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In Venues

A destination wedding of icy proportions and for only R4 million!

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After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders 

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In uncategorized

The ultimate pamper session guide for every bride

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Searching for the feel-good factor? Introduce some positive energy into your beauty routine with a sumptuous pamper session to help keep you calm, cool, and relaxed as you plan your big day. Adding a little self-love will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and feeling youthful again. Besides, it’s really the little highlights that can make the biggest difference to our well-being!

Follow this guide and get your hands on these luxe products to turn your bathroom ritual into a full-blown pamper experience.

Bath-time bliss

‘Bathing is a brilliant opportunity to give your body what it needs, and your mind a moment to reset,’ says well-being expert Susanne Kaufmann. You can easily turn your bath into a pamper session with a few additions too.

So how would you like to feel while submerged in your porcelain throne?

Relaxed

There’s nothing quite like a long soak to reset the senses. It’s the perfect ritual before bed, helping you have a good sleep: a hot bath followed by being in a cool bedroom is known to help the body prepare for sleep and tricks you into feeling drowsy. Aid those sensations with Ceridwen’s Cauldron (R135, Lush), which nourishes your skin and helps you switch off.

Or, if you are feeling tense, don’t underestimate the benefits of a salt bath. It can help with any muscle aches and pains, leaving you feeling soothed. We love Earthsap Bath Soak in Milk & Honey (R75, Made By Nature).

De-stressed 

Feeling restless and anxious? Run a bath and choose products packed with calming ingredients, such as The Naturals Organic Bath Bombs (R320, yumm) or Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence (R465, Woolworths).

As you soak in the scented bath, practise breathing deeply into your abdomen to relax and calm your mind. If you struggle to stay focused, it can help to imagine you are gently inflating your tummy like a balloon as you breathe in, then slowly deflating it as you breathe out. The warm water will aid those feelings of relaxation.

Upbeat

If you need a reboot, try adding a few drops of an uplifting essential oil – juniper is effective in stimulating a positive mood – try Soil Juniper Berry Essential Oil (R133, Faithful to Nature). Give your bath a sensuous twist by adding Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Bath Oil 250 ml (R1 000, Edgars). And light a candle to uplift your senses – we adore The Aromatherapy Co Invigorating Candle (R199, @home).

Comforting Massage 

As well as treating skin to a pamper session, use your evening regime as a chance to unwind. ‘Turn your cleanse into a moment of mindfulness,’ says acupuncturist and facialist Annee de Mamiel. ‘Face massage helps you unwind, but it’s also a reminder to begin to switch off from the day. Plus it doesn’t cost a thing!’

Start by warming your cleansing oil in your hands and inhaling the essential oils. Choose something with a soothing scent, such as Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (R1 050, Woolworths). As you massage, you will increase circulation, boost oxygen and detoxify your skin. ‘You’ll be surprised how the texture, volume and radiance of your skin will improve in such a short time.’

Skin saviours

It’s the original emblem of what a pamper session should be!. A face mask is the easiest way to treat your skin and give you a bit of a time out. Just make sure you’re using the best one for your skin type.

Dry skin

Use: FILORGA Hydra-Filler Mask (R148, skinmiles.co.za)

This calming sheet mask contains aloe vera to soothe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, giving your face a plump, juicy glow.

Sensitive skin

Use: Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask (R520, dermastore.co.za)

When sensitive skin flares up, leave this soothing mask on for 15 minutes, then swipe away any excess with a tissue to calm flushed, tight-feeling skin.

Feature Image: Unsplash 

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self care for the modern bride
In Advice

5 Ways to practice self care while planning your wedding

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You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table. 

Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks. 

To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:

Eat Up 

For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness. 

It’s all mental 

When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition. 

Get your heart pumping 

Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.

If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches. 

It’s okay to relax

When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure! 

Don’t forget those around you

During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!

Feature Image: Pexels

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In News

Blushing bride spends R60 on her gorgeous wedding dress

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Most brides wouldn’t mind spending a few R10 000 or more on a gorgeous new wedding dress, but for some cash-strapped brides, that’s simply not an option. 

