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Magical ideas for a Harry Potter-themed wedding

June 9, 2020 No Comments

If you can accurately sort people into houses soon after meeting them, you might just be a Potter head. Harry Potter fans are diehards and have supported this much-loved franchise since the first book came out in 1997.

Whether you’re a Griffindor with a heart of gold or a Slitherin with a cunning personality, this theme is perfect for you. Add a dose of magical realism to your big day by incorporating some special references to your favourite franchise.

Here are some ideas that will have you spellbound:

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Advice on drastic colour changes from Wella Professionals, for Bride-to-be’s

June 8, 2020 No Comments

Bride-to-be’s have dozens of nightmares leading up to their wedding day, but your hair doesn’t have to be one of them! A bad hair day on your big day can be avoided by following these 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

When booking your appointment with a hair salon, make sure to mention if the appointment is for a specific occasion, so that the hair salon can make sure they have adequate time for the perfect consultation. A perfect consultation will help your hairdresser select the best suitable hair colour and hairstyle for your big day. Your eye colour, skin tone, hair history, current hair condition and facial shape plays an important role in this decision.

Find a Wella Professionals hair salon near you HERE.

Step 2: Prepare your hair at home

Moisture and hair condition is critical! So you should invest in a professional home care treatment range, such as the Wella Professional Fusion Range, which is an instant and long-lasting hair care recovery regimen. It contains Silksteel Technology that provides 95% more resilience against breakage. Creating a soft as silk and strong as steel hair texture. Also, give your hair a break from heat styling for a while, before your appointment.

Shop the Wella Professionals Fusion Range HERE.

Step 3: The Colour Change

Dark to light – This can be a tricky process. It is important to be honest about your hair history with your hairdresser and make sure to have realistic expectations, because the end result might not be achieved at the first appointment.

Wella Professionals Color Renew is a zero-damage colour reducer that optimises and prepares your hair for a new colour, by removing the current colour from your hair, without affecting your natural hair colour. This service can be performed more than once on the same day, depending on the colour build up in the hair.

Wella Professionals WellaPlex is another great treatment option to use when going from dark to light. It works as a bond multiplier, which links the bonds inside the hair, reducing damage during the lightening process.

Ask your hairdresser about Color Renew and WellaPlex, should you want to change your hair colour.

Light to Dark – This desired result is far more achievable with your first appointment. Wella Professionals KPME+ will provide you with even, pure colour results with natural depth and shine and it requires very little prep and salon time.

It is also important to invest in a good professional home care range to ensure your colour stays true to tone and does not go brassy. The Wella Professionals Brilliance Range is pH optimised, which means that the low pH formula helps to de-swell the cuticles after colouration, ensuring up to 7 weeks colour protection.

Shop the Wella Professionals Brilliance Range HERE.

Remember, having a visual reference with you is another great tool for the hairdresser to use, because everyone sees colour differently!

Step 4: Know your stylist

Certain colour changes, such as removal of unwanted tones, are more difficult and should be handled by a true colour expert. Stick to one hairdresser for the duration of your wedding journey and make sure you understand each other.

Step 6: Book a post-colour appointment

Schedule another appointment 1 week after your colour change for a Wella Professionals Illumina Glossing Service. This will add an extra glow and shine to your locks, before you say ‘I DO’! This is a quick and super easy service to add shine and refresh colour all in one.

The time leading up to your big day can be very emotional and stressful. Be sure not to leave everything for the last minute.

Find a Wella Professionals hair salon near you HERE.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Fun ways to incorporate fruit into your wedding day

June 5, 2020 No Comments

Fruit isn’t just for eating! Apples, oranges, lemons and berries are full of benefits beyond what they do for your body.

Using fruit on your wedding day is a super easy and simple way to incorporate colour and a feeling of freshness to your day. Another bonus: your venue will smell amazing!

From seating charts to decor and even your bridal bouquet, here are a few ways to incorporate fruit into your big day.

