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In Engagements

Most popular dates to get engaged

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Looking to get engaged soon? While there is no specific right time for everyone across the board, research has shown that people tend to get engaged on very particular days of the year.

If you’re waiting to propose or to be proposed to, one of these dates might be of significance in your future.  These are the most popular days of the year to get engaged.

Christmas:

Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays of the year, so it makes sense that many people would get engaged on this day. Typically, people spend Christmas with their family, making it a great time for a proposal as everyone can celebrate together when the big question has been asked.

Valentine’s Day:

Of course the most romantic day of the year would be a popular time for engagements. Loved-up couples honour Saint Valentine by becoming betrothed on this special holiday. As a day particularly designed for romance, Valentines Day makes it easier to plan an elaborate proposal as your partner would not be suspicious of why you’re planning something.

Christmas Eve:

If Christmas is too stressful, Christmas Eve makes a perfect date to get engaged. Some families have a Christmas Eve dinner and exchange gifts then, instead of on Christmas itself. For Christmas lovers, the lead up to this festive event is just as fun and exciting. Because of this, Christmas Eve has become a popular date to get engaged.

 

New Years Eve:

The last day of the year makes for a great time for a proposal. People tend to be celebrating New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year, and are typically with their closest friends and family. This special day also provides a host of fun activities like watching fireworks, or going to a party. Those that decide to get engaged on this day thus start the new year on a high note.

 

 New Year’s Day:

New Year’s Eve might be a bit too chaotic and busy for some people. On New Years Day, many people are reflective of their life and how they want to be better for the year ahead. Many have therefore chosen this day to begin the year with a big life change by getting engaged.

 

Anniversaries:

Anniversaries are dedicated days to celebrate your love and how far your relationship has come. Most couples tend to already have plans for their anniversary, and what better way to end it than with a proposal? It’s a great way to honour your love and commitment to one another.

 

Birthdays:

Birthdays are special days to honour someone’s life, making it the perfect time for a proposal. A ring makes for a great birthday present!

 

The Saturday before Valentine’s Day:

The Valentine’s spirit spreads the weeks before the lovers’ holiday. Considering most restaurants and vendors mark up their prices for Valentine’s Day, proposing the Saturday before the holiday makes for a more cost-effective time to propose while still having Valentine’s romance in the air.

 

Picture: Unsplash

 

 

 

 

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In Fashion

The top wedding dress silhouettes

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Wedding dress shopping can be stressful. With so many cuts and styles available, brides can easily become overwhelmed by the options. To make things easier, here’s our wedding gown 101 guide to the most popular wedding dress silhouettes.

 

Ball gown:

Also known as princess style, this wedding dress silhouette is characterised by a full skirt, fitted bodice and natural waist. It is the most traditional of the silhouettes, often considered the most romantic and feminine due to its fairytale-esque shape. This cut works well on most body types, especially more straight figures as it creates shape. However, more petite brides might get lost in the fullness of the skirt.

Famous brides that have worn this look include Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Diana, Princess of Wales.

 

 

Mermaid:

This silhouette is for the daring bride. This curve-hugging cut is fitted to the brides body from the chest to the knees, where it flares out. It works best on brides that want to enhance their curvy shape.

Kim Kardashian, Melania trump and Khloe Kardashian stunned in this wedding dress style.

 

A-line:

While similar to a ballgown, the A-line silhouette skirt is more flowy in style. The fitted bodice flows into the skirt forming an upperclass ‘A’ shape.

Priyanka Chopra, Duchess Kate Middleton, and Allison Williams have worn this style.

 

 

Trumpet:

Also known as fit-and-flare, this style is fitted on the bodice and flares out mid thigh, making it a blend of an A-line and mermaid silhouette. It is typically easier to move around in than a mermaid dress. This style works best on brides wanting to accentuate their waists.

Beyonce, Ciara, and Michelle Kwan all wore this style on their Big Day.

 

Empire waist:

This wedding dress silhouette it fitted and flares out underneath the bust. They are flattering for most body shapes and are comfortable to wear.

Celebrity brides that have worn this style include Kelly Clarkson and Priscilla Presley.

 

Drop waist:

The drop waist silhouette is essentially an A-line gown with a lower waistline. Instead of flowing from the natural waist, drop waist gowns begin to flow from the hips. This style hugs your waist and hips, making it perfect for brides wanting to accentuate these parts of their body.

Caroline Kennedy and Poppy Delevigne have worn this style for their wedding day.

 

 

Sheath:

This classic style features a narrow shape that flows  straight down from the neckline to the hemline. Brides with more athletic or lean builds look best in this style. It also works well on petite brides as the straight lines work to elongate bodies.

