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Battle of the Bubbles: Prosecco vs Sparkling Wine

April 17, 2020 No Comments

Synonymous with celebrations and a must at every wedding, everyone enjoys a glass of bubbly on the odd occasion. Feminine, sophisticated and classy, Prosecco is popular not only in South Africa where sales are up 24%. Globally 325 million bottles of this premium Italian sparkling wine are sold per year: that’s a lot more than the ‘odd occasion’. So why is Prosecco so popular? And where does Sparkling Wine fit in?

Here are some pointers from Rowan Leibbrandt, founding owner of Cape Town-based premium drinks company, Truman & Orange:

Prosecco is crisper, slightly sweeter and more delicate than Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and both have a subtler fizz and softer bubble than sparkling wine.
While MCC, Champagne and Prosecco are all double-fermented to produce their unique fizziness, Prosecco’s second fermentation is according to the “Italian Charmant” method and involves fermenting in tanks, resulting in a crisp taste.
Prosecco is made to be drunk fresh and derives its delicate floral and lively fruity notes from the Glera grapes used to produce it, characteristic of the rolling hills they’re grown on in Northern Italy, in a relatively small area protected by the surrounding Alps, called Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata).

Recommendation: Try Mionetto Prosecco – as the world’s best-selling international Prosecco, its R200 a bottle price tag answers the call for a premium, exceptionally-made, genuine Italian Prosecco fit for any occasion. Its affordability makes it possible to enjoy an imported glass of bubbly as an everyday luxury and is certainly a great option for a wedding celebration.

Sparkling wine is created by carbonating wine, resulting in a large, even bubble and a distinctly different – and perhaps even more celebratory – drinking experience. While MCC and Prosecco offer more refined effervescence, many people enjoy the more exciting fizz of sparkling wines and the sweetness created when bubbles pop on the palate.

Recommendation: Using grapes chosen for their balance of sweetness and acidity and harvested at night to maintain their freshness, Grace du Roi sparkling wines offer a lively bubble, and a refreshing green apple and pear character, while the Rose variants offer a hint of raspberry and cream. Naturally cold-fermented, the clean, delicate character of the Grace du Roi sparkling wines is gently fruity as a result of their Chenin Blanc base and the use of the cuvee (first press) of the grapes. The wines in the blend are kept separate to allow flavour to develop first before marrying achieving a ‘state of Grace’: lighter, more delicate flavours. Retailing at only R95 a bottle, we’d recommend having each of the 3 variants – White Gold, Rose Gold and White Sapphire – on offer at your wedding. That way you have something to suit every palate!

Still battling to decide which to choose? This might help: a glass of Prosecco contains only about 80 calories, while a glass of MCC or Champagne contains around 130 calories and a glass of sparkling wine can contain up to 200 calories!

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

How to have an outstanding outdoor wedding

April 16, 2020 No Comments

With the lockdown in full effect, it seems like everyone is dreaming of the day we may once again step outside and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

Why spend another second inside when you don’t have to? Once things have returned to normal in the world, we predict outdoor weddings will see a big boom as couples and guests revel in the freedom of their movement.

While you’re stuck at home, there is no better time to plan your perfect day. Here are some tips to make your outdoor wedding a day to remember.

Location, location, location:

South Africans are blessed with beautiful scenery around every corner. It is especially important, now more than ever, to support local and choose a wedding venue in the country.

Our top pick is Monate Game Lodge. Located in Modimolle in the Waterberg district of Limpopo, Monate is a 4-star luxury bushveld accommodation and wedding venue where you can truly live out your African dream. Whether your wedding is big or small, the team at this 3000 hectare private game reserve will strive to add that personal touch and tailor each event to every unique pair.

Bridal couples can take their pick from the famous Rock Fig, a majestic Marula tree in a natural cave, the unique bush boma or the traditional Chapel to say ‘I do.’

Experience your dream come true in the gem of the bushveld. Monate Game Lodge is a venue where love falls in love again! For more info contact 014 718 7000 or [email protected]

Light ‘em up:

Both functional and fashionable, good lighting is a major key for your big day. Since you’ll be outdoors, you’ll have natural light to brighten the day. However, as the sun sets you’ll need a few additions. Use varying candle sizes, hanging lamps and tons of fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere that is perfectly suited for a wedding day.

