors for the day
- a time schedule for the day
General:
- tissues
- gum
- snacks
- deodorant
- perfume
- superglue
- phone chargers/powerbanks
- cash
Picture: Unsplash