• 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 the technical jargon so you can concentrate on more fun things, like choosing the best cake!

    THE TIES THAT BIND

    A marriage contract is the legally binding part of saying ‘I do’. Do your own research (chat to friends or family and search online), then sit down with a lawyer to discuss your options for written agreements that suit you and your fiancé. You may feel loved up enough to speak to the same lawyer, but it’s best to take care of this part of your research as independently as possible. You are signing up for a major change in your everyday life, something that will affect you long after the wedding bells have chimed. So know your options, and have an open and honest discussion with your partner about your own needs for the agreement you’ll both sign.

    LEARN THE LINGO

    In community of property, both spouses have joint responsibility and entitlement to the assets and liabilities gained while married as well as those that existed before the marriage.

    Out of community of property, your assets and liabilities before getting married remain your own and do not become the possession or responsibility of your spouse once you marry.

    With accrual Assets gained by one spouse are shared between the couple and divided if the marriage ends (i.e. what’s yours is mine and what’s mine is yours).

    Without accrual Assets gained by one spouse during the marriage belong to that person alone and are not shared or divided if the marriage ends (i.e. what’s yours is yours and what’s mine is mine).

    Antenuptial contract (ANC) This contract details the agreement you have made as a couple about the division of your assets should your marriage end in divorce or death. If you decide not to go this route, you’ll be married in community ofproperty without accrual by default. In other words, an ANC offers protection of your assets before you enter into the marriage andprevents any of your spouse’s liabilities (debts) from becoming your responsibility should something happen to them.

    WHEN TO SIGN

    Your marriage contract can be signed before or during your marriage. However, it’s more costly and complicated to sign one once you are already hitched. So set aside time to sit down with your fiancé for an open conversation about this and get on the same page about the legalities of your union. Seek the expertise of an attorney who specialises in family law to get the ball rolling.

    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 to pull off the perfect bare (almost) face on your wedding day.

    IT ALL STARTS WITH SKIN

    Undeniably, the biggest component for pulling off a minimalistic appearance is healthy skin. Start with a solid skincare routine well in advance by consulting an expert – this will include serums and treatments galore. However, all your efforts will be useless if you don’t feed your skin from the inside too. Eat clean, cut out sugars and gulp down water to keep your skin hydrated. Not only will you feel light and energized, but your skin will reflect that by showing off your natural glow. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen or, better yet, stay out of the sun to avoid nasty sunburns and long-term damage.

    KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

    When it comes to choosing your colours, know what works for your skin tone and type. You don’t want to look like a completely different person on your wedding day. Instead, enhance your features and keep it simple. Think highlighted cheekbones, bronzed temples, rosy cheeks and groomed brows. Add a lipstick close to your natural lip colour and avoid piling on the foundation – only conceal where necessary.

    APPLICATION IS KEY

    Apply your make-up with tools that will enhance dewiness and achieve a flawless application. Always start with a clean canvas and make sure to moisturise before anything else. Applying make-up with brushes and sponges that can allow you to build and blend will ensure your look to be effortless. That said, make sure your brushes and tools are clean and free from previous make-up applications.

    MATCH YOUR ELEMENTS

    Match your make-up to your dress colour, your veil (if you’re wearing one) and the overall feel of your wedding. For example, do a bare face with a burgundy lip if you’re having maroon peonies as your flowers. Or do a nude lip and highlighted or bronzed features with an ivory dress. We also love a super low-key look with statement earrings for a subtle yet striking take.

    Photography: pinterest.com

    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

    1. Fudart STREATery 

    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

    1. Culture Kitchen

    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.

    3. The Brohemian

    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!

    2. The Mad Batter

    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!