Remember to take advantage of your space so that your décor complements instead of detracts from what you already have. String fairy lights around tree stumps, line steps with outdoor candles or create a sky full of stars by hanging glass orbs filled with tea lights from the ceiling.

Get comfy:

If you’re planning a summer wedding, don’t forget to take the weather into account. There are tons of small ways to make the summer days a little more manageable. Let your guests stay calm, cool and collected with an ice-cream station or fabulous fan favours. If it gets a little chilly once the evening hits, have some blankets or shawls on hand to pass around.

If your wedding venue space allows, consider setting up a shaded cool-down lounge area for your guests to sit back, relax and take in the views. Conveniently place the bar nearby and the spot will be a hit, especially as the sun goes down.

Let’s play a game:

After being cooped up in the house for so long, your guests will be dying to have a little fun in the sun. Entertain them with some games designed to bring out their inner child. Think giant Jenga, ring toss, limbo or noughts and crosses.

Another bonus? Many of the items you’ll need for these games are easy DIY projects. You can get creative, fill up your time while in quarantine AND save money because you won’t have to outsource another service. Winner, winner.

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

What to ask vendors when postponing your wedding

April 16, 2020 No Comments

If you were planning on getting married in the next few months, you’ve most likely decided to postpone your wedding on account of the coronavirus pandemic. This can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to forget simple things like asking your vendors the correct questions.

If you’re not sure where to start with the postponing process, then we suggest you start with your vendors. Make enquiries with them to find out everything you need to know. From there, it’ll be a much simpler task.

Additionally, starting with your vendors could lead to some refunds if you’re lucky. Not all of them offer refunds, it often depends on individual circumstances. However, it is commonly said that the earlier you cancel, the better your chances of getting a refund.

Here are some questions you should ask your vendors:

– Wedding Planner

What are our options if we decide to postpone?

Are you able to coordinate with our other vendors on our decision?

If we reschedule, will you be available in the coming months?

– Florist

What happens if we cancel or postpone our wedding?

Is it possible to use the deposit for a new wedding date?

Will there be an issue with sourcing the chosen flowers and if so will you be available to assist with choosing new ones?

– Caterer

Are there any cancellation fees, and are they applicable for postponing too?

Will postponing mean we have to redo the menu?

If the number of guests decreases, will we pay the original amount or an adjusted amount?

Will you handle food and serving of food differently as a result of coronavirus?

– Photographer

Are there fees related to cancelling or rescheduling?

Are we able to apply the deposit to the new date?

Are you available in coming months if we do postpone?

If you’re having a destination wedding, enquire whether vendors such as the photographer are still comfortable to travel.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Ways to celebrate your original wedding date

April 15, 2020 No Comments

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting quarantines and self-isolation regulations, many are postponing their weddings. However, moving your wedding doesn’t mean your orginal wedding date has to be any less special.

You may have had your heart set on your original date, it may have been a sentimental choice, or perhaps it was the perfect date for you. Whatever the reason for the original choice, you should still celebrate! Just because the actual celebration won’t be on that day, doesn’t mean you can’t do something special to comemorate what the date means to you now.

Here are some ways to celebrate in self-isolation:

– Have a mini photoshoot

Set the self-timer and get posing! You could dress up in your wedding outfits if you have them, or formal attire if you don’t. You could even make it light hearted and take some funny photos of the two of you dressed up in costumes put together with household items. If you’re feeling extra creative, you could create some fun backdrops.

You and your partner can cherish the photos for years to come. It’ll be a fun way to comemorate the day, and will bring back all sorts of memories every time you come back to them.

– Host virtual drinks with your wedding party

The bridesmaids and groomsmen have been commited to your wedding for a while! Why not celebrate the day with them by you side? Hop on Zoom or Skype, and have a drink with them in comemoration of the day you all have spent so long preparing for.

– Make a wedding cake

Spend some quality time in the kitchen creating a wedding cake. You may not have the one you ordered on hand, but that doesn’t mean you should go without! And of course, what is a celebration without a cake?

– Write wedding day letters

In place of saying your wedding vows to each other, why not write letters to exchange on the original wedding date. This way, you’re celebrating in a special and intimate way, while saving your actual vows for your postponed date.

