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A wedding day is a time for celebration. Chances are, however, some might celebrate a bit too hard. Wedding hangovers can be pretty harsh for your guests, so why not help them recover?

Wedding hangover kits have become popular wedding favours in recent years. What’s great about this favour is that it’s easily DIY’ed, and couples can add whatever they want.

Credit: Pinterest
If you plan on making your own kit, consider adding some of these items:

– Over-the-counter pain pills, e.g Panado for those pounding headaches

– A bottle of water to prevent a dry throat

–  An eye mask to reduce puffiness

– plasters for those blisters after dancing all night long

– A granola bar for energy

– sunglasses to hide those bloodshot eyes

– gum or mouth wash

– a mini bottle of alcohol because… you know, hair of the dog

Credit: Pinterest

Feature image: Unsplash

You will most likely be stressing about numerous things before your wedding – your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Here is what not to do to your skin before the big day.

1. Spend too much time in the sun

Don’t try to get the tan of your life right before your big day. You could get burnt and you and your skin will be dehydrated, and it will show. On that note, stay away from tanning beds as well; they can just as much – if not more – damage your skin.

Take a look in the mirror and think about whether you actually need a tan. If you do, rather try a subtle self-tanning product for a few weeks leading up to the big day. Start toning it down a week before.

And remember to wear sunscreen every single day, even on your wedding day, to ensure you stay sun safe.

2. Pick at blemishes

This doesn’t only apply to your pre-wedding preparations but it’s great advice for every time you are tempted to pick. Picking, squeezing or scratching a spot on your face will cause scarring. We know it’s incredibly hard not to pop that pimple as soon as it arises, but it’s important to leave it alone. The bacteria underneath your nails can penetrate this vulnerable area, causing swelling and redness.

Instead, apply a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide (not toothpaste!) to the area twice a day after cleansing, and try to leave it alone.

If you are struggling with a painful, cystic spot right before the big day, visit your dermatologist and have a cortisone shot in the affected area. This will help considerably more than any topical treatment.

3. Change your routine

Every bride wants her skin to be perfect. Stick to what you know works for you and don’t try to switch up your routine a month before. Your skin WILL freak out.

A few months before your wedding, introduce your skin to a brightening treatment (containing malic acid or vitamin C) paired with a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid. Cell turnover takes approximately 30 days, so any new treatment you use will only begin to show its effects after a month.

Pro tip: Don’t use an acne treatment if you do not have problem skin as a preventative measure. It will only dry out your skin and you won’t glow as much when you say ‘I do.’

4. Get a peel too soon before your wedding day 

Getting a harsh chemical peel a few days before your wedding won’t be beneficial in the least. A peel of any kind requires some downtime, and your skin needs to chill out for a week or more.

A peel literally removes a layer of skin, cleansing deep down into your pores, and revealing smooth and glowing skin. It helps in the disappearance of ance, scars, wrinkles and a rough texture, but it will not give you perfect skin overnight.

Try a peel way in advance to see how it works for you, and then go for another (more gentle, if necessary) session at least two months before your wedding. They are one of the greatest things you can do for perfect wedding skin, but always be sure to chat to your therapist to make sure your timing and choice of treatment is spot on.

5. Get too stressed out 

Don’t forget to make time for yourself, meditate and breathe. All the stress of planning and making sure every detail is perfect will take a massive toll on your skin. Try listening to soothing music before bed, take a long bath, and breathe long and deep breaths to calm down your nervous system. And remember to hydrate!

More and more bridal couples are looking to cut their spending. Whether it’s purchasing affordable wedding dresses on SHEIN or throwing an intimate ceremony for friends and family, “cheap” is the new word on the wedding streets.

The latest wedding trends seem to reflect this as brides and grooms-to-be look to splurge on items and memories that are closest to their hearts (like a honeymoon for instance), and it’s all thanks to our post-pandemic world.

So, just what are these wedding trends?

The bar revamped: 

Alcohol can add quite a hefty sum to your wedding budget and appears modern bridal couples are unwilling to pay the price. They’re opting out of offering guests a bar tab but are choosing to switch this with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.

Winter weddings are a whole lot cosier as hot beverage stations are available throughout the event. From spiced rooibos to non-alcoholic sparkling wines, bridal are looking to switch things up in the best way possible.

The intimate wedding 

One of the best things to come out of the pandemic is the trend of the intimate wedding. Brides and grooms are ditching the big wedding day affair in favour of smoothing smaller.

After all, this is a time to connect with loved ones and celebrate something loving and special. The guest list has gotten smaller and so have the locations, and this bodes well for couples looking to keep things simple and affordable.