Celebrity brides that have donned this silhouette include Jada Pinkett Smith and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

 

 

Picture: Unsplash

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In Advice

50 romantic wedding first-dance songs

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Every wedding needs a first-dance song. Music inspires and moves us every day, and your wedding should be no different.

Regardless of your wedding style, we’ve got some romantic melodies to get you in the mood for love. Here are 50 romantic first-dance songs, or just songs to add to your wedding playlist.

  • Your Song – Elton John
  • (Everything I Do) I Do For You – Bryan Adams
  • Best Part – Daniel Caesar

  • (They Long to be) Close to You – The Carpenters
  • Teen Heat – Kimbra
  • Dangerously in Love – Destiny’s Child
  • Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
  • You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
  • Come What May – Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge soundtrack)

  • Songbird – Eva Cassidy
  • Honey – Kehlani
  • Differences – Genuwine
  • Make You Feel My Love – Adele
  • How long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
  • While We’re Young – Jhené Aiko

  • You Give Me Something – James Morrison
  • You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer
  • Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
  • I.F.L.Y – Bazzi
  • When We Were Young – Adele
  • Love on Top – Beyoncé
  • You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oats
  • Be my Baby – The Ronettes
  • If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
  • Adorn – Miguel

  • Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison
  • Shut Up and Dance – Walk The Moon
  • Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
  • Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
  • I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

  • When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
  • Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warner
  • Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
  • A Thousand Years – Christina Perry
  • Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
  • All of Me – John Legend
  • Love Someone – Lukas Graham
  • Always Remember Us This Way – Lady Gaga

  • Ho Hey – The Lumineers
  • All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
  • Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
  • I Like Me Better – Lauv
  • Beyond – Leon Bridges

  • Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner
  • We Belong – Pat Benatar
  • Sucker – The Jonas Brothers
  • Stuck On You – Lionel Richie
  • I Don’t Care – Ed Sheeran feat. Justin Bieber
  • Speechless – Dan + Shay
  • Better – Khalid

Image: Pixabay

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In Decor

Stunning wedding arches to elevate your wedding

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As the backdrop to your wedding, your wedding arch quite literally frames your ceremony. Flowers, fabrics and unusual shapes bring your wedding arch a unique, personal touch guaranteed to wow your guests. Here are some ideas to elevate your wedding arch:

Flower power:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bse0c15lGEl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BziTmsDAANc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JtUbKAEXo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3LCJCDAJeD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1uDEBtITCA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzO2HOVpUcQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Boho bride:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgtQkpASOc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxK5zscgSnp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NxKLSnpnX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Quirky:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0YAA3Ij9kh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MsrrDjtC8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Lcob1JoWk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ULL7yhJ49/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BopMrBSF3An/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

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In Advice

Should you change your surname after marriage?

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Changing your surname to your partner’s last name is often a custom that is expected and not discussed until someone questions why. In a shift away from tradition, it is becoming more common for partners to keep their own surnames and ditch the admin that comes with changing your name.

Where the tradition stems from

Historically, it all started in medieval England where people were known by their Christian names – just a first name. It started to go pear-shaped when names were recycled and there were more than one person with the same name. To distinguish between individuals as well as families, a second name, or surname rather, was chosen for the familial ‘group’ according to occupation or location. It was only later that women who got married had to take on the surname of the man purely based on superiority and patriarchy. This meant the woman had no legal identity apart from the man, and of course the same went for a newborn baby girl who automatically took her father’s surname. Women couldn’t vote, sign a contract, be independently recognised or even start a business if they did not take their husband’s surname.

Changing your name

Our identity is intimately linked to our names. Letting go of that name is hard – it feels like you’re letting go of a part of yourself, even though it won’t change who you are. For example, you could have an Indian surname but marrying a German might make you feel like you can’t identify with your heritage anymore.

Let’s be honest, it’s a shlep. In most cases it’s the woman who will change her maiden name or opt for a hyphenated version of her surname and her husband’s surname. In same-sex marriages it’s the same situation, but it all comes down to the legal aspect of changing every single account or legal document of your entire existence. In South Africa, as of 1992 it is legal for a woman to use her maiden surname, her husband’s surname or, as of 1977, a double-barreled surname after she is married. It’s a lengthy process but it’s not impossible, just be prepared to stand in a few queues.

Keeping your maiden name

For women who have a professional career or a namesake business, it will make things much easier should you wish to keep your maiden name. If you are also the last female family member in line holding onto your specific surname, you might want to keep it. Currently in South Africa, it’s not possible for a man to take a woman’s surname without going through a whole process since there is no set procedure for doing so.

With that said, changing your surname to match you husband’s means you will pass it on to your children, so that everyone in your immediate family shares the the same surname. This traveling easier for everyone and it creates a feeling of unity.