Heading to your local thrifting store is a great way to unearth some fashionable gems, including a gorgeous wedding dress as one young bride found out. 

The blushing bride took to TikTok to share her experience of purchasing her wedding dress at a thrift shop as she was determined to keep spending to a minimum. 

As prices continue to soar throughout various industries, many young couples are attempting to keep things more affordable. Thrifting and smaller, more intimate settings are just a few ways bridal couples are attempting to cut costs. 

Jullian Lynch, who hails from Ohia in the United States, explained that she initially spent around R60 ($3.75) on the dress, but forked out a few more bucks for alternations, costing an extra R1700 ($110). 

That’s still not a bad price tag for such a gorgeous dress, a thought many TikTok users had as they gawked at her budget-friendly wedding experience. 

@jilly_lynch♬ Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

According to Lynch, the dress was brand new as it still had its tags and social media users couldn’t seem to get enough: 

“Still $115 compared to $5,000,” one user stated. “Such an amazing dress and shoes. Very classy look.”

“Gorgeous,” another user noted. 

Gorgeous, and oh-so-clever!

Feature Image: Jillian Lynch / TikTok

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In News

PICS: Bride and groom grab some McDonald’s before wedding ceremony!

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When the cravings hit, there’s nothing you can do as one bridal couple recently found out. After all, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” can certainly work up an apetitie. 

Newlyweds Basman Alwakeel (28) and blushing bride Haneen Alkhthir (31) tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony before sneaking away to satisfy their fast food cravings – a tasty meal at McDonalds – before heading back to an incredible evening with family and friends. 

The couple, who hail from Australia, spent a few hours snapping wedding pics at the University of Sydney. 

“It is such a beautiful location, but we were so hungry and craved some food, so we did a quick search of the nearest McDonald’s,” said Basman. 

Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

So what was on the menu for Mr and Mrs? 

“We both ordered a spicy McChicken with chips and coke. The staff were shocked and the people kept congratulating us.” 

Thankfully, the talented photographer was there to capture the “beautiful and natural moment.”

Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

Despite the impromptu affair, that meal sure does look delicious! Even more fantastic is the fact that the gorgeous bride managed to keep her all-white wedding attire free of ketchup – no easy feat! 

But while the couple tucked into a spicy chicken burger, just what about the guests? Friends and family did not go hungry as tradition dictates otherwise. 

Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

“It’s tradition for us to have guests in both the bride and groom’s house before the service. Simple snacks are prepared for the guests and later at the reception we chose Mediterranean food,” Basman said.

Feature Image: @auraweddings/ Caters News

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In Weddings

The history of the wedding kiss

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While some traditions fade and others are altered, the wedding kiss has remained. A kiss after the vows is a wedding tradition that, it seems, will never disappear. Today, the wedding kiss serves as a representation of love and devotion between the couple. Historically, however, the wedding kiss had a different purpose.

Like many – if not most – traditions passed down for centuries, the history is a bit broken and unclear. As a result, there are a few origin stories of the wedding kiss.

The most commonly cited story is that of the ancient Romans (753 BC to 27 BC and then from 64 AD to 1453 AD). In ancient Rome, the wedding kiss was more of a legal formality; it symbolised a transaction that had taken place.

In those times, marriage was considered a contract and the kiss was the “signature” that rendered the contract binding. Neel Burton MD says, “In an age of widespread illiteracy, kisses served to seal agreements, thus the expression ‘to seal with a kiss.'” The kiss was also considered to be the first time that the couple ever kissed.

Others argue that the history of this significant kiss starts in the church. In ancient Catholic ceremonies, it was customary for priests to give the groom “a kiss of peace.” The groom was then required to pass the kiss on to his dearly beloved. It is said that this is how the phrase “you may now kiss the bride” came about.

Another religious argument about the origin story of this kiss comes from the scripture itself. The kiss is said to symbolise the fulfilment of the scripture that says “and the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8).