Stepping outside the box 

Tradition has been thrown out the window when it comes to wedding attire. Gone are the days of brides walking down the aisle in a white or wedding dress as more trends looking towards colour. Think untraditional colours such as black, red, pink – anything the bride fancies. Cosplay outfits are also fast becoming a “thing” for couples looking to indulge their adventures selves.

Supporting small businesses

Many small businesses suffered under the intense lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led many individuals, including brides and grooms, to favour small business owners – a trend we hope will continue.

Aspiring home cooks and food vendors getting on their feet are now the go-to as the new wedding trend looks to skip “traditional” wedding vendors in favour of small businesses.

Feature Image: olguinphotography

As wedding costs continue to soar, saving a few bucks is always a welcome relief. Caterers, decor, food, drinks – the list goes on.

But one cost that always seems to always take a good chunk of the budget is the wedding dress. One bride decided to seriously cut costs by heading to the online fashion platform SHEIN to purchase her dress. For approximately R700, the Californian bride looked incredible in her all-white ensemble.

This got us thinking… are there any cute wedding dresses local brides could purchase?

Here are a few of our favourites: 

Fit for a queen

SHEIN
  • Cost: R948

Puffed and off the shoulder

SHEIN
  • Cost: R979

A dress fit for any occasion 

SHEIN
  • Cost: R881

For the bold bride 

SHEIN
  • Cost: R601

A fairytale dress

SHEIN
  • Cost: R1009

Bohemian meets royalty

SHEIN
  • Cost: R1168

Refined elegance 

SHEIN
  • Cost: R401

Keeping it simple 

SHEIN
  • Cost: R359

Small, intimate, sexy

SHEIN
  • Cost: 

Shipping notes: 

The cost of shipping is dependent on your purchase amount with free shipping available for those who have purchased over R1000. It’s also important to note that you will be liable for customs duty and VAT on your order. Orders can be received within a week or two, but usually this is delayed when customers do not pay the amount at customs – so make sure you pay!

Happy shopping!

Feature image: Kiara Brokenbrough

You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said “I do,” and now it’s time to get down and boogie! The first dance as a married couple is deeply personal and oh-so-romantic, so making sure you have the right song to sway back and forth to is sure to keep those wonderful wedding day memories alive. 

If you’re looking for the most romantic songs out there, you’ll be happy to know that a survey conducted by The Black Tux found the perfect playlist thanks to over 900 married couples from all age groups revealing their favourite tunes. 

The most requested first-dance song, you ask? “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers with classic love songs from Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley also making the list.

If you’re stumped on what to play as the MC welcomes you as newlyweds, why not take a peek at the 15 most requested first-dance songs: 

1. “500 Miles,” by Sleeping at Last

Loved-up Lyrics: “But I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles/To fall down at your door.”

2. “Unchained Melody,” by The Righteous Brothers

Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my love, my darling/I’ve hungered for your touch”

3. “Amazed,” by Lonestar

Lyrics of Love: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side/Forever and ever”

 

4. “Perfect Duet,” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé

Lyrics of Love: “But darling, just kiss me slow/Your heart is all I own/And in your eyes, you’re holding mine”

 

5. “All of Me,” by John Legend

Lyrics of Love: “Give your all to me/I’ll give my all to you/You’re my end and my beginning”

 

6. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Aerosmith

Lyrics of Love: “The sweetest dream will never do/I’d still miss you, babe/And I don’t want to miss a thing”

 

7. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Jasmine Thompson

Lyrics of Love: “So I’m gonna love you/Like I’m gonna lose you/I’m gonna hold you/Like I’m saying goodbye”

 

8. “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra

Lyrics of Love: “There is nothing for me but to love you/And the way you look tonight”

 

9. “At Last,” by Etta James

Lyrics of Love: “At last my love has come along/My lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah”

 

10. “Sons and Daughters,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “And I, I’ll wrap myself/Around your heart/I’ll be the walls of his heart”

 

11. “Yours,” by Russell Dickerson

Lyrics of Love: “I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I’m yours”

 

12. “Kiss Me,” by Ed Sheeran

Lyrics of Love: “And your heart’s against my chest, your lips pressed in my neck/I’m falling for your eyes, but they don’t know me yet/And with a feeling I’ll forget, I’m in love now”

 

13. “Escapade,” by Janet Jackson

Lyrics of Love: “Come on baby, let’s get away/Let’s save our troubles for another day”

 

14. “Sweetest Thing,” by Allman Brown

Lyrics of Love: “You’re the sweetest thing that I ever did see/Like a bird taking way/Tears that set you free”

 

15. “Speechless,” by Dan + Shay

Lyrics of Love: “And I’m speechless/You already know that you’re my weakness/After all this time I’m just as nervous”

Feature Image: Pinterest

Modern couples are increasingly looking for new ways to add a little “spice” in the bedroom, but it may not be in the way you think. 

