• Signature cocktails don’t necessarily have to be something invented from scratch. It can simply be one delicious drink for you to serve your guests all night long, with a few personal touches and add-ons, of course.

    THE CLASSIC MOJITO

    Mojitos are perfect as a simple starter and are an easy choice with its neutral flavours of mint, lime and gin. Spice things up by adding your favourites herbs and spices, or serve a fruity option.

    RED WINE SANGRIA

    A little sweet and the perfect summer drink, sangria is a delicious option that is affordable to serve as well. Make it before the time with your and your partner’s favourite summer fruits, a dry red and some fresh fruit juice.

    MARGARITAS

    This classy drink is another easy (and super affordable) option to have. Grab some tequila, lime, oranges and water and mix it up for a fun, summery cocktail. Even better? Set out a bunch of yummy ingredients to create a margarita-making station for your guests.

    FRENCH 75

    If you want to keep things really simple but still fun, opt for your usual quality champagne and add a dash of gin, lemon juice and sugar. You can also add some fruits and herbs to garnish, depending on whether you are going for a winter or summer theme. We love taking inspiration from a Bellini by adding a teaspoon of fresh fruit puree to the bottom of each glass. Guests who prefer a sweet drink will appreciate this touch.

    WATERMELON PUNCH BOWLS

    Having a punch bowl at your wedding says that you are a fun and laid-back couple who enjoy the summertime. First, choose your spirit. We recommend something with a more neutral flavour, like vodka or can. Add watermelon pieces, water, mint, lime and watermelon puree and you have a delicious and refreshing beverage for your guests!

    A HOT IRISH COFFEE

    For an autumn or winter wedding, a delicious and warm cocktail is an excellent way to treat your guests. If you want to make the Irish Coffee sweeter, replace the whiskey with Kahlua, or serve each to give your guests the option. If it’s really cold, Kahlua hot choccie goes down really well too!

    Images: Pinterest

    You’ve had the big engagement and decided on a date – now it’s time to get down to the planning but your partner doesn’t seem keen on contributing. Wedding planning can be stressful enough without having a partner who is not interested in helping out, so we’ve put together these five tips to get your partner involved in planning your big day together.

    1. FROM THE GET-GO

    Make sure you are both discussing wedding options from the start. You don’t want to get ahead without your partner and leave them behind, only to want their input later on.

    2. BE OPEN MINDED

    Your partner may have some strange ideas, but try not to brush them off harshly, as you want them to continue making contributions. If you don’t like something, be gentle and explain why.

    3. GET HANDS-ON

    If there are certain areas that you know your partner will be interested in, such as the music, food or transport, then hand over those tasks, making sure you are both on the same page when it comes to what you want.

    4. ASK FOR HELP

    If you’re struggling to juggle all of the invitations, nagging family members and bookings, ask your partner if they can take on some of the tasks, or that you work on them together to ease the pressure.

    5. JUST BE HONEST

    Tell your partner that you want their input, after all, you both decided to have a wedding. Having open communication will help you to express how you feel as well as finding out what your partner wants.

    Image: Unsplash

    We’ve all heard of or experienced getting cold feet before big, life-changing events, and it’s a relatively common occurrence when it comes to a few days before your wedding. You may feel that in your heart you are destined to be with your significant other, but still have those fears of taking the step towards marriage.

    And it’s completely normal!

    Pre-wedding stress after months of planning and organising is no cause for concern. You’re worried about things going wrong on the day, how you’ll look and also taking the steps to legally wed your partner – it can all be a bit overwhelming.

    If you’re experiencing cold feet, here are a few tips to help you ease the stress.

    1. GIRL TIME

    Spend the night with your bridesmaids or some close girlfriends watching movies and pampering each other to take your mind off of any pre-wedding jitters.

    2. RELAX

    Enjoy a relaxing massage scheduled at your favourite spa for later in the evening the day before your wedding to help you unwind and sleep more easily.

    3. MEMORIES

    Look back at some old photographs of you and your partner to remember all the incredible times you have spent together, and all the amazing memories you have yet to make.

    4. COMMUNICATE

    You may not be spending the night with your future husband or wife, but if you really feel you need to, give them a call or message them to let them know how you’re feeling. They are probably feeling the same and you can talk it through with each other.

    5. MEDITATE

    If it works for you, put on some ocean songs or rainfall sounds and sit or lie down in a comfortable position while practising breathing exercises to clear your mind.

    Image: Unsplashed

    Nowadays, pets have become one of the most important parts of everyday life, so much so that they have even become a part of bigger life events, such as weddings. If you’re planning your big day and would love to have your furbabies join the party, here are a few adorable ways that you can include your pet.

    FLOWER GIRL

    Adorn your furchild with ribbon, dog jersey, tutu or even a flower crown and let them lead the way as you walk down the aisle.

    @fantasticfindsbridal

    RING BEARER

    Give your pet the honour of bringing you the rings, which can be placed securely in a basket or on a ribbon around your their neck. If your pet isn’t well-behaved enough to walk straight down the aisle themselves, ask a family member or friend to assist by walking your furchild to you and your soon-to-be spouse.

    @dobedakoda

    THEMED SAVE-THE-DATES

    Surprise your future guests with DIY save-the-dates including a photograph of your pet/s that will have them ‘aw-ing’ at the cuteness

    @be_younique_by_lucy

    VIDEOGRAPHER

    Want to get a unique view of your big day? Strap a GoPro camera to your pet’s back and allow them to wander around your wedding venue and amongst your guests. You can look back at it after your big day and share some laughs at what your pet got up to! Ask your official videographer to include the footage in your wedding video.

    Morning Wild Photography

    FAMILY PORTRAIT

    If you just want a simple reminder that your pets shared in your day, ask your photographer to take some shots of you and your pets during your shoot time. You can even dress them up in little suits, bow ties, tutus or flower arrangements to have them fit with the theme!

    @pet_weddings_assistants

    Having your pets join you in celebrating your big day is definitely an exciting time, but also remember to be aware of your pet’s personality and behaviour to ensure that they are not overwhelmed or mistreated at the event. If you can, assign a pet-nanny for the day to make sure they are comforted, fed, watered and not getting up to mischief.

    Header image: instagram.com