– Have your first dance

You’ve practiced it for so many hours! Pop some music on the speakers and have your first dance.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Coping with your wedding date change

April 14, 2020 No Comments

In the midst of these uncertain times we’re living in, couples are forced to make tough decisions around their weddings or look at alternative options. If you happen to find yourself in this very predicament, wedding and event planners Stark Events are sharing some tips to help you cope with the challenges including changing your wedding date.

Allow Yourself To Go Through The Motions

Yes, sure we’re going through far bigger problems on a global scale, but it’s really okay to feel angered, sad, frustrated and just plain disappointed. You’ve set your heart on it and you’ve been planning this day since your engagement (possibly before), so you’re allowed to have these emotions triggered. But remember, while it’s okay to feel angered and overwhelmed, these emotions should not be allowed to consume you. Give yourself time to grieve, but bounce back from it and plan for the future.

Chat To Your Wedding Vendors

Communicate your decision of changing your wedding date to your service providers. Don’t panic about needing to open the conversation as this is a global pandemic and everyone is in the same boat. Be open and feel free to ask as many questions as possible – your wedding planner, venue and other service providers will gladly assist in making this transition as easy as possible.

Don’t forget to check with all your vendors what their policy is in terms of refunds and postponements.

Communicate To Your Guests

Sit down with your fiancé and work out a plan of action as to how you’ll go about communicating your date change to your guests. Due to your wedding date changing, you will most likely have some guests who can no longer attend due to prior commitments. While this isn’t ideal, be gracious and try making alternative plans with these guests post wedding. Who could possibly say no to an intimate post wedding celebration?

Keep An Open Mind

Be as flexible and accommodating as possible. We know that you’ve set your heart on certain aspects regarding your wedding day, but unfortunately, it is now out of your control. Take a moment to process it all and tackle the rest of your wedding planning head on, but with a clear and open mind.

Celebrate Your Original Date

You’ve chosen your wedding date for a reason and we encourage all couples to go ahead and celebrate it. Despite not being able to host your actual wedding on this particular date, plan something special with your partner. An intimate, candlelit dinner paired with soft music and champagne on ice sounds idyllic to us!

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to celebrate your anniversary while quarantining

April 7, 2020 No Comments

The national lockdown has truly forced us all to readjust to a new way of life for the time being. All plans that were made previously are on hold or cancelled and other plans are having to be rethought. While all of this happens, time still ticks on.

If your anniversary is one of the events coming up during quarantine, you should probably think of a way to celebrate it indoors! There’s no need to worry if you made plans that require leaving home, an at-home anniversary can easily be planned too.

Here are some ideas:

Recreate a special meal together

Perhaps you had a fancy meal on your first date, or you’re still dreaming of the delicious meal served at your wedding reception. You could take to the kitchen and try to recreate these meals together. We all know cooking together can be tremendously romantic… and the eating part is great too. After you cook the meal, indulge in the delicious food by candle light.

Wedding reminiscing

Pull out your wedding album and video and spend some time remembering the special day. It’ll bring back many amazing memories and will show you how far you’ve come. Tell each other stories about your individual experiences of the wedding day, about how you were feeling, who you interacted with, and anything else you can recall. You’re sure to have some funny and interesting tales to tell.

Symbolic vow renewal

Plan to have a vow renewal ceremony for just the two of you. Write new vows, decorate the room, and go all out. It’ll be quite intimate and special, definitely something you’ll never forget.

Learn to dance

Search YouTube for some couples dance tutorials and try to learn a new dance together. Salsa is a great option!

How I met your mother

If you have kids and you want them to be involved too then this one’s for you. Draw up a quiz about your relationship with questions like “how did mom and dad meet?” or “how old were we when we got married?” and have your kids participate in a competitive quiz night. It’s a great way to celebrate your anniversary and it’ll be an evening filled with laughs too.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Clash of the scents: A gentleman’s guide to fragrances

April 7, 2020 No Comments

Mixing cologne, body spray, deodorant and aftershave can become a messy affair. Here is our gentlemen’s guide to understanding these different products and how to use them:

Cologne is the strongest form of fragrance and generally lasts the longest. It’s ideal for nights out, a special date, or more formal functions. Dunhill Icon is an example of a cologne we love. This bold fragrance is perfect for a classy night out!