Couples choosing to sleep apart has become a rather common practice with studies backing the growing trend and according to sleep scientists, 1 in 4 couples are opting to sleep in separate beds. 

While more and more couples are enjoying the covers all to themselves, there’s still a certain level of stigma attached to this choice, however, it’s nothing new. The wealthy have been doing it for decades and you only need to pop on an episode of Netflix’s The Crown and check out the sleeping arrangements of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip to find examples of this. 

One newlywed couple recently went viral for sharing their out-of-the-ordinary sleeping arrangements. Hailing from the United Kingdom, Nelly and Andrew Grecian claim that sleeping separately has benefitted their relationship as they often feel refreshed and revitalised when they wake up in the morning. 

But while some couples are reaping the benefits, just what does science have to say about it? 

When sleep is measured objectively, people will actually sleep worse with a partner. This makes sense when you consider that having a partner who snores is basically a recipe for a disruptive night’s rest. However, when asked whether you’d prefer to sleep with your partner in the same bed, you’d likely answer “yes.”

According to scientists, this suggests that our social brain prioritises a need for closeness and security at night, even when traded in for a good night’s rest. However, no matter your sleeping preferences, couples need to prioritise sleep when it comes to their relationship. 

A rather interesting study found that when the sleep and relationship quality of heterosexual couples were analysed, it found that when male subjects slept worse, they often reported their relationship quality suffered the next day. In contrast to this, on days when female subjects were not happy about their relationship, both her sleep and her husband’s sleep suffered that night. 

Wendy M. Troxel PhD, a senior behavioural and social scientist and the woman behind “How to sleep like your relationship depends on it,” reiterates this. But what’s her conclusion on the matter?

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to couples and their sleeping strategies, but couples will need to learn the art of prioritising sleep for the betterment of their relationship and lives. After all, sleep occupies around one-third of our lives with research indicating that when you’re well-rested, you’re a better communicator, happier, more empathetic, and more attractive. 

Feature Image: Pexels

The first year of marriage is always marital bliss, especially when you have heaps of debt behind your name. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming up the perfect wedding – bells and whistles included – walking down the aisle doesn’t have to mean walking straight into wedding debt.

Overspending on your wedding day may just cancel out the marital bliss everyone enthusiastically talks about. According to a 2019 study by LendingTree concluded that 45% of newlyweds between the ages of 18 and 53 went into debt to pay for the wedding. And with many South African couples paying between R80 000 – R120 000, as per Standard Bank, it’s no surprise why.

While getting married can be an expensive business, sometimes it helps to stop and think before making a big purchase on Kim Kardashian-esque flower wall.

Trade debt for memories 

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the tasks and balance sheets of planning a wedding, but it’s important to remember why everyone is really attending your wedding – love. The food, DJ, wedding photographer, and signature drink are just the cherry on top of your love and commitment cake, and it’s important to keep this at the centre of your planning.

Get on the same page

According to the same 2019 study, nearly 76% of newlyweds who reported they went into debt also stated they argued over wedding-related expenses. The remedy? Bridal couples need to get on the same page when determining what they’re spending their hard-earned cash on. Creating a wedding budget and discussing expense details are two ways for avid debt collectors. If you’re looking to splurge on an open bar, make sure you’re both comfortable with how long it will be “open,” what liquor will be available, and what the total will come to.

Stick to your boundaries

We’ve all heard the phrase: “keeping up with the Joneses,” but sometimes it’s okay to watch them cruise on by. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming which can easily lead to bridal couples listening to the opinions of others. A great way to avoid being swayed by friends and family members and what they’d like to see at your wedding is by writing down a list of wedding priorities that are important to you and your partner. Consider what is “worth-it” and what is “non-negotiable,” this will provide you with a better foundation with which to smile and say “no, thank you.”

Feature Image: Pinterest

 

Every bride and groom attempts to make their wedding day as dreamy as possible. Unfortunately, going all out by having the biggest cake and wedding venue can sometimes feel as though it’s costing you an arm and a leg.

If you’re looking to save money but don’t know where to cut costs, here are a few genius ideas:

One-tiered wedding cakes are the way to go

Picture: Maggie Austin Cakes

When it comes to cake, bigger isn’t always better. More and more couples are ditching the extravagant three-tiered wedding cakes for something simpler. One-tiered desserts can be just as breathing-taking as their bigger counterparts and a smaller display can always be made a bit more eye-catching with a dessert bar.

Who needs a centrepiece?

Picture: Michelle Boyd Photography

No really… who does? Ditch the massive centrepieces and opt for something more demure… budget-friendly bud holders. Make it extra special by choosing a flower that has a special meaning; perhaps the romantic rose or beautiful tulip? No matter which flowers you choose to display, slim bud holders will make this a lot more affordable.