Wherever it stems from, we’re pretty glad that it stood the test of time. The wedding kiss is one of the most anticipated moments of a western wedding. When celebs or royals are married, the kiss is sometimes even analysed by body language experts.

If public displays of affection are not for you though, remember that the kiss is not compulsory and your nuptials are still valid without it!

Image: Unsplash

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In Advice

Groom style: Stand out from your groomsmen

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A bride is usually very easy to spot. She wears a wedding gown that stands out from the crowd, and there is absolutely no chance she’ll be mistaken for a bridesmaid. The groom on the other hand, may get lost in a sea of suits.

This seems a bit unfair. It would be a shame for a groom to not be seen on his big day. There are ways (some more subtle than others) for a groom to stand out from his groomsmen. Have a look at these ideas:

– Different neckwear 

If you’re wearing a tie, have your groomsmen wear bowties or vice versa. You could even switch it up completely by having your groomsmen sport classic neckwear while you wear an alternative neckpeice. There are way more alternatives than you think.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4IqX5Unjdg/

– Vary in suit colours 

The colour of your suit makes a tremendous difference. This is one of the easiest ways to stand out from your groomsmen. You’ll be the main focus, without a doubt. This works especially well when your groomsmen wear more dull toned suits while you wear something brighter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2XZk4_hj9b/

– Accessorize

Add something extra to your outfit. You could add a hat, a pocket watch, a brooch, or really anything you want. All you need to do is find the best way to incorporate it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzbVCu6h00R/

– Play with patterns

If you really want to make a statement, you should consider adding some patterns. Keep your suit the same colour as your groomsmen, but add some pizzaz by adding a pattern. Alternatively, you could do this on a smaller scale by simply wearing a shirt with pattern or print while your groomsmen wear plain shirts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0IcOQXALkn/

– Smart-casual groomsmen

By simply having your groomsmen ditch their blazers, you’ll be the centre of attention instantly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jC5K_FSfQ/

– Switch up your tie colour

If you’re the type of groom who wants to be set apart, but does’t want too much attention, simply switch the colour of your tie. This one is very subtle, but very effective.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bew5n3WnUeV/

– Get creative with your boutonniere

Similar to the tie switch above, you could keep it simple and just vary in the colour of your boutonniere. You could also personalise it and get creative, there are endless possibilities. Have your groomsmen wear the classic flower, and hand craft your own boutonniere.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnTY6NRh4OF/

 

Image: Pixabay

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In Fashion

10 alternatives to the classic necktie

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For most men, the classic necktie is a standard part of the wardrobe. You’ve worn them to school, to work, and to many a formal function. Now, however, your wedding day is approaching. The thought of wearing a tie is not exciting to you. Perhaps the tie doesn’t feel special enough, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit.

Many may not be aware of the wide variety of neckwear available to choose from. A tie can easily be replaced. Have a look at this list of alternatives to the classic necktie.

No Tie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmtQ9ayHbbY/

Bow Tie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1a_E5thcwh/

The Ascot/Cravat

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsnkusinmxD/

Collar Chain 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0e8yNblbwF/

Bolo Tie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PvABvBVrG/

Continental Tie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/4kuiadHK7J/

Western Bow Tie 

https://www.instagram.com/p/fWXwVSPWw9/

Neckerchief 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ZHJV0BIDc/

Collar Clip 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Zs_Z6iMC8/

Neck bow 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxC6ljSnX9z/

Image: Unsplash

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In News

The meaning behind ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’

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“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. This wedding charm is a tradition that has been followed many betrothed couples for decades. Brides traditionally incorporate this tradition into their bridal attire, wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, typically obtained from loved ones. But where does this tradition come from, and why do we still do it today?

The tradition began in the Victorian era as an English rhyme. Originally it went, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”. The final part of the rhyme is typically a British custom only, and thus largely omitted from the saying.

Each object is meant to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and encourage a successful marriage.

Something Old:

Brides were traditionally required to incorporate something old into their bridal attire to ward off evil. In the olden times, brides traditionally wore an undergarment of a woman that had already bore children as their something old. Doing this was meant to confuse the Evil Eye, who was said to cause infertility. Through this, the Evil Eye was tricked into thinking the bride was already fertile, thus leaving her alone.