Seating chart:

Escort cards:

Table decor:

Bouquet:

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The perfect wedding cake based on your zodiac sign

June 5, 2020 No Comments

Having trouble choosing your perfect wedding cake? Why not turn to the stars?

Astrology helps many people across the world make big decisions on a daily basis. Whether or not you believe in it, it’s always interesting to see if your horoscope matches up with reality.

These cakes have been perfectly designed to reflect your astrological sign.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries individuals are trend-setters. Being the first sign in the zodiac, they love to lead the way and rarely go with the status quo.

The bold and adventurous Aries deserves a cake to match. We suggest turning the concept of a wedding cake on its head, literally, by going for an upside down cake. Hang it from an ornate chandelier for even more lavishness.

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Taurus (April 20–May 20)

This sign is all about the finer things in life. Taurus individuals are ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. As such, they’re all about luxury and perfection.

A marble wedding cake is perfect to show off your luxe design aesthetic. This cake is put together and glamorous but not over-the-top, just like a Taurean.

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Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Gemini’s are notorious for having conflicting personality points. They are energetic, youthful and versatile yet quiet and contemplative.

The best bet is to go for a cake that offers the best of both worlds. A two tier wedding cake that mixes edgy with classy will speak to your Gemini personality.

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Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Cancers are highly emotional and passionate beings. They’re often hopeless romantics who just love love.

Considering their love for all things romance, a Valentines Day cake seems especially fitting for Cancereans. Go for reds, pinks and whites, and throw in some heart details to really get the lovey-dovey feels going.

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Leo (July 23–August 22)

Like their spirit animal, the lion, leo’s tend to see themselves as the king of the jungle. They are bold personalities who like to make a statement.

With such an out-there personality, why bother with a traditional cake at all? we suggest an alternative like a cheese cake, a fruit cake or a cookie tower!

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Virgo (August 23–September 22)

Virgo’s are practical perfectionists. Logical and dependable, this Earth sign is known for taking a systematic approach to life. Their style tends to be modest, simple, and polished, just like they are.

We suggest a simple wedding cake with detail that focuses on symmetry and clean lines.

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Libra (September 23–October 22)

Libra’s are all about balance, much like their symbolic zodiac sign, the scale. They love symmetry and harmony. Like Taureans, Libra’s are also ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money, and are thus big fans of luxury and beauty.

A cake that uses simple design in a bold way is key for the Libra individual. Adding texture creates that extra oomph and provides a sense of grandeur.

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Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

There is no sign more passionate than Scorpio. This water sign is the most closely linked to sex, seduction and pleasure. They are also detail oriented and mysterious.

We suggest taking a walk on the dark side with a black cake that exudes sophistication, mystery and romance.

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Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

Sagittarius individuals are typically fun-loving and free spirited. They love to roam free and explore the various facets of the world and life.

A bo-ho aesthetic works well for this sign. Think dried botanicals and macrame in unruly shapes and sizes.

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Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

Capricorns are the classy sign. They are typically very grounded and thoughtful, preferring the simpler things in life.

We suggest a traditional cake with stunning floral detail that will appeal to your Capricorn senses.

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Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

Aquarians are represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life upon the land. They are graceful yet bold, and stand firm to their beliefs.

Stick to the sign’s water theme with a wedding cake that subtly references the ocean. A blue marble effect with pearl detailing is sweet, unique and makes a gentle statement.

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Pisces (February 19–March 20)

Pisces individuals are dreamers, often at odds with fantasy and reality. They tend to be empathetic, compassionate and sensitive.

Pisces individuals deserve a whimsical cake to match their personalities. Go for unusual detail and lots of texture to create a dream come to life.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

How to make a DIY wedding bouquet

June 4, 2020 No Comments

In most cases, DIY is the cheaper and more fun option. Do you really need any other reason to take up a DIY project? If you do, we’re giving you one. A DIY wedding bouquet is not only quick and easy to do, but it also adds an extra special personal touch to your wedding day.

