The coronavirus pandemic may have shattered the hearts of countless brides-to-be, but that shouldn’t put a damper on throwing an epic bridal shower.
From drive-by baby showers to Zoom birthday parties, the digital age has made it easier for us to celebrate those we love. If you’d love to throw your favourite bride an unforgettable virtual bridal shower but don’t know where to start, here are a few suggestions.
Pick a theme and run with it
We’re living in unconventional times, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep certain traditions. Sticking to details such as colour scheme and theme are all great ways to help things feel semi-normal. Why not add a splash of fun to the celebration by designing a virtual background for your guests. And don’t forget to include the link to the platform you’ll be hosting your shower on.
Plan the guest list
There’s so much flexibility when it comes to a virtual bridal shower. While traditional bridal showers require a set number of guests, a virtual celebration can literally include anyone – including friends and family based out of town. While COVID-19 has ensured that the wedding guest list has shrunk in size, this doesn’t have to be the case when going virtual. So, go big or go home!
Don’t forget the food
Food has always had a way of bringing people together, especially during a celebration. Get creative with food and drink, perhaps opting for a food delivery service that can drop off a few delectable snacks and meals to your guests. A cute picnic basket or box of yummy treats can be a great idea to ensure that guests feel connected.
Games, games, games!
Games are a must when it comes to any bridal shower, including a virtual one. Adding games to any celebration is a great way to keep things moving, and it guarantees a lively atmosphere that will have everyone feeling more connected – despite the distance. Setting virtual Bingo cards to use when the bride-to-be is opening her gifts or a fun trivia game about the couple (with prizes, of course) is an amazing way to get everyone laughing.
Also Read: 5 unusual bridal shower themes
Picture: Unsplash
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With 12 official languages, 9 provinces, and a country filled with love, it’s fair to say that South Africa’s diversity is pretty amazing.
Planning and celebrating weddings differ across cultures and religions in South Africa, and it is important for all locals and Internationals to be informed about the unique traditions the country has to offer.
With that being said, Wedding Etc has started an exciting and informing series that will delve into several wedding cultures and traditions in South Africa. The series will primarily focus on the cultural wedding attires of the groom, bride, and guests.
In the first series piece we will be covering the Xhosa wedding attire. Keep an eye out for our future features on others such as the Zulu, Indian and Muslim cultures.
The bride’s attire
The Xhosa ethnic group is the second-largest cultural group in South Africa and their weddings are a huge celebration. The bride, called the umakoti, is traditionally the centre of attention.
On her special day the bride wears a long skirt or dress which is called the Ijermani or isishweshwe, which symbolizes that she is no longer a girl. The skirt is like no other as it is covered in beautiful embroidery and beadwork from top to button.
This part of the outfit is then paired with a tartan blanket that wraps neatly around the bride’s shoulder. The blanket represents the protection and care that the bride-to-be will add to her new family.
The final touches include a woolen scarf around the bride’s waist, a black doek and beaded necklaces, bracelets, necklaces, and a matching handbag.
The groom’s attire
The groom’s outfit is quite a powerful statement as it is usually warrior inspired and also echo’s his bride’s attire. He wears a white wrap around his waist that has the same decorations as the bride. The groom also wears a blanket, called ingwaca, over his shoulders. To finish the look, the groom’s head and neck are showered with beads.
The bridesmaids and groomsmen attire
The family members of the newlyweds dress in similar patterns and fabrics. They are not as extravagant but they complement the couple of the day.
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It’s most likely that we all went through a little phase where we neglected our hair this past summer. Read on to find out how you can undo the damage.
1. Get a trim
If your hair is splitting and breaking off, or even shedding more than it usually would, it’s time for a decent trim. Broken, extremely fragile hair is often a result of irreversible damage and cannot be repaired, no matter how many treatments you do! There’s no point in holding on to dead ends, so take the plunge and snip off as much of the damage as possible to give your hair the best chance of repairing and growing out even stronger.
2. Avoid chemicals
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5. Restore
You’ll know your hair is damaged when it feels rough and has a lacklustre appearance, especially if it’s longer and has been exposed to more wear and tear with every summer. A deeply hydrating, reparative treatment will help to plump up the follicles and restore some elasticity to brittle and dehydrated hair. The Wella Invigo Nutri-Enrich range is a trusted solution and a go-to for all hair types that suffer from post-summer damage. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it replenishes stressed locks by using the nourishing powers of Oleic Acid and Panthenol, along with strengthening peptides found in Goji Berry.
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