However, the more favoured meaning is that of continuity. By incorporating something old, brides carry with them something sentimental from their past.

Typically, brides opt for heirlooms to represent their something old.

Something New:

As the betrothed begin their new life as a married couple, the something new acts as a symbol of optimism  for the future.

This is the easiest and most straight-forward element to incorporate, as it can literally be anything. The easiest is to have jewellery or the wedding dress itself stand for the something new, as those will most likely be purchased brand new.

Something Borrowed:

Something borrowed works to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and their marriage. Traditionally, couples are meant to borrow something from a close friend or relative that is already married and ideally has children. This way, the luck of the happily married person will rub off on the newlyweds, thus starting the marriage off on a positive note.

As with the something old, brides were encouraged to borrow the undergarments of a close relative or friend as a positive sign of fertility.

Nowadays, couples generally borrow things of significance from friends or family. Once again, it can be anything, from accessories to shoes.

Something Blue:

Blue is said to represent purity, love and fidelity, and as such has become a highly symbolic colour for weddings. It also has the bonus of warding off the Evil Eye, according to legend.

Traditionally, brides incorporated their something blue into their garters. However, today brides can use blue in any aspect of their wedding attire to get the same effect.

The “Sixpence in your shoe” part of the rhyme typically refers to British custom, in which a bride places a sixpence coin inside their shoe for good luck and prosperity.

Picture: Unsplash

 

 

 

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In Fashion And Grooming

5 fashion rules no groom should break

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By Mariska van Zyl

Step aside bride, it’s important for the groom to look sharp on his wedding day too. Here are our 5 fashion rules no groom should break on their wedding day:

The perfect fit

Even the most expensive suit can make you feel and look uncomfortable on your wedding day, so getting the perfect fit is key. The hem of the suit jacket sleeve should fall on the wristband. The bottom hem of the jacket should cover your pants pockets and the vents should remain closed. Your trousers must be comfortable when standing and sitting down. The hem of the trousers should just hit the top of your shoes. Whether you are buying or hiring a suit, get it properly measured and make sure the suit is altered to fit.

Coordinate with your bride

Inevitably, the bride’s outfit will be the one everyone is looking at, so your outfit should compliment rather than compete with hers. Here are some ways you can match your bride:
• If she is wearing a ball gown, you should compliment her by wearing a black tuxedo
• An off-white lace dress pairs well with a tailored tan suit
• If she is wearing a minimalistic, elegant gown, a slim-cut grey suit will do the trick

Less is more

 

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✨✨✨✨

A post shared by Autumn Nicole Photo (@autumnnicole_) on

When it comes to groom’s fashion, you don’t want to upstage the bride, but you don’t want to fade away either. Stick to the basics but change the little details – a patterned pocket square, cufflinks, a tie pin and fun socks can add tons of detail without going over the top.

Groomed to perfection

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Tha handsome @genetwedt with @kalebnormanjames at @carnationfarmsweddings #contax645 #fuji400h @richardphotolab @fujifilm_profilm

A post shared by Michael Radford (@_mikeradford) on

Just because your everyday grooming routine takes less than 10 minutes, doesn’t mean your wedding day should be the same. Take some time on the day to properly groom and pamper yourself to make sure you look your absolute best. And remember, you‘re going to want to look like the best version of yourself so avoid trying out any new grooming trends on the day or the days leading up to it.

Stick to the theme and season

While your go-to idea might be to reach straight for that tuxedo, the colour and style of the suit needs to match the look and feel of your wedding. The time and place of your wedding will also play a big role – morning vs evening and indoor vs outdoor. For daytime or outdoor weddings you might want to consider a lighter shade suit, while darker hues will work best for more formal evening ceremonies. If your wedding is in winter, you can get a bit playful with rich colours and textures, whereas for a summer wedding it’s best to keep it cool by wearing light-weight fabrics.

Image: Pixabay

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