Imagine walking down the aisle, seeing your love await you at the end. You’re already beaming with pride. Now, you get to add to that pride, knowing that the bouquet you’re carrying was hand-made by you!

If you’re considering building your bouquet from scratch, here’s how to do it:

– You have options, use them

While you may have to stick to one vendor for other aspects of your wedding, with flowers you can mix and match. This means you can go to your local market (or several markets) and hand-pick your bouquet flowers, which makes it all the more special. Choose the ones that feel perfect to you.

-Look for inspiration on Pinterest

Before you go shopping, be sure you have an idea of what you’d like. This will make picking the flowers much less overwhelming when you’re there. Also keep seasonality in mind.

– Prepare your flowers

Once you’ve got a hold of the blooms that will make up your bouquet, remove the foliage from the stems using your hands or a stem stripper. If you’ve chosen roses, ensure that you’ve removed the thorns. Next you’ll trim the stems to ensure that they are all the same length.

– Organise the bouquet

Choose about 4 flowers for the base of your bouquet, then wrap their stems together (preferably with floral tape). Ensure that you have left some exposed stem at the bottom.

– Add as you please

To create your dream bouquet, add more flowers around the base flowers. Keep things like texture and colour in mind as you add, and wrap with floral tape at each layer.

– Wrap and Pin

Once you have decided your bouquet is perfect, give it one final wrapping of floral tape and leave some exposed stem at the top and bottom. Next, using ribbon to cover the floral tape, wrap the stems once more and pin it when you’re done.

– Preserve

Once the bouquet is prepped and read, over it in tissue and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep it looking fresh until you’re ready to walk down the aisle.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

A truly moving wedding venue: Rovos Rail

June 3, 2020 No Comments

Static wedding venues are so last season. Why not get your marriage started on a journey literally with a wedding aboard a train!

The Rovos Rail in Pretoria is South Africa’s most luxurious train, linking the country to destinations such as Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, Victoria Falls and Namibia. There are a number of inter-country trails as well.

The train was first established in 1989, and has since earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experience.

“With discreet and friendly service, fine cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s top wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration,” says Rovos Rail on their website.

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The events train can be hired for a truly unique wedding day. Couples and guests will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by the old-world elegance of the 1920s. Guests are greeted at the private station by a sparkling wine reception before the bride makes her grand entrance in the cab of a steam locomotive.

Couples say their vows on the large train platform in the Edwardian station, with the old steam train in the background. Following the ceremony, guests step aboard the luxury train for a unique reception.

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The train accommodates up to 250 guests and rental includes the train journey as well as a 5-star four-course dinner or lunch, canapés, wait staff, and a full bar hire. Of course, we cannot forget about the stunning views of the passing scenery.

The train’s interior is designed to emulate the old world glamour of the 1920s.

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Would you say ‘I do’ to a train wedding?

Feature image: Instagram / Rovos Rail

In Advice

Lucky and unlucky months to get married in

June 2, 2020 No Comments

Some believe you make your own luck, others hold fast to age-old traditions and superstitions. We’re not here to judge. In fact, many cultures swear by certain dates and times as being good for marriages, while naming other months as a wedding date will undoubtedly extract a gasp from some.

An old rhyme would guide many in choosing their wedding month through the years (although it does seem to revolve around the weather of the northern hemisphere, so you might want to take it with a pinch of salt). We take a look at some of the months that will see you have a long and happy marriage, and which months to steer clear of.

When to say ‘I do’:

February: “Married in February’s sleepy weather, Life you’ll tread in tune together.”

June: “Married in month of roses – June – Life will be one long honeymoon.”

July: “Married in July, with flowers ablaze, Bitter-sweet mem’ries in after days.”

August: “Married in August’s heat and drowse, Lover and friend in your chosen spouse.”

September: “Married in September’s golden glow, Smooth and serene your life will go.”

November: “Married in veils of November mist, Fortune your wedding-ring has kissed.”

December: “Married in days of December cheer, Love’s star shines brighter from year to year.”

