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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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
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Let’s be honest, food is a crucial part of your big day. After spending tons of money on a gift and an outfit, your guests will be looking forward to a delicious spread and party.
Grazing tables are super popular among modern couples. While it may seem like you just place a bunch of random snacks on a table, there is an art to the perfect grazing table.
When crafting your grazing table, remember to opt for a variety of treats to appeal to a number of tastes. Cheese and crackers, fruits, meats and nuts pair beautifully together. Throw in some fun spreads, dips and sauces as well as tons of different bread to act as a vehicle for all this deliciousness.
You can use your discretion to place your items on your table, but keep in mind you want it to look super colourful so think carefully of your placement. Add height with cake stands to create some variation and interest.
If you need inspiration, check out these stunning spreads:
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