The bottomline is…

It is totally up to you. It is no longer a law that a wife absolutely has to take her husband’s surname, you have to consider what it means to you. More often than not the decision will be purely emotional, rather than practical.

Picture: Unsplash

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In Advice

How to decide on a wedding theme

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By Larissa Vermeulen

A wedding theme is the golden thread running through your occasion, connecting every element, from the venue to the tiniest detail. Because the theme is such an important aspect of your wedding, it may seem like a daunting and overwhelming choice to make – that’s why we’re here to guide you:

The Venue

Where you choose to have your wedding will greatly contribute to the theme, so if you’ve already chosen a venue for your wedding, look at what it has to offer – a grand wedding hall calls for a glamorous approach while a beach venue requires a tropical or simplistic, natural theme.

The Season

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it might not be the best idea to celebrate your nuptials in the midst of winter, so it’s essential to take the season in which your wedding date falls into account. Furthermore, find inspiration in the colour palette of each season. For instance, if you’re planning an autumn or winter wedding, incorporate warm colors such as orange or red, or cooler colours for the warmer months.

The Mood

What kind of celebration do you have in mind? The formality of your event will directly impact the environment of your wedding. If you have always envisioned a formal black-tie event, then go for a glamorous, grand wedding theme. If you and your partner are both a bit more laidback, let that reflect in your chosen theme and go for a relaxed, informal garden party or beach wedding.

The Personal Details

It’s important to incorporate elements of you and your significant other into your wedding theme to make it unique to you as a couple. Have you travelled to any countries together that have inspired you? What is your sense of style? Even the most straightforward details such as what your favourite colour is could help you decide on a theme that is true to you both.

The Culture

Incorporating your cultural heritage into your wedding theme serves as a beautiful tribute as well as adds an element of tradition. It’s common practice for modern-day couples to combine multiple traditions, a dose of modernity and their personal style. These cultural elements could be incorporated in your colour palette, the menu or traditional activities.

The Budget

Most importantly, don’t forget about your budget! Be realistic and keep in mind that certain themes will be more costly than others. Don’t get wrapped up in looks or trends that you’ll regret later on. Having a classic, stylish theme is the way to go, but do incorporate small, fun details inspired by you and your partner to reflect your true personality as a couple.

Image: Unsplash

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In Advice

10 things to know before going dress shopping

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Shopping for your wedding dress is a significant part of your wedding journey. For some brides, this is the time when it all starts to feel real, so make sure your experience is as good as it can possibly get:

1. Take your time

Don’t rush the process. Book an appointment to go look at dresses and try them on, but don’t think of it as something you can do over lunch. You need at least two to three hours to try on as many dresses as you wish, to take your time to look at them properly and consider what they feel like. You’ll most probably be spending a large amount of money on your gown, so take your time to make a proper decision that you won’t regret.

2. Enjoy the attention

With everybody’s eyes fixed on you and all the ooh-ing and aah-ing, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t see this as a time to feel pressured or under scrutiny, but rather as an opportunity to be spoiled and admired. And who doesn’t love that!

3. Wear the right underwear

Don’t make the mistake of wearing black underwear or a bra that doesn’t fit properly. You want to be able to see the complete look as it would be on your wedding day. Take a few options along – a strapless bra, something offering a little more support, stickies and seamless nude panties.

4. Do your homework

It’s important to know what you like, but more importantly, what you don’t like, before putting on a dress. Do some research on silhouettes, types of fabrics, lengths, colours and detail beforehand so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the options on the day of trying on. That said, be open to suggestions and trying on dresses you’re on the fence about. You might end up loving something you never thought you would.

5. Take your own shoes

You need to be able to walk comfortably while wearing your dress, so if you already have your wedding shoes, take them along. If not, take something with a similar heel and height of the shoe you’d probably go for to get the best idea of what’s going to work. This is also important for making sure the length of the dress is right for you.

6. Be realistic

A multi-layered dress with tons of hand-stitched jewels and paperthin straps might look beautiful on the hanger, but if you’re blessed in the bust department, you may need something with a little more support up top. Be realitic about what fits your body type and will flatter you the most instead of setting your sights on something that just won’t work.

7. Set a budget beforehand

You absolutely need to be clear about what you can afford before even setting foot in the shop. Tell your consultant before he/she makes any suggestions so that they can’t force any higher price on you.  This might give you slightly less options, but will avoid you setting your heart on a dress that you just can’t afford. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate – if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.

8. Don’t bring a crowd

Your entire wedding party and their ancestors don’t have to be at your fitting. Everyone has an opinion, and this will just add fuel to your anxiety fire. Take along a bridesmaid, a family member or a friend who knows you and who’s opinion you trust. You want your confidant(s) to be honest with you, but also respect your wishes.