When to say ‘I don’t’

January: “Married in January’s hoar and rime, Widowed you’ll be before your prime.”

March: “Married when March winds shrill and roar, Your home will lie on a distant shore.”

April: “Married ‘neath April’s changeful skies, A chequered path before you lies.”

October: “Married when leaves in October thin, Toil and hardships for you begin.”

The rhyme and its wisdoms sourced from Chest of Books.

Also read: Lucky and unlucky days to get married

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Wonderful ideas for a winter wedding

June 1, 2020 No Comments

Winter is coming. While this season might not be the obvious choice for a wedding day, it actually has many benefits.

Winter weddings add a special feeling of cosy romance and magic to even the frostiest of days. Using decor pieces like fairylights, candles and tons of greenery, any space can be transformed into a winter wonderland.

If you’re having your big day during the winter, remember to offer treats and favours that will warm up your guests in more ways than one. We’ve got some sweet ideas for you to try.

Decor:

Drinks and treats:

Send-offs and favours:

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Creative guest book ideas your guests will love

May 26, 2020 No Comments

A wedding guest book does not have to mean pen and paper only. As weddings evolve and modernise, couples are looking for more creative ways to still incorporate traditional elements into their big day.

The guest book allows you to preserve memories from your nearest and dearest. Traditionally, couples go for a hardcover book for guests to sign. However, this easily gets sidelined amid the various exciting points of a wedding.

Make sure your guest book is a moment itself by offering a fun and creative way to sign. Besides encouraging more people to sign, having an alternative guest book allows you to have a creative and functional decor piece to display in your home and remind you of the good times.

Here are some cute ideas:

For the record:

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Shake it like a polaroid picture:

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Wait a minute, Mr Postman:

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The Bucket List:

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You’re my world:

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Tile-tastic:

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Pretty as a puzzle:

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Let’s play a game:

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Take a seat:

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Surf’s up:

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Feature image: Instagram

In Advice

4 ways to be kinder to your hair

May 19, 2020 No Comments

There is finally time to whip your hair into shape during lockdown. Making simple changes to your hair care habits and being more conscious about the products we use will help in the journey to achieve vibrant colour, stronger hair and greater shine.

1. Read the labels

Let’s be honest, it’s no easy feat to decipher a product label. Instead, focus on what you don’t want in your product, or what you could be allergic to, and make sure it’s not present. Scan your formula for ingredients such as PPD, PPT and PTD – all colouring agents with similar chemical structures that could cause severe allergic reactions. Try to avoid sulphates and parabens in your hair care products as this could cause irritation and allergic reactions, so rather reach for ‘cleaner’ products – they’re also kinder to the Earth.

2. Choose colour wisely

Healthy hair is associated with glossy, vibrant colour, which can more often than not only be achieved in a salon. When we can’t visit our favourite colourist, we need to make sure we prep our hair as best we can. Something to look forward to though, is the Koleston Perfect ME+ colour from Wella, which is free from harmful colour molecules, yet still able to provide you with brilliant colour and strong hair, thanks to PureBalance Technology. Make a stop at your closest Wella salon after lockdown to get salon ready locks.

3. Treat your tresses

Like you give your skin an extra dose of TLC every now and then, remember to do the same for your hair. On days you plan to wash your hair at night, drench roots to ends in a mixture made of half a cup of honey and a quarter cup of olive oil. Heat the mixture, generously coat your hair and tie in to a bun. Once you are able to visit your nearest Wella salon, give their Element’s care system a try which is free of sulphates, parabens and artificial colourants!

4. Let your hair down

If you generally keep your hair tied up or pinned back, you’ll know the stress it can cause on your scalp. To give your roots a rest, sleep with your hair loose and invest in a silk pillowcase to avoid unnecessary snagging and moisture loss overnight.

To shop Elements online: https://bit.ly/2Ls2XYi

To shop the sale: https://bit.ly/3epZ6s7

To find a Wella salon: http://bit.ly/2lHp3wj

Feature image: Unsplash