Planning a wedding is expensive, not to mention the honeymoon and the new life you’ll build together afterward. It’s easily understandable why many couples would prefer a cash gift instead of a physical gift on their wedding day.
It can sometimes feel a bit classless to ask for money, but it doesn’t need to be. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid offending some older family members or putting pressure on anyone to contribute more than they were originally willing to spend on a gift.
Here are some tips to get that big tip at the end of your big day:
Don’t ask for money on your wedding invitation
The wedding invitation is to introduce your upcoming union and is all about the good vibes. Adding a clause that you’re expecting cash from your guests can be construed a bit tasteless. Instead, set up a wedding website where you can include a link to a cash registry or banking details of an account set up specifically for the cash gifts.
Let your guests know how you plan to spend the money
While you don’t owe anyone an explanation, giving your guests a general idea of how you plan to spend the money might make them more willing to contribute. For example, if it’s a honeymoon fund for a dream vacation or house renovations fund, your guests will know that their money is going toward something important.
It could also be a good idea to set up a specific target amount, with a live tracker displaying how close you are to your goal. Some might feel even more willing to contribute if they know you are closer to reaching your dream.
Use a cash registry
If you feel awkward asking for money outright, you can easily direct your guests to your cash registry on your wedding website. There are sites that run it all for you, so all you need to do is fill in the details and add the link, and voilà. Try out South African sites like Wrapistry or Gift Tree.
Set up cash boxes at your reception
Some people don’t trust online banking or are simply not technologically-savvy. Give your older guests an in-person option by setting up a cash donation box at your reception. You’ll need your wedding planner or a minder to keep an eye over the box throughout the evening to make sure the money stays safe.
Picture: Pexels
Summer is officially here in the Mother City, bringing with it happier days and tons of sunshine. The season offers so many fun themes to explore for a…
Wedding favours are a sweet way to show your guests your appreciation for sharing in your special day. While not essential, it is a nice touch to give your guests an exciting send-off.
Anyone who has planned a wedding before knows how expensive it can be. Things add up quickly and unexpected costs can crop up at any minute, so it’s best to be financially savvy where you can be.
If you’re working with a tight budget, fear not. There are tons of affordable wedding favour options to incorporate into your big day. Some of them are easily DIYable, which means you save on labour too.
From seedlings to tea, hangover kits made of mini bottles of water and painkillers, to DIY tic tac toe, you can make a wedding favour out of pretty much any common household item.
Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank:
Picture: Pexels
South Africa is lucky to have thousands of artisans and brands creating unique products for our everyday lives. From fashion and jewellery to makeup, you can find anything…
Diogo Rabelo, a 33-year-old doctor, married himself in a sologomous ceremony at a luxurious resort in Itacare, in the north-eastern state of Bahia, Brazil on October 17. The decision to marry himself followed after his fiance broke up with him over a series of arguments over the summer.
The couple was meant to get married in September but broke up in July. Instead of calling off the whole thing, Rabelo decided to got through with the big day and marry himself. The wedding cost him around 350,000 BRL (R977 989) and 40 of the people who were initially invited attended. Not surprisingly, the ex’s friends and family did not show up.
The reason behind tying the knot on his own was that he wants to send a message to people that you do not need to depend on a marriage to be happy.
Rabelo explains: “Today is one of the happiest days of my life, as I’m with the people I love the most in this life, celebrating what could be a tragedy, but I made it a comedy.”
“I do want to marry someone else, and I want to have children, but my happiness cannot depend on that,” he added.
Picture: Pexels
A British couple now shares a rather unusual surname. After tying the knot in a pre-second lockdown wedding, the pair now go by Mr and Mrs White-Christmas. Tilly…
Unsure of what suit will fit you best? It’s important to choose the right style and wear what flatters your shape most. Looking good is guaranteed to make you feel good!
Take a look at these tips and tricks to find the perfect fit for you.
Slender and tall
Tall men often have trouble finding pants that cover their ankles completely. Make sure your pants are the right length, as pants that are too short will seem skimpy. Alternatively, you cold opt for ankle grazers which are meant to be shorter and end just above the ankles. If you are slim and want to add more texture to your shape, opt for a blazer with padded shoulders. Dark colours work well with taller postures.
Muscular
If you are a fitness enthusiast and have the muscles to prove it, you could possibly wear any style and rock it. However, remember to choose the right size. Buying too small to enhance your muscles is not smart. You will feel uncomfortable and there is always the risk of popping buttons. The correct size will set you off just fine.
Short and bulky
Go for smooth textures, without too many bells and whistles. The idea is to make you look taller, so opt for vertical stripes or buttoned blazers. Make sure the pant legs are not too long and don’t scrunch at the bottom. Rather get them hemmed if you can’t find a size that fits the waist and legs equally well.
Slender and short
If you have a small frame, you get to go all out. Lighter colours will make you appear larger and stylish accessories will be pleasing to the eye. A bit of extra shoulder padding will also go a long way, and keep an eye out for shoes with a slightly raised sole.
Large
If you are more man than muscle, fret not. Dress smartly in slimming colours like navy and charcoal, and avoid attracting attention to your waistline. Vests are flattering and will conceal any insecurities. Make sure your pants fit nice and snug, not baggy as that will make you seem bigger. The right size is key.
Images: Pinterest
Feature picture: Unsplash