After the stress of planning your big day, the honeymoon is the perfect time to sit back and relax while you enjoy your first days as a newlywed couple.
Your honeymoon is about romance, adventure, and intimate time with your new spouse. Naturally, you don’t want to have a care in the world besides what outfit you’re gonna wear and to remember to wear sunscreen when out and about.
For stress-free honeymoon planning and a trip that’s nothing short of perfect, follow this easy checklist.
Allocate a captain
Consider electing one person to be responsible for the majority of the travel details. While both views are valid and considered, things are more streamlined if one person handles the reigns. This might be the partner who is handling fewer of the wedding details.
Set a budget
Work out what you can afford to pay first, then make plans around it. This will gauge the destinations, hotels, transport and activities you can include in your trip. Although a lavish trip may be exceptional, keep in mind that life goes on after the honeymoon so be wise about funds and make sure you have something to come back to.
Consider the season
You may get married on a hot, South African summer’s day but if you’re heading north to the likes of Europe it’s likely to be significantly cooler (or the other way round). Take note of rainy seasons – you don’t want to get caught in a three-day cyclone in the tropics.
Book early
For tourist hot spots, try to reserve flights and accommodation at least six months prior to departure. Trips closer to home – two months in advance is suitable.
Don’t lose the maiden name (just yet)
If you’ve decided to change your name after marriage, make sure to use your maiden name when booking flights as you won’t actually be able to use your partner’s name until after the wedding. Make sure to book with the same name as what’s on your passport or ID book.
Rather be safe than sorry
Opt for travel insurance to give you both peace of mind. Compare rates and policies online, with sites like Insure My Trip, or go to your nearest Travel Agent to find out more.
Print out proof; keep it charged
Keep online printouts with you – email confirmations, a copy of your ID or passport and any necessary documents you might need. Don’t forget your camera charger (and an electricity converter if necessary). Have fun!
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Want to be smooth and stubble-free come wedding day? If you hate shaving and waxing then laser hair removal may just be for you.
Laser hair removal is a form of hair removal that uses advanced laser light technology to target the melanin within hair follicles. The laser light is absorbed into the root of the hair and destroys the hair cells, thus stunting regrowth.
This treatment is considered safe and effective and causes no damage to the surrounding skin. However, as with any procedure it is imperative to do your research before booking your appointments. Here are some things to consider before you make your decision.
Pros:
It is a long-lasting hair removal option
While it is not entirely permanent, laser hair removal forces your hair into a longer state of dormancy than other forms of hair removal like waxing and shaving. It essentially slows down your regrowth which means you will need to remove your hair far less frequently than normal. It also makes the hairs lighter, finer, and fewer in number and thus more easy to manage.
It is (relatively) painless
Pain tolerances differ, but many will attest to the fact that laser hair removal is not painful. It feels similar to being tickled and the only discomfort is when the laser head heats up upon occasion, but it is not unbearable at all.
It lightens discoloured/uneven skin and helps with ingrown hairs
A major draw for laser hair removal is that it is highly effective in resolving ingrown hairs, as the laser destroys the hair follicle’s ability to produce hair. It also helps to alleviate any skin discoloration often caused by ingrown hairs.
Cons:
It is costly
Out of all the hair removal options, laser hair removal is probably the most expensive. A single session can start from R350-R1000 depending on the area you are targeting. For example, the leg area or the bikini area is typically more expensive than doing your underarms. You also have to multiply the cost by 8 or 12, as that is how many sessions you will need to complete a full course.
If you do plan on getting laser hair removal, Deluxe Laser in South Africa often offers specials like four for two on all courses, so best capitalise on those to save some coin.
It takes a while to complete a full course
While results are visible as soon as the second session, customers typically require eight to 12 sessions to see the full impact. This process works best when your hairs are in the anagen hair growth cycle. However, hairs in any one area are never in this stage simultaneously therefore you need multiple treatments to catch all the hairs in this growth cycle.
Since sessions are spaced a month apart it can take about a year to complete a course. You must abstain from waxing/sugaring in between these sessions, which may be hard for those who hate shaving.
You may not be the ideal candidate
Laser hair removal is ideally suited to people with dark hair. It is less effective on people with lighter hair as the laser cannot target grey, white, red hair and is limited to lightly pigmented hair.
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A new buzz word going around wedding circles is the “management ring”, if you can’t decipher what it is, we’ll just tell you: an engagement ring for men!…
Weddings are serious events but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun! Inject some flair and personality into your wedding dress with fringe detail.
Fringe is reminiscent of the roaring 20s, a time of decadence and overconsumption. Get in the spirit and layer your gown with some fringe detail to channel your inner Daisy Buchanan. Think of how beautiful it will look as your twirl and shake on the dancefloor!
Here are dresses to inspire you to have fun with fringe:
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Picture: Instagram / Naeem Khan Bride
Although the skin-bearing styles of wedding dresses are a lasting fashion, sleeves add feminine sophistication to a demure gown. Wedding dress sleeves were previously considered for a more conservative,…
Times have changed and so have traditions. It’s the year 2021 and most people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Budgets are tight and health concerns are real. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.
There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. Weddings tend to happen in a shorter span of time between getting engaged and getting married due to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.
Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.
Private picnic
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Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.
Day by the pool
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It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.
Board and card games
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Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.
Cook or bake together
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Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.
Spa day
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Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!
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