Traditionally, a woman’s father walks her down the aisle. This is an old tradition which stems from the days of arranged marriage but today can be a bonding moment between father and daughter. However, not everyone has a father they can walk down with.
If you’re someone whose father has passed away or you have a strained or uncomfortable relationship with your father, here are a few ways to ask that special person to make their way down the aisle with you.
Personalised Card
This is the best choice as it gives you the space to write out exactly how you feel and express to the person how much they mean to you. It is also simple and easy to do, so you don’t have to splash out on anything too expensive.
Tie in a box
This works if the person you’re asking is a man but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whoever you’re asking, you could surprise them with a little gift they could wear on the day as a gesture of their role in your wedding. A tie is great for a man as it could match your decor ideas but think of something that’s special to your relationship with that person.
Flower arrangement
Not to make flowers gendered but it is likely this would be for a woman you pick to join you down the aisle. Although, if there is a man in your life who you know likes flowers then this works too. Most flower companies can deliver your bouquet with a note. This makes it a great option if you’re asking someone who lives far away.
A one-on-one chat
This is actually the simplest option. You can express everything with no limitations and it’s a great way to have some alone time with this person, who must fill a significant role in your life. Take them out for lunch or an activity you both enjoy and bring up the idea with them while you’re at it.
How to tell your father it’s not him
This is a very tricky situation. If your father is still alive but you would rather he didn’t walk you down the aisle, this is a conversation you will need to have. This is because the expectation is set as a result of tradition.
While there is no perfect way to let him down, if you have to go through the motion try to make it as unantagonistic as possible. Do it in a space he will feel safe, like his home, so he doesn’t become embarrassed and lash out. Clearly structure what you’re going to say so you don’t end up becoming emotionally overwhelmed and ultimately go into the experience understanding he may be hurt and there is nothing you can do about that and it is something he will have to deal with.
Picture: Unsplash
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Being proposed to is a special moment and for some, may feel like a dream come true. Well, it seems one man took this saying quite literally and decided to propose to his sleeping partner. After sharing the moment on Facebook, social media users across the world were obsessed with finding out the outcome.
On December 9, Facebook user Michael Mayorga dedicated a post to his partner, Jamilah Williams. It wasn’t any old Facebook post, however, it was THE Facebook post to propose to her.
“It’s 5:00AM. for weeks now I been planning on how to pop the question…. you know all my moves and you are one very hard woman to surprise but the jokes on you because now you’re going to wake up with 3 surprises… a phone full of congratulations notifications and text, an engagement ring on your finger and a picture of you sleeping that you don’t want all over the internet . SURPRISE!!! I’ll let y’all know the verdict when she wakes up,” he wrote alongside a picture of the pair in bed, in which he holds up an engagement ring.
This proposal had Facebook friends and strangers obsessed and desperately waiting to find out if she accepted this creative proposal.
“I have questions!! Wait, is she up yet? Did she say yes? Did he get his ass beat for posting this picture! I need answers please!” wrote one user.
“The fact I’ve checked her page like 4 times to see if she woke up yet and I never met this lady a day in my life lol. Let us know how you feel Jamilah!!!” added another.
Luckily Jamilah said yeas. In a Facebook post of her own, she gushed about her “amazing” partner.
Picture: Facebook
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Trial and error is the key to success and, in this case, a guarantee you’ll look and feel your best on your big day.
If you plan on hiring a make up artist to do up your face, it is imperative that you do your research. It’s not as simple as booking and enjoying the experience. Here are a few things you need to do to prepare for your make up trial.
1. BOOK NOW!
To avoid disappointment, book your dream make-up artist and hairstylist as soon as you know the date of your wedding. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place in the summer months or another busy time of the year.
Ideally, you should go for a trial one to three months before the big day, depending on how soon you finalise your dress and veil, as these will determine the look and feel of your make-up and hair. If you don’t like the look, this gives you enough time to tweak it before your wedding.
2. GET INSPIRED
Spend some time browsing through Pinterest, Instagram and Wedding ETC (of course) to find references for hairstyles and make-up looks you adore and would like to recreate. Bring these with you to your trial and discuss them with the professional. Photos of your dress and veil will also come in handy.
While having an idea of what you like is important, keep an open mind to your expert’s suggestions too, as they may see your face and hair in a way you haven’t before. When in doubt, go for a more polished version of your signature look instead of trying something completely out of your comfort zone.
3. PUT IN THE GROUNDWORK
Prepare for the trial the same way you would for your big day: This means applying self-tan to your face, neck, chest and arms if you’ll be wearing it; having your eyebrows shaped by a professional, and removing any unwanted facial hair beforehand.
The same goes for your hair: Make sure it’s freshly washed, cut and coloured the way you want it to look on your wedding day. Cut the neckline of a cheap white T-shirt to match your wedding gown and wear it on the day of the trial for a more realistic representation of the look.
4. STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
Having a large, loud gaggle of girls with you at your trial is a big no-no – they’ll only end up confusing you. If you don’t want to go alone, ask a close friend or family member whose opinion you trust – not your overbearing mother. At the end of the day, your happiness comes first and you need to love how you look on your wedding day, so speak up if you have any concerns.
5. DISCUSS THE DETAILS
The trial is the perfect time to find out everything you need to know for a well-run wedding. Ask the stylist to go through their game plan for the day, including what time they need to start and how many assistants they’ll be bringing and if they will be styling the rest of your bridal party. Ensure you’re aware of all the costs to avoid nasty surprises. Take note of any products you need to buy for touch-ups on the day. You’ll definitely want to have the same shade of lipstick in your clutch.
6. PLAN A TEST RUN
Once the trial is complete, it’s time for some fun. Grab your girlfriends and take them out for a night on the town. Eat, drink and dance to see how well your make-up and ’do last. Comfort is imperative on your wedding day, so it’s a good idea to wear the look for a while to see how it feels.
Take note of anything you aren’t satisfied with and report back to your expert. Ask a friend to take a few pictures of you, both in natural light and with a flash, from different angles to see how your look will appear in photographs.
Picture: Pexels
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A fascinating wedding tradition that’s present across many cultures is the Money Dance. Although it’s slightly different in each iteration, the basis of all the customs is that at the wedding reception, guests offer the newlyweds money while they are dancing. This is meant to help establish their life together and express everyone’s appreciation for them.
In some traditions, the money is pinned to the bride and groom as they dance with guests while in others, it is thrown over them on the dance floor like confetti.
Here are some of the ways different cultures practice this tradition with cash:
Nigeria
A Yoruba tradition, to begin with, it has spread across Nigeria with all different groups participating. Called a Money Spray, the bride and groom are encircled by guests on the dance floor before each comes forward to place the bill on their head, letting it fall down around them. The practice symbolises happiness, good fortune and affection.
Phillippines
For Filipino people across the world, the tradition has the male guests pin money to the bride while the women pin money to the groom. This adds an element to the bride and grooms outfits, with cash being made into sashes, garlands, crowns and even decorating the bride’s veil.
Greece
There is an old tradition in Greece to pin money to the brides dress and this has followed some Greek nationals across the world. It has changed among immigrant communities, with some practising a money shower while others still prefer to pin.
Poland
In Poland, there is an even more elaborate tradition. Guests like up to dance with the bride and hand over cash to the bride’s father who is carrying a special apron. The Pani Mloda Polka is traditionally played and guests get a drink, in the form of a shot, as thanks for their contribution.
Portugal
Another unique twist, the male guests dance with the bride while the women dance with the groom. During this part of the event, the bride removes her shoes into which guests put their money as they pass them around.
Picture: @WestinSanJose/Twitter