2020 – 2021 have not been easy years. A pandemic, endless lockdowns, wedding reschedules and honeymoon cancellations due to travel restrictions have certainly put on damper on things.
However, it’s a new year and we’re doing things a bit differently! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and a pandemic still a reality, we’re skipping the chocolates this year and opting for things that will show that special person in your life just how much you care about them.
Through thick and thin, right? Here are six uber-romantic ways to make Valentine’s Day special this year.
Write a love letter
Nothing spells romance quite like a beautiful handwritten letter. Messaging the old-fashioned way can be a great way to put your feelings into words and present your significant other with something they can hold on to. Take it up a notch by bringing them breakfast in bed and adding your letter as an appetizer.
Do something new together
The couple who tries new things together, stays together! Well, that may not be how the saying goes, but various psychology studies attest to it and claim that new experiences can have a bonding effect on couples. Airbnb Experiences and Hyperli can be great places for you to find new and fun things to do together, just make sure that it’s something both of you have never done before!
A romantic picnic
Summer is the perfect time to grab your picnic basket and enjoy some fun in the sun. Every couple will be heading to your local restaurant, so why not head out and enjoy some fresh air instead. Make it extra special by whipping up something special for your partner – perhaps their favourite dish or dessert, and heading out to the perfect spot in nature. The beach and local park are both great spots for a romantic picnic.
View this post on Instagram
Get cooking
Is there anything more intimate than cooking a delicious meal for your partner? If the thought of spending another Valentine‘s Day in a restaurant has your stomach-turning, consider staying at home and enjoying an intimate night in. Do your best MasterChef impression and have a friendly cooking competition, with scorecards and everything! Give each other a mystery basket of ingredients and find out what the other can cook up in the kitchen.
A backyard campout
If you’re not looking to travel far this Valentine’s Day then why not keep it close to home. Grab your tent and enjoy the best camping spot in town – your backyard. If you have the space, consider transforming it into a romantic outdoor oasis, complete with marshmallows and a campfire. Switch things up by grabbing a sheet and projector and having a romantic movie night under the stars.
Goof off for the day.
Become romantic truants by taking a day off and spending it with each other. Start the day off slow by having breakfast in bed, reading a book or binge-watching your favourite show before heading out and enjoying what your city has to offer. You even want to turn up the romance by heading to the spot where the two of you first fell in love!
View this post on Instagram
Picture: Instagram
The prim and proper, tight up-do is not for everyone. Some brides with a more laid-back personality might prefer a hairstyle that reflects them better, and we love…
There’s nothing we love more than receiving a healthy dose of inspiration, especially when it comes to wedding planning. The biggest thing to tick off the to-do list right now? The wedding dress. With so many incredible designers to choose from and endless trends to pour over, it can be tough to settle on a single design.
Thankfully, you don’t have to. Here are a few incredible wedding dress designs that we can’t get enough of right now:
Off the shoulder never looked this good
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXy2LjYqjSt/
Bohemian Flow
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRV_IH9J8eu/
Queen-spiration
View this post on Instagram
Pretty, please with a bow on top
View this post on Instagram
Simplicity
View this post on Instagram
A Classic
View this post on Instagram
A Gorgeous Switch-up
View this post on Instagram
Picture: @thunderandlove
It’s always tough searching for the perfect gift to present the bride-to-be, but it can also be pretty tough to splurge on something just for yourself when you…
When the wedding day rolls around, all eyes will be on you … and your hands. Between intimate shots of you and your handsome {new} husband, everyone fawning over your wedding ring, and the signing of your wedding certificate, your hands will be getting plenty of time in the spotlight.
And adding a fresh manicure to your wedding to-do list will ensure that your gorgeous nails get a chance to shine. Perhaps a simple French manicure is right up your alley, or moody and bold hues provide a little pop of colour. Here are a few wedding manicure ideas for you to think about:
Keep it neutral
The colour grey should never be underestimated! This colour provides a modern yet elegant twist for your wedding day and gives a pop of colour that isn’t too over the top.
Keep it simple, but not too simple
Adding a nude colour to your nails is a great way to ensure that you keep things simple, choosing to let your wedding gown do all the talking. However, a great way to utilise this trend while still being a little flashy is by incorporating a subtle design such as this gorgeous marble-esque nail design.
A touch of gold
Simple yet oh-so magical. Painted gold foiling is a subtle way to add a little je ne sais quois to your nails and your big day.
The single rhinestone
Who wouldn’t want to match their engagement ring or wedding band? This bridal manicure trend has been around for a while, so why mess with a classic? This is a wonderful way to include some glitz without the gold to your nails.
Romantic reds
Attention bold brides! If you’re looking to make a statement when it comes to your nails, then this one is for you. Deep reds such as burgundy can be a wonderful way to add colour to your white gown while sprinkling some extra romance to your day.
Ombré Away
Trying out an ombré nail design for your wedding day can be a great way to spice things up without getting too crazy. Stick to neutrals or soft shades if you’re looking to keep it simple.
Metallic to rock your world
Add some extra sparkle to your wedding day with a metallic manicure. A great way to ensure that colours don’t clash is to make sure that your fresh manicure matches your engagement ring or wedding band.
Picture: @loreanjewellery
After a year and a half spent publicly professing their love for each other, Machine Gun Kelly went down on one knee and popped the question. Megan Fox…
Basking in the beautifully warm rays of the African sun while walking down the aisle and saying “I do” to your special person sounds magical. For many couples, warmer weather means wedding bells with summer being a favourite season amongst bridal couples looking to get hitched.
But one of the most important aspects of planning a summer wedding it – hydration, hydration and more hydration. Adding a signature cocktail to your wedding day not only helps your guests to cool off, but a signature cocktail can set the mood.
Stumped on which mouth-watering cocktail you should add? Here are five mouth-watering cocktails that your guests will love.
Coconut Margarita
Whether your beachside or on a wine farm, this creamy addition will transport your tastebuds to the ocean thanks to the coconut milk, water and fresh squeeze of lime. Get the recipe here.
Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade
Lemonade screams: “summer is here!” But this blackberry and whiskey lemonade drink will certainly wow guests and become an instant hit. Get the recipe here.
Rum Orange Swizzle
When we think of rum and orange were immediately reminded of the turquoise waters and white-sandy beaches of a tropical island. There’s no question that this drink will transport your guests to their favourite tropical destination in the world. Get the recipe here.
Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade
Another lemonade winner, this time with raspberry. This delicious cocktail packs a summery punch thanks to the raspberries and lemonade – yum! Swap the sparkling water for some sparkling wine. Get the recipe here.
Frozen watermelon margarita
Watermelon is a staple during summer, so why can’t it be a staple at your wedding too? This tantalising summer cocktail blends frozen watermelon and tequila, bringing to life something your guests will never forget. Get the recipe here.
Cucumber Lime Basil Sparkling Spritzer
Cucumber slices, basil leaves, and sparkling wine – this is what makes a refreshing drink! This is the perfect cocktail addition to any wedding if you’re not looking for something too sweet. Get the recipe here, swapping Preseco for your favourite bottle of sparkling wine.
Picture: Unsplash