Body sprays are the second strongest. These nifty, portable sprays are great for daytime or after gym wear. Sprays last a few hours and can be easily re-applied to keep you smelling fresh.

Aftershave and deodorant serve dual functions. These products don’t just smell good, they also serve a purpose. We suggest using neutral-smelling aftershaves and deodorants to avoid scents clashing and becoming muddied, while still benefitting from their practical usage.

Aftershave contains soothing and anti-bacterial agents. It prevents irritations, itching, burning and rashes, all while hydrating your skin too. It usually contains a type of astringent, an ingredient that seals up pores to prevent bacteria infecting the skin after shaving.

Deodorant, the most subdued of all scents, is mostly functional. It’s important to note that not all deodorants are antiperspirants. Antiperspirants close or block the pores under your pits, working against your natural odour, while a deodorant masks the smell of sweat while still allowing skin to breathe. Antiperspirants not only reduce sweating, but also regulate your skin’s pH level, preventing stinky pits.

To strike a perfect balance, we suggest choosing one fragrance (cologne or body spray) according to the occasion and combining it with a neutral aftershave and deodorant.

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Bridal makeup tutorials to inspire your look

April 6, 2020 No Comments

While you’re at home observing safe social distancing, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Why not learn some tips and tricks for your future big day from some professionals?

Since you probably won’t have access to a makeup artist anytime soon, let some of Youtube’s best beauty guru’s guide you on how to perfect your bridal makeup. Whether you’ll be having your makeup done professionally or doing it yourself come wedding day, these videos are great for inspiration and advice.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Give yourself a pamper session at home

April 2, 2020 No Comments

It’s a stressful time for the world right now. As the days progress, we become more and more uncertain of what’s happening. In times like these, it’s even more important to take care of yourself.

Having a pamper day may seem unimportant and unnecessary, but doing small things for yourself can help improve your mood and mindset. To relax and unwind, here’s how you can spoil yourself from the comfort of your own home.

Get rid of electronic distractions:

The constant ping of your cellphone will detract from your “treat yo’self” day, so best switch it off for now. By switching off your phone, you also allow your mind to switch off. The news can be quite heavy nowadays, and the constant barrage of bad news in particular can unknowingly add anxiety to your day. Give your mind a little holiday.

Make sure to let your people know that you’ll be switching your phone off for the day so that no one is worried about your lack of replies. If necessary, set up an ‘out of office’ automation so that your work contacts know you cannot be reached.

Set the scene:

Sometimes the right vibe is all you need. Before getting to the good stuff, the quickest way to brighten. mood is by cleaning the room you plan on relaxing in. The act of cleaning in itself relaxes some, but the key part of this is the result. With a clean, organised space, your mind will feel more at ease and less distracted.

Now that the chores are done, let’s have some fun! Throw on your favourite album or playlist, get into your comfiest sweats and maybe even light some candles.

A luxurious bubble bath:

Baths are truly magical. If you’re lucky enough to have a bath, make sure to dedicate an hour of your time to soak in it. Pour in some bubble bath or a bath bomb for extra luxury, and settle down with a good book or magazine. Throw in some rose petals for an extra special touch.

No bubble bath or bath bomb? Make your own! Mix a cup of liquid body wash, 1/4 cup pure vegetable glycerin, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and essential oils of your choice to get the bubbles going.

Homemade facemask:

If you were too distracted panic buying toilet paper to buy face masks, don’t worry. There are so many easy and natural masks you can quickly whip up at home.

Typical homemade face mask ingredients include greek yoghurt, banana, honey, olive oil and avocados as bases, which you probably already have at home anyway. Customise with other ingredients like coffee, cinnamon, pumpkin or aloe vera or sugar to create masks for whatever finish you desire.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Creative escort cards you can DIY

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Escort cards are designed to guide your guests to their seats in style, so why not have some fun with them? Using simple items you can easily acquire, you can add a personal touch to your big day while also saving some coin.

While you’re at home practicing safe social distancing, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Spend your time wisely by getting creative with one of these easy escort card DIY projects.

Origami birds:

Wood blocks:

Ribbon:

Tiles:

Cactus clippings:

Seashells:

Fruit:

Leaves:

Feature image: Unsplash