9. Don’t put pressure on yourself

If you’re wanting to lose weight before your wedding, good on you, but don’t let this drive you insane. Don’t put pressure on yourself to fit into a 6 if you’re normally a 10. You can always have a dress altered to make it smaller, but not vice versa. Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to find something immediately or at the first shop you set foot in. Give yourself ample time to shop around and try out as much as possible.

10. Timing is everything

If you’re getting married in a year, now is the time to start booking appointments. If you want to get a dress custom made, you need to give your designer enough time to make the dress, as well as do any alterations if necessary. If you’re buying off the rack, don’t rush it. Shop around and make sure you’re confident in your decision, but also make provision for any alterations, so that you know your dress will be completely ready a month in advance.

 

Image: Unsplash

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In Advice

How do you know when you are ready for marriage?

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Deciding who to spend forever with is a life-changing decision. We spoke to Cape Town-based life coach, Helen Searra, on how to determine whether you are ready for marriage or not.
“There are a number of signs that indicate when we are ready for marriage, starting with our circle of close friends.  For instance, when our friends take their romantic relationship to a more serious and committed level, like getting engaged. This thought of following suit may become more apparent, where it may have only been a subconscious idea beforehand,” said Searra.
She continued, “when we can’t imagine our lives without our partner, we identify them as our soulmate and are drawn to creating our own sanctuary to share with them. This is a sign.”
“When speaking to each other about long-term plans and believing that one can be in a relationship with one’s partner forever. Knowing that one wants to be married rather than just the idea of having a wedding day. These are all tell-tale signs,” explained Searra.
“When we have ticked off the things on our bucket list of a single life and are confident the rest of our bucket list would include our partner or bring no harm to the relationship.”
“When our family and friends love our partner and we have discussed our different family types, belief systems and cultural differences and begin designing our own set of rules, as two separate individuals being on the same page. When we reach a certain emotional and spiritual maturity,  both having a voice,  and are able to find our way back to each other after a disagreement. These are all indicators that one is ready for marriage,” concluded Searra.
Helen Searra is a Cape Town-based life coach. She has been practicing for 10 years in her field. She offers individual counselling sessions and couples counselling both in person or remotely over Skype. She offers package deals of either 4, 6 or 8 sessions. To enquire for a rates card, contact Helen at [email protected]. 
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In Advice

Save the planet… one eco-friendly wedding at a time

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By Yashna Balwanth

Contrary to popular belief, being environmentally and socially responsible on your wedding day is easier and possibly cheaper than you think. What could possibly be more important than protecting the Earth? Small considerations can make a world of difference – like using seasonal and local flowers flowers instead of importing them.

Being eco-friendly is fashionable, will boost your eco-consciousness levels – and perhaps even turn a few guests into eco-warriors. We’ve put together a few conscious decisions to consider to make your special day more eco-friendly and your wallet a little happier.

Disposable confetti
Every bride wants to be showered in glittery confetti. In reality, you are throwing microplastics everywhere. An eco-friendlier alternative to this is to use biodegradable confetti which are made from flower petals. Or punch out confetti circles from leaves, colour them metallic and voilà. These are materials that still look as beautiful in pictures and will do exactly the same job.

 

Re-use wedding attire
Being eco-friendly also means finding more than one use for certain items, this includes wedding attire. By allowing your bridal party to choose their own style of dress within your colour palette, they will wear the dress again since it is something they have chosen for themselves. The bride’s dress can also be a vintage or pre-loved garment, perhaps handed down through generations. Don’t grow too attached to your wedding gown, you can have it altered once the wedding is over into two separate pieces of a top and skirt, then mix and match it within your closet for multiple uses.

 

Potted vs cut flowers
Cut flowers do not have a long lifespan. Why not opt for a potted centerpiece instead? These can also double up as wedding favours for guests to take home, which help save on costs. However, if you really do want cut flowers for decor, work with a company that can have the flowers reused after the function or even donated to a hospital or community centre.

 

Digital stationery
Let’s be real for a second… how many of us actually save wedding invites of friends and family? This is wasted paper and a waste of money printing invitations that still need to be hand delivered to guests. Besides the digital realm keeping us in touch with one another, it has also helped with invitations and notices to guests. Wedding websites can be set up for minimal costs and can also keep track of the guests who have rsvp’d and those who have not.

 

Food donations
It comes as no surprise that weddings attract a lot of wastage when it comes to food. Whether guests didn’t show up, or caterers over prepared, there is always waste of perfectly good food that shouldn’t be thrown away. Perhaps leftovers can be donated to a shelter for the homeless or even handed out to a nearby children’s school. Ensure your caterers are aware of your plans to donate so the food is not thrown out unintentionally.

Picture: Pixabay

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