Your big day started with big gestures, and your bridesmaids should be included in these. Here are a few cute ways to ask those closest to you to be part of your wedding party.
In this day and age, it is quite a big ask (as bridesmaids are expected to perform a lot of duties) so asking those closest to you with a personalised gift of sorts makes their experience that much more special. No matter what you choose to gift in the bridesmaid proposal, make sure to include a letter written by yourself to each individual bridesmaid. You are asking them to give up a lot of their free time to be your bridesmaid, you can take the time to write a personal letter about why you would like them to be up there with you on your special day.
This is vital information for every bride and some grooms too. Being prepared means that you’re already one step ahead of any emergency that might pop up on your wedding day. Keep these essentials handy to ensure you’re ready for any mishap thrown your way:
An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.
But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.
Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:
1. TANZANITE
The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.
2. MORGANITE
With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.
3. JEWEL BAND
If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.
4. OPAL
Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.
5. VINTAGE
Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.
6. ONYX
Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.
7. PEARL
Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.
8. ROUGH CUT
The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.
9. TURQUOISE
If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.
10. SMOKY QUARTZ
This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.
ALSO SEE: Diamonds: Understanding the 4 C’s
Image: Unsplash
On your wedding day you will be photographed a lot. This can be extremely daunting if you are not used to being in front of the camera. To ensure you get the pictures you’ve always dreamed of, we’ve rounded up some useful tips to help you feel comfortable in front of your wedding photographer.
More and more young couples are moving away from wedding traditions. From having both parents and siblings walk the bride down the aisle, to not throwing the bouquet, and now swopping out wedding bands for tattoos.
One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.
A PLATED MEAL
The facts
A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).
The pros
All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises – in-between each course.
The cons
It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.
A BUFFET
The facts
Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.
The pros
Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.
The cons
Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.
ALSO SEE: Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle
Wedding ceremony tips to know before you walk down the aisle
Feature image: Unsplash
Families come in all shapes and sizes, colours, breeds, and species too. Furry companions have become integral parts of our closest circles. Considered to be children by many couples – pooches, ponies, and parrots, to name a few, not only make it onto the guest list but have become key players at many weddings.
You’ve planned the seating chart, chosen the perfect playlist and said yes to the dress, but have you thought about what actually happens during your ceremony?
Your wedding ceremony is one of the most photographed, emotional and memorable parts of the day. It’s also the part that most brides don’t rehearse properly. These wedding ceremony tips for brides will help you feel calm, confident and completely present from the moment you step into the aisle to your first kiss as newlyweds.
Walk slower than you think you should
Then slow it down again.
Adrenaline will make everything feel like it’s happening in fast forward. Walking slowly not only gives your photographer time to capture those once in a lifetime moments, but it also allows you to actually take in the people, the music and your partner waiting at the end of the aisle.
If you feel like you’re walking too slowly, you’re probably walking at the perfect pace.
Carry your bouquet at your belly button
It sounds oddly specific, but it makes a huge difference in photos.
Holding your bouquet too high can hide the detailing on your dress and make your shoulders look tense. Hold it low, around your belly button, with the flowers facing outward. This helps your posture look more relaxed and keeps your neckline and bodice visible.
Hold hands and lock eyes
It might feel natural to look around at your guests, your parents or even your officiant, but the most meaningful place to look is right at each other.
Holding hands throughout the ceremony grounds you, calms your nerves and keeps you emotionally connected. It also looks incredibly romantic in photos.
Hold the kiss
When it’s time for that “you may now kiss” moment, don’t rush it.
Go in for the kiss and hold it while you both count to three in your heads. This gives your photographer enough time to capture the moment properly and prevents that blink and you miss it situation.
Pause before you walk back down the aisle
Once you’re officially married, take a second before turning to walk back up the aisle.
Celebrate. Smile at your guests. Steal another kiss if you want to. That pause creates some of the most joyful and genuine photos of the day.
Pause halfway down the aisle on your way out
Your recessional is your very first moment as a married couple.
As you walk back down the aisle together after the ceremony, stop halfway for a quick kiss or celebratory moment. It gives your guests something special to cheer for and creates one of the happiest photo opportunities of the entire day.
Practise standing together
It sounds simple, but knowing how to stand comfortably next to each other matters more than you think.
Angle your bodies slightly toward one another rather than standing stiffly forward. It feels more natural and looks more intimate during the ceremony.
Don’t forget to breathe
Deep breaths will keep you calm and help prevent shaky voices during your vows.
If you feel overwhelmed, gently squeeze your partner’s hand and take a slow breath together.
ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love
Feature image: Jakob Owens/Unsplash
As part of the wedding prep, the perfect rehearsal dinner will make for an evening of fun, love, and a chance to mingle before the big day. Lately, they’ve become known as extravagant evenings of dining, decor and preparations right before the wedding. But if you plan it right, you’ll be able to have a stress-free evening of celebration before your big day.
STEP 1
Make sure it’s clear who will be hosting and organising the event. It may be the groom’s side or the bride’s, or a combination. Make sure everyone is aware of their role to avoid any conflict or miscommunication on the night.
STEP 2
Decide on the kind of event you want to have. Do you prefer keeping it light and casual, or making it a big party? Let this set the precedent for the decor, the setting and the guest list.
STEP 3
Draw up the guest list. Aside from your bridal party, family and close friends, you may want to have certain people. This will depend heavily on the size of the event, the location and your personal preferences.
STEP 4
Whether you go big or small, creating a fun theme for the night will only add to the festivities. This can involve fun games and even some sneaky hints for the big day.
STEP 5
While it’s important to have a set schedule in place for how the evening will run, make room for surprises and deviations in the evening. For instance, you may have a set list of speakers, but if your other guests would like to say a few words then allow room for some extra time.
You can also use your rehearsal dinner to spoil your guests with gifts for your bridal party and special thank yous to everyone who contributed to the planning of your special day.
ALSO SEE: How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding
Image: Unsplash