Admit it, sometime after the happy engagement fog cleared and the business of planning began, it hit you: the joy of selecting items for a gift registry lies in your near future.
But while we wish it were as simple as grabbing a barcode scanner and being let loose in your favourite store, there are a few things you should consider first. Before you hit the stores (or the web!), keep these in mind.
Room for two
Don’t let your imagination run away without your partner. They’ll be sleeping on the linen, eating off the plates and aiming their socks at the bamboo laundry hamper too so be sure to include them in the process.
Too many soup ladles spoil the broth
Take stock of which items you already have between the two of you, what you’ll take with you into married life and what you still need or would like to update. This will ensure you don’t end up with an excess of cheeseboards but not enough wine glasses for entertaining.
Speaking of entertaining…
You may want to consider registering for two sets of cutlery, crockery and glassware – one for everyday use and one for special occasions.
Go on – overdo it
Far from looking greedy, having a larger number of registry items than people on your guest list is actually considerate, particularly if you opt for a wide price range. This gives your nearest and dearest options when it comes to the gift they’d like to get you as well as leaving the door open for anyone who would like to purchase an engagement party or bridal shower gift too.
Future perfect
Keep in mind that your tastes may change. Sure, right now you’re the couple that needs cocktail shakers, martini glasses and caviar spoons but that doesn’t mean your future selves wouldn’t like a nice sturdy casserole dish too.
Time things right
There’s nothing wrong with registering a good while before the wedding or even shortly after the engagement. This gives guests on a budget time to plan for any big-ticket purchases they might like to make. Just keep in mind that seasonal items you register for – such as those matching fleece robes – could be out of stock by the time most of your guests get around to their gifts.
Please Mr Postman
Find out if your registry service will deliver gifts directly to a designated address. This saves your guests having to manhandle bulky packages to the ceremony and prevents any potential transit issues post-reception.
Ps and Qs
Handwritten thank-you notes are not a thing of the past. Remember to send yours, preferably with a personal mention of the item received.
Be an all-seeing eye
Most registries today allow you to log in and view what has and hasn’t been purchased, and the lists are usually updated daily. Keeping track of what’s flown out the door allows you freedom to add more of a specific item, such as side plates or coffee mugs.
Picture: Pexels
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Paris, Zanzibar and Thailand are all lovely places, but a little bit… cliché as honeymoon destinations. If you really want something unforgettable in a staggeringly beautiful place, why not try something different?
We aren’t traveling much right now during the pandemic but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream. Use your time at home wisely and do some more research into these four exhilarating alternatives. They won’t disappoint.
Selfoss, Iceland
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This town in southern Iceland lies on the banks of the Ölfusá river. It offers stunning scenery and unique activities without the craziness of more popular cities like Reykjavik. From taking in the Northern Lights to trekking across an ancient glacier, this town has it all.
The ION Luxury Adventure Hotel is one of the more popular places to stay, boasting contemporary architecture and an indoor/outdoor natural spa.
New Caledonia
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Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji are popular destinations in the South Pacific Ocean, but have you ever considered New Caledonia? This French territory comprises of dozens of islands and is known for its palm-lined beaches and being home to the world’s largest marine-life-rich lagoon.
Head to the Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Golf Resort & Spa for an upscale beachfront vibe. The hotel overlooks a UNESCO World Heritage-listed barrier reef and features tons of luxurious offers.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
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Mexico is a popular wedding destination, but Guatemala is perfect for those wanting the same vibe in a less crowded atmosphere. This Central American country is home to Lake Atitlán, a stunning lake surrounded by blue mountains, misty volcanoes, and Mayan villages. Adventure-lovers will revel in the Old Mayan trails, nature reserves and tall buffs to jump off of.
Book your stay at the Laguna Lodge which is exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve. This boutique hotel commands sweeping views over azure waters to a trio of dramatic volcanoes.
Armação dos Búzios, Brazil
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Just a two-hour drive from the popular Rio de Janiero lies Armação dos Búzios, an oasis waiting to be explored. This little beach town is known as an upscale vacation destination boasting numerous beaches, stunning scenery, and active nightlife.
The Insólito Boutique Hotel comes highly suggested thanks to its vibrant antique-meets-modern design elements and a bustling beach lounge.
Picture: Instagram / ION Hotel
An in-depth report by wedding website The Knot delves into how couples changed their plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey includes findings from over 7600 couples who…
High heels are a standard for weddings but they aren’t for everyone. Luckily, there are some beautiful flats out there that will be equally as glamorous and work perfectly with all kinds of dresses.