Get fruity…

Picture: Pinterest

If bud holders are just too simple for you, go all out by taking the organic approach. Grab lemons, apples, oranges, or your favourite fruit, and sprinkle them with flower petals. Take things up a notch by adding gold fruit!

Opt for an elegant buffet

Picture: Pinterest

We’ve never heard anyone complain when presented with a delicious and abundant buffet. Opting for a wedding buffet to keep your guests satisfied could help you save money in the long run, including staffing costs.

Take a chance on photography talent

Picture: Pinterest

It’s no secret that wedding photographers can be quite pricey, especially those that have established themselves. A great way to save on costs is to seek out a photographer that’s talented but trying to make a name for themselves. Who knows? You may have the next Annie Leibovitz photographing your wedding.

Invest in a wedding website

Picture: Pinterest

This is a cute and paperless way to let guests know they’re invited to your upcoming nuptials! It’s also a great way to save money with a wedding website costing R1000 – depending on who you choose to create your website. Provide guests with all relevant information in one place, including, wedding details, rehearsal details and RSVP options.

No need for top-shelf liquor 

While there’s nothing with wanting to serve your guests the best liquor out there, sometimes it helps to cut down on costs by cutting down on brand names. Do your guests really need Johnnie Walker Gold.

Feature Image: Jana Williams Photography

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

Your wedding photographs are one of the few tangible reminders you’ll have of your big day. If you haven’t already thought of it, a wedding video will also allow you to watch the day unfold again – bit by bit.

You’ll relive almost every experience from the recital of your vows to showing off your moves on the dance floor. But don’t settle for just any old chump with a video-camera. A quality videographer does not come cheap and considering your wedding video will last for a lifetime,  you can’t afford to take the time to do your homework.

If you’re researching potential videographers and are unsure of how to go about picking one, make sure to ask them these important questions.

How long have you been shooting weddings?

As with many other professionals, it’s normally the videographers who have the most experience under their belt who you can count on to produce the best results. Being aware that there are no chances for second takes at weddings, a seasoned pro will be prepared to capture all the candid moments on your big day, be able to competently cope with unpredictable mishaps and be sharp enough to spot the heartfelt yet less noticeable moments those still new to the game may miss.

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for someone with less experience. If they’re new to the wedding game but have solid references from other types of shoots, they may still be the perfect option.

What’s your style of shooting?

Two main styles can be adopted: cinematic and documentary. A cinematic style, as the name implies, involves using feature-film methods to craft an arty movie. In contrast, a documentary-style involves outlining all the highlights of the event from beginning to end.

To avoid disappointment, ensure your videographer’s style matches your expectations by watching previous wedding films they’ve shot.

How does your pricing work?

Videographers usually require you pay a flat rate based on the number of hours they’ll be shooting. They might also have designed fixed packages that include different products and services for different budgets. Whether your videographer bills you a flat rate or you’re opting for a package, it’s crucial you’re crystal clear on what is and isn’t part of the deal.

Note: Have any agreement you make with them sent to you in writing so if you’re disappointed with the product after, you have documentation outlining the promises made.

What does your schedule look like on my wedding date?

You want your videographer to focus solely on your wedding so make sure they have nothing else planned for that day. Having only one wedding to shoot guarantees your videographer will give you their undivided attention and that they’ll capture every aspect of the occasion they agreed to. Juggling multiple weddings or shoots in one day could mean your videographer does a rushed job.

Will you be the one shooting my wedding?

Some videographers work for large studios that commonly take on several projects per day or weekend. When you first make contact, you probably won’t speak to the person who will be filming your wedding. If this is the case, get the contact details of the videographer assigned to you and set up a meeting with them. This will give you the chance to get comfortable with them as well as ask them any pressing questions about their style of shooting.

Will you be working with an assistant?

Having an assistant is key because it’ll be challenging or nearly impossible for all the necessary footage to be shot without one. To make your video exciting, it’s best to have certain parts of your wedding and, most of all, your ceremony, shot from varying angles. Keep in mind that having more than three videographers isn’t recommended because they’ll probably end up getting in each other’s way – and possibly your photographer’s too.

Which photographers have you enjoyed working with?

Your photographer and videographer will operate as a close-knit team to create valuable footage that’ll last a lifetime. So it’s a huge plus if they’ve had positive experiences with each other before – and even better if they come as a package! If they’ve never worked together, set up a meeting before the wedding to chat about their approach to collaborating as they document the day’s events. If they compete, rather than co-operate, to get shots, it could lead to tension – and terrible photographs and footage.

Picture: Pexels