Want to keep your honeymoon local without sacrificing on luxury? Drostdy Hotel in the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet could be where your memories are made. This boutique hotel features an Africology spa, state-of-the-art gym and choice of three swimming pools surrounded by gardens. If you can drag yourself away from the pampering, there are plenty of historic sites to visit in SA’s fourth oldest town and mesmerising natural beauty in nearby Camdeboo National Park.
Beyond all the tulle, confetti and clinking of Champagne glasses, there are some less glamorous considerations such as your marriage contract. Let our crash course help simplify all…
From the table settings to the dance floor, let your wedding signage be as playful, stylish or whimsical as you are!
1. IN LOVE WITH THE DANCE FLOOR
Faced with a plain ol’ dance floor that needs some prettying up? Why not enlist the help of an arty friend to paint a monogram in your wedding colours? It’ll be easy enough to paint over later.
2. MAKE AN ENTRANCE
A sheet of acrylic displaying the couple’s names transforms a simple plinth and floral arrangement into a grand welcome gesture.
3. TROPICAL FEVER
Embrace the tropical trend with delicious monster leaves for placemats and banana leaves as place settings (write on them with Posca paint markers).
4. MR & MRS
A vintage-style metal ampersand light sign makes a cute photo prop.
5. TOP THIS
Don’t be tied down by traditional cake toppers!
6. PERFECTLY FRAMED
A simple frame allows your message to blend in with the rest of your wedding decor.
Photography: pinterest.com/weddingalbummag
We all know that minimal make-up has been one of the biggest beauty trends this year, and it’s sure to carry over into 2018. We’re showing you how…
Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Gift bags
Scissors
Felt
Craft glue
METHOD
1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.
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…
Your make-up is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day – besides your dress and hubby-to-be, of course. There are a number of questions you should ask your bridal make-up artist, and once having had them answered confidentially, you can have peace of mind.
1. CAN I BOOK A TRIAL BEFOREHAND?
This is essential since it will give you the opportunity to tell the artist exactly what you do and don’t like. You’ll also be able to see how your make-up will look on your wedding day; if you’re happy, they’re hired! Make sure you book a few months in advance and ask for a trial guideline – the artist will be able to provide this in full detail.
2. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY?
We all know that life happens, but on your big day, you need complete peace of mind. Find out if your artist has a solid cancellation policy should there be an emergency on her side. Will there be a backup plan in terms of an assistant or another artist attending on her behalf? What is their policy regarding a refund? What if the artist is late? All of the above need to be answered by the artist in the form of a contract. If not, think twice.
3. DO YOU WORK ALONE OR WITH A TEAM OF ASSISTANTS?
If you and your entire bridal party need to be done and dusted (or powdered, rather) by a certain time, ask the artist if she will have some capable hands to jump in and help. You can also ask her to set up a timeline for you, with each member of your retinue assigned to a specific artist and the time they need to be ready. This will help the process run more smoothly, and everyone will feel much more relaxed.
4. CAN I USE SOME OF MY OWN PRODUCTS?
Make-up artists usually use their own products and tools, but if you have particularly sensitive skin or are allergic to anything specific, ask the artist to use some of your own trustworthy products that you are comfortable with. Make sure you let them know during your trial so that they can also plan accordingly.
5. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO OR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES I CAN LOOK AT?
This is purely for you to see what the artist is capable of, or particularly good at. If her other work photographs well, you can be sure yours will look good too. If they don’t have anything to show you, be wary. You won’t have any ideas as to their skill level, even if you’re still in the trial phase.
Photography: pinterest.com