From the perfect pink ballet pumps to sparkly converse, there will be a flat that suits your style. We’ve also made sure they fall under the R1,000 mark so you’re not blowing a massive budget on your shoes.
So take your pick and get ready to dance the night away.
Something strappy for a summer wedding with a bit of fun.
A simple glitter pump to add a bit of sparkle.
If you’re wanting to add a pop of colour then a royal purple is the way to go.
A classic blush will work with white or cream or even a dress bursting with colour.
For the more daring bride, these darker pumps bring the drama.
The converse has been a staple alternate shoe for weddings for a while and that’s why they’re offering up these glittering beauties.
The sandal is the simple strappy accessory for your big day.
Picture: Unsplash
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A wedding is not only a legal step a couple takes to show commitment and union, it’s also a highly personal and cultural event.
The day is a celebration of love in all cultures around the world, but each one does it a little differently and that’s what makes them special. Wedding traditions can have deep sentimental meanings, or they can just be funny customs that have withstood the test of time for years.
In Afrikaans culture, wedding traditions are largely based on Christian beliefs, a strong part of the culture. The process of getting married is very similar to the white Western wedding many South Africans know, with a few additions here and there.
As with many cultural customs, some of the traditions have fallen away along the road due to the sheer expense they incur, or some just because they are deemed old-fashioned by a new generation. Nevertheless, many couples choose to uphold some of these special traditions.
1. Who pays for what – it’s complicated
Times are tough but if budgets allow, there is a set-out way of going about the financing of the wedding. Traditionally, the bride’s father pays for the wedding, and the groom’s father pays for the bar. This is because both fathers, if they are the breadwinners, want to make the wedding an opportunity to spoil the newlyweds.
The groom would pay for the honeymoon – and plan it all in secret. The bride arranges the wedding (the groom does not have much of a say there), but the groom decides where the new marriage is celebrated and arranges everything himself.
2. The bride gets given away by her father
In traditional Afrikaans culture, a father would be seen as the protector of his family and especially his daughter. So, he would be the one to walk her down the aisle, and “give her away” to her husband, symbolically giving the responsibility of protecting her over to the husband in accordance with the Bible.
The bride would also wear a veil that covers her face as a symbol of modesty. The father then lifts the veil in front of the altar, allowing the groom to see her face. This also shows how the father gives the groom an opportunity to share an intimate moment with the bride. This is usually a very emotional moment, as it would be the first time the groom sees his bride that day.
3. It’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other the day before
This is where a bit of superstition comes in. According to folklore, the marriage is doomed to fail should the bride and groom catch a glimpse of each other on the day before the wedding. Usually, they also won’t communicate at all -making for some nervous brides and grooms most of the time! This adds excitement to the big day, and both are counting down the hours until they finally lay eyes on each other at the altar.
4. The husband must take the bride’s garter off with his mouth
During the reception, the real shenanigans begin. After dinner, it’s all fun and games. The bride has to wear a garter around one leg. Then, she is made to sit or stand on a chair with all the young people around her in a circle. The groom’s aim is to find the garter and remove it with his mouth – all with his eyes closed. If he can manage that, well, let’s just say they are in for a very pleasant marriage.
5. Young bachelors have their say while the groom makes a toast
Another funny tradition is for the groomsmen and/or the unmarried men at the wedding to try and embarrass the poor groom as much as possible while he tries to make a toast. As he stands to make a heartfelt speech to his lovely bride, the young men will yell good-intended insults, or sing silly songs to interrupt him.
6. The bride and groom cut the wedding cake together
All is good if there is food. No Afrikaans wedding is complete without a picture of the newlyweds cutting the cake together. The bride and groom will ceremoniously put their hands on the knife and make the first cut together. After that, it is 100% expected for them to each take a piece with their hands and feed each other with the messiest results possible.
7. Time to hit the dance floor
While there is dancing involved in most weddings, Afrikaans people absolutely love to ‘sokkie’. There are no two ways about it: As soon as the dance floor opens, couples will grab each other by the hand for a good old ‘langarm’ (Afrikaans for “long-arm”, as this dance entails the couple to have one hand stretched out and holding the other). This truly traditional dance style happens to the tune of some banging Afrikaans pop music, and can involve some nifty twists and turns for those who really like to get down.
Picture: Unsplash