Defy convention with standout smoky eyes. Use an eyelid primer to keep pigments strong and prevent shadows creasing, and boost your batting power with a lash primer before applying your mascara.
MUST-HAVES
LCN Long Wear Eyeshadow in Smokey
Infuse your wedding decor with a spirit of adventure, incorporating shades of desert sand in beige, khaki and ochre. TIP: Fruitcake travels well – s0 send your guests…
Let’s make a toast to food trucks! Whatever would we do without their deliciousness? We’ve rounded up some of our favourites from all across SA to make your catering decision easier.
DURBAN
Just that name is amazing, right? They serve an array of awesome options including, beef burgers, falafel and even Durban bunny chow!
2. Love Coffee
This Durban favourite goes about their day making sure locals are getting the caffeine boost they need to keep going all day long. And a good cuppa will also keep the energy high on your big day.
3. Salted Candy
You can look forward to exciting and easy-to-eat food including jaffles, old-school fish and chips, gourmet paninis, burgers and bunny chow.
JOBURG
They go beyond food norms. You can expect everything from eggs Benedict to trendy pulled pork buns.
2. Maison Belge
A tiny slice of heaven, your guests will be lining up for waffles, chocolate, beer and much, much more.
Pizza is always a good idea. Always! Enjoy authentic wood-fired pizzas (yes, from their truck!). Another bonus is that all their ingredients are free-range and organically sourced.
CAPE TOWN
1. Cosmo Cafe
Offering food from around the globe, tuck into their home-made Tuscan fettuccini, a New York lox bagel, a Pakistani mince lolly wrap, Thai pork or chicken, and Moroccan tagines and salads. Sold!
Focussing on all things sweet, you can enjoy treats such as waffles on a stick, popcorn, Nutella cigars, double-thick milkshakes, pancakes and cakes.
3. HeMazing
Gourmet Indian cuisine? Check! From curry bowls to Indian-style quesadillas, Aloo tikka burgers, chickpea and potato chaat, crispy chicken tikka strips, and even Indian nachos, they’re definitely living up to their name!
Having your nails done for your wedding day doesn’t mean your go-to choice has to be a French manicure. We know that it’s a timeless classic, but there…
Say your I-dos under this fresh, fun balloon wedding arch. Prepare the wire structure and balloons the day before, then just add greenery in the morning.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
6 m chicken wire
Florist’s wire
Wooden rods or fishing line
Florist’s foam
Balloons
Flowers and leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
Roll your chicken wire lengthways into a tube and bend in the centre to create an arch. Keep the arch together by tying florist’s wire at intervals along it.
Step 2
If the arch is going outside, use sturdy wooden rods or poles to stand it upright. Insert one end of each rod into the ground at least 20 cm deep. Place the bottom ends of the arch over the rods and secure with florist’s wire. If the arch will be placed indoors, suspend it from the ceiling with fishing line.
Step 3
Insert bits of damp florist’s foam into the arch, ensuring they are hidden.
Step 4
Blow up as many balloons as you like (we used 150) and attach to the arch using florist’s wire.
Step 5
Insert your flowers and leaves into the foam, using florist’s wire to hold them in place.
Step 6
Cover any exposed florist’s foam with balloons or flowers.
Love may not cost a thing – but a wedding usually does! Take the financial sting out of your big day with our 5 clever ways to cut…
In the market for something a little less ordinary for your wedding entertainment? Read on…
1. BELLY DANCER
Q. How can I make sure the belly dancer I hire will put on an age-appropriate performance, keeping in mind there will be grandparents and children in attendance?
A. Do your research before booking anyone. Look at their website for photos to make sure you approve of their costumes, and if you have access to any videos of their performances, watch those for an idea of what to expect.
Q. Will I pay more for a group performance?
A. The cost of a performance depends entirely on the company, but don’t expect a discount rate for group bookings.
Q. Is it better to hire more than one dancer?
A. For a wedding, especially a large celebration, you’ll make more impact hiring a group of belly dancers. More dancers mean more interaction with guests, as they can spread out and encourage audience participation.
Q. How long is a belly dancing show?
A. You can expect a belly dancer to perform for around 20–30 minutes.
2. FIRE JUGGLER
Q. Can I request a specially choreographed show for my wedding?
A. Every company is different, but most will offer you the choice of booking a group performance or a solo act, with the option of tailoring the show to suit your event.
Q. Do companies take care of insurance in the event something goes wrong or is it my responsibility?
A. Most companies should have insurance, but always check when booking, as you don’t want to have to pay for any damage to a venue should the unexpected happen.
Q. Do I need to get clearance from my wedding venue to hire a fire juggler?
A. It is advisable to check if the venue is happy to accommodate fire performers and if there are any restrictions on where they can perform
Q. Should I book the performance for the end of the night or during cocktail hour?
A. A fire show is a great way to end an evening, finishing the night’s celebrations with a bang. Keep in mind where the performance will take place, though. If you need more space or are required by the venue to be outdoors for the show, you may prefer to do it during the pre-reception drinks, rather than asking guests to leave the reception hall to watch the performance.
3. CARICATURIST
Q. How many guests can a caricature artist draw in an hour?
A. An experienced caricaturist may be able to draw as many as 20 guests in an hour.
Q. Where is the best place for the artist to work?
A. Most caricaturists are accustomed to drawing almost anywhere, but keep in mind that they will need good lighting. Seat them somewhere quiet so they can concentrate better.
Q. Do I need to provide the supplies?
A. Caricaturists will bring their own supplies, which will be included in their costing. For a little extra, you can ask them to personalise the paper.
Q. Can the caricature artist draw groups too?
A. Absolutely! In fact, it may be more fun drawing groups of people than individuals, plus it’s a nice way for guests to mingle with each other.
PHOTO BOOTH
Q. Do I provide the props?
A. Props are normally included in the price of the photo booth, but you can always bring a few of your own if you have something unique in mind.
Q. Do I pay by the hour or for the number of photos taken?
A. Most companies will offer different packages, and the price is often based on both the number of hours and the number of photos printed.
Q. Will there be dedicated staff manning the booth or do I need to provide someone?
A. There should be a staff member managing the photo booth, so you don’t have to worry about props going missing or packing up at the end of the evening.
Q. Do photo booths require electricity?
A. Yes, they do, so discuss with your venue prior to the wedding and arrange an appropriate position to set it up.